Houston Matters

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Writer Anne Lamott, who recently turned 70, shares the revelations she's had over the years about love and how her idea of love and the forms it takes has changed since she was younger. She'll discuss her latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, at a sold out Brazos Bookstore event tonight at Christ Church Cathedral.And acclaimed fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie talks with Houston Public Media's Ernie Manouse about his career. Mackie designed attire for many celebrities, including Cher. The musical based on her career is on stage at The Hobby Center through April 28.

On Tuesday's show: A new poll from the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation examines the presidential horse race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in Texas and considers how those numbers might look whether independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on the ballot or not.Also this hour: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston continues its series Movies Houstonians Love with a screening of the 1986 film Caravaggio. Artist David McGee, who's presenting the film, talks about what it means to him.And we hear a Skyline Sessions performance and interview from musician Mackenzie Ruth Scott, who performs as Torres.

On Monday's show: We reflect on the last 18 months at HISD and preview a new Houston Public Media podcast called The Takeover, which examines power and public education with a focus on the largest school district in Texas as it grapples with sweeping reforms from state-installed leaders.Also this hour: Texas Southern University professor Thomas Meloncon talks about his new play, Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word, which is on stage now through April 21 at Main Street Theater, making its world premiere. The story takes place in an office in a small town in East Texas where the local NAACP chapter is planning a funeral for the “N word.”And we discuss what's behind the rough start to the Astros season with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Fort Bend ISD trustees have responded to a complaint filed with the Texas Education Agency over the early retirement of then-superintendent Christie Whitbeck. News 88.7 reporter Natalie Weber explains what the complaint alleges and what the trustees have to say about it. And she discusses other developments in Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land banning new smoke shops, vape stores, and hookah bars.Also this hour: Our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week, including plans to demolish a house featured in the movie Reality Bites.And we learn about the Houston Symphony's performances of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. While many people will recognize its opening and closing numbers, the entire piece has influenced composers for TV, film, and video games.

On Thursday's show: Memorial Hermann Health Systems has halted a kidney transplant program days after abruptly announcing they also stopped liver transplants. A public health expert helps us understand why and considers the impact the news might have on patients.Also this hour: A new book called Space Shuttle Stories from veteran astronaut Tom Jones chronicles the history of the space shuttle program -- its successes and failures -- along with details, oral histories, and photographs from all 135 missions.And Eddie Robinson talks with musician, composer, and filmmaker Samora Pinderhughes, who brought his work, The Healing Project, to Houston last month. The multi-media project uses a variety of creative works to examine policing, violence, and the U.S. prison system. We hear an excerpt of their hourlong conversation from this week's edition of I See U.

On Wednesday's show: The Biden administration is trying again to provide student debt relief. We discuss how that proposal is being received and other developments in Washington and back here in Texas in our weekly political roundup.Also this hour: We preview a discussion tonight at the University of Houston examining the threats rising sea levels pose to coastal communities.And we listen to an expanded conversation News 88.7's Andrew Schneider had with Texas Republican Congressman Randy Weber on topics including the future of liquefied natural gas.

 On Tuesday's show: A Harris County inmate has died after being transferred to a private prison in Louisiana. News 88.7 reporter Lucio Vasquez brings us the latest on the second reported in-custody death this year.Also this hour: Highway expansion was once deemed essential to Houston’s future. Today, it’s criticized for displacing homes and businesses and dividing cities. Texas-based journalist Megan Kimble discusses how highways affect Texans in her book, City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America's Highways.Then: Ahead of his appearance tomorrow at Blue Willow Bookshop, we talk with Keith O’Brien, author of the new book Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball. We discuss Rose, the re-emergence of gambling in professional sports, and the recent scandal involving the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani.And we visit the cat circus. Yes, the cat circus. The Amazing Acro-Cats are in Houston for shows this week at The MATCH.

On Monday's show: As much of Texas watches today's eclipse, we learn about some experiments some University of Houston researchers will be doing with a balloon  during it.Also this hour: We discuss the tradeoffs we as citizens often make, exchanging freedoms for convenience or safety.Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers questions about gardening.And we get an update on Houston sports from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Dominic Anthony Walsh joins us to discuss Thursday’s sick out by some HISD teachers protesting reforms put in place by the state-appointed superintendent and board. Also this hour: Deryl Tumlinson of CenterPoint Energy explains how electric poles, power lines, and other elements of Houston’s electric delivery system are maintained. Then, our panel of non-experts breaks down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And, with the annual Mecum Auction taking place this weekend at NRG Center, we revisit a conversation with the company's CEO, who says most people bidding to buy a classic car at the event are doing so for reasons far deeper than just collecting.

On Thursday's show: We examine ITC's recent settlement deal stemming from the 2019 Deer Park fire and discuss the larger ramifications it could have on environmental regulation. Also this hour: We learn why some universities are reinstating policies requiring standardized test scores for admission. Then, we find out why it takes so long to remove harmful -- even toxic -- materials like asbestos from public exposure. And we preview this year’s Art Car Parade with the executive director of The Orange Show and this year’s Grand Marshal, Brock Wagner of Saint Arnold Brewing Company.