On Thursday's show: When an elected official leaves office, what happens to their campaign funds? Well, it turns out many Texas politicians are using those funds on everything from luxury hotels, to steakhouse dinners, to salaries for political operatives. Taylor Goldenstein of the Houston Chronicle tells us what her reporting uncovered.

Also this hour: We get a better understanding of municipal utility districts, or MUDs, which are entities formed for handling water services and other utilities in unincorporated areas across the state. People are often lured to buy homes in them for affordable prices but then are surprised by high costs for property taxes or for basic services, like trash collection.

Then, we discuss what makes a good workplace these days.

And we visit an annual gingerbread house building contest.

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On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: As DEI programs roll back nationwide, one Houston leader is doubling down on inclusion -- starting with kids as young as nine. Shevann Steuben of the NAACP Houston Branch discusses what it takes to build a generation that shows up to vote.

And singer/soprano Sarah Brightman is known for originating the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera and for her many PBS fundraising specials. But she explains the role disco played in getting her there ahead of a holiday concert in Sugar Land on Dec. 19.

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On Tuesday's show: Beginning in January, a new Medicare program in Texas and five other states will use AI to approve or deny certain services. We learn what that could mean for Houston patients and what it signals about the future of health care.

Also this hour: We discuss the city of Houston’s current approach to homelessness, and, in particular, giving out tickets to homeless people who can’t possibly pay them. We discuss with Kelly Young, president and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County.

Then, we consider how Houstonians can keep the peace at home while navigating holiday traditions that might put an unfair burden on someone in the household. We discuss with Robyn Martin from The Menninger Clinic.

And we take you to an immersive multimedia holiday experience at ARTECHOUSE Houston.

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