Houston Matters

Advice For Navigating The Texas Unemployment System (March 31, 2021) Mar 31, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: We discuss the latest news in our weekly political roundup. Also this hour: Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate each admit passage of a comprehensive immigration reform bill is unlikely, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t talking about it — and using the surge of people crossing the border illegally to further their positions on it. We ask News 88.7’s Elizabeth Trovall what our Senators are saying and doing about... Read More

The Murder Trial Of Derek Chauvin, And Families Sue Center Point Over Winter Freeze Deaths (March 30, 2021) Mar 30, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: Three legal proceedings are underway that have implications for Houston. We take a closer look at the murder trial of Derek Chauvin, we learn more about a lawsuit filed against Center Point Energy over deaths during the February freeze, and we get the latest on more women filing lawsuits against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Also this hour: Houston City Councilman David Robinson answers your questions about issues facing the city. Submit... Read More

The Pros And Cons Of Working Remotely — Permanently (March 29, 2021) Mar 29, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: Starting today, Texans age 16 and up can sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine. We have the latest on vaccine distribution in Houston and across Texas. Also this hour: Some jobs have to be accomplished in person, but one lesson many have learned during the last year of the pandemic is that more jobs than maybe previously thought can be conducted from anywhere, thanks to technology. So, will some jobs become... Read More

Discrepancies In The Number Of Texas Voter Fraud Prosecutions (March 26, 2021) Mar 26, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: The ACLU of Texas has found discrepancies in the number of voter fraud prosecutions Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office is pursuing. We learn more. Also this hour: We dig into why Paxton's office, which is supposed to enforce the state’s open record laws, isn’t releasing to reporters his own correspondence about his attendance at the Washington D.C. pro-Trump rally before the Jan. 6 insurrection at the capitol. Then, we... Read More

The Ideal Qualities For HISD’s Next Superintendent (March 25, 2021) Mar 25, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: We discuss what qualities parents and teachers would like to see in HISD's permanent superintendent, now that longtime Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan announced her departure. Also this hour: Today is the final day of operations for the River Oaks Theatre after it was announced that the venue had not been able to negotiate a new lease. This is just one of many notable Houston landmarks that have come and gone in recent... Read More

Texas Opens Vaccines To All Adults Next Week (March 24, 2021) Mar 24, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: All adults in Texas will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination starting Monday. We learn how this changes things for those seeking a vaccine and what it means for the overall quest for herd immunity. Also this hour: We break down the latest news in our weekly political roundup. Then, we learn about efforts to bridge the digital divide and new research that shows how lacking computer skills affects earning... Read More

State Rep. Gene Wu Addresses Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans (March 23, 2021) Mar 23, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: We get an update on sexual assault allegations against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Also this hour: State Rep. Gene Wu addresses recent hate crimes against Asian Americans across the nation and answers your questions. You can submit yours now to talk@houstonmatters.org. Then, we reflect on the women of the Bush family, which is the subject of author J. Randy Taraborrelli's book Grace and Steel: Dorothy, Barbara, Laura, and the Women of... Read More

How The Biden Administration Is Handling Immigration And The Border (March 22, 2021) Mar 22, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: The recent influx of young migrants crossing the border has forced federal officials to establish additional intake sites and seek additional temporary shelters to relieve overcrowding. We learn what unaccompanied minors go through after they cross the border and how the Biden administration is handling immigration issues so far. Also this hour: Houston is the only American city with two major airports using facial recognition technology at international arrival checkpoints. That... Read More

Are Houston Sports Cursed? (March 18, 2021) Mar 18, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: The drama surrounding Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson took a startling turn late Tuesday. Houston area attorney Tony Buzbee announced on Instagram that his law firm has filed suit against Watson. Fox 26 reported Wednesday the plaintiff alleges sexual assault. Watson stated on Twitter Tuesday night that he has “never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect,” and that he looks forward to clearing his name. We discuss what... Read More

COVID-19 Hospitalization Rate Drops Under 4,000 In Texas (March 17, 2021) Mar 17, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: The state’s COVID-19 hospitalization rate has dropped under 4,000 — its lowest number since October. Has Houston’s hospitalization rate dropped too? We hear from local health officials. Also this hour: We discuss the latest news in our weekly political roundup. Then, Houston’s annual comic convention, Comicpalooza, will be returning in July this year after having to cancel in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s one of a small but growing... Read More

What Houston Expects From Its Next Police Chief (March 16, 2021) Mar 16, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: HPD Chief Art Acevedo’s impending departure has community groups wondering what the next chief of police may -- or may not -- do to further law enforcement reform efforts. What should Houstonians expect from their next chief? We talk it over. Also this hour: City Council Member Dr. Letitia Plummer answers your questions about issues affecting the city. Then, after last month's freeze, many Houstonians are wondering if their plants survived... Read More

I-45 Widening Project Stalled Amid Lawsuit (March 15, 2021) Mar 15, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: The I-45 widening project is on hold as TxDOT faces a lawsuit from Harris County and an investigation by the Federal Highway Administration. We learn the details. Also this hour: We hear an excerpt from Eddie Robinson's conversation with renowned historian Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. about his series The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song and his PBS series Finding Your Roots. Their full conversation can... Read More

When Will Houston Reach Herd Immunity? (March 12, 2021) Mar 12, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: When will we reach herd immunity in Greater Houston, across the country, and around the world? Dr. Paul Klotman, president and CEO of Baylor College of Medicine weighs in. Also this hour: We conclude our weeklong reflection on the 12 months since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Greater Houston by remembering some of those we've lost to the virus. And a Clear Lake couple talks about the website they created to... Read More

One Year Later: How The Pandemic Has Reshaped Society (March 11, 2021) Mar 11, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: We re-examine renters' rights in Texas after tenants were left without water for weeks following February’s hard freeze. Also this hour: As we continue to reflect on the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolding here in Greater Houston, we discuss the social impact of the past year -- from working from home, to virtual classrooms, to not seeing loved ones for extended periods, to wearing masks in public.... Read More

Will Restaurants And Other Businesses Fully Reopen? (March 10, 2021) Mar 10, 2021

On Wednesday's show: The state's mask mandate ends today, and businesses -- including restaurants -- are allowed to open at full capacity. But will they? Also this hour: We discuss the week in politics. Plus, this week as we mark the anniversary of the pandemic unfolding in Greater Houston, we reflect on the role politics played in the spread of -- and fight against -- COVID-19 and the impact the virus has had on the... Read More

What New CDC Guidelines Mean For Houston (March 9, 2021) Mar 09, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: The CDC made it official Monday. Fully vaccinated individuals can safely socialize privately in small groups without masks or social distancing provided they don’t have underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for COVID-19. It’s a long-awaited and huge step forward for Americans who, in some cases, have gone a year or more without spending time in close proximity with some family or friends. We discuss the implications of... Read More

Reflecting On The Anniversary Of The COVID-19 Pandemic (March 8, 2021) Mar 08, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: Should Texas expect another spike in COVID-19 numbers after Gov. Greg Abbott lifted the mask mandate last week? Houston public health authorities weigh in. Also this hour: We begin a week of marking the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic arriving in Houston by walking through a timeline of the events that led to the shutdown and our new mask-wearing, social-distancing reality. Then, how the pandemic has improved the fortunes of many... Read More

Teachers Move Up The Priority List For COVID-19 Vaccines (March 5, 2021) Mar 05, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: Teachers are now joining the priority list for vaccines. We learn more. Plus: the City of Houston takes a step toward equitable access to city contracts for LGBT-owned businesses. Also this hour: The U.S. declared segregation in schools unconstitutional in 1954, but students of color still faced those separations in HISD until 1984. We find out why and how it all affected local populations of color. Then, a Houston Chronicle investigation... Read More

How Do We Define When The Pandemic Is Over? (March 4, 2021) Mar 04, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to end the statewide mask mandate despite pleas from public health officials not to do so has once again brought into focus a key -- and, so far, unanswered -- question: when will the pandemic really be over? We seek some clarity on the eventual finish line. Also this hour: What should our public policy priorities be after the COVID-19 pandemic? A new survey from Rice University's... Read More

Local Reaction To Gov. Abbott Ending The Texas Mask Mandate (March 3, 2021) Mar 03, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: We get local reaction to Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement that he’s ending Texas’ statewide mask mandate next week and will allow all businesses to open at full capacity. The change, which comes as the seven-day average of new coronavirus deaths remains above 200, will go into effect March 10. And the CEO of Shell says oil production is on its final decline. Is Houston listening? Also this hour: We discuss the governor’s... Read More

With So Many Recent Disasters, Is Houston Still Worth It? (March 2, 2021) Mar 02, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: We get an update on COVID-19 in Greater Houston from Houston Health Authority Dr. David Persse. Also this hour: Houston City Councilmember Sallie Alcorn answers your questions about issues affecting the city. Plus: Floods, hurricanes, chemical fires, last month’s freeze and power failures – what will it take for you to exclaim, “enough already” to living in Houston? A campaign several years back declared Houston. It's Worth It. Is that... Read More

CERAWeek Conference Kicks Off Amid An Uncertain Energy Future (March 1, 2021) Mar 01, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: The annual energy conference CERAWeek kicks off today. And, for the second year in a row, it's virtual. Daniel Yergin, the event's chairman and an energy industry analyst, talks about the future of the energy industry and this year's conference. Also this hour: We offer you your monthly chance to complain -- err share -- your pet peeves about life in Greater Houston. And we get an update on the Rockets,... Read More

The Value Of Presidential Visits After A Disaster (Feb. 26, 2021) Feb 26, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: Pres. Joe Biden is visiting Houston today in the wake of last week’s massive power and water outages. It’s his first visit to the Bayou City since taking office. Are presidential visits like this useful? We discuss. Also this hour: A new pilot program called Girls Moving Forward looks to provide trauma counseling for young women in the juvenile justice system who are sex trafficking victims. Then, we break down The... Read More

Electric Customers Go To Court Over Last Week’s Power Outage (Feb. 25, 2021) Feb 25, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: Sky-high electrical bills are leading some Texans to court. We take a closer look at the expensive and litigious fallout from last week's freezing weather and statewide power outages. And we learn about the civil investigation Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee is launching into the circumstances leading up to the disaster. Also this hour: The history of Houston's Freedmen’s Town and new efforts to revitalize its legacy. Plus: How last week's... Read More

New Vaccine Mega Site Opens At NRG Stadium (Feb. 24, 2021) Feb 24, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: The new FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination center at NRG Stadium officially opened this morning. It’s one of the three vaccine mega-centers federally backed in Texas. The Houston mega-center is a drive-through facility and will start vaccinating people already on the Harris County and City of Houston vaccine wait lists. Also this hour: We discuss the response by state leaders to last week's massive power failure and the latest news in our weekly... Read More

Will Lawsuits Against ERCOT Succeed? (Feb. 23, 2021) Feb 23, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: As state lawmakers take up Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency item on ERCOT reform in hearings this week, lawyers across the state try to sue the nonprofit corporation that manages the state’s electric grid for deaths and damages caused by last week’s power outages. But can they? Also this hour: Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard, who represents District J, answers listener questions. Then, with the recent news that the historic Cohn House would... Read More

How The Power Outage Affected Hospitals Amid A Pandemic, And Grocery Stores Work To Meet Demand (Feb. 22, 2021) Feb 22, 2021

On Monday’s show: We learn how hospitals dealt with last week’s power and water outages amid a global pandemic. Also this hour: We discuss how grocery stores are dealing with the demand for food and water and learn what they’d like to see change to help them better meet customer needs in a future emergency. Then, as we review what went wrong during last week’s devastating power failures, we have to remember that this was,... Read More

Plumbers Answer Your Questions About Frozen, Broken Pipes (Feb. 19, 2021) Feb 19, 2021

On Friday’s Houston Matters: We get the latest on efforts to restore water service and to address water pressure issues around Greater Houston along with an update on electricity outages. And you might have power, but what about issues with your pipes — and possibly even damage from broken ones? A pair of plumbing experts answer your questions, which you can submit now to talk@houstonmatters.org. Also this hour: We check in next with News 88.7’s... Read More

Answers To Your Questions About The Freeze Emergency, And Fighting Price Gouging (Feb. 18, 2021) Feb 18, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: We're taking the hour to answer your questions about the freeze, the power outages, the water pressure problems, the price gouging concerns, you name it. We'll be joined throughout the hour by the chief executive of Fort Bend County, Judge K.P. George. He also leads the county's emergency management office. We'll hear from Eric Berger, meteorologist and editor of Space City Weather, on how much long this freeze will linger in... Read More

Emergency Response Updates, And The Politics Behind Our Energy Grid Issues (Feb. 17, 2021) Feb 17, 2021

On Wednesday’s Houston Matters: A TxDOT representative updates us on road conditions around the region. Also this hour: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Meghan Arthur from Montgomery County Homeland Security and Emergency Management update us on the situations in their respective jurisdictions. Then: Why has Texas largely gone it alone when it comes to electricity generation? Politics, of course. We talk it over in our weekly political roundup. Plus we hear what the president of... Read More

Could Texas Have Been Better Prepared For The Energy Demands Of Winter Weather? (Feb. 16, 2021) Feb 16, 2021

Houston is certainly being tested by some of the coldest weather in decades. But how much longer can we expect it to go on? We get a hype-free forecast, and Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger lets us know what we can expect for the rest of the week. Also this hour: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo answers your questions about the county's response to the icy weather, COVID-19, and other issues. You can send... Read More

Frigid Weather And Its Impact On Greater Houston (Feb. 15, 2021) Feb 15, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: We get the latest on the frigid weather and its impact on the region from Eric Berger of Space City Weather. Also this hour: Former Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson joins us. Her nonprofit Justice Forward is launching a new program called Girls Moving Forward to provide trauma counseling for victims of sex trafficking. Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers your pet care questions. And we learn more about JJ... Read More

Bracing For Frigid Weather (Feb. 12, 2021) Feb 12, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: The latest on frigid weather rolling into the area. Also this hour: What some COVID testing sites are charging your health insurance -- and why you should care. Then, we get advice on protecting your plants from frigid weather along with answers to your gardening questions. And, from possible snow in Greater Houston to the omission of the national anthem at a recent Dallas Mavericks game, we discuss The Good, The... Read More

Mass Vaccination Site Coming To Houston’s NRG Stadium (Feb. 11, 2021) Feb 11, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott plans to open three mass vaccination sites by the end of this month, including one at Houston’s NRG Stadium. It’s part of a federal pilot program aimed at vaccinating some 10,000 people in eight weeks. And it's led mostly by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Also this hour: How do you separate a beloved character from the actor who played him – especially after that actor... Read More

How Long Have COVID-19 Variants Been In Houston? (Feb. 10, 2021) Feb 10, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: Houston Methodist Hospital in Fort Bend County has confirmed not only another case of the U.K COVID variant, but also a new one that seems to have originated in South Africa. Officials say early evidence shows both strains spread faster than the current dominant strain in Greater Houston. News 88.7’s Matt Harab explains what officials have to say about how long these virus variants have been circulating locally. Also this hour:... Read More

What’s Behind Potential Deep Budget Cuts For The State AG’s Office (Feb. 9, 2021) Feb 09, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: Texas Republican Ron Wright has died, making him the first sitting member of Congress to lose his life after testing positive for the coronavirus. And why is Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office facing deeper cuts than most state agencies in lawmakers’ proposed budget for the next two years? Also this hour: City Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, who represents District F, answers listener questions. Then we learn how local nonprofits assist law enforcement... Read More

Renaming A Controversial Lake In Baytown (Feb. 8, 2021) Feb 08, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: The NAACP is pushing for the renaming of Negrohead Lake in Baytown. We learn more about those efforts. Also this hour: What a recent road rage incident says about the psychology of some Houston drivers, and what to do about it. Then, a new study examines the environmental, physical, and personal stressors of the pandemic that are particularly hard on low-income families with children. And we get an update on the... Read More

The Role Of The Black Church And Black Gospel Music In Houston (Feb. 5, 2021) Feb 05, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: A new Black Lives Matter mural honoring George Floyd will be painted today on Alabama Street in front of Yates High School. We learn more about the project. Also this hour: We learn about the new two-part PBS series The Black Church, which reflects on the broad history and culture of the Black church and explores African American faith communities on the frontlines of hope and change. The series airs Feb.... Read More

How The New Year Might Play Out For Oil And Gas (Feb. 4, 2021) Feb 04, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: Oil giants were expected to make up some of their financial losses in the last quarter of 2020, but reports show that wasn’t the case. So, how might 2021 play out for the oil and gas industry – and therefore the Houston economy? Also this hour: State lawmakers have submitted their first proposed budgets. How much will they have to spend and will Texas dip into its “rainy day” fund to... Read More

Vaccine Distribution In Fort Bend Co., And The Best Black-Owned Restaurants (Feb. 3, 2021) Feb 03, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: Fort Bend County Judge KP George updates us on COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Also this hour: We discuss the latest news in our weekly political roundup. Then, local food writers talk about their favorite Black-owned restaurants in the latest installment of The Full Menu. And we learn about a new exhibit called Slowed and Throwed, which focuses on the legacy of the late Houston rapper DJ Screw.

Gov. Abbott’s Emergency Priorities For The Texas Legislature (Feb. 2, 2021) Feb 02, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: Gov. Greg Abbott revealed his “emergency” priorities for the Texas legislative session in his State of the State address Monday night. We walk through them. Also this hour: Houston City Councilman Dave Martin answers your questions about issues affecting the city. Send yours now to talk@houstonmatters.org. Then, we learn how fighting COVID-19 has changed medical care for the better. That conversation is in conjunction with Houston Public Media's series Tested, which... Read More

New Art Venue In Galveston Will Commemorate Juneteenth (Feb. 1, 2021) Feb 01, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: We get the latest on the COVID-19 response from Dr. David Callender of Memorial Hermann Health System. Also this hour: We learn about a new 5,000 square foot art installation and storytelling space called Absolute Equality, which is coming to Galveston this summer commemorating Juneteenth. Then it's your monthly chance to vent about your Houston pet peeves. Send yours now to talk@houstonmatters.org. And Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has reportedly asked to... Read More

Preparing For The New Realities Of Climate Change (Jan. 29, 2021) Jan 29, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: We learn about Harris County's new air quality monitoring system. Also this hour: CBS Sunday Morning's David Pogue discusses his new book How to Prepare for Climate Change, which is billed as "a handbook on enduring Earth's new realities." Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week's news. And we go inside Seismique, an experimental, immersive art installation.

Why Chemical Disasters Keep Happening In Texas (Jan. 28, 2021) Jan 28, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: Why Pres. Joe Biden is pausing oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters. Also this hour: In the past two years, half a dozen chemical disasters have ripped apart Texas neighborhoods, sent dozens of people to the hospital and killed unsuspecting bystanders as well as workers. Texas Public Radio and Houston Public Media spent the better part of 2020 investigating these events to answer the question: why do so many... Read More

Six More Officers Indicted For Roles In Botched Harding Street Raid (Jan. 27, 2021) Jan 27, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: Six more officers have been indicted -- including one for murder -- in connection with the botched Harding Street raid in 2019 that led to the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. We learn more. And today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We discuss the lessons learned from the Holocaust and potential parallels to modern day events. Also this hour: We discuss the first week of the Biden administration, developments... Read More

Making COVID-19 Vaccination Less ‘Like The Hunger Games’ (Jan. 26, 2021) Jan 26, 2021

On Tuesday's Houston Matters: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says a new online system should make getting a COVID-19 vaccine less “like The Hunger Games.” We learn how it’ll work. Harris County Vaccine Portal Also this hour: Houston City Controller Chris Brown takes your questions about the city's finances. Then Jenn White talks about her work hosting the public radio show 1A (which can be heard weekdays at 11 a.m. on News 88.7). And we... Read More

How The Biden Administration Might Affect COVID Numbers In Houston (Jan. 25, 2021) Jan 25, 2021

On Monday's Houston Matters: We get an update on COVID-19 numbers in Greater Houston and discuss how the new Biden administration is affecting response to the virus and rollout of vaccines. Also this hour: Veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers your questions. Then, we learn about police reform measures in the Texas Legislature. And George Springer finds a new home and Deshaun Watson wants to. We get an update on those and other developments in Houston... Read More

How Halting The Keystone XL Pipeline Could Affect Houston (Jan. 22, 2021) Jan 22, 2021

On Friday's Houston Matters: In his first hours in office, Pres. Joe Biden revoked the construction permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline, which would have carried oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Several Houston-area Republicans are already criticizing the move. We examine how the decision might affect the energy industry. Also this hour: How 2020 stacked up in terms of global temperatures and climate changed-fueled natural disasters. Then, what would you add to... Read More

A Progress Report On Police Reform Measures (Jan. 21, 2021) Jan 21, 2021

On Thursday's Houston Matters: Last fall, Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Task Force on Police Reform issued 104 police reform recommendations with a deadline of Jan. 5 for some of those measures to be implemented. So, how many have been so far? Also this hour: You probably spent more money making your home office look nice than you did on apparel and footwear in 2020. We discuss changes like that to people's spending habits during the pandemic.... Read More

Previewing The Inaugural Address And What’s Ahead For The Biden Administration (Jan. 20, 2021) Jan 20, 2021

On Wednesday's Houston Matters: We preview President-elect Joe Biden's inaugural address, discuss the historical significance of the new officeholders (Biden will be the oldest President ever inaugurated and Kamala Harris becomes the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to become Vice President), and talk about what comes next with our political analysts Brandon Rottinghaus and Nancy Sims. Our live coverage of the inauguration from NPR News begins at 10... Read More

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected