Using Waffle House to track hurricane damage: 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.
Spring
Weather
Essential Houston movies (Oct. 9, 2026)
On Friday's show: We take a closer look at Hurricane Isaias and how it might affect Houston weather. And we consider the essential films set in Houston or about our city that we all should see....
Taiwan Academy brings internationally acclaimed drag queen to Houston
'RuPaul’s Drag Race' Season 16 winner Nymphia Wind will be at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Sept. 24 and at the River Oaks Theatre on Sept. 25.
Cinema preservation group secures enough funding to buy Garden Oaks Theater
Though Arthouse Houston, the nonprofit organization pushing to save the theater, fell just short of its fundraising goal, it did raise enough money to buy and close on the theater....
Tropical weather update (Sept. 1, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: We get the latest on Tropical weather moving in from the Gulf, which could bring heavy rain to parts of Greater Houston. And, in this month's installment of The Full Menu, Houston foodies offer their suggestions for the best breakfast and brunch options in......
Tropical Storm Edouard (Sept. 1, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: Tropical Storm Edouard has formed moving in the Gulf and could bring heavy rain to parts of Greater Houston today. We have the very latest on the forecast and how area communities are preparing....
A tropical depression is coming for the Houston area. Here’s how officials are responding
City, county and state officials are preparing for what forecasters expect will be a tropical storm making landfall in southeast Texas. Though the worst of the storm is expected to be east of Houston, flooding could pose an issue....
A tropical storm is coming for the Houston area. Here’s how officials are responding
City, county and state officials are preparing for what forecasters expect will be a tropical storm making landfall in southeast Texas. Though the worst of the storm is expected to be east of Houston, flooding could pose an issue....
Hello Houston (August 25, 2026)
Today: We talk with Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles about the new school year, learn how the non-profit AVDA is tackling the issue of domestic abuse, preview a new documentary about storm chaser Reed Timmer, and more....
City funds for Beryl repair (Aug. 25, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: We get details on a new city program to help homeowners whose property was damaged in the 2024 derecho or Hurricane Beryl. And we look back at historic leaders in Houston’s history and consider why some are beloved, some are controversial, and why those......
A/C in rental housing (Aug. 20, 2026)
On Thursday's show: A heat advisory goes into effect for Houston as the city council approves an ordinance requiring landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units. And we examine the role chaplains in health care settings....
Hello Houston (August 17, 2026)
Today: We learn about colon cancer risks and warning signs, break down the Houston Texans’ upcoming new season, discuss the future of nuclear energy, and more. Plus, we welcome Hello Houston’s new co-host, Tessa Barrera....
Hello Houston (August 14, 2026)
Today: We discuss the expansion of Flock cameras in Texas, learn how we can restore old furniture, and talk with River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo about his new graphic novel....
Houston’s 2026 Pride parade is set for Saturday, when high temperatures are in the forecast
According to the National Weather Service, Houston is forecast to have a high temperature of 98 degrees on Saturday, with a heat index, or feels-like temperature, of up to 109. The parade will be held in the evening....
The week in politics (Aug. 12, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And we reflect on the classic film "Casablanca" ahead of a screening at the River Oaks Theatre....
Camp Mystic paid Eastland family members nearly $300K as revenue plunged after deadly flood
New bankruptcy records detail millions of dollars in assets and payments as the camp faces wrongful death lawsuits over the July 2025 flood.
Hello Houston (August 10, 2026)
Today: We discuss Rice University’s expanded financial aid program, talk with extreme weather and disaster scientist “Hurricane Hal,” break down new changes at Houston ISD for the 2026 – 27 school year, and more....
Garden Oaks Theater needs to raise $5 million to avoid demolition. It’s an uphill battle for advocates
When Arthouse Theater intervened in the destruction of the theater, they agreed to raise $7.1 million in the matter of months to buy the theater outright. Now, with just weeks left before a final deadline, it’s not clear they’ll have success....
Hello Houston (August 6, 2026)
Today: We discuss new research on America's healthcare affordability crisis, listen to a conversation with Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, and learn about Alley Theatre’s production of “The Girl on the Train.” Plus, Current Obsessions....
Above-average temperatures in the Gulf could fuel stronger storms, climatologists say
The Gulf has been warming at about twice the rate of the rest of Earth's oceans for more than a decade, according to a meteorologist with Yale Climate Connections....
Texas schools must tailor outdoor athletic practices based on heat readings in new statewide safety measure
As preseason football workouts kicked off Monday, schools in the Houston area and across the state were required to measure the wet bulb globe temperature and adjust their practices accordingly....
'After the Flood' podcast: Fifth episode reviews Kerr County's readiness one year after deadly July 4 flood
"After the Flood," a collaboration of The Texas Newsroom and PBS’ Frontline, is an intimate and deeply reported look at catastrophic flooding in Central Texas....
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1609: Franklin's Heat Experiment
Episode: 1609 Benjamin Franklin's experiments in thermal radiation. Today, Benjamin Franklin thinks about theoretical and applied science.
Gov. Abbott confirms third fatality in July floods
Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed a third flood-related death after a driver was swept away in Val Verde County. He also praised La Salle County's advance preparations as floodwaters continued moving down the Nueces River....
Preparing for intense heat (July 23, 2026)
On Thursday's show: We learn how the city is preparing to help residents for dangerously high heat over the next few days. And we find out whether the FIFA World Cup matches were a boost for hotels and renters....
Galveston County officials monitor Bertha as tropical storm warning takes effect
The National Weather Service on Thursday issued a tropical storm warning for Chambers County as well as coastal portions of Brazoria and Galveston counties. The watch is in effect until 6 a.m. Friday and means tropical storm conditions are expected....
ERCOT prepares for record demand during Texas heat wave
Energy experts say a growth in solar power and other renewables will help the state avoid rolling blackouts during peak demand on the power grid.
Houston and Southeast Texas region face dangerously high heat
Cooling centers are open in Houston as the National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday.
Photos: Almost 500 homes and 100 businesses damaged in Kerr County floods
Experts, officials and residents say the slower pace of the rainfall — over several days instead of hours — combined with new sirens and increased vigilance helped save lives this year....
Tropical Storm Bertha (July 21, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: We get the latest on Tropical Storm Bertha, which has formed in the Gulf, and how it might affect Greater Houston in the coming days....
Texas turns to recovery after deadly floods, but danger isn't over along the Nueces River
The storms killed at least two people and prompted disaster declarations covering dozens of counties.
James Talarico pledges $25 million to win over Black voters in U.S. Senate campaign
Most polling shows Talarico, the Democratic nominee for Senate, in a statistical dead heat against his Republican rival, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton....
'Worth keeping tabs on': Tropical storm warning issued for Houston-area counties as Bertha nears Texas
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to be downgraded as it reaches the Texas coast, according to the National Weather Service.
Climate scientists have predicted greater flooding in Texas for decades. It's happening now
Warmer air holds more water. When that air encounters the right weather conditions, bigger storms emerge.
Hello Houston (July 17, 2026)
Today: We talk with a divorce coach about how to navigate through the uncertainty of a divorce, preview the newest episode of “After the Flood,” hear the newest installment of InnerVIEWS featuring Baylor College of Medicine’s Dr. James McDeavitt, and more....
As floodwaters rise again, Texas Hill Country bar owner relives last year's devastation
About a year ago, the Guadalupe River destroyed their RV park, where a family was swept away by the raging water.
Wes Anderson to make a Houston homecoming benefitting a historic theater
The "Bottle Rocket," "Rushmore" and "Grand Budapest Hotel" filmmaker is celebrating 30 years making movies — and hoping to preserve institutions to inspire the next generation....
Academy Award-winner Wes Anderson is campaigning to save Houston’s Garden Oaks Theater
The Houston born-and-raised filmmaker, known for his iconic production and directing style, is joining a movement to save the Garden Oaks Theater in Independence Heights from being demolished in a matter of days....
Flood threat continues Friday as rainfall moves to West Texas
At least two people died after extreme flooding hit the Hill Country late Wednesday into Thursday morning.
Hello Houston (July 16, 2026)
Today: We talk with James Beard Award-winning Houston chef Adrian Torres, learn more about the Democratic Socialist movement, and receive an update on the effort to save the Garden Oaks Theater. Plus, we share our latest Current Obsessions....
At least 1 summer camp evacuates, others monitoring as life-threatening floods strike the Hill Country
Camp La Jita, a Girl Scouts camp in Uvalde County, evacuated their camp earlier this week. Others say they are monitoring the weather and preparing to enact safety plans....
As flooding returns to Hill Country, Texas lawmakers say new safety laws already making a difference
Nearly a year after deadly flooding prompted Texas lawmakers to overhaul the state's flood preparedness laws, officials say some of those changes are already helping. But many of the state's biggest flood mitigation projects remain years from completion....
Large swath of Texas facing torrential rain, dangerous flood risk likely to 'break records'
Gov. Greg Abbott said South Central Texas should expect "life threatening catastrophic floods," through Thursday, mainly concentrated around the Nueces River Basin....
Camp Mystic moves flood lawsuit to federal court, citing bankruptcy
The move adds another layer of uncertainty to five lawsuits filed by families accusing Camp Mystic operators of failing to protect their children during last year's catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country....
Flash flood warnings issued across Texas Hill Country as heavy rain moves through region
Heavy rain is raising the threat of life-threatening flooding across the Texas Hill Country, where local authorities are already reporting some cars stranded in high water. Forecasters say isolated rainfall totals of up to 15 inches are possible....
Special ed at HISD (July 14, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: We get the latest on rainy weather in the forecast and the potential for flooding. And we learn about a TEA investigation of HISD's plans to consolidate some special education services in the district....
A rainy start to the week in Houston comes with flooding risks
Rain is in the region's forecast for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Hello Houston (July 10, 2026)
Today: We find out what legal experts think about HPD not being able to investigate the fatal ICE shooting, preview the newest episode of the “After the Flood” podcast series, and discuss how cryptocurrency kiosks are being used to scam Texans....
Vibrant reminders: Texas Hill Country flood victim left glowing legacy in Houston’s art scene
Tim Walker, who operated the Neon Gallery for more than 40 years, died July 4, 2025, while vacationing with his family.