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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 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.
Spring
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Galveston officials urge visitors to stop feeding raccoons along Seawall after seven reported bites
Officials say the increase in people feeding raccoons has serious consequences as the mammals lose a natural fear of humans, making them more likely to scratch or bite. Seven raccoon bites have been reported in the past two weeks, according to city officials....
News
It'll take a lot of change for one of the most iconic watering holes in Texas to reopen to swimming
Jacob's Well in Wimberley was flowing rapidly for a short time after July's heavy rainfall. Now, the waters are receding again.
events
Hello Houston (August 7, 2026)
Today: We learn how the Houston Forensic Science Center helps support criminal investigations, find out what Houstonians can expect from the Houston Reggae Summer Fest, and share a rundown of weekend events for "Last Minute Plans."...
safety
Harris County constables will make $305,000 next year, a 129% increase since 2024
It comes a year after some commissioners -- previously titled the 'GOP 3' by Hidalgo -- championed a law enforcement pay parity initiative that raised constable salaries by 62% from the previous year and exacerbated a multi-million dollar budget deficit....
events
Crosby ISD ends partnership with East Harris County nonprofit, Muslim humanitarian agency
The district’s statement also said that the council’s partner organization, Islamic Relief USA, would no longer be allowed to donate or volunteer at the event....
News
US Senate adds Missouri to the list of teams with a claim to college football's 1960 national title
Four teams had claims to the 1960 national championship in college football. The U.S. Senate is adding Missouri to that list.Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., introduced a resolution during a meeting Thursday recognizing the Tigers for a claim to the national title. The measure was......
government
Man dies after collapsing inside Harris County processing center, officials say
A man in Harris County Jail custody died Wednesday after collapsing inside the Harris County Joint Processing Center, according to officials.Karlos Butler, 49, was pronounced dead at 4:11 p.m. Aug. 5, at St. Joseph Hospital, authorities said.Officials said Butler collapsed for......
News
Tech company's low-tech sunglasses sell out: 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.
safety
South Korean satellite captures before and after views of SpaceX rocket's moon crash
NASA expects its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to fly over the crash site next week to view the aftermath.
News
Democrats in Congress, able to visit ICE lockups in Texas, describe grim conditions
Immigration officials denied the allegations, but Reps. Joaquin Castro and Veronica Escobar said they've come across numerous problematic examples.
News
What the city's first credit rating upgrade in years could mean for Houstonians
The rating upgrade by Moody's comes almost exactly 10 years after it downgraded the city’s rating, citing low oil prices and high debt at the time.
schools
Back-to-school health (Aug. 7, 2026)
On Friday's show: As school begins for many students, a pediatrician offers advice for keeping kids healthy throughout the school year. And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week....
Local
Investigation underway after child found unresponsive at gas station in Spring
Authorities are investigating after a child under the age of 5 was found unresponsive Thursday night in Spring, prompting detectives to investigate the family’s home for possible foul play.According to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, the incident began around......
News
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1612: Enemy at the Gates
Episode: 1612 Trying to tell the story of the worst battle. Today, we wonder how to tell of history.
safety
Harris County commissioner warns homeowners could soon see a large property tax increase
Commissioners voted to increase pay for several Harris County leadership roles and raise constable pay to over $300,000. Data shows constable pay has increased by more than 120% since 2024....
government
Harris County DA's investigation into fatal ICE shooting gets $2.5 million boost from commissioners
The longtime Houston man's death drew national attention and raised questions surrounding the incident -- which federal authorities said happened when he attempted to run over an ICE agent with his vehicle....
safety
Alvin man charged with online solicitation of a minor
A 54-year-old Alvin man accused of making sexually explicit online messages to someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl was arrested Thursday near Pearland, according to Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen.Investigators say the “15-year-old” was actually an......
government
Commissioners approve $2.5M for Harris Co. DA's independent investigation into fatal ICE shooting
Harris County officials have approved $2.5 million in funding for the DA's office to cover expenses related to the independent investigation of the Houston shooting involving ICE....
News
Escaped Liberty County Jail inmate found weeks later in Washington state
Yorlan Rafael Reyes, 31, escaped from jail custody on July 18 at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, leading to the termination of a correctional officer....
government
Funding for Houston ICE shooting investigation approved by Harris County leaders
The $2.5 million is said to go directly into the Harris County District Attorney's Office investigation into the July ICE-involved shooting.
government
Erik Arceneaux sentenced to life in prison for murder of Houston mother Maria Jimenez-Rodriguez
A Houston man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Maria Jimenez-Rodriguez, a northeast Houston mother who disappeared in June 2018 and whose body has never been found.Erik Fardell Arceneaux was sentenced August 6, 2026, about a month after a Harris County jury....
safety
'Everything is gone': Galveston seafood warehouse fire leaves workers, fishermen facing uncertainty
The Galveston Fire Department responded to the fire at Texas Gulf Seafood at about 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, city officials said. The structure fire, located near 7th Street and Wharf Road, was contained by early Thursday morning, but crews were still putting out flare ups throughout....
safety
Man arrested for minor solicitation after bragging about exposing himself to Amazon drivers: Pct. 1
An Alvin man has been charged with online solicitation of a minor after an investigation was launched when he allegedly bragged about exposing himself to Amazon drivers and neighbors, according to Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen....
weather
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....
government
Daniel Wong expected to stay in contested Fort Bend County judge role through November election
Wong is the Republican nominee for county judge and is facing Dexter McCoy, one of two Democratic commissioners who have boycotted commissioners court meetings since June. That leaves quorum questions as budget and tax rate discussions approach....
government
Lina Hidalgo's proposed tax-rate hike for Harris County education programs fails for the second year in a row
The rejection came almost one year after commissioners voted against Hidalgo's first penny-tax proposal and said the county judge's efforts to pass the measure to support a slate of education programs disrupted decorum as she brought a group of children to the meeting in 2025....
government
Harris County sets aside $2.5M for DA’s independent probe into ICE shooting that killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo
Harris County leaders on Thursday unanimously passed a measure to set aside $2.5 million over three years to support District Attorney Sean Teare’s independent investigation into the shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an ICE operation in Magnolia Park last......
News
Union workers secure new contract with Texas City chemical plant, ending strike
The strike began after Ashland Specialty Chemicals proposed a new contract that removed benefits for senior workers, reorganized job positions and reduced sick leave benefits, according to a union representative for 70 workers....
traffic
Border project contractors arrive in Big Bend National Park as Texas lawmakers call for a pause
Texas Democrats are urging the Trump administration to delay its plans for building border barriers and roads across the West Texas park.
safety
Ex-Harris County deputy accused of sexually assaulting 13-year-old girl
A former Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, according to court documents.
News
Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa calls Texas governor race 'most important in America' at Houston rally
Hinojosa is trying to overcome a significant fundraising disadvantage against incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, the Republican seeking a record fourth term.
safety
Three people and a dog rescued from fire at Galveston seafood warehouse, city says
The structure fire at Texas Gulf Seafood, located near 7th Street and Wharf Road, was contained by early Thursday morning, according to a city spokesperson....
government
Harris County considers ballot measure for early childhood funding through proposed tax increase
Harris County commissioners discussed a proposal Thursday that could ask voters to decide whether to increase property taxes to fund early childhood programs, but no vote was taken.The proposal is for commissioners to consider the county’s proposed 2026 tax rate, including a......
News
Ken Paxton touts economic plan, bashes Senate race rival James Talarico at Houston rally
Paxton, the Republican attorney general, spoke at the White Oak Music Hall on Wednesday evening. Talarico, a Democratic state representative, will make his own campaign swing through the Houston area this weekend....
News
Testing is underway in Houston on vaccines to intercept brewing colon cancer before it takes root
A Houston doctor who's helping to test a new vaccine is among an estimated 1 million Americans who have Lynch syndrome, a faulty gene passed from a parent that puts them at extremely high risk of colorectal cancer and more vulnerable to certain other cancers....
News
Fresh jalapeños recalled due to salmonella outbreak in 27 states, including Texas
Salmonella infection can range from a mild stomach bug to a severe, even life-threatening illness.
News
AI in the classroom (Aug. 6, 2026)
On Thursday's show: AI is finding its way into the classroom more and more. We discuss what that looks like and how educators hope to handle it responsibly....
safety
Former Harris County sheriff’s deputy charged with sexually assaulting 13-year-old
A former Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy is facing multiple felony charges after investigators accused him of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl he allegedly met through a dating app.According to court records, Nicholas Burbridge was charged with aggravated sexual......
News
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2627: The Bohr-Einstein Debates
Episode: 2627 Clash of the Titans: The Bohr-Einstein Debates. Today, a clash of titans.
government
Former Pct. 7 sergeant not indicted after being accused of beating her adopted children with belt
A grand jury has declined to indict a former Harris County Precinct 7 sergeant accused of beating her adopted children with a belt.
schools
Harris County officials warn families as e-bike, e-scooter injuries surge
Officials say the devices are becoming increasingly popular among elementary and middle school students, but many families may not fully understand how fast they can travel or the injuries they can cause....
News
It’s a tax-free weekend for school supplies in Texas. Houston lawmakers want to expand the annual initiative
On Friday through Sunday, some types of clothing, backpacks and other school supplies priced at $100 or less qualify for a sales tax exemption.
government
Harris Co. sues Children's Museum of Houston after county employee injured in 'gravity chair'
Harris County is suing the Children's Museum of Houston over an allegation that a county employee broke his neck while on an attraction at the museum, according to a lawsuit....
schools
Rice University will expand its free tuition program to students whose families earn up to $200K per year
Starting in the fall of 2027, the private university in Houston also will offer free mandatory fees and room and board for students whose families earn less than $100,000 annually....
News
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 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.
safety
Hello Houston (August 5, 2026)
Today: We learn about how the Houston SPCA Wildlife Center provides emergency care to native wildlife, talk with Texas gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, discuss a recent court decision that could help thousands of Americans with student loan debt, and much more....
government
Houston immigration attorney rejects 18-year plea in assault case
A Houston immigration attorney facing a felony family violence charge rejected a plea offer that would have sent him to prison for 18 years.Hugo Balderas-Ibarra stood alongside his attorneys in a Harris County courtroom and formally rejected the state’s offer on Wednesday.The......
safety
Tree service worker dead after suffering medical emergency in northwest Harris County: Pct. 4
A man is dead after suffering a medical emergency while cutting down a tree in northwest Harris County on Wednesday morning, according to deputies.
safety
Man dies from medical emergency while cutting tree in northwest Harris County, officials say
A man died after suffering a medical emergency while cutting a tree in a northwest Harris County neighborhood on Wednesday morning, officials say.
Local
Three Houston-area moms sue over Ten Commandments in schools. They say it violates Texas’ own laws
A 2025 state law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms was upheld last spring by a federal appeals court. Now it’s being challenged in a state-level court in Harris County....
safety
Man electrocuted after tree branch reportedly hits power line in Cypress, Precinct 4 says
Deputies with Harris County Constable Precinct 4 say they were called to the 13500 block of Cahill Lane in Cypress after a 45-year-old man was injured while cutting a tree near a clubhouse.In an update, deputies later confirmed the man died from his injuries after being taken to....
News
A $150M contract for migrant kids’ lawyers goes to a Trump-linked Houston firm, raising concerns
One of the founders of Burke Law Group, Marcella Burke, served in Trump’s first administration as a lawyer in the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior....
News
James Talarico accused Ken Paxton of voter fraud. His own voter registration is raising questions
After hitting his GOP foe for voting under an address where he no longer lived, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica found the Democratic Senate candidate also appears to have done so....
News
Data centers use lots of water and power, but Texas officials don't know exactly how much
As more and more data center developers submit proposals to build in Texas, questions about how they will impact Texas' grid and contribute to drought conditions across the state are widespread....
business
The week in politics (Aug. 5, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And we get to know Mychal Threets, the new host of "Reading Rainbow."...
government
New Harris County tool helps residents find low-cost healthcare clinics across Houston area
Finding affordable healthcare in the Houston area may soon become easier thanks to a new online tool launched by Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Department.The agencies have released the 2026 Access to Care Report and an interactive Low-Cost Clinic Finder......
News
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3396: Treacherous Words
Episode: 3396 How we live with two competing vocabularies – technical and commonplace. Today, treacherous words.
safety
Man charged with murder after alleged fentanyl delivery killed 18-year-old
According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the investigation began in January 2026 when High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Group 1 investigators launched an investigation into Avery Williams, 30....