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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

49:24

Replacing the STAAR test (Aug. 28, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/28

On Thursday's show: In light of the school shooting in Minneapolis, we get a refresher on the safety requirements the Texas Legislature established in 2023 and how much of those requirements are paid for by the funding passed during the most recent legislative session.And we learn about efforts at the capitol to replace the STAAR test.Also this hour: We learn why the premiums for some health insurance plans in Texas are expected to rise a lot next year.Then, on this month’s edition of The Bigger

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50:08

The week in politics (Aug. 27, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/27

On Wednesday's show: From the latest developments surrounding the second special session in Austin, to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ongoing social media trolling of President Trump, we seek insight on the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Former President Lyndon B. Johnson was born on this date in 1908. We revisit several past conversations about his life, political career, and legacy.And author Jasminne Mendez talks about Story of My Anger, a novel about a teen

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48:30

Deploying National Guard to cities (Aug. 26, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/26

On Tuesday's show: President Donald Trump wants specialized National Guard units ready to deploy to U.S. cities to quell civil disturbances and ensure public safety and order. We discuss what that means, whether we could see troops deployed here, and whether this is largely a pretense to step up immigration enforcement.Also this hour: A new Texas law expands when someone can be detained for psychiatric evaluation. Some welcome the change while others worry it crosses a line. We discuss the debate

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50:10

Congressional maps approved (Aug. 25, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/25

On Monday's show: The Texas Senate approved new congressional district maps on Saturday, which Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll sign “swiftly.” Does this mean lawmakers will now get to other items on the agenda for the second special session? We learn the latest from Blaise Gainey of the Texas Newsroom.Also this hour: Some recent tests suggest the secretive Chinese space program could beat the United States back to the moon. We learn more from Eric Berger of Ars Technica.Then, we learn about the latest

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49:48

Health care layoffs (Aug. 22, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/22

On Friday's show: The Houston Chronicle is reporting that UTHealth Houston is laying off dozens of employees due to “financial headwinds.” The move comes after the academic health science center implemented a hiring freeze in early July. Is this and other belt tightening at area health care institutions in recent months a momentary blip or a sign of more to come for Houston’s health care industry? Health economist Vivian Ho breaks down what it all means.Also this hour: Not all zoos and aquariums are

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50:00

Ten Commandments in schools (Aug. 21, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/21

On Thursday's show: A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked 11 public school districts in Texas’ largest metropolitan areas from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms as required by a new state law set to take effect Sept. 1. A legal expert joins us to discuss the case and where it goes from here.Also this hour: Sen. Ted Cruz is largely opposed to regulation of AI, while the state is set to be one of a few to implement the first legislation related to the industry. We discuss that

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50:30

The week in politics (Aug. 20, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/20

On Wednesday's show: From the second special session beginning in Austin, to the latest developments out of Washington, to what’s happening in the cities and counties across Greater Houston, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Another school year means another opportunity for parents and kids to establish better habits when it comes to social media. A local psychologist discusses how social media use can affect kids’ mental health.And we revisit a

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49:30

School ratings (Aug. 19, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/19

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Education Agency released its accountability ratings for the 2024–25 school year on Friday, covering public school districts across the state. Five districts are at risk of a state takeover, while HISD, which is already run by the state, is seeing improvements in test scores. Bob Sanborn from Children at Risk weighs in.Also this hour: We learn what a recent ruling means for Houstonians with unpaid medical bills.Then, we find out why some longtime city employees who took

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49:47

Second special session (Aug. 18, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/18

On Monday's show: The Texas Legislature’s second special session is under way, with what are likely to be far different outcomes for the same agenda. Blaise Gainey from the Texas Newsroom and News 88.7's Andrew Schneider join us with the latest.Also this hour: We take a closer look at Texas aquaculture -- growing and harvesting marine life. Some reports say the industry is shrinking. Others say it’s growing. We try to figure out what’s true.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listeners'

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49:48

Crypto energy usage (Aug. 15, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/15

On Friday's show: Cryptocurrency mining in Texas can draw as much power from the electrical grid as the city of Austin, and the industry is only growing. But how much energy is it using? No one knows because the Public Utility Commission refuses to release data on the industry. Reporter Keaton Peters from Straight Arrow News joins us to explain.Also this hour: With news that Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is closing two of its six clinics in the area, there are fewer options for women’s health care

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50:07

Spending federal recovery funds (Aug. 14, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/14

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council has approved plans to spend some $315 million in federal recovery funds, including $100 million for home repairs and housing, marking a significant turnaround from Mayor John Whitmire’s initial proposal and a major victory for housing advocates. We learn more about that and some other recent developments in city government, including money for more beds for the homeless in the East End and new solid waste trucks. Also this hour: Recent comments from President

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50:50

The week in politics (Aug. 13, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/13

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: The state has begun buying land for new state parks thanks to a new source of funding. We learn where those parks might be and how the state is making that determination from Texas Tribune reporter Alejandra Martinez. And we get to know Afrobeat and hip-hop violinist Demola ahead of his performance this weekend at 713 Music Hall.

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49:35

Educating ‘pandemic babies’ (Aug. 12, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/12

On Tuesday's show: Students at HISD campuses are headed back to school today, and among them are some kids you could call “pandemic babies.” We discuss the challenges faced by kids whose early childhoods were disrupted by the pandemic.Also this hour: We remember astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away last week. We revisit a conversation from 2020 he had with producer Michael Hagerty to mark the mission's 50th anniversary. And we hear some thoughts on Lovell from the man who brought him to the big

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50:00

Quorum break’s second week (Aug. 11, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/11

On Monday's show: It’s been over a week since Texas Democrats left the state to break quorum in the Texas House of Representatives, delaying the passage of a new Congressional map. We get the latest on the Democrats’ protest and response from Republican officials in Texas.Also this hour: Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, the head of Harris Health System makes his case for potentially expanding Ben Taub Hospital, which would include seizing nine acres of land from Hermann Park.Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of

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51:00

Judge Hidalgo censured (Aug. 8, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/08

On Friday's show: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was censured by county commissioners Thursday for her behavior during a Commissioners Court meeting. We learn what happened. And we get the latest on the ongoing quorum break in Austin.Also this hour: From late sculptor David Adickes' Beatles statues relocating to a car dealership, to a Danish zoo seeking public donations of pets to feed to its captive predators, our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Then, we

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50:00

Vaccine cuts and COVID (Aug. 7, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/07

On Thursday's show: An announced rollback of mRNA vaccine development and funding comes as Texas is among the states seeing the largest rise in COVID cases this summer. Infectious disease specialist Catherine Troisi offers her take on what the rollback means.Also this hour: A Grand Parkway expansion project is just the latest sign of ongoing growth in Greater Houston’s north and west sides. We discuss the project and what is behind the growth.Then, theater productions involve a lot more than actors

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50:35

The week in politics (Aug. 6, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/06

On Wednesday's show: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton want the state’s Supreme Court to order Democrats who broke quorum during the special session to be thrown out of office. Can they do that? We talk through the Texas redistricting fight and discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Houston Restaurant Weeks is underway during the month of August raising funds for the Houston Food Bank. In this month's installment of The Full Menu, food

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49:20

Arrest warrants for Texas Democrats (Aug. 5, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/05

On Tuesday's show: Texas Republican leaders are issuing threats while Texas House Democrats remain out of state in an effort to block new district maps the GOP says will help them gain seats in Congress. The Democrats say they are racially motivated. We hear from one of those Democrats, Houston-area State Rep. Gene Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.Also this hour: We examine the growing use of telemedicine among Houston-area doctors. Sometimes it’s practical and beneficial for

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50:00

House Democrats leave the state (Aug. 4, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/04

On Monday's show: Dozens of Texas House Democrats have left the state, breaking quorum in an effort to block a Republican plan to redraw district maps at President Trump’s direction. We get the latest from Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider.Also this hour. We learn why the Houston Federation of Teachers is suing HISD over how the district plans to hand out raises.Then, we offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we discuss the return of Carlos Correa

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50:17

Retiring in Houston (Aug. 1, 2025)

Houston Matters ·

2025/08/01

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

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