Houston Matters

Dr. Duncan Kloosman, an educational leader and former superintendent, discusses the potential state takeover of Spring ISD due to academic struggles. He emphasizes the need for immediate reform in failing schools. Debbie Allen, the celebrated choreographer and actress, reflects on how Houston's arts scene shaped her career, advocating for arts in education. Historian Guadalupe San Miguel shares his cherished memories of Selena Quintanilla's performances and her impact on Chicano identity, diving into the nostalgia of her legacy.

On Monday's show: We get some insight into the goings-on in and around Fort Bend County, including a new Tesla battery factory and broadband expansion.Also this hour: We revisit a conversation about some Houston connections to the Jonestown Massacre, which took place 47 years ago.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller gives us the lowdown on the dangers of pets getting into Halloween candy as she answers your pet care questions.And we discuss the Texans' latest win over the Titans and their upcoming Thursday matchup against the Buffalo Bills.Watch

On Friday's show: A new survey from Texas Southern University examines which racial and socio-economic groups are most aware of the state's new school voucher program and which are most in support of it, with some surprising results.Also this hour: Filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his latest effort, The American Revolution, which debuts Nov. 16 on Houston Public Media, TV 8.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we learn about The Good Medicine Indigenous Music Festival this weekend and hear a musical performance from its organizer.

On Thursday's show: We hear what some local businesses connected to the hemp industry have to say about the component of the proposed government spending bill that could ban almost all THC-containing hemp products nationwide. Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in the back-and-forth prioritization of cars and light rail trains in downtown.Then, we talk with popular social media science communicator Hank Green, who was in Houston recently to launch the Thought Leader Series at Space Center Houston.And an aspiring filmmaker shares his harrowing experience with a disease that affected his ability to think and why he wanted to document it as a film, My Missing Mind.Watch

On Wednesday's show: The federal government shutdown could end as soon as tonight. Did it accomplish anything? We consider that question and what the Senate deal, if passed by the House, could do to the burgeoning hemp industry in Texas and all the other recent developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We check out an immersive art installation at the recent AfroTech Conference.And we take a closer look at Houston’s comedy scene, beyond standup, as we talk with improv and sketch performers around town.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Children at Risk has released its annual list of the top public schools in Houston. The organization's CEO, Bob Sanborn, walks us through the rankings.Also this hour: Houstonians played a big role in the Gemini missions, which were stepping stones in America’s 1960s journey to the moon. The program that preceded Apollo is the focus of Jeffrey Kluger’s new book, Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon, the Untold Story.Then, we visit Texas Children’s Hospital to learn about the first immunotherapy center dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer.And, on Veterans Day, we hear local Air Force veteran Ty Mahany’s story about an encounter with a World War II veteran and discover what he learned about engaging fellow veterans in conversations about their service.Watch

On Monday's show: Houstonians woke up to a chill in the air this morning, and it will be back with us overnight. Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard joins us to discuss our wild swings in temperatures.Also this hour: Today is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps. We hear from a Houstonian and retired Marine who served in the Pacific theater during World War II.Then, we discuss how to keep your garden in good shape amid the fluctuating temperatures and into Houston’s version of winter with the help of  Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston.And we recap Sunday's Texans game, the team's biggest comeback win in 12 season, and we look at the strong start to the Rockets season.Watch

Elizabeth Sander, an education reporter from the Houston Chronicle, dives into the changing landscape of school board politics shaped by COVID-19. She highlights the emergence of conservative activism and the significant role of national PACs in elections. Blake Mudd, an Assistant Professor, discusses how economic studies often overlook the hardships faced by everyday Houstonians, cautioning that lower inflation doesn't equate to lower prices. Finally, Rhett Miller, frontman of The Old 97's, shares his journey through vocal cord surgery and performs tracks from his latest album.

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council is considering a measure that would effectively prohibit homeless people from sidewalks in a sprawling area around a new homeless services center in the East Downtown neighborhood. The addition of a new zone to the so-called civility ordinance across the Greater East End would mark the third expansion of the rule over the past year. We get the latest details from Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh.Also this hour: Attorney and law professor Joyce Vance talks about the erosion of democratic norms and how citizens can push back on that, which is the subject of her book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual For Keeping A Democracy. Vance will speak at a Houston event on Nov. 13.Then, we talk with comedian Steve Hofstetter ahead of his appearance Friday at The Secret Group.And we meet the new director of Houston Grand Opera,James Gaffigan.Watch

On Wednesday's show: On Election Day, Democrats won high-profile races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, while back here in Houston, closely watched races for Congress and Houston City Council are headed to runoffs. We discuss election results and the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Dining out has been getting more expensive. So, we turn to our gaggle of foodies and seek their suggestions for the best low-cost eating options around town on this month’s edition of The Full Menu.And gifted and talented programs in Texas schools can take many forms. An education expert explains how those programs have evolved to embrace more than just academic prowess.Watch