Houston Matters
the latest
Cost of the firefighters deal (May 7, 2024)
On Tuesday’s show: Houston Controller Chris Hollins explains why he thinks the recent deal with Houston firefighters would require tax hikes and budget cuts. Then, we reflect on the political career and legacy of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry. And former Houston Ballet dancer Li Cunxin tells his story, which is the subject of the movie, "Mao's Last Dancer."
About Houston Matters
Houston Matters is the region's essential daily guide to the people, places, issues, and ideas that define Greater Houston. It airs weekdays at 9 a.m. on Houston Public Media, News 88.7 FM.
Contact Us
MORE stories
Signs of life, or more of the same from the Houston Astros? The answer: yes.
How you characterize how the Astros are doing may say more about you than them.
If we’re peeving, we’re talking about driving. It’s a rule now.
Complaining about traffic is pretty much a pastime in Houston.
Houston’s protest history (May 6, 2024)
On Monday's show: We explore why protests in our city are often smaller than in other places. And we offer Houstonians an opportunity to vent about their pet ...
Houston still No. 1 city for trade in U.S.; 70k jobs added in past year
In the Houston area, about $175 billion in trade happens, which makes it the number one city in the U.S. for shipping and trading. For Houstonians, this means ...
How ‘Jane Eyre’ was ahead of its time — and still timely today
Houston Matters explores what still resonates about the classic literary work and how that is portrayed in The Alley Theatre's adaptation for the stage.
Houston’s global economy (May 3, 2024)
On Friday's show: We get the latest on recent rain and flooding with a storm outlook for Friday and the weekend. Then, we learn what a new report ...
Confusing Joel Osteen and Haley Joel Osment: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of the week
The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire says paused mobility projects need more review before moving forward
The new mayor defended pausing the Shepherd-Durham redesign, saying "doing it right" would be worth it even it the project loses federal funding. He also said in the ...
What can you do when the stigma surrounding mental health affects relationships?
We ask a pair of area psychologists why such stigmas endure, and what to do about it.
Cinco de Mayo is Sunday. Let’s party! (That’s okay, right?)
We discuss how many holidays get co-opted, and how we can turn cultural appropriation into appreciation. (But also drink. And sell mattresses).
Transportation projects in limbo (May 2, 2024)
On Thursday's show: We discuss several city transportation and mobility projects that have been halted or even reversed since Mayor John Whitmire took office. And we consider ways ...
The Full Menu: Houston’s best hidden gems and underrated restaurants
Houston food writers discuss their favorite underrated restaurants and hidden gems around the city.
Hip-hop, a live DJ, and a rotating stage give Shakespeare a fresh rhythm
Houston Matters visits a rehearsal for “Othello: The Remix” at Stages Houston.
Political Roundup: Why Annise Parker’s contemplating running for Harris County Judge
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that former Houston Mayor Annise Parker is contemplating a run for Harris County Judge in 2026. We discuss why and talk over the ...
The week in politics (May 1, 2024)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And, in this month's edition of The Full Menu, food writers discuss their favorite ...
A recent court case could have big implications for Texas protesters
Last year the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that public protest organizers can be held financially liable for any illegal act committed by a single protester. Earlier ...