Houston Matters

On Monday's show: Three years ago, Texas Republican lawmakers approved a state law eliminating Harris County’s chief elections official and allowing state officials to intervene and supervise elections here. We learn how the state is using the law to take over elections in some other, much-smaller counties.Also this hour: We hear the story behind the Houston-based nonprofit Love You Adam Foundation and how it is using some new approaches to prevent suicide.Then, an expert from the UTHealth Houston Neurosciences-Headache & Pain Center answers your questions about headaches and migraines.And, after some MLB players wrote Bible verses on the rainbow-themed hats they wore on a recent LGBTQ+ Pride night, we talk about athletes and free speech -- what they can say, do, and even wear on the field.Watch

On Friday's show: Today is Juneteenth, which celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in this country. And while we tend to think of Galveston when we conjure the holiday's history, a local researcher tells us about what he found that suggests the first festivities happened in Houston.Also this hour: A new book celebrates the stories and legacy of Riverside General, Houston’s former Negro hospital. Journalist Carlton Houston talks about his book, The Houston Negro Hospital, and shares his own family's connection to its story.Then, our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And Sunday is Make Music Day, a free celebration of musical performance around the world. We talk with Houston vocalist Dria Thornton about her music and career.Watch

On Thursday's show: Greater Houston may have dodged a bullet in terms of widespread flooding when Tropical Storm Arthur bypassed our region on its way to Louisiana, but it has left with us some extreme heat. We get an update and an explanation from meteorologist Justin Ballard of the Houston Chronicle.And we get details on former Fort Bend County Judge KP George's sentencing for his money laundering conviction.Also this hour: How do we know when an older adult might need help at home, professional care, or a different living arrangement? We discuss the ins and outs of elder care.Then, amid its initial public offering last week, SpaceX set some pretty lofty goals, including future colonization of Mars. Space scientist Scott Soloman of Rice University explains why he thinks those goals are not feasible -- and even unethical.And we visit The Landing at Augusta Woods, a memory care community in Spring that uses faith, music, and repetition to help residents with dementia rediscover their purpose and inspire others.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We get an update on the forecast for rainy weather across the region. And we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: How often do you really think about how you're going to get from point A to point B throughout your day? For disability advocate Melissa DiVietri, it's something she has to consider all the time.And we learn about this year’s Houston Punk Fest, which takes place June 26-27.Watch

On Tuesday's show: We get an update on the potential for "life-threatening flooding" this week as the Houston area faces sustained heavy rains amid a flood watch. We check in again with meteorologist Eric Berger of Space City Weather for the latest. And we find out how local chefs and restaurants fared in the annual James Beard Awards.Also this hour: We learn how the City of Houston is doing on its efforts to improve its sewer system.Then, scientists last year discovered evidence that could point to ancient life on Mars. We revisit a conversation from last fall about what they found.And we chat with some artists behind six new massive murals in downtown.Watch

On Monday's show: More stormy weather is inbound and brings with it the threat of potential flooding this week. We get the latest on two storm systems headed our way from meteorologist Eric Berger from Space City Weather.We check in with Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison on the FIFA World Cup. We recap Sunday’s match in Houston between Germany and Curaçao and preview Wednesday's match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And we discuss how the Fan Fest and other related events are going so far.Also this hour: Ahead of Juneteenth, we reflect on how Black communities have commemorated freedom, preserved their history, and fought for full citizenship through generations of celebration and remembrance with historian Blair LM Kelley, author of Black Freedom: The Visual History of Juneteenth and Emancipation Days. She will discuss the book during an author talk at Kindred Stories on June 18 at 7 p.m.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And to cap or not to cap -- that’s the question Major League Baseball is wrestling with when it comes to its salaries. Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast, explains the argument and how it could lead to no Astros games for some -- or all -- of next season.Watch

On Friday's show: Tina Petersen, the head of the Harris County Flood Control District has resigned amid pressure to address looming deadlines. We learn why she resigned and what it has to do with post Harvey-flood mitigation projects.Also this hour: Ahead of the first FIFA World Cup matches in Houston, for those among us who know little to nothing about the sport, we talk with Nick Greene, author of How to Watch Soccer Like a Genius, who explains the ins and outs of the World Cup, from the basics of the game, to what it takes to maintain the grass on the pitch, and how to enjoy the game itself.Then, from the wrong flag being used to welcome World Cup fans to Houston, to a shuttle bus to Buc-ee’s being included in public transit for World Cup visitors in Dallas, our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we meet a Houston psychiatrist, Dr. Raymond Cho, who has also become a composer.Watch

On Thursday's show: STAAR test results are out. We learn how Houston-area schools fared. And we find out if the City of Houston passed its $7.5 billion proposed budget, which would include a $5 trash pickup fee.Also this hour: As we’ve grown more and more dependent on technology, some of us are growing increasingly wary of the tradeoffs it requires. We discuss the reasons why with Houston Chronicle technology writer Dwight Silverman. Then, school may be out, but reading doesn't have to be. We find out how a local reading challenge is encouraging kids to turn more pages and how adults can discover new books and community events at their neighborhood library.And, ahead of a June 25 concert at The Heights Theater, we revisit a 2024 conversation with Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter and author Mary Gauthier.Watch

On Wednesday's show: The U.S. House has approved ICE and border patrol money. Houston City Council is poised to vote on the mayor’s budget. And Senate candidate and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating FIFA over World Cup tickets. We discuss those and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Estate sales draw collectors, bargain hunters, second-hand sellers, and curious neighbors. We learn more about them and what happens behind the scenes to prepare for them from Michael Dentel, owner of the Houston-based Elite Estate Sales.And Texas-based writer Lauren Hough shares insights from traveling the country in her van -- and how bringing her dog helped facilitate conversations she might never have had along the way. She recounts those stories in her latest book, Monster of a Land, which she will discuss at an event at Brazos Bookstore on June 18.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Information from ERCOT shows there are some hot spots in Texas where more large data centers want to open and join the state's power grid. We take a closer look at Houston Chronicle reporting on that story and find out where many of these new data centers hope to be.Also this hour: We consider the factors that lead to youth homelessness in Greater Houston and how to address the problem.Then, we revisit a conversation about the challenges of teaching civics in schools amid our polarized political climate.And we chat with organizers of the Sin Muros festival, which features readings, workshops, and celebrations by and for Latino playwrights, poets, and performers.Watch

On Monday's show: We get updates on the goings-on in Fort Bend and Galveston Counties.Also this hour: We discuss why some food deserts persist in Greater Houston.Then, we answer listener questions about gardening.And we preview the upcoming FIFA matches in Houston.Watch

On Friday's show: We discuss a report from Children at Risk that assesses the quality of life for children in Harris County.Also this hour: We talk with two Houstonians about starting their own businesses.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we preview Houston's official LGBT Pride Celebration.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_csMDc5J1A

On Thursday's show: We get the latest on the City of Corpus Christi's attempts to delay its looming water crisis.Also this hour: We revisit the original plans for Corpus Christi's desalination plant and how it's supposed to work.Then, we learn how community land trusts strive to address both housing affordability and gentrification at the same time.And Houstonian Kolbi Ferguson tells us he how trains for competitive weightlifting with his sights set on Olympic Games that are still more than two years away.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5bH3dEazUA

On Tuesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Two local foodies talk about restaurants with good patios and refreshing food and drink for the summer in this month's edition of The Full Menu.And we preview the upcoming Houston Symphony concerts featuring music from the Final Fantasy video game series.https://www.youtube.com/live/443GGLyk7hs?si=WckllKqy4QT81vfp

On Tuesday's show: A new investigation looks into a number of use of force incidents by campus police in Texas school districts.Also this hour: We learn why local bars and restaurants are starting to do away with popular steak night traditions.Then, a new book goes beyond the stats and highlights to offer a portrait of legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan.And we go behind the scenes of the annual KimoKawaii Anime Experience and Convention.https://www.youtube.com/live/dcFwg85uclc?si=CmDlor-RdmbzWhQX

On Monday's show: The Atlantic hurricane season begins today. We get a reminder about what you need to know as we head into the season.Also this hour: We offer listeners a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we get an update on the Astros.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57fcRD32nJo

On Friday's show: The U.S. Department of Justice has created a new "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as a way to compensate victims of "weaponization and lawfare." Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have filed a lawsuit to stop payouts from the fund from going to those attackers. Now, Houston Rep. Lizzie Fletcher has introduced a bill related to the fund, which she calls a “perversion of our system of justice.” She explains what her bill would do.Also this hour: From an investigation into how and when FIFA sells tickets to the World Cup, to Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta acquiring Caesars Entertainment, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston continues its series Movies Houstonians Love with a screening tonight at 7 of The Unbelievable Truth by indie filmmaker Hal Hartley. Harold Taylor, a longtime member of the MFAH's Ultimate Film Buffs, is presenting the movie. He explains why he chose it and what it means to him.Watch

On Thursday's show: As NASA continues to work toward building a base on the moon, it has awarded some contracts to commercial companies to take the next steps there. We learn why one Texas company earned one of those contracts and a Houston-based one did not.Also this hour: On the heels of Tuesday’s runoff election and as we look ahead to November, we break down how Supreme Court decisions of recent years have gutted the Voting Rights Act, and how, paired with ensuing redistricting, representation is changing in Houston and across The South.Then, we learned this month that an unusual settlement over child transgender care was reached, which calls on Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston to establish the country’s first-ever “detransition clinic.” We discuss the practical and legal questions that settlement raises with Shelby Chestnut, executive director of the Transgender Law Center.And technology is changing the way music is made. Some of it is for the better. Some of it...not so much. We talk it over with some creators.Watch

On Wednesday's show: Ken Paxton will take on James Talarico for a U.S. Senate seat in November. And there was a surprise -- at least to some -- in the Democratic primary for Harris County Judge. We pore over those and other results from Tuesday’s primary runoffs as we discuss the latest developments in politics.Also this hour: We learn about a new report that looks to the future of Fort Bend County, which could see a population above two million by the year 2050.And we talk with folks involved in this year's Haapifest, celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander films and filmmakers here in Houston. Watch

On Tuesday's show: Today is election day for the primary runoff races. We check in with Houston Public Media reporters at polling places across Greater Houston, recap what is on the ballot, and share what you need to know before voting.Also this hour: We visit the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center to learn about the adaptive sports and recreation services it provides Houstonians with disabilities.And we talk with Houston native fashion designer Bach Mai.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh_tMMjWRlA

On Friday's show: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a below-average number of storms during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to its annual forecast released Thursday. We learn what might be in store for us.Also this hour: A new study suggests a bleak future for the city of New Orleans due to sea level rise. The authors even suggest residents should probably start relocating now. We learn more about the report. And, while Houston’s elevation isn’t quite as low, and we’re a little further away from the Gulf, there are some in Greater Houston who may be just as vulnerable. We talk it all over.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And Matt Dinniman, author of the highly popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series talks with our Brenda Valdivia ahead of his appearance at this weekend’s Comicpalooza.Watch

On Thursday's show: HISD Superintendent Mike Miles joins us to discuss the state of the district, changes in special education, and to address listener questions. You can send yours now to [email protected] this hour: We meet the people behind a new free arts newspaper called the Houston Associated Experimental Press.And we revisit a 2015 conversation with former Congressman Barney Frank, who served Massachusetts for more than 30 years. Frank passed away this week. He was the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay.Watch

On Wednesday's show: From President Trump endorsing Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate primary runoff, to other primary votes happening across the county, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Prairie View A&M University, the state’s oldest public HBCU, is celebrating 150 years. Former Prairie View history professor Dr. Will Guzmán talks about the school's history and legacy, which he addresses in two books he has written this year.And we revisit a conversation with the hosts of Sistas Who Kill, a podcast focused on Black women in true crime, ahead of a live event in Houston on May 24.Watch

On Tuesday's show: The WHO has declared an Ebola outbreak in Africa a global health emergency. We talk with local epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Troisi of UTHealth about how concerned we should be about the disease spreading further, including to Greater Houston.Also this hour: We hear two conversations about artificial intelligence. First, a new study from the University of Houston examines people's attitudes toward AI and data centers. Then, a local law professor explains why he thinks students can beomce better lawyers by using AI tools, something the legal profession may be embracing more broadly than other industries.Then, a Houston businessman was recently acquitted and released by a federal judge in a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act case. Jury convictions in such cases are hardly ever overturned. We find out why it was in this case.And turtles, geckos, and snakes were among the creatures on display recently in Pasadena at Repticon. Brenda Valdivia was there and shares what she learned.Watch

On Monday's show: Early voting begins today and runs through May 22 in the runoffs for the Texas primary races. We discuss that and Joe Panzarella's victory in a special election runoff to fill the District C position on the Houston City Council with Mark Jones, political science fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.Also this hour: Sidewalks are a part of public infrastructure that could easily be overlooked. But, according to a new book, sidewalks are at the core of numerous major debates. Michael Pollack discusses his book, Sidewalk Nation, which features a chapter about Houston.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And we discuss Jose Altuve's injury and the Astros' weekend series win over the Texas Rangers with Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast, then discuss the Texans' 2026 schedule with Houston Chronicle NFL and Texans reporter Jonathan Alexander.Watch

On Friday's show: HISD officially outlined its plans to centralize special education services at its board meeting Thursday night. This came after draft documents were leaked regarding the plan, which prompted a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. We find out what district leadership had to say.Also this hour: Road construction is unavoidable in a region as large as Greater Houston, but do you ever feel like they schedule projects all at the same time? We discuss how road work gets scheduled.Then, from a former Texas Lotto official’s indictment, to the WNBA’s official return to Houston next year, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we hear from singer LUCÍA, who bridges the worlds of jazz, Latin, and pop music. She performs Sunday at Houston's Eldorado Ballroom as a part of the series Rising Jazz Stars from DACAMERA.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ4ALFFyBVk

On Thursday's show: Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Bolivar Peninsula this weekend for the annual gathering known as Jeep Weekend, and Galveston County officials are deploying hundreds of law enforcement officers in response to years of violence and arrests at the event. Houston Public Media's Julianna Washburn provides details on that other stories from across Galveston County.Also this hour: Former Astros closer Brad Lidge talks about his playing days in Houston and how downtime on the road led to a new career in archaeology.Then, we revisit a studio performance by Rhett Miller, the longtime frontman of the band, Old 97's, who perform at The Heights Theater on May 28.And we meet the creators of Rūng Film Fest, a Pakistani film festival, which takes place this weekend.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We reflect on the life of aviator, engineer, and businessman Howard Hughes and his impact on Houston.And poet Lupe Mendez talks about his new collection of poems, We Exist in the Whisper, which is all about efforts in the 1970s in Houston to skirt federal school desegregation laws.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Texas public schools saw a decline in enrollment this academic year. Outside of the pandemic, that is the first drop in nearly four decades, according to a report from Texas 2036, a policy research group. And one particular group is accounting for an overwhelming majority of the loss. We take a look at the numbers and consider why.Also this hour: Houston is just over a month away from hosting the first of several FIFA World Cup matches set to take place here. But is hosting a major event like this worth it for the city -- both monetarily and in terms of the disruption to our lives? Houston Chronicle reporter Dylan McGuinness shares what his recent investigation revealed.Then, columnist Joe Holley says great stories are about people, places, and the past — and the best ones are about all three. We revisit some of his favorite stories  from around Texas collected in his book, Native Texan: Stories from Deep in the Heart.And a hidden Houston treasure is entering a new era. We talk with Daniel Ackermann, the new director of the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, about history, accessibility, and the future of one of Houston’s keystone landmarks.Watch

On Monday's show: We learn why the U.S. Department of Education is investigating HISD and what it could mean for students and their families.And, after two Houston residents were identified as being among those on a cruise ship exposed to the hantavirus, we learn more about the virus and how it's transmitted.Also this hour: We discuss how we evaluate a student's success after graduation -- is salary the best way to measure that?Then, gardening expert Meg Tapp will answer listener questions.And we check in on the Astros' injury-plagued season with Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast.Watch

On Friday's show: Houston in recent days and weeks has been shaken by a string of devastating domestic violence homicides, including a murder-suicide involving the prominent owners of several local restaurants and their children. The head of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council contemplates what these stories reveal and what can be done to prevent them. And we examine what law enforcement and nonprofits are doing to intervene.*If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.Also this hour: Our panel of non-experts breaks down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And there have been all kinds of adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, putting them in unusual settings. So, why not a version of Hamlet set at a family barbecue in the South? We talk with a couple of the folks cooking up 4th Wall Theatre Company's production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fat Ham, which runs through May 23.Watch

On Thursday's show: After repeated delays, Houston City Council has approved an ordinance cracking down on apartment complexes with chronic health and safety violations. We learn what the ordinance does and get reaction from a local low-income housing advocacy group.Also this hour: We preview the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season and discuss how accurately hurricane forecasts often end up playing out in reality here in Greater Houston.Then, on a new installment of The Bigger Picture, we learn about Tourette syndrome and I Swear, a documentary about the condition which just wrapped up a short theatrical run here in town.And we preview this weekend’s Houston debut of Panda Fest, a large outdoor Asian food and culture festival, taking place at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup, including the results of the latest election survey from the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs.Also this hour: Foodies dish on their favorite restaurant options for both really beautiful and really ugly food that tastes great in this month’s installment of The Full Menu.And we reflect on the life and work of the late artist David Adickes, who is known for large-scale sculptures like the one of Sam Houston on I-45. He's the subject of a new book called Monumental.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Houston Mayor John Whitmire will propose an “administrative fee" tied to garbage and recycling pickup that would start out at $5 per month for the first two years and would gradually ramp up to $25 per month. We discuss the city's long history that led to this potential move and the environmental effects of neglected trash pickup.Also this hour: We discuss the state of transportation in the region.Then, response to the COVID pandemic in 2020 led some to question the wisdom of public health officials and the medical community at-large. Dr. Barry Davis of UTHealth argues they’ve helped us all prevent many other major health disasters. He makes his case in a new book, The Preventioneers.And we talk about fishing in and around Houston with Mike Gore from Texas Parks and Wildlife.Watch

On Monday's show: Leaked documents have detailed proposed changes to special education at HISD, raising alarm among families of students with disabilities. We learn more from Houston Public Media’s education reporter Bianca Seward.Also this hour: We offer listeners a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we recap the Rockets' season after their first-round loss to the Lakers and consider what needs to happen for the team to go deeper in the playoffs with the help of Jeff Balke.Watch

On Friday's show: We take a closer look at the forecast for heavy rain in Greater Houston throughout the day and into tonight as a Stage 1 flood alert has been issued. Eric Berger of Space City Weather brings us the latest details.And we learn about the latest of several HISD school officials appointed by the state to lead a district undergoing a state takeover, this time for Beaumont ISD.Also this hour: What does it mean to live between identities — and who decides where you belong? Houston artist Melissa Aytenfisu talks about Othered, a new exhibit at Bisong Art Gallery exploring the experiences of biracial individuals through more than 30 mixed-media portraits.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And two members of the classical ensemble Trio Menil discuss their music and perform for us. The group will perform a concert called Past, Present, Premiere, which spotlights Asian American and Pacific Islander composers, on Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Asia Society Texas.Watch

On Thursday's show: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday about the Trump administration's move to end temporary protected status, or TPS, for migrants fleeing war and natural disaster. A local immigration attorney explains what's at stake.Also this hour: When it comes to homicides, Black women in America are killed at higher rates than women of any other race or ethnicity. We discuss why that is and consider how that trend is reflected here in Houston.Then we learn about some efforts to prevent and address juvenile crime.And Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Dawes talks about her legacy and the future of gymnastics.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: As the University of Houston prepares to host the first Conference on College Athlete Mental Health this week, we discuss what needs to be done to ensure players are healthy on and off the field.And we meet the folks behind Ice House Radio, an online radio station streaming from Houston dedicated to the music of southern culture -- past and present.Watch

On Tuesday's show: We get highlights from the annual Houston Area Survey from Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research, which takes stock each year of Houstonians' thoughts and attitudes on a variety of issues facing our region.Also this hour: The state of Texas is all in on the development of data centers. But just how much electricity will they demand from the power grid, and what does it mean for the rest of us?Then, college sports have entered a new era in which athletes can get paid, through name, image, and likeness agreements. But it’s a complicated world for those students and their families to navigate. We contemplate the legal complexities.And Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell will be in town next week to perform with the Houston Symphony. His performance will include works he commissioned from five celebrated modern composers called The Elements. We revisit a 2022 conversation with Bell when he was just getting starting on the project.Watch

On Monday's show: A court is set to hear evidence this week in a suit challenging new rules effectively banning most hemp-based consumable products in Texas. We learn what is at stake and discuss what it means that the Trump administration has eased some rules on medical marijuana.Also this hour: We discuss plans to permanently close the Memorial City Ice Rink this summer and why some residents are trying to keep it open.Then, from state takeovers, to displaying the Ten Commandments, a lot in public education news these days has something to do with increased engagement in local schools by the state of Texas. A group of local education reporters talk it over.And we get an update on Houston sports.Watch

On Friday's show: We take a closer look at some recent changes in leadership in Fort Bend County and ponder how some candidates assuming new roles might affect looming elections.Also this hour: We examine why a recently planned conference on pan-African spirituality never happened and what it says about our current political and economic climate.Then, our panel of non-experts will break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And writer Yann Martel is coming to town Monday for an event with Inprint Houston where he'll discuss his latest novel, Son of Nobody. The bestselling author of Life of Pi talks with us first and explains why he often loves to give starring roles in his stories to animals.Watch

On Thursday's show: In a 13-4 vote, the Houston City Council revised a measure intended to limit the police department's coordination with federal immigration enforcement. We learn what has changed about the ordiance directing how HPD officers should interact with ICE agents.And we contemplate whom the Texans might select in today's NFL draft.Also this hour: We discuss Discovery Sands, a controversial development project that would neighbor Jamaica Beach on the island's west end.Then, we learn about distilleries here in Houston.And we talk with a couple members of the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer ahead of an April 28 performance celebrating America’s 250th year of independence.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26db_H_9dps

On Wednesday's show: From U.S. talks with Iran, to the City Council contemplating police interaction with ICE, to another Trump cabinet departure and beyond, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Ahead of a screening Saturday of the documentary Spacewoman, which is followed by a Q&A with the film's subject, retired astronaut Eileen Collins, we revisit a conversation we had with Collins, the first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft.And author Ashanté Reese considers how gardens, reunions, and everyday meals can create connection, resilience, and care, which is the subject of her book, Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Fresh off of a weekend of localized flooding and a big drop in temperatures, Houston faces another week of stormy weather. Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard joins us for a forecast.And, after nearly fifteen years at the helm of Apple, its CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, and the man replacing him is taking the reins just as Apple's biggest AI bets are on the line. We learn what it means for the company and for Houston.Also this hour: In the 20th century, three Houston women, Ima Hogg, Alice Baker, and Julia Ideson, left their mark on this rapidly growing city. Historian Kate Kirkland tells us about her book, Building Community in Houston.Then, we learn how the Houston-based Ramona Residency program helps women around the world get space -- and more importantly time -- to make art.And Houston native Doug Johnston talks to us about his book, Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart.Watch

On Monday's show: We learn why the Texas Medical Board sanctioned three doctors for delaying care of two pregnant women, which the state board says contributed to their deaths, as reported by Pro Publica.Also this hour: We revisit a conversation with actor George Takei, who shared his family’s experiences with Japanese-American internment during World War II.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And, we get an update on the Rockets' playoff series with the Lakers, and the Astros' weekend series with the Cardinals, as we chat with Bleav in Astros podcast co-host Jeff Balke.Watch

On Friday's Houston Matters: Houston City Council's consideration of a repeal of a recent ordinance that updates how the Houston Police Department interacts with ICE has been postponed until next week. But Harris County Commissioners Court held its own discussion about such policies for county law enforcement. We learn more from Houston Public Media's Sarah Grunau.Then, FIFA officials are in town this week to do final inspections and approve the city of Houston’s preparations for the World Cup. We learn the latest from Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison. Also this hour: We break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Watch

On Thursday's show: We learn what is taking place at the annual NRA Convention April 16-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.Also this hour: We take a closer look at how and why segregation has become a permanent feature in our cities and how the promise of the 1940s through the 60s in Houston actually were periods that allowed racism to persist behind an illusion of progress. Those are subjects addressed in the book, Houston and the Permanence of Segregation. We talk with its author David Ponton III.And we learn about Black Cinema Club HTX, which is working to make the city a hub for Black cinema. The organization's founders tell us about their efforts to make Houston the next Atlanta for film and about their anniversary film festival this weekend.Watch

On Wednesday's show: From the latest on the war with Iran, to sexual misconduct scandals and resignations, to President Trump clashing with Pope Leo XIV, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: What if the story of Eden isn’t just about the past but about the African-American experience today? We talk with artist Clarence Heyward about his new exhibit at the Houston Museum of African American Culture, which reimagines paradise, exile, and hope through a powerful modern lens.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Fort Bend County’s new chief executive was sworn in Monday. We learn more about County Judge Daniel Wong, a former Sugar Land city council member who was appointed to the position after K.P. George was removed from office last week.And we learn about some of the reaction to Houston City Council’s passage of a revised HPD policy for interacting with ICE.Also this hour: Houston’s social scene quite often revolves around alcohol. But what if connection didn’t require a drink? We learn how one Houston woman turned her personal journey to sobriety into a growing movement to create alcohol-free spaces and community, called Sober Girl Houston, as more Americans rethink their relationship with drinking.And we revisit the story of The Melody Maids, a group of singing teenage girls from southeast Texas that traveled the world performing for troops from World War II to Vietnam. A new documentary tells their story, and it will be shown April 15 at the River Oaks Theatre.Watch

On Monday's show: We discuss what we learned from the Artemis II mission, what's ahead for future Artemis missions, and how the mission moved us closer to establishing more permanent operations on the moon — and potentially going to Mars someday.Also this hour: Gardening expert Meg Tapp will answer listener questions. And we preview the Rockets' first round matchup in the NBA Playoffs.Watch