Health & Science
New study offers clues as to how long COVID affects the heart
Posted on · Researchers at Houston Methodist looked into why some long COVID patients are still suffering from chest pain and shortness of breath.
Health & Science
As Texas monkeypox cases climb, CDC to make 1.8 million doses of vaccines available
Posted on · The number of monkeypox cases in Texas has surpassed 1,000 — an increase of more than 50% since last week. The state’s count also includes Texas’ first presumptive pediatric case in Harris County.
Food
Federal conspiracy, fraud case against former Blue Bell executive ends in mistrial
Posted on · Jurors earlier this week could not come to a consensus regarding the former CEO's role in the deadly outbreak. The Brenham-based creamery previously pleaded guilty to distributing adulterated products and agreed to pay millions in fines, forfeitures and civil settlement payments.
Local
Missouri City City Council passes massage parlor ordinance
Posted on · In an ordinance, the city would require massage parlors to have certain application requirements that would have to be updated, outside windows that are transparent, licensed therapists with their licenses visibly displayed, and no ATMS would be allowed on site.
Houston Matters
Banning books to start the school year: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of the week
Posted on · The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.
Sports
Ex-Texans QB Deshaun Watson settles for 11-game suspension
Posted on · As part of the settlement, Watson may return for the Browns’ game on Dec. 4 in Houston.
City of Houston
Houston City Council will add a $478M bond to the November ballot
Posted on · This is the first time since 2017 that Houston had a bond referendum on the ballot.
Criminal Justice
Harris County leaders unveil $150 million public safety initiative to reduce violent crime across region
Posted on · According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the county saw a 7% decrease in violent crime since June 2021, with a 4% decrease in homicides.
Town Square
Health and safety tips for students returning to school
Posted on · Medical experts break down the latest on the new guidelines for COVID-19, what we need to know about monkeypox, and the important health checkups and vaccinations every child needs.
Sports
Pearland wins Little League World Series opener 8-3 over Pennsylvania
Posted on · Pearland advances in the LLWS and plays its next game Monday.
Houston Matters
Bringing Black stories to the forefront of American history (Aug. 19, 2022)
Posted on · On Friday's show: Storms are bringing some much-needed rain to the region. We get the latest from Space City Weather. And we talk with journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of The 1619 Project, which aims to bring the stories and contributions of enslaved Africans to the forefront of American history.
Town Square
Hurricane Harvey 5 years later: Reflections on the storm and lessons learned
Posted on · Hurricane Harvey was the most costly and dangerous storm to ever hit the Houston area. Today, we talk with Former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Former PIO for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Francisco Sanchez, about their memories of those hours and days. Plus, are we better prepared for the next storm?
Criminal Justice
Trial for former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean scheduled for December after multiple delays
Posted on · This comes more than three years after the on-duty killing of Atatiana Jefferson in October 2019.
Houston
Houston City Council delays action on affordable housing complex in Midtown
Posted on · "I understand that people that are homeless need housing. But if you see how these people are living, honestly they're safer living on the street."
Sports
Pearland team’s first 2022 Little League World Series game is Thursday evening on ESPN2
Posted on · Pearland will represent the Southwest during the Little League World Series.
Weather
Houston weather: Thunderstorms expected to move through area Thursday afternoon; flooding possible
Posted on · Some areas will get between 1-2 inches of rain, which could cause flooding.
Health & Science
States with the toughest abortion laws have the weakest maternal supports, data shows
Posted on · Many of the states that are moving to ban abortion tend to have less access to health care, worse maternal and infant health care outcomes and weaker social supports for children and families.
Houston Matters
Effectiveness of recent public safety efforts, and the state of Houston airports (Aug. 18, 2022)
Posted on · On Thursday's show: Examining the effectiveness of some recent efforts to improve public safety in Harris County, the cancellation of debt for former students at ITT Tech, previewing Houston Theater Week, and the head of the Houston Airport System answers your questions.
Town Square
Health and safety tips for students returning to school
Posted on · Medical experts break down the latest on the new guidelines for COVID-19, what we need to know about monkeypox, and the important health checkups and vaccinations every child needs.
National
Austin man who rioted at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 pleads guilty to a felony
Posted on · Federal authorities said Geoffrey Shough brandished a Texas flag outside the building before breaking through a line of police and entering the Capitol for roughly 15 minutes.
News
Pence says he’d consider testifying to House January 6 committee
Posted on · During an event in New Hampshire Wednesday morning, former Vice President Pence said he'd consider an invitation from the House January 6 committee to testify.
International
Syria denies it is holding American journalist Austin Tice
Posted on · Tice went missing shortly after his 31st birthday on Aug. 14, 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of the capital of Damascus.
Arts & Culture
Unauthorized “Banksyland” exhibit returns this weekend in Houston’s EaDo neighborhood
Posted on · The touring exhibition features authenticated works as well as recreations inspired by the artwork of Banksy, the pseudonymous British street artist and political activist.
Houston
Temp workers call on Houston, Harris County to crack down on staffing agencies’ practices
Posted on · The group said they want the local government, who often contracts with staffing agencies, to regulate workforce treatment in its staff.
Houston
One year after U.S. evacuation, Afghan interpreter still feels ‘heartbroken’
Posted on · One year after the U.S. military's evacuation from Afghanistan, an Afghan interpreter reflects on his and his family's traumatic experience.
Politics
Advocates urge Houston PD to use enhanced county library cards as an alternative form of ID
Posted on · The organizers say the library card would help those who are experiencing homelessness, the formerly incarcerated, and undocumented individuals who are unable to obtain a traditional ID.
Education
Former ITT Tech students get $3.9B in debt cancellation
Posted on · The Biden administration says the action will cancel $3.9 billion in federal student debt for 208,000 borrowers.
Houston Matters
ERCOT names a new CEO, the week in politics, and the state’s oldest library (Aug. 17, 2022)
Posted on · On Wednesday's show: The agency in charge of regulating the Texas energy grid hires a new CEO, we discuss the week in politics, we get answers to your questions about bugs, and we visit the state's oldest library.
Town Square
‘Mean Girls’: Lessons from the show and how to stop bullying in school
Posted on · Bullying and cyberbullying are very prominent in our culture. Today, we talk to a cast member of 'Mean Girls' the musical about the show, and how she is helping provide a safe space for youth to open up and share. Plus, a school psychologist shares lessons can we learn from musical, and how students can combat bullying in school.
Education
Fort Bend ISD considers tax increase election to address financial crunch
Posted on · If approved by voters, the funds would go toward increased pay for district police, teachers and staff.
Health & Science
Over-the-counter hearing aids expected this fall in U.S.
Posted on · The devices will be sold online or over-the-counter at pharmacies and other retail stores.
Education
Houston ISD enrollment down 15,000 compared to pre-pandemic level
Posted on · School officials said the pandemic caused chaos in public education, leading to ongoing declines in enrollment.