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From time to time on the program we bring together some media watchers to share their thoughts on how major stories here and elsewhere have been handled by media, locally, nationally and worldwide. On this edition of Houston Matters, we hear the views of Houston media blogger Mike McGuff, Houston Chronicle Assistant City Editor Mike Snyder, and University of Houston Professor of Communications Garth Jowett. We also welcome your thoughts on the news coverage you see, hear, and read.
Then: In this major metropolitan area of ours, there are a lot of lights on at all hours. Not just in our homes but on our streets, glowing from traffic lights, businesses, car headlights, and more. Recently, News 88.7's Florian Martin was contacted by a Houstonian concerned LED bulbs being deployed for the city's street lights are too bright. Does this constitute light pollution? Is there a concern about how much light is too much for us, or for Houston’s wildlife? And how much is that considered when new projects that will add more light to the darkness are developed? We ask architectural lighting designer Monte Riggs, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department‘s Lisa Reznicek.
Plus: Every year, millions of people around the world apply for visas to visit the United States. But experts say that process has become more difficult for some because of national security concerns. News 88.7's Syeda Hasan brings us the story of a terminally ill teenager in Houston who's struggling to reunite with her parents in Pakistan.
And: Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse catches up with Jason Price, founder of Houston Whatever Fest, as he prepares for the two day music, comedy and art showcase at Warehouse Live.