The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3415: Dorothea Erxleben
Episode: 3415 Germany's first woman doctor has some hard advice for her fellow doctors. Today, a new look at Dorothea Erxleben.
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Mayor Whitmire’s administration withdraws ‘immigration law enforcement’ related grant after secret application
The administration had quietly submitted the application without council approval despite fierce debate.
Rice University study finds income disparities in natural disaster preparedness
Nearly half of low-income households say they would be unprepared if natural disaster struck.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 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.
Family sues former HCSO deputy, Harris County and dating app over alleged sexual assault of child
The lawsuit accuses the former HCSO deputy of allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old. The former deputy's attorney disputes the accusations.
Tropical disturbance in Gulf has 70% of developing, NWS says
Southeast Texas is not expected to see much of an impact from the disturbance, as of Monday's forecast.
Hello Houston (October 5, 2026)
Today: We discuss the superintendent of Barbers Hill ISD’s unconventional strategy for growing the district’s finances, talk with Houston City Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, and hear the newest episode of “Texperts.” Plus, this week’s “Producer Spotlight.”
Harris County judge candidates find common ground on flooding, Houston Health, at Sunday forum
Democratic candidate Letitia Plummer and Republican candidate Orlando Sanchez shared the stage at a forum organized by The Metropolitan Organization on Sunday, October 4.
Supreme Court’s new term kicks off with blockbuster climate change case
The case centers on whether local governments can hold giant energy companies accountable for the local harms of climate change, but it has repercussions beyond climate.
Judge halts Big Bend area border wall construction, use of federal waivers
At a Friday hearing in El Paso, a U.S. District Judge ordered all construction on the Big Bend area border wall project to stop immediately — including in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The order also included the stay of federal waivers that expedited the project.
Generosity Crisis
Why Feeling Busy Doesn't Have to Be a Barrier
Trump heads to San Antonio for race deemed the ‘whole enchilada’ in the 2026 midterms
He'll appear at the Freeman Coliseum with Republican Carlos De La Cruz, who is running in the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District.
Money lost to vouchers (Oct. 5, 2026)
On Monday's show: A new report says Texas public schools lost nearly $300 million because of school vouchers. And we offer listeners a chance to vent their pet peeves about life in our city.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3414: Bone Music
Episode: 3414 In which bootleg music rides on X-rays. Today, Bone Music.
New World screwworm cases climb to 53; new case confirmed in Brewster County dog
The latest case was confirmed in a dog in Brewster County as New World screwworm cases in the U.S. climbed to 53. Three animal cases remain active, and officials have also recorded one wild fly detection.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1638: Floating Airports
Episode: 1638 Floating airports: How to fly the ocean in 1930. Today, let us hop across the ocean.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1637: Natural Magic
Episode: 1637 In which science and magic struggle to become separate pursuits. Today, let’s practice Natural Magic.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 2, 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 – LIVE at Houston’s Original Greek Festival (October 2, 2026)
Today: We broadcast from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral to break down all the sights and sounds of this decades-long Houston area celebration of Greek culture.
Houston Comets’ return takes shape as franchise prepares for 2027 WNBA season
The original Houston Comets team folded in 2008 after twelve years of operation, including four championship runs.
NASA, SpaceX’s Crew-13 is onboard the ISS. After swapping places, Crew-12 could return Monday
The two missions, falling under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, will switch roles onboard the ISS before Crew-12 will fly back to Earth.
The battle for the U.S. House runs through South Texas. Here’s a cheat sheet to the top 5 races.
San Antonio and South Texas are at the center of five closely watched U.S. House races, with millions of dollars pouring into the campaigns.
Abbott ramps up attacks on Democratic challenger, Gina Hinojosa, as Texas governor’s race tightens
Gov. Greg Abbott is escalating attacks on Gina Hinojosa as some polls show a closer race and Republicans confront voter concerns about the economy.
Artemis II crew members close out their historic chapter with celebration in Houston
In their first public event in Space City, the four astronauts who flew around the moon and back were celebrated as hometown heroes. They called the ceremony, which was their final one in the immediate aftermath of the mission, bittersweet.
Astros players criticize booing fans: 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.
Local restaurants help Galveston Bay Foundation rebuild oyster habitat through shell recycling
Instead of throwing away empty oyster shells, local restaurants across Galveston, Clear Lake and Houston are helping Galveston Bay Foundation put the shells back in the water to serve as a new home for baby oysters. The effort comes amid a growing need for oyster restoration across the Texas Coast.
The Road to the Texas Midterms
Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina delve into the latest news in politics
These Texas doctors want to make sure people know their abortion rights during medical emergencies
Texas passed the Life of the Mother Act in 2025, aiming to clarify the narrow medical exception to the state's abortion ban. Advocates are still working to spread the word.
How Mike Morath’s agency helped get an AI tool in Texas public school classrooms
The State Board of Education raised concerns about Alpha School's AI tool. Then the Texas Education Agency helped pilot it in public school districts.
Betting that Abbott will soon restore funding, some Texas agencies accept Flock’s offer to keep cameras on
Some local officials have suggested they expect Abbott will reinstate funding for the surveillance cameras, which are politically unpopular, after the election.
Wilber Garces Perez has undergone surgery 11 days after ICE shooting in Austin, lawyer says
Garces Perez's lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, said he is recovering from his surgery.
Trump tomato tariffs could spell the end of free chips, salsa at restaurants
The 17% tariff on Mexican tomato imports, combined with bad weather in Florida and Mexico, has caused the price of salsa ingredients to spike in recent months.
AI and jobs (Oct. 2, 2026)
On Friday's show: We consider how the growth of AI is affecting jobs here in Greater Houston. And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1636: Of Books and Learning
Episode: 1636 Of books and learning in nineteenth-century America. Today, thoughts on books and learning.
METRO passes $1.7 billion budget, with $40 million in road improvements
The budget marks a slight decrease from last year’s roughly $2 billion budget. Some transit advocates criticized the agency's decision to allocate funding for roads.
Voucher program could cost Texas schools close to $300 million in funding, new report shows
Roughly 30% of voucher recipients previously attended public schools. When those students leave their districts for private or home school options they take with them thousands in state funding.
Galveston ISD ordered to display Ten Commandments posters in classrooms following Paxton lawsuit
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the district last year after it delayed displaying the posters, which is required by state law. Galveston ISD school board members decided to delay the displays while the law faced legal challenges.
Texas Juvenile Justice Department breaks ground on new Brazoria County facility
The building will house up to 100 youth in the department's violence intervention programs.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 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 (October 1, 2026)
Today: Filmmaker Bassam Tariq discusses his new film “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,” we discuss the latest in space exploration news for this week’s “HPM in Focus,” and we learn how families can find a way forward after experiencing infant loss.
Houston ‘not taking any action’ on $150 million DOJ grant application tied to ‘immigration law enforcement’
The application was slated for consideration by the city council in September, but was delayed as city officials sought clarification from the DOJ.
Trump’s proposed ban on diesel exports could have unintended consequences for Texas refineries
Texas refineries turn millions of barrels of crude oil into diesel and jet fuel daily for several industries, such as agriculture and aviation. They also sell the product abroad.
Prisons and punishment (Oct. 1, 2026)
On Thursday's show: We discuss our notions about prison and punishment in Texas. And we talk with Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, whose band performs Friday at the Continental Club.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2643: P ≠ NP (or is it?)
Episode: 2643 P ≠ NP (or is it?): an important problem in complexity theory. Today, an educated guess.
White Sox pounce early, finish sweep of Astros for first playoff series win since 2005
Houston ace Hunter Brown was lifted after getting just two outs and wasn’t helped by a sloppy defense, which committed two first-inning errors.
In Galveston, demand for affordable Cooling is high, but resources are few
Nearly 600 households in Galveston lack any air conditioning, and many others struggle to afford to use it.
New details emerge in Texas Rangers’ investigation of fatal Galveston police shooting
The Galveston Police Department recently released in-car and body camera footage from the May shooting that killed Randy Martin. Martin's family is now considering taking legal action against the City of Galveston.
Suspect arrested in ‘credible’ plot to attack Texas Capitol on Thursday, DPS says
The threat was initiated by one main suspect and several co-conspirators, according to a memo sent to members of the Texas Senate. Texas DPS officials said it worked with the FBI and local law enforcement to arrest the main suspect around 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 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.
Talarico says data centers shouldn’t be ‘running over’ Texas communities and local governments
Over the past year, artificial intelligence and the data centers needed to power them have become increasingly hot-button issues, particularly as the November midterm election approaches.
Hello Houston (September 30, 2026)
Today: We discuss the 150th anniversary of Prairie View A&M University, find out what rising diesel prices could mean for consumers, and we talk with Grammy-winning musician and composer Don Was. Plus, this week’s “On the Marquee.”
Texas oil, gas production increases slightly in third quarter as Iran War uncertainty remains
Survey respondents said it's hard to make long term plans as oil prices continue to fluctuate.
Paxton worries about drop in polling numbers after midterm GOP convention in leaked audio
The audio was initially leaked to and confirmed by The New York Times. A senior advisor to Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton calls the audio “manipulated nonsense” but does not deny Paxton was the speaker.
Whitmire’s financial integrity advisor admits to 15-hour workweeks for $127,000 salary, defends his work
Chris Brown said the salary was appropriate because he had three decades of relevant experience, including leading significant reforms to the city’s finances.
Man accused of shooting Harris County deputy in custody following overnight search
In a post on social media, Gonzalez said the shooting occurred Wednesday night near the East Freeway in east Harris County.
Houston-area man wins Fourth Amendment case against Bexar sheriff
The case included controversial roadside surveillance cameras.
Austin Stallman, son of Brazoria County Sheriff, died following heatstroke in College Station
Austin, 21, was a senior at Texas A&M University in College Station.
Texas ag commissioner candidates trade charges that the other isn’t legally qualified to serve
The Texas Agriculture Code requires a potential agriculture commissioner to have been engaged in “the business of agriculture” for five of the past ten years.
Texas seniors are getting a huge property tax break. Everyone else is picking up the tab
State lawmakers passed generous homestead exemptions that have allowed some 60% of Texas homeowners age 65 and up to pay $0 in school property taxes.
Hasan Piker to speak at UT Austin Wednesday
The far-left Twitch streamer is coming to the Forty Acres. The journey here hasn't been a smooth one.
The week in politics (Sept. 30, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And we learn how the Trinity River has shaped the politics, economy, and environment of Texas and Houston.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3413: Finishing a Pilot’s Story
Episode: 3413 Finishing a pilot's story. Today, finishing a pilot’s story.
White Sox strike first in AL wild card, beating Astros 6-3 in Game 1
The AL West-winning Astros eked into the playoffs with an 81-81 record to become the first team to reach the postseason without a winning record.
Five suspected Houston gang members to remain in federal custody after hearing
The defendants face multiple charges, including including conspiracies to commit robbery and distribute controlled substances, as well as weapons charges.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 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.
The advantages of being an undocumented immigrant who’s white
Former Houstonian Katya Suvorova tells her story of coming to the United States with her mother undocumented and learning that her mother was a mail-order bride in her memoir, "Ungrateful Immigrant Daughter."
Hello Houston (September 29, 2026)
Today: We discuss how changes to the Endangered Species Act could affect us in Texas, hear from Houston singer and songwriter Sara Van Buskirk, and learn about the University of Houston’s new Institute for Housing, Homelessness, and Health.
NASA and Boeing are moving forward with a Starliner launch as soon as this year. Here’s why that matters
The organizations have committed to flying Starliner’s first official mission without a crew, with the expectation that a crewed flight could come in 2028. Starliner’s last flight was called a type-A mishap and left two astronauts in space.
Galveston County residents can give input on proposed desalination plant near Texas City in November
The proposed Bayshore Desalination Facility aims to help with water security in the region by removing salt and minerals from seawater to produce 24.5 million gallons of drinking water a day. However, residents and organizations have come forward with concerns about the proposed plant's environmental impact.
Houston voters to decide on Prop A in November, which would deprioritize misdemeanor marijuana enforcement
The “Houston Freedom Act” would make misdemeanor marijuana possession HPD’s “lowest law-enforcement priority,” and it would also enshrine a departmental policy banning no-knock warrants.
ICE agent who shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston identified
The federal government has withheld his identification, even as major state and local law enforcement agencies across the country typically identify officers involved in shootings on the job soon after the incident.
Man shot by ICE in Austin is charged with assaulting and resisting an officer
The officer who shot Wilber Garces Perez did not have a body-worn camera, according to court documents.
David Persse, ‘pioneer’ of Houston’s EMS system, dies at 67
Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, said his innovations “saved countless thousands of lives over the years.”
Houston police fatally shoot man charged with indecency with a child during arrest attempt
The shooting occurred at a Houston-area dog daycare in the 9600 block of Yupondale Drive where the man was allegedly employed.
Gov. Abbott warns of potential flash flooding across Texas this week
Heavy rain is expected to move east this week, raising the risk of flash flooding in West, North and Central Texas.
Mail-In Voting
Who Can Vote by Mail in Texas?
Austin man shot by ICE still in pain, bullet lodged in his back, ahead of San Antonio hearing
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez is due in federal court in San Antonio on Wednesday as his attorneys seek his release and raise concerns about a bullet still lodged in his body.
Child of a mail-order bride (Sept. 29, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: Writer Katya Suvorova, who grew up in Houston, talks about her book, "Ungrateful Immigrant Daughter: A Memoir From the Child of a Mail-Order Bride." And we discuss benefits available to veterans in Greater Houston.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3412: Bipedalism’s Message
Episode: 3412 In which we humans (and birds) depend upon being unstable – and thinking unstably. Today, we walk on two legs.
Gov. Greg Abbott declares statewide disaster proclamation over diesel shortages
The governor is allowing the used of dyed diesel on roads. Diesel prices reached a record high last week, seven months into the U.S.'s war with Iran.
Harris County gets one-year extension to use federal funds for post-Harvey flood bond projects
A Harris County Flood Control District report earlier this year revealed that several of the county's disaster relief flood projects -- which were authorized by voters in 2018 as part of a $2.5 billion bond -- would not meet a state-imposed deadline early next year.
Ken Paxton calls for balancing border security with immigration reform to help labor-starved business sectors
The Texas attorney general and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate blamed Democrats for standing in the way of a deal, arguing one could have been passed during the first Trump administration.
AI stokes fears, but can be a boon for the disabled community. Here’s how else it’s impacting Texans
From smart glasses to concerns over rouge AI agents, this Texas Standard special takes a look at this new tech frontier — and a glimpse at what may be over the horizon.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 28, 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 (September 28, 2026)
Today: We break down the latest in Texas politics ahead of the midterm elections, sociologist Harel Shapira talks about his new book “Basic Pistol,” and we discuss a new study that looks at how proximity to food influences our eating habits.
The U.S. and Mexico aren’t breaking up over cartels. They’re arguing over who’s to blame.
At the United Nations this week, President Trump described Mexico as an "epicenter" of cartel violence and reasserted that its government must reclaim territory controlled by criminal groups.
Camp Mystic proposes selling Hill Country property in bankruptcy plan
Camp Mystic is proposing to sell its nearly 725-acre Hill Country property as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, more than a year after deadly flooding killed 25 campers, two counselors and camp owner Dick Eastland.
Barbers Hill ISD built a $200 million education foundation, now its structure is under scrutiny
For nearly 20 years, Barbers Hill ISD Superintendent Greg Poole pursued an unconventional strategy to grow the district’s finances. Lawmakers are now questioning the foundation’s aggressive investments, unusual structure, and potential conflicts of interest.
SpaceX’s Starship launches from South Texas, returns to Earth with a thud
The biggest rocket ever built launched from Spaceport in South Texas before entering Earth’s orbit shortly after. Though the mission ended with a thud, it does mark a significant step for commercial spaceflight.
Paxton-Talarico contest on course to demolish Texas record for campaign spending in a U.S. Senate election
Collective spending on advertising by Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, and super PACs supporting each of them has already topped $153 million. AdImpact projects it will reach more than double that by Election Day.
Austin City Council candidate released after arrest tied to ICE protest
Ramos participated in a protest against the shooting of Wilber Garces Perez on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Houston Astros rebound from 11 games under .500 and win AL West despite finishing 81-81
The Houston Astros have clinched the AL West title for the fifth time in six years.
Paxton, Talarico spar over gas tax suspension amid rising prices
Talarico, who criticized the Iran war, has called for months for a gas tax holiday. Paxton now says the tax should be permanently ended.
New flu season (Sept. 28, 2026)
On Monday's show: We examine how the new flu season is shaping up. And we talk through the latest stories in the world of education.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3411: Roland Garros
Episode: 3411 Roland Garros: Airplane pioneer, inventor, and almost combat air ace. Today, meet Roland Garros.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1635: The Sign of the Barber’s Pole
Episode: 1635 At the Sign of the Barber Pole: of barbers and barber-surgeons. Today, reflections in a barbershop.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1635: The Sign of the Barber Pole
Episode: 1635 At the Sign of the Barber Pole: of barbers and barber-surgeons. Today, reflections in a barbershop.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1634: Daedalus
Episode: 1634 Flying the Aegean Sea in Daedalus’ slipstream. Today, we mix a magic drink for Daedalus and Icarus.
About 75,000 Harris County voter registrations unprocessed in Texas DPS error, county officials say
The Secretary of State on Tuesday notified Harris County officials of backlogged voter registration records that were never provided to the office due to a technical error.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 25, 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.