Houston Matters

On Friday's show: This week, experts from across Texas testified at a hearing on disaster preparedness and flooding in the wake of the deadly Central Texas floods. Among those who testified were representatives from Rice University's SSPEED Center, whose Jim Blackburn discusses how what happened in Central Texas relates to past storms here. Also this hour: A recent report from Bankrate ranked Texas near the bottom when it comes to the best states to retire. Why? And how does Houston stack up? We consider the pros and cons of retiring here. Then, from what used to be Houston’s own Shipley’s Do-Nuts being sold to a California company, to an ad campaign’s play on words that has some worried about eugenics, this week’s non-expert panel weighs in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And Hank, Peggy, and Bobby are back as King of the Hill returns after 15 years. Its showrunner Saladin Patterson talks about bringing back the beloved animated series and its depiction of small-town Texas life.

On Thursday's show: Actor William Shatner talks with us ahead of an appearance in Houston tonight at House of Blues where he'll share stories from his career following a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Also this hour: The Trump administration this week announced plans to walk back a 2009 EPA finding that has since been the scientific and legal foundation behind regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. We discuss the legal and practical implications of such a rule change on climate policy and industry here in the Houston area. Then, we learn how zoning shapes cities from Sara Bronin, who grew up in Houston -- a city famous for having no zoning. That's the subject of her book, Key to the City. And we visit the Genuine Cup, a soccer tournament happening this week in Houston for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities on teams from all over the world.

On Wednesday's show: While a couple candidates appear to have a little bit of an early lead in the special election for the 18th Congressional District, many of the district’s voters don’t really know -- or have an opinion about -- who’s running, according to new polling data. We discuss that, the special session in Austin, and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: On this date 60 years ago, the legislation creating Medicare and Medicaid was signed into law. We reflect on the history, impact, and future of those federal programs and what they mean to Houstonians. And the Houston Shakespeare Festival returns this week with productions of As You Like It and Henry V. We talk with the band of brothers…and sisters who are behind it.

On Tuesday's show: The White House is proposing an end to federal funding for legal aid nonprofits that help low-income Americans obtain assistance with all manner of legal matters. We learn more from R.A. Schuetz of the Houston Chronicle. Also this hour: We mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recall its roots here in Houston with Lex Frieden, a local disabilities advocate who was instrumental in creating the law and getting it passed. Then, we learn about the rise of sensory-friendly events around town, as local businesses and organizations create events for individuals who struggle with bright lights, loud noises, or overstimulation from crowds. And we take you to an exhibit at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring called “Art Unleashed,” which, unlike most exhibits and most museums, actually encourages you to reach out and touch the pieces of art on display.

On Monday's show: Houston-area Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher explains why she's opposed to the legislature’s plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts. State lawmakers gathered at the University of Houston on Saturday to hear public testimony on the matter. Also this hour: We learn about the latest developments in consumer technology with the help of columnist Dwight Silverman. And we get an update on Houston sports.

On Friday's show: We talk with Wilmer Chavarria, a naturalized U.S. citizen and school superintendent from Vermont, who was detained for several hours by Customs and Border Protection agents this week at Houston's Bush Airport on his way back from visiting family in Nicaragua. He tells us what happened and explains how the experience has changed the way he views international travel. Also this hour: Jamie Bryant, the new CEO of the Houston Housing Authority discusses efforts to improve the agency and help more people afford rent. And we visit a recent Drum Corps International event here in Houston.

On Thursday's show: We learn why officials in Kerr County didn't upgrade their flood warning system over the years, even when the county had a surplus of funds. Also this hour: Larry Bagneris helped launch Houston’s first Pride Parade and became the first Black president of the LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. He reflects on overcoming racism and homophobia, which he details in his new memoir, Call Me Larry. And the new Ari Aster film Eddington explores the sticky world of small-town politics amid the controversies of the COVID era. On this month’s installment of The Bigger Picture, producer Joshua Zinn discusses the film and how journalists covered small towns during the pandemic.

On Wednesday’s show: From the special session of the Texas Legislature, to change in media, we discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics. Also this hour: We learn about the job of being a translator in Houston, a city where thousands rely on those services for vital needs such as understanding their legal rights, medical care, and finances.

On Tuesday's show: University of Houston men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has spent the last decade transforming the Cougars into a national powerhouse. He talks about his life, career, and how his Native American heritage influences his approach to coaching. Also this hour: We listen back to highlights from interviews with some well-known actors and entertainers who've been on the show over the years, including Rita Moreno, Lewis Black, Paula Poundstone, and Joe Pantoliano. And we discuss some recent problems in the funeral industry and how they can be addressed.

On Monday's show: We discuss what Texas lawmakers will be taking up during this year's special legislative session, which begins today. Also this hour: A conversation with veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller about pet care. And we discuss why the middle of summer tends to be a real dead spot for a lot of sports leagues, and who should take advantage of it.

On Friday's show: Houston Public Media General Manager Josh Adams shares updates on our resiliency campaign following the approved rescission of federal funding for public media. Also this hour: We discuss the experiences that make Houstonians feel truly like Houstonians. Then, Mincho Jacob talks with Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist creator Shaye Ogbonna and Li Lu, the creator of HTX Made, about an upcoming event this weekend.

On Thursday's show: We get the latest on activity along the Gulf Coast as Invest 93L moves westward. Also this hour: We often talk about flood safety in terms of preparing for a possible flooding event, but what do you do the moment water starts getting into your house? We discuss with local emergency officials. Then, we meet a Houston native and Navy veteran who is defying the odds—and doctors’ expectations—by returning to the track, the weight bench, and the volleyball court for the Department of Defense Warrior Games. And we talk with the director of Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy about the deadly crowd crush that unfolded at the Astroworld Festival in 2021.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics with Renee Cross and Nancy Sims. Also this hour: A Palestinian man was detained at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for nine days with no apparent cause--we discuss that case and the implications for immigration policy. Then, we chat with comedian Kym Whitley ahead of an upcoming pair of shows in Houston.

On Tuesday's show: We talk with Houston Public Media reporter Natalie Weber about redistricting and other stories in Fort Bend County. Also this hour: Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon, we consider where we are today in our approach to nuclear power and non-proliferation. Then, amid concerns about deportations of immigrants, we consider who's responsible for detention centers here in Houston, and what does detention look like in our area.. And we meet chef David Skinner from Th_Prsrv [The Preserve] at Eculent, a communal dining experience reclaiming and elevating Native American cuisine.

On Monday's show: We learn the latest on recovery efforts in Texas Hill Country after they were disrupted by more rain and flooding. We also learn about new data from Environment Texas examining contamination along Texas beaches. Also this hour: We revisit a conversation with actor Tom Hanks about the future of space exploration. Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers your questions about gardening. And we discuss controversy at this year's MLB All-Star Game with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Ten years ago this weekend, Sandra Bland died in a Waller County jail cell, three days after being arrested during a traffic stop. We look back at the impact of her death, and what has – and hasn’t changed – in the decade since. Also this hour: Andrew Schneider tells us about Governor Abbott’s special session addition – no, not storm response…his other addition: redistricting. Then, this week’s “non-expert” panel weighs in on intrigues in the news on The Good the Bad and the Ugly. And Brenda Valdivia chats with Houston’s most opinionated man: The Houston Chronicle’s new Editor of Opinion, Evan Mintz.

On Thursday's show: As the long road to recovery begins in Central Texas, many are asking if authorities did enough to protect residents and if alert systems were sufficient. Paul Flahive from the Texas Newsroom reports from the region and Joshua Fletcher from the Texas Tribune joins us to discuss why Texans keep building in areas that are flood prone. Also this hour: Legal professionals have embraced AI more broadly than many other industries.Now a professor at UH Law Center is encouraging law students to utilize AI to become better students and future lawyers. Then, Houston is set to host World Cup matches next year, but attendance at a pair of recent tournaments may give some pause about World Cup turnout. We learn more from the Sports Business Journal’s Alex Silverman. Plus: The creator and a cast member from “The Women Play” – a new production at The DeLuxe Theater, exploring sisterhood and spiritual growth.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the politics surrounding the deadly Central Texas floods and other developments in the news in our weekly political roundup. Also this hour: Houston food writers discuss their favorite unique restaurant experiences around town on this month’s edition of The Full Menu. And we learn about increased interest in birdwatching in Houston.

On Tuesday's show: We get the latest on the flooding the Texas Hill Country, local efforts to aid in the rescue and recovery operations, and what actions elected officials could have taken to mitigate the disaster -- and what they might do to prevent similar ones in the future. Also this hour: We learn how summer camps prepare for emergencies and work to put parents' minds at ease as they leave their children in their care for days or even weeks at a time. Then, a local therapist who specializes in grief and family trauma talks about dealing with trauma after events like the floods in Central Texas. Her practice is offering free virtual counseling sessions and a collection of trauma-informed resources for those affected by the Texas floods. Plus: Hurricane Beryl made landfall a year ago today. Houstonians saw power knocked out for days. We reflect on the state of the power grid and CenterPoint, one year later. And certain neighborhoods in Houston have become focal points for the bar and club scene. Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing explains some of the negative things that come along with that and how people who live in those areas are pushing back.

On Monday's show: The death toll continues to rise following devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country. We get the very latest from Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh live from Kerrville. We also hear the accounts of several flood victims, including a Houstonian who was preparing to move there next month. And Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger explains the weather that led to Friday's flooding and whether the blame some have sought to place on the National Weather Service is misplaced. We also welcome your thoughts on this and other major stories in the news as we chat with Houston Chronicle op-ed editor Lisa Gray. RELATED: How Houston residents can help Texas Hill Country flood victims Also this hour: The future of birthright citizenship. And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in Houston sports.