Houston
Houston Astros to sell gold-trimmed gear to commemorate 2022 World Series title
Posted on · A 24-hour "Astros Gold Rush" sale begins at midnight Wednesday at the Union Station Team Store inside Minute Maid Park.
Politics
GOP-authored bills would increase penalties for illegal voting and limit Harris County’s control over elections
Posted on · Senate Bill 2 would make illegal voting a felony again. Other Republican-authored bills, filed in response to the 2022 Harris County general election, could cost Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum his job.
Texas
Texas ‘washing hands’ of runaway and missing foster kids
Posted on · Texas’ foster system has dropped hundreds of runaway kids from its care over the past five years. 170 of those kids were minors when the state stopped its relationship. One legislator says the state is 'washing its hands' of the most vulnerable youth — youth who often end up being sexually abused or trafficked while missing.
Sports
Houston Cougars advance to Sweet 16 in March Madness, beating Auburn
Posted on · Houston played with the desperation of a national championship contender that wasn't ready to suffer the same fate as Purdue and Kansas — No. 1s that already were sent home.
Sports
Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve has broken right thumb, needs surgery
Posted on · The Astros said Sunday they will announce a prognosis for the second baseman after the operation.
School shooting
“He has a battle rifle”: Police feared Uvalde gunman’s AR-15
Posted on · In previously unreleased interviews, police who responded to the Robb Elementary shooting told investigators they were cowed by the shooter’s military-style rifle. This drove their decision to wait for a Border Patrol SWAT team to engage him, which took more than an hour.
Houston Matters
A refesher on what the FDIC is and does
Posted on · We ask a certified financial planner what you should know about the FDIC and the bank where you deposit your money.
News
With funding ending, 44% of child care programs likely to close within the next year, survey says
Posted on · Texas Workforce Commission provided over $34.6 billion using the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and 2022. Many programs are receiving their final payments in the coming months.
Houston Matters
Is March the best month of the year for sports?
Posted on · Houston Press writer and Bleav in Astros podcast host Jeff Balke says March may be the best month for sports, but it’s not his favorite.
Houston Matters
Ask the veterinarian: Bored dogs, peeing cats, and leptospirosis
Posted on · Area veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller fields questions about the care and feeding of our canine and feline friends.
Houston Matters
Bank failures and the FDIC (March 20, 2023)
Posted on · On Monday's show: With recent news of regional bank failures, we get a refresher on what the FDIC is and does. And the UH Cougars move on to the Sweet 16.
Town Square
LIVE at Miller Outdoor Theatre to Celebrate its 100th Year Anniversary and St. Patrick’s Day
Posted on · Exploring the history of this Houston gem and how it plans to celebrate its centennial.
Houston Matters
Accessible parks comprise just one aspect of revitalization in Harris County
Posted on · We learn about a local effort to improve neighborhoods in the region.
Houston Matters
Houston’s local bookstores thrive by being more collaborative than competitive
Posted on · The owners of Blue Willow Bookshop and Kindred Stories discuss how indie bookstores are succeeding in ways others are starting to emulate.
Houston Matters
What some parents think about the HISD takeover
Posted on · Some district parents want to fight the takeover. Others hope it will succeed.
I SEE U
I SEE U, Episode 44: We Shall Not Be Moved [Encore]
Posted on · One of the last descendants of enslaved Africans who live along the coastal regions of Georgia says they have been fighting for years to preserve their unique culture, retain their indigenous traditions and prevent their precious land from being taken away from them. This episode is an encore of the April 16th, 2022 broadcast.
Houston Matters
Parents weigh in on HISD takeover (March 17, 2023)
Posted on · On Friday's show: We seek insight from parents on the state takeover of HISD.
Houston Matters
An alcohol-free St. Patrick’s Day: 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.
Town Square
Resuming the Discussion on the Texas Education Agency’s Takeover of Houston ISD
Posted on · We continue the conversation on this important issue affecting the Houston community.
Criminal Justice
County officials approve new positions, longevity pay at Harris County Jail to increase staff retention
Posted on · Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said about one-third of detention officers at the Harris County Jail leave the job every year due to low hourly pay and burnout.
Arts & Culture
Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre raising money for upgrades as it starts 100th anniversary season
Posted on · The free entertainment venue in Hermann Park, which starts its 2023 season this Friday, has launched a $12.5 million capital campaign for renovations and improvements.
Education
The TEA takes over Houston schools this summer. What happens in the meantime?
Posted on · The Texas Education Agency plans to seize control of Houston public schools this summer. The move is drawing mixed reactions from community members, many of whom say the district is doing well and doesn’t need state intervention.
Sports
Houston’s Final Four organizing committee working on finishing touches
Posted on · With March Madness now underway, many areas in Downtown Houston already have signage of Final Four activities.
Houston Matters
Houston ISD board president plans run for re-election despite lack of power post-takeover
Posted on · The TEA will appoint a board of managers who will assume control in June, replacing the elected board of trustees. The elected board will maintain their seats, but they will not have any authority.
Harris County
More federal funding headed to Harris County for aiding vulnerable communities
Posted on · A total of 700 residents are projected to participate in ACCESS Harris County this year.
Weather
Houston weather: Rain, wind gusts expected Thursday afternoon until Friday
Posted on · The greatest threat for storms will be north of the city, according to the local National Weather Service office, which says an approaching front will bring cooler temperatures this weekend.
Transportation
TxDOT inching forward on new Spur 5/SH 35 highway project in South Houston
Posted on · Construction bids have been submitted for the first phase of a project that will extend and expand Texas Spur 5/State Highway 35 from I-45 to Loop 610 South. TxDOT says the work is needed to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility and access for hurricane evacuation routes.
Party Politics
The Crazy 88th
Posted on · Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina delve into the latest news in national and local politics.
Houston Matters
Rick Springfield reflects on his music and some wild times in Houston
Posted on · The artist behind '80’s hits like Jessie’s Girl and Human Touch is in town Saturday for the Moon 2 Mars Festival at Space Center Houston.
Housing
Texas Rent Relief stops taking new applications after 70,000 people sign up on Day One
Posted on · The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs took applications for rental assistance until noon on March 16. It closed the process almost two weeks earlier than planned.
Harris County
Harris County Commissioners approve “holistic” public safety package
Posted on · The package will focus on improving public safety and justice by identifying elements of the court system that need additional resources.
Houston Matters
Rice president: His school’s research finds state takeovers of school districts don’t necessarily work
Posted on · Reginald DesRoches, the university's 8th president, discusses the state takeover of HISD and general developments in higher education and at Rice.