Houston Matters

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, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast. 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. Watch https://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

Houston Matters begins at 9 a.m. CT on 88.7FM. You can also listen online or watch live on YouTube. Join the discussion. Call or text 713-440-8870. Email talk@houstonmatters.org or tag us @HoustonMatters. 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. Audio from today's show will be available after 11 a.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, Stitcher and other apps.

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 Wednesday. But on Thursday, Harris County Commissioners Court held its own discussion about such policies for county law enforcement. On Friday's Houston Matters, 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.

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.