Houston Matters

On Friday's show: ERCOT has announced when its audit of data centers mandated by Gov. Greg Abbott will be complete. And a new report expresses concern over certain pathogens found in Texas waterways.
Also this hour: Houston Chronicle columnist Regina Lankenau explains how a relatively unique court in Harris County is helping renters avoid eviction.
Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.
And the 1877 tall ship Elissa recently returned to Galveston after visiting New York for America’s 250th birthday. We talk with a volunteer crew member and the director of the Galveston Historic Seaport about the voyage and the historic ship -- one of only three of its kind still actively sailing.
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On Thursday's show: We look at the forecast for hot weather as a heat advisory begins today with Justin Ballard, meteorologist with the Houston Chronicle. And, amid the Houston heat, Houston City Council has approved an ordinance requiring landlords to provide air conditioning for residents in rental units within the next 120 days.
Also this hour: Back in the 1880s, Mexican Americans in the southwest established escuelitas (Spanish for "little schools"). These are small, grass-roots educational spaces to teach community children about their history and culture. This summer, Magnolia Park Arts and Community launched its own pilot escuelita program. We learn more about it.
Then, we examine the role chaplains play at the Texas Medical Center and in other health care settings across Greater Houston.
And we preview Saturday night's performance of The Call of the Flute by the Indian performing arts group Samskriti at Miller outdoor Theatre.
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On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.
Also this hour: When Texas became a state in 1845, it might have been given Congressional permission to divide itself into five states. We contemplate what such a move might have meant and would mean today for a metro area like Houston, which might've become a state unto itself.
And we visit a first-of-its-kind monument to Black pioneers in space called EarthRise.
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On Tuesday's show: We take a closer look at the redistricting saga in Galveston County.
Also this hour: We get a primer on MUDs, municipal utility districts, which handle water services and other utilities for unincorporated areas of Texas.
Then, we discuss how to deal with burnout in your job or career.
And people in Texas love their barbecue, but how did a lower-quality cut of meat like brisket become the main event? Houston Chronicle barbecue columnist J.C. Reid explains.
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On Monday's show: We discuss state school ratings, and questions about reading proficiency at some HISD schools with Houston Public Media’s education reporter Bianca Seward.
Also this hour: It’s hardly a new phenomenon, but it just keeps increasing -- people, industry, and venues moving from the core of the city outward into the suburbs, exurbs, and beyond. From housing developments, to company headquarters, to new arenas, we explore what this continuing shift means as Greater Houston continues to transform.
Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about pet care. You can submit yours now to talk@houstonmatters.org.
And, as the WNBA was suddenly thrust into a challenging spotlight last week over whether transgender women should be allowed to play in the league, we consider how professional sports leagues can navigate divisive issues in the culture that rile up fans and players alike.
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