Houston Matters

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.
Also this hour: We preview a special screening on Aug. 27 at the River Oaks Theatre of the classic film Casablanca, with the man presenting it, longtime Houston-area film critic Joe Leydon.
And we learn about the world premiere of a blend of original music, dance, and electronics from NobleMotion Dance called CHANT.
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On Tuesday's show: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling on federal health officials to scale back vaccine recommendations and to split the MMR vaccine into individual shots for measles, mumps, and rubella. We get reaction from a local epidemiologist. And jalapeños are being recalled in 27 states, including Texas, after they were linked to a nationwide outbreak of salmonella. This comes after recalls of lettuce tied to outbreaks of Cyclospora. We get the latest on both outbreaks and learn more about the illnesses caused by them.
Also this hour: We keep hearing what the latest polling has to tell us about the possible outcome of the Texas race for U.S. Senate. But how much can you take from polls? We revisit a conversation with Anthony Salvanto, the executive director of elections and surveys for CBS News, about how much to trust them and how to separate the useful ones from the less serious. He's the author of a book on that subject called Where Did You Get This Number?
Then, we learn how extreme heat affects our electronic devices and how that might be a growing problem as the climate warms.
And we talk over some of interesting places to explore in Greater Houston off the beaten path.
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On Monday's show: Students at HISD go back to class today, with many students at other districts around Greater Houston beginning a new school year this week as well. We discuss the first day of school and other education developments with Houston Public Media’s Bianca Seward.
Also this hour: HISD made significant changes to how it will handle special education in the new school year. And they weren’t exactly popular moves. We take a closer look at how the changes might affect parents and students.
Then, we visit local gardener Erandi Treviño of Verandi Secret Garden to learn how to transition your yard to native plants to save water, reduce upkeep, and help local wildlife.
And Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle talks about the Texans’ offseason, personnel changes, training camp, and preparation for preseason play, which begins Aug. 13 against the Chargers.
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On Friday's show: We get updates from Houston Public Media reporters on several stories from Fort Bend County, Galveston County, and Harris County.
Also this hour: Classes begin for HISD students on Monday. Kids returning to class means another year of close contact, germs getting passed around, and a variety of other health-related questions and considerations. We talk through them with pediatrician Dr. Desiree Evans from Texas Children’s.
Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.
And we meet the director and one of the actors from the regional premiere of the newly revised West End production of Mean Girls: The Musical, on stage at Queensberry Theatre through Aug. 16.
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On Thursday's show: We learn why Moody's has upgraded the City of Houston's credit rating and what it means for the city and the rest of us.
Also this hour: AI is finding its way into the classroom more and more. We discuss what that looks like and how educators from grade school to college hope to handle it responsibly.
Then, we hear from Joseph Williams, lead singer of the rock band Toto, ahead of the band’s concert in The Woodlands on Friday. We discuss the group's enduring hits, like Africa, Hold the Line, and Rosanna, along with Williams’ solo efforts, which include the singing voice of Simba in the original The Lion King and working with his dad, John Williams, on three Star Wars films.
And we visit The Chess Refinery, a gathering space for chess players in Katy.
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