Lines, Legends & Limitless Talent: Meet Harper Madison, The Woodlands' Rising Manga Artist
Walk into any seventh-grade classroom in The Woodlands and you'll find the usual assortment of spiral notebooks, half-finished homework, and doodles i...
Local News
What does Whitmire’s budget mean for Houstonians’ bottom line, city's financial future?
Whitmire wants to structurally reform city finances. His plan includes a new fee and no tax hike.
Texas attorney general candidates make their final pitches to voters as primary runoffs approach
The Republican finalists in the race to succeed outgoing Attorney General Ken Paxton are Galveston state Sen. Mayes Middleton and Central Texas Congre...
Report: Texas data centers may increase pressure on the state's strained water supplies
A new UT Austin report estimates data centers could account for up to 9% of Texas water use by 2040.
Hello Houston (May 6, 2026)
Today: We get the latest on Mayor Whitmire’s proposed city budget plan, discuss how you can protest your property taxes, learn about what’s behind Tex...
Bomb squad removes 'live explosive' from Spring home
A bomb squad was called for a “suspicious device" at a home off Louetta Road.
Sierra Club report details staggering water use by power plants in Texas
The report shows that in 2024 Texas power plants consumed roughly 100 billion gallons of water, while renewables and battery storage use a negligible ...
Islamic celebration at Grand Prairie water park is canceled after threat by Gov. Abbott
Gov. Greg Abbott took to X this week threatening more than $500,000 in state funding after Eid celebration taking place at a city owned water park rec...
Hello Houston (May 7, 2026)
Today: City of Pearland Mayor-Elect Quentin Wiltz talks about his priorities, we talk with the co-hosts of the 2026 Tommy Tune Awards, and we discuss ...
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2591: Instant Runoff Voting
Episode: 2591 Instant runoff voting and the Academy Awards. Today, what's best?
You can buy your Mother's Day bouquets from these Houston-area florists
From The Woodlands to Kemah, here are 15 independent Houston-area flower shops selling flower arrangements for less than $100 for Mother's Day, which ...
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (May 8, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Nearly 70% of Houston-area residents disapprove of ICE, according to recent survey
The federal immigration enforcement agency has ramped up deportations in the Houston area and across Texas and the United States under President Donal...
Hello Houston (May 8, 2026)
Today: We discuss maternal mental health and motherhood, learn about a project dedicated to preserving the history of Black cowboys and cowgirls, talk...
A potential garbage pickup fee: 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.
More debates between Al Green and Christian Menefee unlikely as early voting looms for TX-18 primary runoff
After a televised debate Monday, a second opportunity for Menefee and Green to debate passed Wednesday without Green’s involvement.
![Political Polarization in America: Causes, Consequences, and Paths to Unity [ENCORE]](https://cdn.houstonpublicmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20085950/PartyPol25_POLARIZATION-450x253.jpg)
Political Polarization in America: Causes, Consequences, and Paths to Unity [ENCORE]
Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina delve into the latest news in politics.
By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas cities
The governor’s threats have produced quick wins on hot-button issues important to the GOP base – immigration and perceived threats posed by Islam.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1568: The Age of the Earth
Episode: 1568 Lord Kelvin's miscalculation of the age of the earth. Today, a Victorian scientist miscalculates the age of the earth.
Houston ISD announces plans to centralize special education services
After draft documents of the plan leaked and several outlets reported on the imminent changes, district leaders publicly confirmed plans to centralize...
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (May 7, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Texas attorney general announces investigation into school districts for compliance with Ten Commandments law
After an appeals court reversed an injunction prohibiting several districts from hanging the Ten Commandments posters in classrooms, Ken Paxton announ...
Two Texas residents were on cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak, CDC tells state
The Department of State Health Services said it was notified two Texans were on the MV Hondius but "did not have any contact with a sick person while ...
The Bigger Picture: How 'I Swear' explores life with Tourette syndrome
A new drama looks at the life of a man with severe Tourette syndrome and argues that the public needs more education about it.
Gas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texas’ grid connection queue
Data centers are largely driving the sudden rise in natural gas power projects on the waiting list to connect to Texas' grid.
How Houston cultivated its grass for the FIFA World Cup — and how it’s being installed in NRG Stadium
Some of the most elite athletes in the world will run, slide, kick, flop, and stomp on the grass, which has been growing for more than a year in Color...
Texas council says more resources needed to address complaints against behavioral health providers
The agency that oversees behavioral health and social work providers has about 1,000 "pending" complaints against providers — hundreds more than it ha...
EPA orders remediation to begin at San Jacinto River waste pits
The order comes about eight months after the agency approved a clean up plan for the site.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (May 6, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Astros star Carlos Correa faces season-ending surgery on a torn tendon in his ankle
Houston’s Carlos Correa has a torn tendon in his left ankle that will require season-ending surgery. Correa said the injury was a complete tear and hi...
With new head coach and roster shifts, Dallas Wings stir excitement heading into season
The squad may soon be joined by another Texas WNBA team in Houston.
After delays, Houston City Council approves new apartment inspection rules
City officials delayed the rules twice last year and missed a 30-day deadline last week to approve the measure. The new rules come after about five ye...
Houston is prepared for World Cup, officials say, but questions of ICE and other city needs remain
Houston-area Congressman Al Green, who sits on the U.S. House Homeland Security committee, visited NRG Stadium as part of a “fact-finding” discussion ...
Not all food is Instagram worthy — Houston's most delicious 'ugly' dishes: The Full Menu
"Phone eats first" might not apply to all food. Houston foodies discuss some really delicious dishes in the city that might not be Instagram worthy.
Attorney general announces investigation into school districts for compliance with Ten Commandments law
After an appeals court reversed an injunction prohibiting several districts from hanging the Ten Commandments posters in classrooms, Paxton announced ...
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2885: Big Numbers
Episode: 2885 Very Large Numbers. Today, let's talk about very large numbers.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (May 5, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Mayor Whitmire reveals budget plan intended to relieve Houston’s fiscal headache
A set of proposed structural reforms would not balance the city’s budget indefinitely, but would stave off a need for significant spending cuts.
Environmental advocates call for increased enforcement against Dow Freeport plant
A nonprofit watchdog group found that the company emitted at least 119 tons of volatile organic compounds over the last five years, despite enforcemen...
Psychedelic treatments are on the verge of FDA approval. Why Texas is pushing for them
Texas is helping shape the future of psychedelic therapies. Here's how they work and what access could look like.
Texas' Republican Senate primary runoff statistically tied shortly before start of early voting, poll finds
The latest survey from the UH Hobby School shows state Attorney General Ken Paxton supported by 48% of likely voters in the GOP primary runoff compare...
Proposed garbage fee (May 5, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: We discuss the details surrounding a proposed fee for garbage pickup in Houston and the environmental effects of neglected trash pi...
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3372: Gaslighting
Episode: 3372 Rhetoric, Objectivity, and Gaslighting. Today, we flip the switch on "gaslight."
Rule that lets Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills can continue for now, Supreme Court says
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mifepristone must be obtained in person, a decision the country’s highest court has temporarily block...
Documents from U.S. founding have arrived in Houston for America 250 celebration
The Treaty of Paris, the Articles of Association and George Washington’s Oath of Allegiance are among the documents that will be on display at the Hou...
Thousands of soccer fans waited hours in line to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in Houston
As part of an international tour, FIFA brought the authentic World Cup trophy to Houston over the weekend. As many as 15,000 fans waited in a long lin...
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (May 4, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
With new head coach and roster shifts, Dallas Wings stir excitement heading into season
The squad may soon be joined by another Texas WNBA team in Houston.
Hello Houston (May 4, 2026)
Today: We discuss the current state of the Texas water crisis, learn about Performing Arts Houston’s 60th anniversary season, unpack the ongoing legal...
Pearland elects first Black mayor in Democrat-backed Quentin Wiltz
While the office is technically nonpartisan, Wiltz was endorsed by the Brazoria County Democratic Party. His opponent, Tony Carbone, was endorsed by s...
As Texas lawmakers tackle health care affordability, discussions turn to insurance costs
Some of Texas' largest buyers of health care provided insight into what might be driving higher health care costs. The House Select Committee on Healt...
Spirit Airlines built a model the industry copied. Then it collapsed
Once worth as much as roughly $5.5 billion on the stock market, the airline known for its bright yellow planes said Saturday it had shut down. The ann...
Democrats Eye 2028 as Battle for Identity Begins
Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina delve into the latest news in politics
Harris County burglary suspect shot, killed by homeowner: constable
An investigation is underway after Harris County authorities say a suspect was shot and killed by a homeowner near Klein.
Texas leads nation in utility shutoffs as electric bills rise, federal report finds
Texas leads the nation in utilities shutting off electricity and natural gas services to customers who can't afford their energy bills, according to a...
Another Houston-area mall puts teen curfew in place
Memorial City Mall announced details of its curfew. This follows one that was put in place last week at Willowbrook Mall.
Proposed special ed changes at HISD (May 4, 2026)
On Monday's show: We learn about some proposed changes to special education at HISD, which have raised alarm. And we offer listeners a chance to vent ...
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3371: Mary Colter
Episode: 3371 The creative work and relative anonymity of Mary Coulter, and her Native American architecturally themed designs. Today, meet Mary Colte...
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1567: Christopher Wren, Physician
Episode: 1567 Christopher Wren: a great architect first learns medicine. Today, an unexpected student of medicine.
Kidnapped Houston journalist Austin Tice may be alive and in Iran, his family says
Tice, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was kidnapped at a checkpoint west of Damascus in August 2012 while reporting on the Syrian Civil War.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1566: Glottochronology
Episode: 1566 Glottochronology: In which language decays like carbon-14. Today, a new word for you: glottochronology.
FIFA’s original World Cup trophy is coming to Houston this weekend
The Houston stop will be the last opportunity to see the trophy in Texas and one of the last chances to see it entirely before the start of the World ...
Cy-Fair ISD employee charged with felony after disabled student’s death
Donald Perkins, 50, has been charged with injury to a disabled person after allegedly pushing a 16-year-old autistic student who ended up choking mome...
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (May 1, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Hello Houston (May 1, 2026)
Today: We break down a new Houston economy report, learn about the work of The Women's Resource of Greater Houston, and talk with preservationist Phoe...
Houston's sinking suburbs: 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.
Health care is getting more expensive. Texas lawmakers want to understand why
Health care costs are increasing faster than the rate of inflation. A Texas House committee is holding a two-day hearing this week to learn more about...
Houston city officials miss 30-day deadline for apartment inspection ordinance
Mayor John Whitmire’s administration missed a deadline set by the city council last year, but the item is on the agenda for the next meeting on May 6.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1565: Hysplex
Episode: 1565 Using the hysplex to start an ancient Greek foot race. Today, we learn how to start a foot race.
Arlington man wanted after kidnapping, stabbing coworker at Spring motel
Harris County authorities are searching for an Arlington man wanted after being accused of stabbing a woman while they were in Spring for work.
Houston's northern suburbs, Katy are sinking faster than other parts of the region
Rapid population growth has driven higher rates of groundwater usage, leading to more sinking in these areas.
‘I want this to be what Houston needs’: City’s first LGBTQ+ orchestra set for debut concert
The Houston Pride Orchestra is a haven for queer musicians who could otherwise feel out of place in the field of classical music.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (April 30, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
More than 4,000 volunteers will work the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston. Here’s what they'll do
Tens of thousands of people applied to be volunteers in Houston during the tournament. Only a fraction of them will don the neon blue and green athlei...
Hello Houston (April 30, 2026)
Today: We hear the latest installment of “Cold Coffee,” talk with social media influencer Libby Ward, and learn about Fort Bend County’s efforts to tr...
Prosecutors say singer D4vd stabbed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to death to silence her
Prosecutors say singer D4vd killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez by stabbing her multiple times. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Offi...
How Dominique Dawes is redefining gymnastics training and culture
The three-time Olympic gold medalist talks about her career and her first gym in Texas, which opens May 30 in Jersey Village.
‘We’ve never seen it like this’: Seaweed piles up on Galveston shore
A buildup of seaweed, or sargassum, is typical for the spring months. But it can be unsightly, smelly and potentially harmful to human health.
Willowbrook Mall adds curfew in light of posts on social media
Willowbrook Mall will enforce a youth curfew on two Saturdays in May, requiring teens to be accompanied by adults. Here’s what to know.
Willowbrook Mall enforces new 'parental guidance' rules
Mall officials said those who cannot provide a valid ID showing they are at least 18 or older must be accompanied by a supervising adult in order to s...
Benavidez KOs Ramirez in the 6th to win the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles
David Benavidez became the first boxer to win championships at 168, 175 and 200 pounds, pounding his former sparring partner Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez,...
High gas prices eating into Texans’ budgets, fueling inflation
The average price for a gallon of gas in Texas has risen from $2.55 in early February to $3.78 at the end of April.
A Houston ISD exec tapped for Beaumont schools superintendent during its second state takeover
Former Houston school administrators now work as superintendents or key executives in three districts under Texas’ control. This is Beaumont’s second ...
Temporary protected status for migrants (April 30, 2026)
On Thursday's show: The Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the Trump administration's move to end temporary protected status for migrants fleeing...
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2588: Synthetic Sound Waves
Episode: 2588 Synthetic Sound Waves. Today, the sound of music.
Supreme Court’s voting rights decision set to prompt further redistricting in Texas and across the South
The high court’s 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais seriously weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, and will likely result in further partisan ...
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (April 29, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Two Houston-area men sentenced to life in prison for botched murder-for-hire plot
According to federal prosecutors, Matthew Seery hired Ricardo Obando Jr. to kill a man whom he believed had been having an affair with his wife. They ...
Willowbrook Mall announces temporary 'parental guidance' rules
Willowbrook Mall announced temporary "parental guidance" rules requiring those 17 and under to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult after 2...
Concessions workers at Houston's Bush Airport secure hourly wage increase through labor union
According to UNITE HERE Local 23, workers with more than one year on the job will now earn $20 per hour after ratifying a new contract with OTG, their...
Houston's northern suburbs, Katy are sinking faster than other parts of the region
Rapid population growth has driven higher rates of groundwater usage, leading more sinking in these areas.
Jury awards former Rice University football player more than $1.3 million in discrimination lawsuit
The crux of the plaintiff’s argument was that the private university in Houston had discriminated against him by assuming his guilt based on his gende...
Hispanic population experiences worst health care outcomes, access in Texas, report finds
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund found Texas has worse racial and ethnic health disparities than other states in the Southwest.
Willowbrook Mall to enforce temporary curfew for anyone under 18
Shoppers heading to Willowbrook Mall this weekend may notice new rules in place for teens.