How and why health insurance claims are denied and appealed
With the outrage against the health care system many Americans have shared since the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Houston Matters discusses how the health insurance claims process...
View ArticleA win, a loss, and a big trade: Tracking a wild 72 hours in Houston sports
The Texans clinch the AFC South, the Rockets lose an NBA Cup semifinal, and the Astros trade Kyle Tucker to the Cubs -- all since Friday.
View ArticleUnsanctioned clubs (Dec. 17, 2024)
On Tuesday's show: We discuss how to address unsanctioned clubs operating in the city after a shooting at one over the weekend left two teenagers dead.
View ArticleThe week in politics (Dec. 18, 2024)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And we explore the tradition of making, eating, and sharing tamales around the holiday season.
View ArticleWhen is it time to intervene in the care of an elder loved one?
The holidays are a time when many might notice a decline in aging loved one's health and abilities. An elder care expert offers advice on when it's time to intervene -- and when it's not.
View ArticlePolitical Roundup: Reflecting on a consequential year in politics
In our weekly roundup of developments in politics, Houston Matters reflects on the big local, state, and national news in 2024.
View ArticleTrain operations near schools (Dec. 19, 2024)
On Thursday's show: Union Pacific will limit train operations near Milby High School following the death of a teen killed while crossing train tracks on his way to campus.
View ArticleCharlotte’s NBA team steps into a PR ‘Hornets’ nest: The Good, Bad, and Ugly...
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.
View ArticleDeath penalty in Texas (Dec. 20, 2024)
On Friday's show: A new report on the death penalty details how capital punishment numbers have dwindled in Texas in recent years. And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.
View Article25 years later, Y2K remains an odd, but fascinating historical blip
Houstonians recall their experiences of the Y2K scare, from the wacky to the intense.
View ArticleHouston connections to New Orleans attack (Jan. 2, 2025)
On Thursday's show: An Army veteran and Houstonian is the suspect in a bloody New Year's Day attack in New Orleans that killed at least 15 people and injured 30 more. We get the latest updates on this...
View ArticleCold weather coming (Jan. 3, 2025)
On Friday's show: We get details on some cold weather headed to Greater Houston. And a sleep expert answers listener questions.
View ArticleFreezing weather in Houston (Jan. 6, 2025)
On Monday's show: Houstonians woke up to freezing temperatures this morning but little to no precipitation. We learn how the winter weather played out across the region. And we offer listeners a chance...
View ArticleHoustonian Pet Peeves: Not knowing how to deal with the cold
Each month, Houston Matters welcomes your complaints about the things that make your life in Houston a little less than it could be.
View ArticleThe year ahead in immigration (Jan. 7, 2025)
On Tuesday's show: Donald Trump is less than two weeks away from being sworn in as president after focusing plenty of energy in his campaign on immigration. We get some perspective on how Houstonians...
View ArticleThe week in politics (Jan. 8, 2025)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And food writers talk about some of their favorite places to get crawfish and other Cajun and Creole dishes.
View ArticleThe Full Menu: Where to get crawfish and other Cajun and Creole food in Houston
In this month's installment of The Full Menu, local foodies discuss some of their favorite places to get crawfish and other Cajun and Creole cuisine in Greater Houston.
View ArticleRenaming the Gulf of Mexico, and the Ted Cruz Curse: The Good, Bad, and Ugly...
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.
View ArticleSelling Houston’s water (Jan. 10, 2025)
On Friday's show: We discuss the news that Gov. Abbott is exploring a plan to buy Houston’s excess water and send it to communities in West Texas that are facing dwindling aquifers. And We break down...
View ArticleDocumentary chronicles one family’s journey through a loved one’s dementia
Dr. Herb Caldwell talks about his film "My Mama Joe: Hope and Help" and offers advice for families dealing with a loved one's Alzheimer's diagnosis.
View ArticleJazz singer Vanisha Gould embraces imperfection as an asset on stage
Gould talks about her music ahead of a pair of shows at Houston’s Eldorado Ballroom.
View ArticlePreviewing the legislature (Jan. 13, 2025)
On Monday's show: The 89th regular session of the Texas Legislature begins tomorrow. We preview some of the issues and bills that will take center stage.
View ArticleSinger Ani DiFranco (Jan. 14, 2025)
On Tuesday's show: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco talks about her career and music ahead of a documentary screening about her life and a concert in Houston this week.
View ArticleWhy Ani DiFranco isn’t doing everything on her own anymore
The singer-songwriter made a name for herself in the 1990s by doing things her own way. She explains what she's letting go of, ahead of a documentary screening and concert in Houston this week.
View ArticleThe week in politics (Jan. 15, 2025)
On Wednesday's show: We recap the start of the new Texas legislative session and discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.
View ArticlePolitical Roundup: Drama on the first day of the Texas Legislature
We discuss how Dustin Burrows became the speaker of the Texas House over the Republican party's preferred candidate and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.
View ArticleHouston’s legislative priorities (Jan. 16, 2025)
On Thursday's show: We get a sense of what some of the City of Houston's priorities are to achieve during the new legislative session. And we learn about the man just appointed to serve as the chief...
View ArticleHow a Houston physical therapist is making health care more inclusive for...
Dr. Roy Rivera of Elation Physical Therapy explains efforts he’s made to create an environment where LGBTQ+ patients feel safe to talk about their health concerns and discusses what the entire medical...
View ArticleA possible NHL ice rink at NRG Center: 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.
View ArticleWinter weather preview (Jan. 17, 2025)
On Friday's show: Wintry weather may be headed our way early next week. Just exactly what, how much, and when is still a bit up in the air. We learn the latest from meteorologist Eric Berger from Space...
View ArticleHouston’s Intuitive Machines readies a second lander for a mission to the moon
The company's second lunar lander, Athena, will carry a small rover and other payloads when its launched, which is tentatively scheduled for late February.
View ArticleSnow day in Houston (Jan. 21, 2025)
On Tuesday's show: For the first time in nearly four years, residents across southeast Texas woke up to yards blanketed in snow. We find out how much we'll get, how long it will last, and how it's...
View ArticleWinter storm day two (Jan. 22, 2025)
On Wednesday's show: Roads remain icy, and extreme cold continues across Greater Houston. We bring you the latest on the second day of the winter storm.
View ArticleProposed state budgets (Jan. 23, 2025)
On Thursday's show: We learn about proposed state budgets being presented at the Texas Legislature. And we discuss the on-again, off-again ban on TikTok and what it means for Houstonians.
View ArticleHow working through a debilitating stutter helped Drew Lynch be a better...
Lynch, who performs in Houston tonight, talks about the injury that left him with a speech impediment and why he turned to standup comedy at a time when he was struggling to speak.
View ArticleTrump Burger headed to Houston: 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.
View ArticleImmigration and kids (Jan. 24, 2025)
On Friday's show: We discuss how the new administration and new policies on immigration might affect children and families, especially here in Houston.
View ArticleCast member from ‘The Sandlot’ reflects on the movie’s enduring legacy
Marty York, who plays "Yeah Yeah” in the film, is among several cast members taking part in a screening of the classic baseball film Saturday night at the University of Houston's Cullen Performance Hall.
View ArticlePaying for NRG Stadium upgrades (Jan. 27, 2025)
On Monday's show: We learn why Harris County taxpayers are on the hook for any upgrades at NRG Stadium and what that might cost. And we learn about the Astros trading reliever Ryan Pressly to the Cubs.
View ArticleAnnual homeless count (Jan. 28, 2025)
On Tuesday's show: We learn about the latest count of homeless people in Houston. And we revisit a conversation with comedian Mo Amer.
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