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Houston Matters

Houston Public Media

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

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All Episodes

15:10

The week in politics (June 25, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/25

On Wednesday's show: President Trump held a press conference this morning to reiterate his assessment that U.S. strikes on Iran heavily damaged that country's nuclear program. While coverage of his remarks pre-empted most of Houston Matters today, our political analysts responded to what they heard and weighed in on other developments in the news in an abbreviated edition of the show.

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49:40

Split in Austin over THC (June 24, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/24

On Tuesday's show: After Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the proposed ban on THC passed by the legislature, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held a press conference Monday to discuss the move, which killed one of his top legislative priorities from the session. In issuing his eleventh-hour veto, the governor called the THC bill "well-intentioned" and said the hemp market needs to be regulated immediately. That's why he's calling lawmakers back to Austin for a special session. We learn more about this rare split between

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48:45

Iran strikes and oil prices (June 23, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/23

On Monday's show: Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher outlines why she thinks U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were unconstitutional. And a local energy watcher explains what it could mean for gas prices and Houston’s oil and gas industry.Also this hour: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed numerous bills yesterday, including a ban on THC products. And he called for a special session. Blaise Gainey from the Texas Newsroom provides details.Then, a Houston factory may soon use robots to create

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50:00

Make Music Day (June 20, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/20

On Friday's show: After last May’s derecho and then Hurricane Beryl in July, it seemed reasonable to expect some disaster aid from the federal government. So, why has the way the city spends these particular funds been controversial?Also this hour: Saturday is Make Music Day here in Houston and in more 2,000 cities worldwide. In anticipation, we talk with some folks behind some performances around the city, including a free concert from Dacamera at the Menil Collection inspired by the works of

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49:40

Juneteenth stories (June 19, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/19

On Thursday's show: We celebrate Juneteenth with a number of stories, including how the chair of Juneteenth Houston first learned about the holiday — and how that discovery sparked a deeper mission: a multi-year archival project to preserve the rich history of Juneteenth celebrations in the city.We also learn how the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is honoring the role Buffalo Soldiers played in Juneteenth — and why this moment matters more than ever.Then, we revisit a conversation about a

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49:31

The week in politics (June 18, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/18

On Wednesday's show: From tensions in the Middle East to the ramifications of widescale protests across the U.S., we discuss the latest developments in the news in our weekly political roundup.Also this hour: A glimpse into Houston's tattoo culture.Then, we discuss the legacy of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.

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49:57

State of Housing report (June 17, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/17

On Tuesday's show: The Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research has released its State of Housing report for 2025, looking at how climate change and resilience impact local residents. We learn about the report and its implications.Also this hour: Actor Alan Tudyk talks about his love of fans as he prepares to meet some at this weekend's Comicpalooza.And we discuss the role megachurches play in a city like Houston.

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49:53

Patton Oswalt (June 16, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/16

On Monday's show: We learn about an influx of gas power plants that could arise in Texas to meet energy demands for AI.Also this hour: While Patton Oswalt is known for his comedy and acting, he has always been a fan of comic books and creates his own, including a series called Minor Threats. Ahead of his appearance at Comicpalooza this weekend, we learn why he wanted to focus on the lesser villains of the superhero world for that series.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller talks about how to travel

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50:30

Houston’s protest history (June 13, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/13

On Friday's show: There are numerous protests against President Donald Trump's policies planned across the country this weekend, including here in Greater Houston. A local Congressman offered more federal help to deal with potential riots in Houston, but local leaders expressed doubt about whether that would be needed here. But could scenes like we saw in Los Angeles of protestors clashing with police in riot gear against the backdrop of burned cars happen here? We consider Houston's history of

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52:40

Immigrant arrests and rights (June 12, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/12

On Thursday's show: We look at some the challenges facing immigrants and what rights they should be aware of amid increased scrutiny from the federal government.Also this hour: A bill to create a strategic bitcoin reserve for Texas passed during the legislative session and awaits the governor's signature. Should it become law, what purpose will it serve? How would it differ from one created by President Donald Trump? And what are the economic and energy-related pros and cons?Then, we discuss the

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50:03

The week in politics (June 11, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/11

On Wednesday's show: From ongoing protests over immigration policy, to some area Congressional races taking shape, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We remember the Galveston Movement, when 10,000 Russian Jews set sail -- not for New York but bound for Texas. Rachel Cockerell talks about her great-grandfather's role in that movement and her book, Melting Point.And former Houston poet laureate Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton and Houston Grand Opera

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50:30

The First Amendment (June 10, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/10

On Tuesday's show: We look at the forecast for rain the rest of the week and discuss the probability of another early-season hurricane this year, like Hurricane Beryl last season, with Justin Ballard, meteorologist with the Houston Chronicle.Also this hour: There seems to be an awful lot of misunderstanding and perhaps even misuse of the First Amendment these days. We discuss how the rights to speech, religion, press, and assembly are viewed legally when that is at odds with what is happening around

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49:36

Supreme Court rulings (June 9, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/09

On Monday's show: In recent days, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued rulings on cases involving employment discrimination against straight people, guns, and tax exemption for a Catholic Charity. We recap those rulings and talk about some other cases the court is expected to rule on soon.Also this hour: We visit the headquarters for Memorial Hermann Life Flight to learn how the air ambulance service has evolved over nearly 50 years serving Greater HoustonThen, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of

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49:29

Saharan dust in Houston (June 6, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/06

On Friday's show: Saharan dust is headed to Houston, as it typically does this time of year. And much of the country could see the Northern Lights this weekend because of a powerful geomagnetic storm. We learn about both from Eric Berger of Space City Weather.Also this hour: From the head of FEMA saying he didn't know there was a hurricane season here, to the National Weather Service receiving permission to hire 125 meteorologists and specialists after losing more than 560 employees earlier this

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50:00

City budget passes amid protests (June 5, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/05

On Thursday's show: After an 8-hour meeting and extended disruption by protesters on Wednesday, Houston City Council approved a $7 billion budget for the next fiscal year, which starts in July. We learn details from reporter Dominic Anthony Walsh.Also this hour: Today is World Environment Day. As we contemplate the impact climate change continues to have on the Gulf Coast and coastal communities around the world, should we just stop rebuilding in flood-prone communities? We listen back to a

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49:45

The week in politics (June 4, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/04

On Wednesday's show: From the end of the Texas Legislature, to ongoing budget discussions at the City of Houston, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: With Texas Monthly releasing its list of the state’s top barbecue spots, local food writers hone in on Houston and name some of their favorite places here in this month’s installment of The Full Menu.And we learn how history, gender, and faith intersect in Islamic art from the new executive director of

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49:45

Recapping the legislature (June 3, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/03

On Tuesday's show: The 89th regular session of the Texas Legislature came to a close on Monday. We recap what passed, what didn’t, the status of legislation on the governor’s desk, and how it all might affect Texans.Also this hour: We visit a recent conference and expo for the robotics and autonomy industries held at the George R. Brown Convention Center.Then, author Bryan Burrough talks about his new book, The Gunfighters, which details the history of legendary gunfighters from the Wild West and

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50:15

Life without FEMA (June 2, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/06/02

On Monday's show: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has openly speculated about eliminating FEMA. Whether that happens or not, how would Greater Houston handle another hurricane -- or any other disaster -- if FEMA no longer existed or its role were changed?Also this hour: We offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in sports.

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50:50

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (May 30, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/05/30

On Friday's show: Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher joins us to talk about issues in Congress affecting our region and to take listener questions.Also this hour: From a recent study suggesting AI isn’t saving workers a ton of time on the job, to eight Houston-area barbecue restaurants making Texas Monthly's Top 50 list (after Yelp snubbed the city), we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And Joshua Zinn chats with Bob Simpson, the retiring founder and artistic director of the

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46:40

Arts orgs cope with lost NEA grants (May 29, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/05/29

On Thursday's show: Another one bites the dust in the decimated Astros pitching rotation. This time it’s Ronel Blanco who’s out for the season and in need of elbow surgery. Is it past time to ask what the Astros are doing to their pitchers’ arms? Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast talks it over.Also this hour: The National Endowment for the Arts recently terminated grants to nonprofits nationwide, many of which had already been awarded. Houston arts organizations are among those who have had

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