Tag: houston

Houston Matters

Foster Home Shortage in Houston

Posted on · According to the Children’s Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services, in its most recent report to Congress, on the last day of 2011, nationwide, an estimated 407,000 children were in foster care. That represented a four-year low. And yet, for the first time in four years, more children entered foster care over […]

Houston Matters

Skateboarding in Houston

Posted on · The world of skateboarding has changed, well, more than just a little bit in the last 40-50 years. And Texas may be poised to become the center of the skateboarding universe. Next year, the city of Austin will host the X Games – skateboard competitions are featured prominently in those games. Here in Houston, we […]

Houston Matters

Chili Heads: Inside the Mind of Houston’s Fiery Food Lovers

Posted on · This weekend lovers of spicy food – so called "chili heads" – will converge on the Stafford Centre for the annual Houston Hot Sauce Festival, where spicy food makers from around the country will sell their fiery concoctions. Our own Michael Hagerty is himself a chili head – at least now that he's learned the […]

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Houston Matters for Thurs., Sept. 19, 2013

Posted on · We’ve explored Houston’s diversity many times on this program. We’ve also examined how the Montrose neighborhood in Houston, in particular, has long had a reputation for being gay-friendly. Many Houstonians also point to one of our political leaders as a demonstration of how we’re ahead of the curve, as the only major city with a […]

Houston Matters

Is Houston a Cyclists Friend?

Posted on · Cycling is increasing in Houston, but are we a cycling-friendly city? What’s being done to that end? What are the challenges cyclists face here? What’s bike etiquette for cyclists? For drivers? What would it take for you to cycle more? We spoke with the organizers of Cherryhurst Bikes, a local event that is trying to […]

Houston Matters

Sustainable Development in Houston, is it Possible?

Posted on · Houston is growing and changing like few places in the nation. But is it growing in a way that the community can support over the long haul? The Shell Center for Sustainability at Rice University is poised to release its 3rd report on Houston Sustainability Performance this week. We learned what this new report has […]

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Houston Matters for Wed., Sept. 18, 2013

Posted on · Houston is growing and changing like few places in the nation. But is it growing in a way that the community can support over the long haul? The Shell Center for Sustainability at Rice University is poised to release its 3rd report on Houston Sustainability Performance this week. On this edition of Houston Matters, we […]

Houston Matters

Is Houston, Texas TOO business friendly?

Posted on · Retailers in Texas encouraged Governor Perry to veto a Texas version of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Bad actors in the energy industry do environmental harm that might have been avoided in a state with more stringent regulations. In general, business is booming in Texas – especially here in Houston – but does it […]

Houston Matters

Rum: It’s Not Just for Daiquiris

Posted on · Today is National Rum Day. Now put down that rum and coke and pay attention — rum is not just for mixing with coke or making fruity drinks, as Houstonians celebrating island culture at this weekend’s 3rd annual Caribbean RumFest will learn. Houston Matters’ Michael Hagerty explains. More Information: Caribbean RumFest Recipes from Chef Paul […]

Houston Matters

Can you Live on a Minimum Wage in Houston?

Posted on · In recent days, labor and community groups have rallied in Houston, and across the nation, calling for a raise in the minimum wage, currently 7.25 an hour, and encouraging employers to voluntarily pay employees more. Texas has more minimum wage workers than any other state, and the 2nd-highest percentage of hourly paid workers making the […]

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Houston Matters for Thursday, August 1, 2013

Posted on · In recent days, labor and community groups have rallied in Houston and across the nation, calling for a minimum wage hike, and encouraging employers to voluntarily pay their employees more. Texas has more minimum wage workers than any other state, and the 2nd-highest percentage of hourly paid workers making the minimum wage or less. Here […]

Houston Matters

10 Things I Love About Houston So Far

Posted on · Since the launch of Houston Matters this spring, I've spent a lot of time tooling around town, trying to get to know Space City...er...rather, the Bayou City...well, H-Town...uh...Magnolia City...or...the Big Heart. Which leads me to #10 in my top ten list of things I love about Houston so far... #10. The nicknames. Houston has a […]