Weather
First Houston cold front of the year just days away, experts say
Posted on · August this year was the driest one on record in the past 129 years, according to drought data.
Hot Stops
“The data was staggering:” Public officials react to Hot Stops investigation
Posted on · An investigation by Houston Public Media found that bus shelters inconsistently provided protection against the heat during some of the hottest months of the summer.
Energy & Environment
Texas “Ike Dike” coastal barrier project could cost $57 billion with inflation, Army Corps says
Posted on · The latest figure is 68% higher than an earlier estimate of $34 billion, and it’s unclear when — or whether — Congress will appropriate the money to build the massive system of gates intended to protect the Houston region from storm surge.
Transportation
Houston METRO approves $10 million for its own bike share program
Posted on · The 5-year contract will allow METRO to create its own bike share system, as the city’s current vendor, BCycle, struggles with financial difficulties.
City of Houston
Houston officials put responsibility of ditch maintenance back in hands of city, not residents
Posted on · “Previously the onus was on the property owner and now the city is taking back that responsibility,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.
LGBTQ+
Rice University’s pride organization splits from Jewish ministry, citing discriminatory behaviors
Posted on · Houston Hillel said the decision alienates queer Jewish students.
Criminal Justice
Alan Dershowitz, Jewish groups lead last ditch clemency appeal for death row prisoner Jedidiah Murphy
Posted on · Murphy, who was convicted of the 2000 carjacking and murder of an elderly woman, is one of at least two Jewish individuals on Texas’ death row.
Houston
Houston amends residential development requirements to promote walkability, affordable housing expansion
Posted on · After a compromise was reached among city planners, residents and developers, Houston's elected officials approved a series of building code changes that will reduce frontloading driveways and promote more affordable housing options.
Houston Matters
Borrowing money for college (Sept. 29, 2023)
Posted on · On Friday's show: With federal student loans coming due again, we discuss a new initiative seeking to increase transparency in borrowing money for college.
Houston Matters
Falling for a fake restaurant: 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
Frontline’s Houston Astros’ film not about exonerating or condemning, producer says
Posted on · "The Astros Edge: Triumph and Scandal in Major League Baseball," which will premiere Oct. 3 on PBS, chronicles the team's rise to prominence as well as its sign-stealing scheme.
News
Rice, UH, Texas A&M pledge more transparency in financial aid
Posted on · Students applying to partnered universities will see the same language in each financial aid package to more easily compare the out-of-pocket cost of college.
National
Gun violence doesn’t discriminate: Quavo and others share their stories
Posted on · Almost a year after rapper, Takeoff, of the music trio Migos, was shot and killed, Quavo, his band mate and uncle, travels to Washington, D.C. to discuss gun violence prevention.
Houston Matters
A new master-planned concept in Montgomery County will attempt to fuse small town life – and music
Posted on · The developer behind Two Step Farm shares his vision - and who he thinks might want to live there.
Sports
Without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami loses 2-1 to Houston in US Open Cup final
Posted on · Messi was not on Inter Miami's active roster for the match because of a leg issue, marking his fourth absence in a span of his last five games combined for club and country.
News
Texas will investigate whether foster care officials reap travel rewards from vulnerable youth
Posted on · At least 800 youth this year have spent at least one night in a hotel room, classified as a child without placement. The state now says it will investigate allegations that staff were reaping rewards from the hotels those youth were staying in.
Houston Matters
Anita Hill (Sept. 28, 2023)
Posted on · On Thursday's show: Lawyer, educator, and author Anita Hill talks about her life's work of fighting against sexual harassment and violence ahead of a visit to the University of Houston next week.
Criminal Justice
Houston pharmacists, doctor indicted for $170 million healthcare fraud scheme
Posted on · If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in jail for their involvement.
City of Houston
In final State of the City address, Mayor Turner recalls ‘accomplishments’ in past 8 years
Posted on · This year’s theme was “A Lasting Legacy” where Turner highlighted his accomplishments and what his legacy will be once he leaves office.
HISD
Parents fear school mergers, closures in Houston ISD. The district says the rumors are unfounded.
Posted on · Rumors emerged Tuesday that HISD has plans to merge Project Chrysalis with Navarro Middle School and move De Zavala Elementary School students into Cage Elementary next week, which the district denies.
Transportation
Houston grants $500,000 lifeline to BCycle to keep bike share service available
Posted on · The decision to help the sputtering BCycle program comes as METRO, the Houston region's transit provider, considers creating its own bike-sharing operation.
City of Houston
BARC extending shelter hours starting in October
Posted on · The extended hours are one of many ways the shelter is facing overcrowding issues.
Houston Matters
Think keeping a restaurant open during the pandemic was hard? Try keeping hundreds going
Posted on · Former TGI Friday's CEO (and Houstonian) Ray Blanchette says it was 'terrifying' to face the reality of what COVID meant for business.
Transportation
Despite concerns, driverless car company aims for launch in Houston by end of 2023
Posted on · Most recently there was concern after self-driving cars caused a backup on Montrose Boulevard Tuesday evening triggered by a malfunctioning traffic light.
Education News
Cleveland ISD to distribute free Narcan after string of opioid overdoses among students
Posted on · Wednesday marked the eighth time since school started in August that the school district northeast of Houston called EMS personnel to treat a high school student who had overdosed on drugs. Narcan, an emergency overdose treatment, was administered to four of those students.
City of Houston
Houston City Council approves $5 million in relocation funds for Kashmere Gardens, Fifth Ward residents
Posted on · The city is beginning the process to move residents who were affected in the cancer cluster area, caused by Union Pacific Rail Yard.
Criminal Justice
A.J. Armstrong transferred to second Texas prison since being convicted of parents’ murders
Posted on · Armstrong, who was found guilty Aug. 16 in Harris County, was transferred Saturday to the George Beto Unit in East Texas after spending less than a week at a facility in the Corpus Christi area.
Houston Matters
Political Roundup: Assessing Mayor Turner’s time in office
Posted on · Ahead of Wednesday's State of the City address, we consider the mayor's accomplishments and what challenges remain after his eight years in office as we discuss the latest developments in politics.
Houston Matters
Training the next generation of social workers at UH-Downtown
Posted on · UHD students studying social work learn how to help kids still experiencing pandemic-related grief and trauma.
National
What would a government shutdown mean for Texans?
Posted on · Programs including passport renewals and citizenship applications could be impacted if House members can’t reach an agreement on federal spending.
Education
Houston Community College extending resources for students affected by art school closure
Posted on · The community college is offering assistance with financial aid, transcript evaluations and transfer applications.
Houston Matters
The week in politics (Sept. 27, 2023)
Posted on · On Wednesday's show: From the potential government shutdown to what’s next in the still-not-over Paxton saga, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.