Houston Matters

On Friday's show: Mayor John Whitmire has announced a new push "to end homelessness." The plan calls for increased local funding and more collaboration between the city and county. Whitmire also wants to make it illegal to sleep in public spaces. We learn what all the plan entails. Also this hour: From a lawsuit over off-duty officers carrying weapons in some area hospitals, to a new baby elephant at the Houston Zoo, our panel of non-experts contemplate The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And Houston native Attica Locke, who's got an extensive resume writing novels and for television, talks about incorporating Houston and East Texas into her writing, including her latest novel, Guide Me Home, the final installment of her Highway 59 trilogy, which centers around a Black Texas Ranger named Darren Mathews. She also discusses what it was like working with her sister, Tembi Locke, in bringing her memoir, From Scratch, to the screen for the Netflix series of the same name.

On Thursday's show: The State Board of Education is poised to vote on optional Bible-infused curriculum for Texas public elementary schools on Friday. We discuss whether it will be approved and whether it's constitutional. Also this hour: We find out how the cruise ship industry is faring along the Gulf Coast. Then, new public artwork on display at Discovery Green is part of Art Lab, a new mentorship program helping Houston-area artists learn how to create and install public art. And we learn about the open mic poetry events from Write About Now, which recently included Houston Matters producer Laura Walker performing some of her work.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup, including the latest on President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations. Also this hour: The Battleship Texas Foundation gives us an update on efforts to establish a new, permanent home for the famous ship and museum. And comedian Lewis Black, America’s ranter-in-chief, is coming around for one final standup performance here on Friday night, part of his “Goodbye Yeller Brick Road” tour. We share some highlights from his previous appearances on our program.

On Tuesday's show: What will HISD do now that no new bond money is coming? The district’s state-appointed board of managers has been mulling over options to pivot after voters this month rejected a massive bond proposal for school upgrades. The board also heard an earful from parents last week about what motivated that rejection. We talk it over with with Houston Public Media’s Adam Zuvanich. Also this hour: We learn how indigenous groups are are resurrecting their people’s ancient names for geographic places, including one tribal group’s name for what is now Houston. We talk with two members of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation and learn what their people once called our city. And we reflect on the history of Houston’s Arte Público Press, the oldest publisher dedicated to Latino literature in the United States, with its founder and incoming leader.

On Monday's show: With Republicans poised to take control of the White House and both houses of Congress in January, and President-elect Donald Trump promising mass deportations, it’s reasonable to assume immigration policy is about to change and could have a profound impact on a lot of Houstonians. We learn how Houston-area immigrant rights organizations are preparing. Also this hour: The city of Houston grew for a long time without zoning. But as more people move outside the city limits to communities that have more formal land use regulations, has the city taken this no-zoning system as far as it can go? We talk it over. Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers questions about pet health. And we get an update on sports from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Remember how Sen. Ted Cruz was supposed to be in a tough re-election race? The Texas Tribune’s Jasper Scherer joins us to share why Cruz’s campaign believes the senator ultimately won so easily and what it may signal for Cruz’s future prospects in the Senate and possibly, someday, the White House. Also this hour: We learn how Hurricane Beryl affected the Texas coast. Then, from Michelin Guide restaurant honors, to a ride-sharing service featuring armed drivers, this week’s panel of non-experts considers The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And jazz icons Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie might be best remembered for their music. But a new book called The Jazzmen explains how they overcame racism and discrimination to open America's eyes to their music and in the process "wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights movement." We talk with author Larry Tye, who'll speak Saturday during the Jewish Book & Arts Festival at Houston's Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center.

On Thursday's show: The Astrodome Conservancy, a nonprofit that advocates for the preservation of the one-time "Eighth Wonder of the World," has unveiled a $1 billion redevelopment concept for the Dome. We find out what the plan calls for, who would pay for it, who needs to buy in, and what may set the idea apart from past proposals for the Astrodome. Also this hour: We discuss how physical media, such as vinyl records, DVDs, and books may be in a state of decline and renaissance all at the same time. And, on the anniversary of the U.S. Army overturning convictions of Black soldiers that stemmed from the 1917 Houston Riots, we visit the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

On Wednesday's show: A recent survey asked Houstonians about their quality of life here. The question came from us here at Houston Matters, and we learn what they had to say. Also this hour: We discuss some of the names already made public as likely members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration along with other developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Then, in the latest installment of The Full Menu, Houston food writers share some of their favorite area restaurants to visit for special occasions. And University of Houston film scholar Karen Fang talks about her new book, Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong. Wong was a 20th century Asian-American artist who worked on many famous films, including as the lead production illustrator for Disney’s classic Bambi.

On Tuesday's show: It’s been five years since the state funded free, full-day pre-K programs. So, how’s it going? We learn what new reports say about enrollment in and the evaluation of Houston-area pre-K instruction. Also this hour: We talk with Houston engineer William Taggart, who says he knows how to fix the country's problems, which he outlines in his new book, Fixing America: An Engineer’s Solution to our Social, Cultural, and Political Problems. Then, earlier this month, we heard from HISD Superintendent Mike Miles about chronic absenteeism in the district. We learn more about chronic absences across the rest of Texas. And we learn how an aspiring local filmmaker captures the story of Houston in just three minutes. Elisha Luckett’s conceptual documentary A Town Called Houston is one of a number of short films featured as part of the annual Houston Cinema Arts Festival.

On Monday's show: Last week’s election doesn’t just mean a GOP sweep of Congress and the White House. Hardline Republicans gained seats in an even more conservative Texas House. We learn what that further shift right means for the next Texas legislative session. Also this hour: On this Veterans Day, we learn about services provided by the Houston VA. Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners’ gardening questions. And Jeff Balke updates us on Houston sports.

On Friday's show: While we’ve all understandably been fixated on election news this week, there’s actual governing going on, too. Dominic Anthony Walsh joins us with the latest on some leadership changes at Houston City Hall. Also this hour: From Elon Musk seemingly discovering Harris County exists on election day, to someone buying a dime for $500,000, our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And true crime podcasts are very popular. We meet the hosts of the Sistas Who Kill podcast who offer a unique take on the concept. Their live tour arrives in Houston on Sunday at House of Blues.

On Thursday's show: We’re keeping a close eye on the rapidly intensifying Hurricane Rafael in the Gulf of Mexico. Could it head here? We discuss the latest of what’s known about the storm’s track with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard. Also this hour: Former President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House. Ted Cruz will stay in the U.S. Senate. So, now what? Longtime activist Sam Daley-Harris offers his advice for what to do in the periods between elections as he encourages everyday citizens to get involved in government. Harris is the author of Reclaiming Our Democracy and we talk with him ahead of a visit to Houston. Then, we revisit a 2018 conversation with Jon Meacham about his book, The Soul of America, which examines some particularly trying times in our nation’s history when presidents and ordinary citizens came together to overcome fear and hate. And we revisit a 2018 conversation with writer Mitch Albom, who’s headed to Houston this weekend to discuss his latest book at the annual Jewish Book & Arts Festival. Finally, we learn about the music agency Wonky Power, which produces live concerts in Houston and helps define Latino music and culture here.

On Wednesday's show: We devote the entire hour to election results and analysis and welcome your thoughts on the presidential election, the U.S. Senate election, a variety of other state and local results, the HISD bond, and other ballot initiatives. Party Politics co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina offer their insights throughout the hour, and we hear from our listeners.

On Tuesday's show: We mark Election Day by visiting some polling places around Greater Houston. Also this hour: Are there lessons professional athletes learn about nutrition that can benefit the rest of us? We ask Astros dietitian Geordan Stapleton. And HISD dietitian Nathan Reska shares some insights on childhood nutrition. Then, we talk with Pete and Crystal Damore, the Houston-area singer/songwriter duo that makes up the folk Americana band Ordinary Elephant. And Houston native Stephanie Wittels Wachs has co-founded the award-winning podcast network Lemonada, which to date has more than 60 podcasts, including many hosted by celebrities like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Duchovny, and even an upcoming one to be hosted by Meghan Markle. Wittels Wachs talks with us about Lemonada’s story and dramatic growth.

On Monday's show: Ahead of Election Day, for those who haven't voted early, we offer an election guide for procrastinators. Also this hour: We offer listeners their monthly chance to vent their pet peeves about life in Greater Houston. You can share yours now at talk@houstonmatters.org. And we get an update on sports from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: As voters contemplate a school bond and battles over public education focus on resources and curriculum, there’s a more fundamental challenge schools face -- too many students not showing up to class. Producer Celeste Diaz Schurman talks with HISD Superintendent Mike Miles about the impact of chronic absenteeism at Houston-area schools. Also this hour: The Texans lost last night...to the Jets? We talk about it with Jeff Balke, who co-hosts the Bleav in Astros podcast and writes for Houston Press. Then, from many HISD middle and high schools scrapping their Halloween celebrations after new guidance from the district, to Port Arthur being named one of the worst small cities in the country, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And we preview the Houston Music Festival, featuring performances of chamber music, improv, and spoken word, including a concert of music with Houston ties, including covers of Beyoncé and Lizzo.

On Thursday's show: Dominic Anthony Walsh provides an update on why the City of Houston continues to pay dues to the Houston-Galveston Area Council after a proposition last year allowed Houston to leave the organization. Also this hour: Amid recent foodborne illness outbreaks and kids hauling buckets of Halloween candy home, we consider how to ensure that our food is safe to eat. Then, we hear from listeners and HPM staffers about some of their favorite Halloween songs. And author and former Houstonian Shea Serrano talks about Werewolf Lawyer, his latest novella about a lawyer for werewolves.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics with Party Politics co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina. Then, we consider whether adults have co-opted Halloween from kids. And we look back on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which released 50 years ago this month.

On Tuesday's show: With a hot and dry October so far, we talk with meteorologist Justin Ballard about what we can expect for trick-or-treating weather. Plus, we look at why Rice University has seen a drop in admissions for Black students over the past year. Also this hour: We consider how minors are viewed in the legal system, amid efforts to fix foster care in Texas. Then, we talk with the filmmaker of a new documentary about the film Chasing Amy. And Meow Wolf Houston officially opens this week! We get a preview of the new immersive experience.

On Monday's show: We dive into the political battle happening over the delayed execution of Robert Roberson. Also this hour: Last week we discussed why choosing an electricity provider in Texas can be complicated and intimidating. Today, we revisit how we got to this point after the state deregulated the retail electricity market and consider how that truly affected energy prices in the state. Then, columnist Dwight Silverman discusses recent developments in consumer technology. And Jeff Balke recaps the Texans' important divisional matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.