Houston Matters – Détails, épisodes et analyse

On Friday's show: After last May’s derecho and then Hurricane Beryl in July, it seemed reasonable to expect some disaster aid from the federal government. So, why has the way the city spends these particular funds been controversial?

Also this hour: Saturday is Make Music Day here in Houston and in more 2,000 cities worldwide. In anticipation, we talk with some folks behind some performances around the city, including a free concert from Dacamera at the Menil Collection inspired by the works of artist Rene Magritte. Flutist Hunter O'Brien gives us a preview.

Then, from Fort Bend County Judge KP George announcing he's running for a third term — but this time as a Republican -- to a mongoose that escaped from a wildlife park being safety captured after he turned up at a local pub, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, we explore the cultural impact of the movie Jaws 50 years after its release and offer a glimpse at what life was like along the coast in Galveston at the time.

On Thursday's show: We celebrate Juneteenth with a number of stories, including how the chair of Juneteenth Houston first learned about the holiday — and how that discovery sparked a deeper mission: a multi-year archival project to preserve the rich history of Juneteenth celebrations in the city.

We also learn how the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is honoring the role Buffalo Soldiers played in Juneteenth — and why this moment matters more than ever.

Then, we revisit a conversation about a documentary detailing the journey of a newly-emancipated man who sought out his family.

On Friday's show: Saharan dust is headed to Houston, as it typically does this time of year. And much of the country could see the Northern Lights this weekend because of a powerful geomagnetic storm. We learn about both from Eric Berger of Space City Weather.

Also this hour: From the head of FEMA saying he didn't know there was a hurricane season here, to the National Weather Service receiving permission to hire 125 meteorologists and specialists after losing more than 560 employees earlier this year due to Trump administration cuts and retirements, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

Then: Wolverine, Spider-Man, Batman, Black Panther -- a lot of popular superheroes are based on animals. But why? Maybe it's because a lot of animals kind of have superpowers. A new exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science called Extreme Animals Alive explores that.

And what makes certain Houston eateries and music venues unforgettable, even after they disappear? We reflect on some of the city's lost iconic spots.

On Thursday's show: After an 8-hour meeting and extended disruption by protesters on Wednesday, Houston City Council approved a $7 billion budget for the next fiscal year, which starts in July. We learn details from reporter Dominic Anthony Walsh.

Also this hour: Today is World Environment Day. As we contemplate the impact climate change continues to have on the Gulf Coast and coastal communities around the world, should we just stop rebuilding in flood-prone communities? We listen back to a discussion about that with Pulitzer Prize-winner Gilbert Gaul, author of The Geography of Risk.

Then, we learn more about the Fade to Black Arts Festival, which celebrates Black creativity in poetry, theater, film and more and runs June 8-14.

An we preview the annual Texas Music Festival, which highlights rising stars of the classical music world and runs June 5-28.

On Wednesday's show: From the end of the Texas Legislature, to ongoing budget discussions at the City of Houston, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: With Texas Monthly releasing its list of the state’s top barbecue spots, local food writers hone in on Houston and name some of their favorite places here in this month’s installment of The Full Menu.

And we learn how history, gender, and faith intersect in Islamic art from the new executive director of Houston’s Islamic Arts Society and a local calligraphy artist.

On Tuesday's show: The 89th regular session of the Texas Legislature came to a close on Monday. We recap what passed, what didn’t, the status of legislation on the governor’s desk, and how it all might affect Texans.

Also this hour: We visit a recent conference and expo for the robotics and autonomy industries held at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Then, author Bryan Burrough talks about his new book, The Gunfighters, which details the history of legendary gunfighters from the Wild West and the role Texas played in their stories.

And we learn about an exhibit at Rice University's Moody Center for the Arts called Figurative Histories, in which several artists -- including three based in Houston -- explore the use of the human form in art, Black bodies in particular.

On Monday's show: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has openly speculated about eliminating FEMA. Whether that happens or not, how would Greater Houston handle another hurricane -- or any other disaster -- if FEMA no longer existed or its role were changed?

Also this hour: We offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.

And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in sports.

On Friday's show: Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher joins us to talk about issues in Congress affecting our region and to take listener questions.

Also this hour: From a recent study suggesting AI isn’t saving workers a ton of time on the job, to eight Houston-area barbecue restaurants making Texas Monthly's Top 50 list (after Yelp snubbed the city), we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And Joshua Zinn chats with Bob Simpson, the retiring founder and artistic director of the Houston Chamber Choir.

On Thursday's show: Another one bites the dust in the decimated Astros pitching rotation. This time it’s Ronel Blanco who’s out for the season and in need of elbow surgery. Is it past time to ask what the Astros are doing to their pitchers’ arms? Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast talks it over.

Also this hour: The National Endowment for the Arts recently terminated grants to nonprofits nationwide, many of which had already been awarded. Houston arts organizations are among those who have had to pivot after losing money they were counting on. We hear from a pair of them.

Then, we hear the story of a Houston woman trying to negotiate red tape to gain access to an apartment she can afford. It doesn't work. We discuss why and what can be done about it.

And, from Pint of Science to Nerd Nite to Brains in a Bar and Philosophically Drinking, there are many longstanding Houston-area events and programs based at local bars designed to engage Houstonians’ minds (and not just douse them in alcohol). We learn more about some of them.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest news from the waning days of the Texas Legislature and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Real estate in much of Greater Houston has been a seller’s market for a very long time. Not so in Galveston lately. We talk over some recent trends in Galveston real estate with Marissa Luck of the Houston Chronicle and Kimberly Gaido, real estate agent with Sand ‘N Sea Properties in Galveston.

And we talk with comedian and Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! panelist Hari Kondabolu ahead of his standup gigs Friday and Saturday at Houston’s Punch Line Comedy Club.