Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: Despite federal and state regulations, hospitals in Texas are failing to provide real transparency in pricing for medical services they provide. We discuss a new report from health economist Vivian Ho.And we remember our colleague, longtime Texas radio newsman Matt Thomas, who died on Wednesday after a brief illness.Also this hour: We talk about efforts to deal with what’s known as the “corridor of cruelty,” an area in Houston that has become a dumping ground for abandoned stray dogs and cats.Then, with Cinco de Mayo coming up next week, we revisit a 2024 conversation about how many holidays get co-opted, and how we can turn cultural appropriation into appreciation. (But also drink. And sell mattresses).And Kenny Wayne Shepherd became a star blues guitarist as a teenager, drawing comparisons to another three-named performer, the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn. We learn why Shepherd's choice to go by three names had nothing to do with emulating Vaughn and discuss the lessons he's learned from