Houston Matters

Tuesday’s Show: How A State Takeover Of HISD Would Work, And Practicing Haitian Vodou (Dec. 3, 2019)

Posted on · On Tuesday's Houston Matters: We examine the history of the Port Neches chemical plant where explosions and a fire occurred last week. An expert walks us through how the impending state takeover of the HISD board might work. A bug expert answers your questions. And we meet a local practitioner of the Haitian Vodou religion.

Houston Matters

Report: Greater Houston’s a ‘Sitting Duck’ for the Next Big Storm

Posted on · Reporters from the Texas Tribune and ProPublica have teamed up on a report examining the Houston and Galveston region's lack of storm infrastructure. The article is called Hell and High Water, and it suggests Greater Houston is simply unprepared to handle that next big storm. To tell us more, we talk with Texas Tribune environmental […]

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Regulating Refineries and How to Be A Texan: Wednesday’s Show (March 9, 2016)

Posted on · A worker was injured Saturday morning when an explosion at the Pasadena Refining Systems Inc. plant started a fire, sending smoke plumes into the Pasadena air. A portion of the Houston Ship Channel was closed briefly while the Coast Guard investigated for any potential chemical releases. According to the EPA, the plant owned by Petrobras, […]

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Cruz’s Presidential Viability: Tuesday’s Show (January 5, 2016)

Posted on · It's common during a presidential campaign, in the weeks leading up to primaries and caucuses, for voters to, in essence, audition certain candidates. Those mired near the bottom of public opinion polls can bubble up to the surface while others can slide into the background. In recent weeks, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has […]

Houston Matters

What’s the Legacy of Outgoing TEA Commissioner Michael Williams?

Posted on · Texas Education Agency Commissioner Michael Williams recently announced he's stepping down at the end of the year. We discuss his legacy and the challenges ahead for his successor. We talk with Kiah Collier, who reports on public education for the Texas Tribune.

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TEA, Dowling Street, and the Dynamo Decade: Thursday’s Show (October 22, 2015)

Posted on · Texas Education Agency Commissioner Michael Williams recently announced he's stepping down at the end of the year. On this edition of Houston Matters, we discuss his legacy and the challenges ahead for his successor. We welcome your questions and comments for Kiah Collier, who reports on public education for the Texas Tribune. Then: An update […]

Houston Matters

Is the Way Texas Funds Public Schools Unconstitutional?

Posted on · Last week, (Tuesday 9/1/15), the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments over whether the way the state funds public schools is constitutional. The case dates back to 2011, when the Texas Legislature cut more than $5 billion from public education in Texas. Some 600 school districts challenged the funding system. A state district court judge […]

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School Funding and Houston in the 1860s: Thursday’s Show (September 10, 2015)

Posted on · Last week, (Tuesday 9/1/15), the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments over whether the way the state funds public schools is constitutional. The case dates back to 2011, when the Texas Legislature cut more than $5 billion from public education in Texas. Some 600 school districts challenged the funding system. A state district court judge […]