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08/28/2017: Why Houston floods
Aug 28, 2017

08/28/2017: Why Houston floods

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The thing about Hurricane Harvey is that other than there's gonna be more rain in and around Houston, there's a whole lot we don't know. We'll start with oil. Some of the biggest oil refineries in the country, not to mention the Port of Houston, are shut down right now, and it's not clear when any of that will open back up. Then we'll talk about the empty posts at key agencies responding to Harvey and the shelter strategy for people whose homes are underwater. Plus, we'll look at why Houston is especially susceptible to flooding. Believe it or not, there's other news to talk about today, too, including the Trump administration's restoration of a program that gives military gear to police and Uber's new CEO. 

Segments From this episode

How the British began a free trade bonanza

Aug 28, 2017
England's repeal of tariffs on grain imports in the 19th century kicked off a free trade explosion.
The Repeal of the Corn Laws in Manchester is a 170-year old story with ramifications that continue to this day.
Ken Garduno, Illustrator

Should local police departments have sophisticated military gear?

Aug 28, 2017
A policy reversal from the government could mean grenade launchers, bayonets and night-vision goggles for law enforcement.
A police officer in riot gear stands guard outside City Hall during a protest in Los Angeles, California on November 2016.
RINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images

Being Uber's new CEO is like climbing corporate Mt. Everest

Aug 28, 2017
The name to know today in corporate America is Dara Khosrowshahi. At the moment, he’s the CEO of the travel website Expedia. Khosrowshahi was on the Corner Office podcast in March about what it was like to lead a travel company under the cloud of the president’s travel ban last spring. But now he’s been […]

Houston's infrastructure could be making the floods worse

Aug 28, 2017
Every expert she's talked to says regulations for building in the city's flood plains are insufficient, says Texas-based reporter Neena Satija.
People view the flooded highways in Houston yesterday as the city battles with Harvey, downgraded to a tropical storm, and resulting floods.
THOMAS B. SHEA/AFP/Getty Images

No date set for Texas refineries to get running again

Aug 28, 2017
Louisiana, another critical area for oil plants, is watching Harvey's path.
Flood waters rise today by the refinery section of the Houston Ship Channel. The city is battling Harvey, now a tropical storm, and flooding.
THOMAS B. SHEA/AFP/Getty Images

Where to house people during a natural disaster?

Aug 28, 2017
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and officials in Texas don't want to use massive structures to house people, but sometimes that is the best option.
Flood victims gather for food at a shelter in the George R. Brown Convention Center during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey today in Houston.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

The thing about Hurricane Harvey is that other than there’s gonna be more rain in and around Houston, there’s a whole lot we don’t know. We’ll start with oil. Some of the biggest oil refineries in the country, not to mention the Port of Houston, are shut down right now, and it’s not clear when any of that will open back up. Then we’ll talk about the empty posts at key agencies responding to Harvey and the shelter strategy for people whose homes are underwater. Plus, we’ll look at why Houston is especially susceptible to flooding. Believe it or not, there’s other news to talk about today, too, including the Trump administration’s restoration of a program that gives military gear to police and Uber’s new CEO. 

Music from the episode

Chaghaybou Tinariwen
Slow Boogie Various Artists
Gold Slugs DJ Khaled, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Fetty Wap
Canyons Chris Pickering
Soft Washed Out