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Houston Matters

1,043 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★ - 88 ratings

Houston Matters is a radio program airing weekdays at 9 am on Houston Public Media News 88.7 FM in Houston. During each hour, we’ll investigate the issues and ideas, people and places that make Houston…well…Houston! We’ll talk about current events, politics, education, health care, the environment, business, transportation, arts and culture, literature, sports and leisure. But we also hope that what we do each day on Houston Matters serves as the beginning of a conversation — one we hope you’ll continue here, at home, at work, with family, with friends and neighbors. We hope to introduce Houstonians to one another, to celebrate our diversity, and to engage one another through stories and conversations that demonstrate depth and context. Just the sort of thing you count on from public media.

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Episodes

The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl (July 9, 2024)

July 09, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MB

  On Tuesday's show: We catch up with HPM reporters about what they're seeing around the region as the recovery from Hurricane Beryl begins. Also this hour: We talk with Fort Bend County Judge KP George about efforts in his county, which was hit hard by the storm. Then, we get updates from CenterPoint Energy and the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management. And Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston offers advice on how to help your plants recover from the weather.

Redesigning Houston roads (July 5, 2024)

July 05, 2024 14:03 - 49 minutes - 56.8 MB

On Friday's show: A legal challenge is under way in Louisiana over that state’s new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in school classrooms there. That a suit was brought on behalf of Louisiana families came as no surprise to that state’s governor, Jeff Landry, who said before signing the bill: “I can’t wait to be sued.” But challenging the limits of Constitutional protections -- isn’t that what Texas usually does before anyone else? Lawmakers here certainly tried. We discus...

Houston’s changing restaurant scene (July 3, 2024)

July 03, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 56 MB

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity and the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: We’ve been turning to area foodies for restaurant suggestions on our monthly conversation The Full Menu for ten years now. This month, they dish on restaurants past and present they’ve most enjoyed over the last decade. And we learn how a local pyrotechnic company puts on elaborate fireworks displays.

Tracking early storms in the gulf (July 2, 2024)

July 02, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.2 MB

On Tuesday's show: Hurricane Beryl made landfall over the Grenadine island of Carriacou with maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour – the strongest Category 4 storm ever seen in that area. The good news for us (as of late Monday morning) is that most models suggest the storm is not headed here. However, there is another tropical disturbance a few days behind it, and its ultimate track is anyone’s guess at this point. We discuss the arrival of serious storms just a month into the Atl...

Supreme Court rulings, and your pet peeves (July 1, 2024)

July 01, 2024 12:00 - 34 minutes - 39.2 MB

On Monday's show: Today is the final day the U.S. Supreme Court will hand down opinions before its summer recess. We review opinions handed down Friday as we await news of those final cases, including the one addressing former President Trump’s criminal immunity claim. Also this hour: We offer Houstonians their monthly opportunity to vent about their pet peeves.

Frank Billingsley signs off (June 28, 2024)

June 28, 2024 12:00 - 47 minutes - 54.9 MB

On Friday's show: We get updates on METRO's recent decision not to move forward with the University Corridor line and on the latest death of a Harris County jail inmate.  Also this hour: We learn how a bankruptcy case in Houston may signal the future of live TV sports. And we remember Kinky Friedman, the entertainer, rancher, gubernatorial candidate, and dog lover died Thursday at age 79. Then, a college coach moves from one rival to another, while a hot dog eating champion banned from on...

Politicizing tragedies (June 27, 2024)

June 27, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 57.2 MB

On Thursday's show: We preview this afternoon’s memorial service for 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray. Then, we discuss the politicization of tragedies and crimes like her murder, which has been talked about by candidates on both sides of the aisle. Also this hour: A number of recent stories surrounding behavior of doctors at Houston-area hospitals have raised some interesting medical ethics questions. A medical ethicist talks over the issues at the heart of those stories. Then, the new Pixar...

The week in politics (June 26, 2024)

June 26, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.1 MB

On Wednesday's show: We preview this week’s presidential debate and discuss other developments in local, state, and national politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: Kevin Costner’s new film Horizon: An American Saga opens in theaters Friday. It’s the first of four films, including another out later this summer. Film critic Joe Leydon, who recently interviewed Costner for Cowboys & Indians magazine, talks about the movie and where the Western genre is going. And we visit the recent...

Abortion guidance for doctors (June 25, 2024)

June 25, 2024 12:00 - 50 minutes - 57.9 MB

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Medical Board has adopted new guidance for doctors regarding what qualifies as a "life-threatening" circumstance when it comes to abortions in the state, which are only legal in order to preserve a pregnant person's life or a major bodily function. We learn what the guidance says and discuss the legal implications of it. Also this hour: We learn what it's like to experience a hurricane from the air as we meet NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters. Then, Houston writer Kath...

Domestic abuse gun law upheld (June 24, 2024)

June 24, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.2 MB

On Monday's show: In another case out of Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a federal gun law designed to protect domestic violence victims. We learn why the High Court upheld it a week after striking down another gun law. Also this hour: We dive into a new report on housing in Greater Houston, which reinforces what a lot of us have known for a while now -- homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many of us. Then, we discuss battery banks and other power supplies you may cons...

Dueling Pride parades (June 21, 2024)

June 21, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.1 MB

On Friday's show: Ana Rausch from the Coalition for the Homeless joins us to talk about the organization’s latest count and survey of the area’s homeless population. Also this hour: We learn why there are two dueling Pride parades in Houston this month. Then, we discuss a call for warning labels on social media platforms and why you may want to take a gander at Friday night’s strawberry moon on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. And, to mark Make Music Day Houston, musician Alli Villines p...

Miles meets with City Council (June 20, 2024)

June 20, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.8 MB

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council members met with HISD Superintendent Miles to discuss leadership, employee firings, and to question what is next for the district. Houston Chronicle reporter Megan Menchaca gives us more detail on the meeting. Also this hour: We discuss concerns about how much the tech industry -- cryptocurrency mining, in particular -- might strain our electric grid as our power needs grow. Then, we learn about barriers that prevent Houstonians from accessing good...

The state of Black Texas (June 19, 2024)

June 19, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.7 MB

On Wednesday's show: We get an update on heavy rainfall that was expected today in Greater Houston but hasn't really developed. And a new report coinciding with Juneteenth details the state of Black Texas these days. Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And a big part of Juneteenth celebrations for some rural Texas communities over the years is an annual rodeo. A new book about just that, called Juneteenth Rodeo, celebrates that tradition w...

Heavy rain coming (June 18, 2024)

June 18, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 66 MB

On Tuesday's show: Heavy rain is expected in Greater Houston this evening through Wednesday resulting from a disturbance near Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula that could become the first named system of the hurricane season. While any storm that comes from it is unlikely to make landfall near us, Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard explains how it could bring some heavy rain and possible flooding to our area. Also this hour: With so much attention paid lately to issues at HISD, we tak...

Supreme Court rulings affecting Texas (June 17, 2024)

June 17, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.3 MB

On Monday's show: The Supreme Court struck down a rule that banned bump stocks and rejected a bid to restrict access to an abortion pill. We examine the latest decisions coming out of the High Court with Charles “Rocky” Rhodes from South Texas College of Law Houston. Also this hour: If you map all sorts of things within Houston's city limits, a shape has a tendency to form. It looks like an arrow. We learn what the "Houston Arrow" represents and why. Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller ans...

Potential rain next week (June 14, 2024)

June 14, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.1 MB

On Friday's show: Meteorologist Eric Berger of Space City Weather tells us about some potential rain in the region next week and what might become of a tropical disturbance that is likely to develop in the Gulf of Mexico in the coming days. Also this hour: Sony Pictures is buying Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas. And competitive eater Joey Chestnut is out of the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest this July 4th. We discuss those and other stories in the news on this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad...

City Council approves Houston’s budget (June 13, 2024)

June 13, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.9 MB

On Thursday's show: With Houston City Council finally approving the city's budget, we talk with Sallie Alcorn, At-Large Council Member Position 5 and the chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee. Also this hour: We examine how commercial real estate is doing in Houston. Then, we consider ways that downtown Houston could be changed and revitalized, inviting input from listeners. And we learn about the Houston Show Choir, one of the oldest performing arts groups in the city.

George HW Bush’s centennial (June 12, 2024)

June 12, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MB

On Wednesday's show: Houston City Council is taking on the city's next budget, and Hunter Biden was convicted on felony gun charges. We discuss those and other developments in local, state, and national politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of late President and longtime Houstonian George H.W. Bush. We listen back to Craig Cohen’s 2015 conversation with biographer Jon Meacham about Bush, based on Meacham’s book Destiny and Power. Meacha...

Wellbeing of Texas children (June 11, 2024)

June 11, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

On Tuesday's show: The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual Kids Count report is out, and it doesn’t have very flattering things to say about child wellbeing in Texas. We discuss whether the report jibes with what Bob Sanborn of Children at Risk sees locally and statewide. Also this hour: Just in time for summer, dermatologist Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde answers questions about skin care. She's the director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine. And film critic Joe Leydon refle...

Rising home insurance rates (June 10, 2024)

June 10, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.6 MB

On Monday's show: HISD Superintendent Mike Miles is set to meet with Houston City Council for the first time. We learn more from Houston Public Media reporter Colleen DeGuzman. Plus, ERCOT says Texas could face rolling blackouts in August as energy demand peaks throughout the state. And we learn how recent storms and flooding have damaged the oyster business in Galveston Bay. Also this hour: We find out why home insurance rates in Texas have gotten so high over the past five years and ho...

Former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes (June 7, 2024)

June 07, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

On Friday's show: From budget talks, to delays on the firefighters' contract, to the Montrose TIRZ project, we discuss the latest from the City of Houston with HPM's Tom Perumean. Also this hour: Former Houston Comets star and basketball hall of famer Sheryl Swoopes talks about her memories of winning the WNBA's first four championships, what it was like beginning her professional career just weeks after giving birth to her son, and about her hopes of bringing a WNBA team back to Houston -...

Union Pacific begins soil testing in The Fifth Ward (June 6, 2024)

June 06, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MB

On Thursday's show: Union Pacific began soil testing near the company’s contaminated railyard in Houston’s Fifth Ward this week under the oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. News 88.7's Lucio Vasquez explains what that could mean for residents, who blame the company for contaminating the area with cancer-causing chemicals. Also this hour: On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasions of Europe during World War II, Houstonian Jim Trippon shares the story of his father, J...

The week in politics (June 5, 2024)

June 05, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.5 MB

On Wednesday's show: From President Biden’s border plans, to implications following Mexico’s elections, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's pancreatic cancer diagnosis, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: With the summer weather heating up, food writers talk about some of their favorite places to go for frozen treats in the city in this month's installment of The Full Menu. And we learn how Saint Arnold Brewing Company is celebrating it...

HPD's crime-fighting tech (June 4, 2024)

June 04, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.2 MB

On Tuesday's show: HPD uses plenty of technology in its work, including plate-scanning cameras, body cams, and gunfire-detection application ShotSpotter, the latter being one piece of crime-fighting technology Mayor John Whitmire says he wants to scrap. We discuss the pros and cons of the technology HPD employs with Dr. Everette Penn, a local criminology professor. Also this hour: Sleep expert Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula answers your questions about sleep and sleep disorders, which you can send...

HISD’s bond proposal (June 3, 2024)

June 03, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.5 MB

On Monday's show: HISD plans to ask voters to consider a $4.4 billion bond, which would be the largest in state history. We learn more about it from HPM's Erica Smith. Also this hour: We offer Houstonians their monthly opportunity to vent about their pet peeves. And we get an update on Houston sports from Jeff Balke.

Revisiting ShotSpotter (May 31, 2024)

May 31, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 67.4 MB

On Friday's show: After another round of storms rolled through the area, we briefly talk weather with Space City Weather's Eric Berger. Next, Mayor Whitmire wants to end the city's ShotSpotter contract. We discuss why with Houston Chronicle reporter Yilun Cheng. Also this hour: Our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. Then, we preview an upcoming Houston Chamber Choir concert featuring music by Dave Brubeck. And we learn about Taurean "Tory" Bush's efforts...

Hurricane season forecast (May 30, 2024)

May 30, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 67 MB

Houston Matters begins at 9 a.m. CT on 88.7FM or listen online. Join the discussion at 713-440-8870, [email protected] or @HoustonMatters. On Thursday's show: News broke yesterday that ConocoPhillips plans to buy Marathon Oil in an all-stock deal valued around $17.1 billion. We learn more about the deal and what it could mean for Houston and for energy prices. Also this hour: Atlantic hurricane season officially begins Saturday. Matt Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster at N...

Houston’s future problems (May 29, 2024)

May 29, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 56 MB

On Wednesday's show: Storms on Tuesday brought wind, rain, and hail, and left some streets flooded and power out -- again. So, naturally, there’s more rain coming. Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard tells us what to expect the rest of this week.  Also this hour: We discuss results from the primary election runoffs and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Then, there are some things Houstonians deal with today that will probably always be a challenge -- public ...

How the storm affected Houston trees (May 28, 2024)

May 28, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.9 MB

On Tuesday's show: We learn about the recent storm’s impact on tree cover from Barry Ward of Trees for Houston. Also this hour: We preview a busy month ahead for the U.S. Supreme Court with Charles “Rocky” Rhodes of South Texas College of Law Houston. Then, Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians and a native Houstonian, talks about his latest book, Lies and Weddings. And we visit Camp for All near Brenham, where kids with disabilities, health conditions, and other challenges can have a ...

How CenterPoint restored power (May 24, 2024)

May 24, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.5 MB

On Friday's show: An official with CenterPoint Energy talks about the past eight days’ worth of repairs and electricity restoration, how mobile generation was used through the storm and recovery, and what’s left to do where. Also this hour: A live music program launches at an area hospital. We learn what Musicians on Call seeks to do for patients, families, and caregivers. Then, our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And, with Back to the Future stars Mic...

Storm recovery one week later (May 23, 2024)

May 23, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.8 MB

On Thursday's show: One week after deadly storms struck parts of Greater Houston and knocked out power for thousands, we take stock of the recovery effort so far. Also this hour: Former Houston Chronicle reporter Mike Hixenbaugh talks about increased political battles in public education, which is the subject of his new book: They Came for the Schools. Then, ahead of this weekend’s Comicpalooza, we hear from a star of the comic book world who’s appearing there: writer and illustrator Chi...

Cleanup continues across Houston (May 22, 2024)

May 22, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.4 MB

On Wednesday's show: We get an update on cleanup efforts across Greater Houston from last Thursday's severe storms. Also this hour: Is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton auditioning to be the U.S. Attorney General, should former President Trump win in November? We discuss that, the latest in the former’ President’s hush money trial in New York, and other developments in our regular Wednesday’s political roundup. Then, with Compicpalooza this weekend featuring some stars of various iteratio...

Dealing with home damage (May 21, 2024)

May 21, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 54.9 MB

On Tuesday's show: We discuss this week’s heat and what it means for Houstonians still without power following Thursday’s severe storms. Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger brings us the latest. And we get some advice from the Texas Department of Insurance on what to do if your home was damaged during last week’s storm. Also this hour: We find out what the annual Houston Area Survey from Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research has to tell us about Houstonians' opinio...

Restoring power to Houstonians (May 20, 2024)

May 20, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 56 MB

On Monday's show: Some 200,000+ CenterPoint customers are still without power following Thursday’s dramatic storm. We discuss the restoration efforts and other looming energy grid threats this week. Also, we preview a town hall discussion tonight between HISD Superintendent Mike Miles and four graduating seniors from high schools impacted by his new policies. Asher Lehrer-Small, who covers K-12 education for Houston Landing, will be moderating the discussion, and he joins us to preview it....

Severe storm aftermath (May 17, 2024)

May 17, 2024 12:00 - 29 minutes - 40 MB

On Friday's show: A major storm system tore through the region last night, causing significant damage and leading to at least four fatalities from powerful winds and possible tornadic activity. We get the latest from our reporters in the field and Space City Weather's Eric Berger. Then: A judge ordered a new election for a seat decided in 2022. The Fifth Circuit heard Galveston County's defense of its redistricting plan. And House Speaker Dade Phelan has 11 days to convince GOP voters in a...

Preliminary report on HPD scandal (May 16, 2024)

May 16, 2024 12:00 - 50 minutes - 57.4 MB

On Thursday's show: We learn what revelations are coming from an independent panel that’s reviewing the scandal involving Houston Police Department officers suspending thousands of criminal investigations because of a lack of personnel and resources. The committee shared its preliminary report with Houston City Council members on Wednesday. Also this hour: NPR reporter Sarah McCammon discusses her new book, The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church. Then,...

The week in politics (May 15, 2024)

May 15, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.4 MB

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: We learn about Texas Letters, an anthology of letters written by people in solitary confinement in Texas prisons. Its creator, Damascus James, joins us ahead of a Brazos Bookstore event on May 19. And we listen back to a conversation with Rev. William Lawson, the founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston's Third Ward. He died Tuesday at the age of 95.

Thornton Wilder’s lost play (May 14, 2024)

May 14, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 66 MB

  On Tuesday's show: We get an update on severe weather around the region over night. And, with the weather already warm and humid, there are plenty of mosquitoes pestering Houstonians outside. Has the mosquito season started earlier than previous years? And how can you minimize them around your home? Also this hour: U.S. immigration policy hasn't changed in decades, but could it after the 2024 election? We preview a symposium on that topic happening today at Rice University. Then, the Pu...

Layoffs at HISD (May 13, 2024)

May 13, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 57 MB

On Monday's show: We discuss some recent developments at area school districts, including layoffs at HISD and Cy-Fair ISD voting to omit chapters about topics such as climate change and vaccines from textbooks. Also this hour: Will there ever be a point when we’ve had enough with flooding and simply leave Gulf Coast communities behind? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gilbert Gaul discusses his book, The Geography of Risk. Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers questions ...

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (May 10, 2024)

May 10, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.9 MB

On Friday’s show: Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher discusses issues affecting Greater Houston and answers listener questions. Also this hour: Jean Becker, the longtime chief of staff for George H.W. Bush reflects on her career and what can be learned from the former president, particularly in an era of major political division. And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

Actor Joe Pantoliano (May 9, 2024)

May 09, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.9 MB

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer weighs in on the sudden retirement of HPD Chief Troy Finner. Also this hour: We talk with actor Joe Pantoliano, aka "Joey Pants." The longtime actor, who's known for roles in The Sopranos, The Matrix, and The Fugitive, is in Houston to speak at an event with The Menninger Clinic. We talk with him about his life, career, and mental health journey. And, ahead of another Houston Symphony performance of Harry Potter music, we dis...

HPD Chief Finner out (May 8, 2024)

May 08, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.5 MB

On Wednesday's show: Late last night, Mayor John Whitmire announced in an e-mail to city employees that Houston Police Chief Troy Finner has retired, and that Larry Satterwhite has been appointed acting Chief of Police. This follows, of course, the revelation and ensuing investigations into many thousands of cases and incidents in which HPD officers for years used a code – “SL” – to indicate in police reports that they weren’t pursuing them any further due to lack of personnel. The final n...

Cost of the firefighters deal (May 7, 2024)

May 07, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.8 MB

On Tuesday's show: Ever since the Whitmire administration struck a deal with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, questions have swirled around how the City of Houston, already facing upcoming budget deficits, could pay for a $650 million settlement. On Monday, Houston Controller Chris Hollins, the elected chief financial officer for the city, expressed his view that, while it’s not up to him to decide how to pay it off, it would likely require tax hikes and budget cuts. Holl...

Houston’s protest history (May 6, 2024)

May 06, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.7 MB

On Monday's show: While protests against the war in Gaza have been raging at some college campuses across the country in recent weeks, Houston has been relatively quiet. Why? Is Houston just not much of a protest city? Or are other reasons behind why demonstrations here often look a bit different? Maggie Gordon of Houston Landing discusses her recent article on the subject. Also this hour: We offer Houstonians their monthly opportunity to vent about their pet peeves. And we get an update ...

Houston’s global economy (May 3, 2024)

May 03, 2024 12:00 - 47 minutes - 54.8 MB

On Friday's show: Meteorologist Eric Berger of Space City Weather recaps a busy week in weather, provides the latest on storms and flooding from Thursday and outlines what we can expect the rest of Friday and through the weekend. Also this hour: Patrick Jankowski of the The Greater Houston Partnership joins us to discuss the state of Houston’s global economy. Then, from the University of Houston using “Houston blue” uniforms, despite threats from the NFL, to rapper Kendrick Lamar confusin...

Transportation projects in limbo (May 2, 2024)

May 02, 2024 12:00 - 46 minutes - 53.4 MB

  On Thursday's show: There have now been a few different city transportation and mobility projects halted – or even reversed – since Mayor John Whitmire took office in January. Are they just isolated projects in need of review, or are Houston’s years-long efforts to become more walkable and bikeable…over? We talk it over. Also this hour: We consider ways to minimize or eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Then, with Cinco de Mayo approaching, we discuss how holidays like it co...

The week in politics (May 1, 2024)

May 01, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.2 MB

On Wednesday's show: Legal action continues in connection with the kidney and liver transplant programs at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. In April, the hospital halted those transplants due to a “pattern of irregularities with donor acceptance criteria.” We get an update on the story and learn about a woman whose husband died while waiting for a liver transplant. Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Then, in this month's edition of ...

Title IX and transgender discrimination (April 30, 2024)

April 30, 2024 12:00 - 47 minutes - 53.9 MB

On Tuesday's show: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the Biden administration over revised Title IX rules that would expand discrimination protections to transgender students. Also this hour: On the heels of protests at college campuses over the war in Gaza, including some protests here in Texas, we discuss what a Supreme Court non-decision signals about the future of protests in Texas and other states. Then: The latest about changing guidance surrounding cancer screening. And t...

Southwest Airlines leaving Bush Airport (April 29, 2024)

April 29, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.5 MB

On Monday's show: We get an update on severe weather and flooding overnight around the region. And we explore how Southwest Airlines leaving Bush Airport will affect travelers. Also this hour: The city of Corpus Christi is pursuing development of the state’s first ocean desalination project. Turning ocean salt water into healthy drinking water would have some obvious benefits, but could it have a negative impact on the environment? And we learn about a desalination project here in Houston....

How Texas jails deal with overcrowding (April 26, 2024)

April 26, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.9 MB

On Friday's show: The Harris County Jail continues to face challenges with overcrowding. And it’s not just the jail here. We learn how jails across the state are dealing with the same issue. Also this hour: For students going to college, picking where to go can be a complicated decision. And visiting all the campuses on your wish list might not be feasible. But what if they came to you? That’s what happened recently when Houston’s NRG Center hosted the National Association for College Admi...

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Lori Gottlieb
1 Episode

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