Houston Matters

Election bills in the legislature (March 9, 2023)

Posted on · On Thursday's show: We learn about two bills that would return management of elections to elected officials -- but only in Texas counties with populations greater than a million.

Houston Matters

County approves additional funding for law enforcement (Feb. 2, 2023)

Posted on · On Thursday's show: Harris County Commissioners have approved close to $10 million in additional funding for law enforcement, namely the sherriff’s and district attorney’s offices -- though not without some drama.

Houston Matters

DA outlines election investigation (Nov. 21, 2022)

Posted on · On Monday's show: The Harris County District Attorney's Office outlines how a criminal investigation into alleged irregularities on Election Day will be handled and responds to criticism about supposed political motivations for it.

Houston Matters

Gov. Abbott’s concerns about Harris County’s election, and actor Jason Lee documents Galveston (Nov. 15, 2022)

Posted on · On Tuesday's show: We learn why Gov. Abbott wants to investigate Harris County's handling of the recent election. Then we examine whether recent dips in math and reading scores across the nation are also happening here. And actor Jason Lee documents Galveston with photography.

Houston Matters

What might happen when county commissioners fully reconvene for the first time in weeks (Nov. 2, 2022)

Posted on · On Wednesday's show: It could be a testy morning at Harris County Commissioners Court, where the five members will meet for the first time in weeks to officially sign off on a "no new revenue" budget.

Houston Matters

How commissioners’ boycott of a tax vote will affect the county’s budget (Oct. 26, 2022)

Posted on · On Wednesday's show: Despite rising costs, Harris County is now forced to keep tax rates flat for the coming fiscal year because two commissioners boycotted votes on the matter. How will that affect the county's budget? Then we discuss that and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Houston Matters

County plans to sue over allegations it was defunding the police (Aug. 31, 2022)

Posted on · On Wednesday’s show: We learn about the latest salvo in a battle over Harris County's budget and allegations from state officials that county officials are defunding the police. Then, we discuss that and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Houston Matters

Battleship Texas prepares to set sail, and reporting on Harvey’s aftermath (Aug. 30, 2022)

Posted on · On Tuesday’s show: We learn about plans this week to move the Battleship Texas to Galveston for repairs. Then News 88.7 reporters reflect on creating the podcast Below the Waterlines. And we revisit a conversation with musician Steve Earle.

Houston Matters

Elections administrator will resign (March 9, 2022)

Posted on · On Wednesday's show: Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria is resigning effective July 1. The news comes after a week of Republican demands for her ouster on the heels of a primary election marked by long delays in releasing vote totals.