Parenting Pressures

More than any other generation, today's parents face challenges never imagined a generation ago. From over worked parents, to under performing schools, from threats of violence and abuse, to security and safety – today's challenges can be over whelming. So what control do parents actually have? How safe can we make our children’s lives? Who is responsible for what level of our children’s education? And where can you turn for help in today's fast paced world?

RE-BUILDING OUR PAST – Genealogy Today

Now more than ever, we as a community are interested, and often fascinated, with our own past – who are we, where we come from, and what is our personal history? Books, documentaries and even shows like PBS' "Finding Our Roots" – are capturing our attention… And now we can find these answers more easily than at any other time in our history – through the use of dedicated libraries, the internet and even with the use of science and DNA testing. This week on Houston 8, a look at how we can rebuild our family histories.

Dr. Stephen Klineberg: The Houston Area Research Survey

Every year since 1982, the Houston Area Survey interviews a sampling of Harris County residents to find out more about who we are as a people and as a community. What do Houstonians think about crime? How tolerant are we of other races and life styles? And what do we see as are our biggest challenges facing our neighborhoods and city? This week on Houston 8 - Stephen Klineberg, Co-Director of the Kinder Institute reveals this year's results and what they mean for Houston.

Trayvon Martin Case: The Pro's and Con's of 'Stand Your Ground' laws

The fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman in February in Florida has sparked a national debate. At the legal center of this issue lie's Florida’s "Stand Your Ground Law" – Which states that a person may use force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of a threat, without an obligation to retreat first. But Florida is not alone – 10 states have similar laws… including Texas. This week on Houston 8–a look at the pros and cons of Stand Your Ground.

The Changing Role of Nurses

They are often the unsung heroes of medicine – they plan, they implement and they evaluate Health Care - they are nurses. Through the years their skills and responsibilities have grown to encompass so much more…and in celebration of this challenging profession we will visit with 3 generations of nurses – all from the same Houston family – that of Dr. Denton Cooley. This week on Houston 8, a look at the changing roles of nurses and how, with the raising costs of health care, the medical profession depends on them more and more.

Urban Development & The Future of Houston

139 teams from 64 schools have set their sights on Houston as part of the Urban Land Institute / Gerald D. Hines Urban Design Competition – all with a plan for how to redevelop the soon to be vacant downtown U.S. Post Office property. Fresh ideas, a redesign of segments of our city, and a fresh look at a consistent issue – how to incorporate future development into our cities planning. This week on Houston 8, a look at urban development and the future of Houston.

The Justice System

Michael Morton was convicted in 1987 of the murder of his wife. After 25 years in prison, with the help of the innocence project, DNA test support his claim of innocence. But the story doesn’t end there – now there are charges of prosecutorial misconduct in the withholding of evidence in the original case. Tonight-a closer look at our criminal Justice System, the over-turning of convictions and the work of Innocence Projects across the country.

The Political Process

The 2012 Presidential primary season is in full swing. Primary voting won’t reach us until May 29th – but the uniqueness of this season has already touched all of us - informing our decisions and ultimately determining the future leader of our country…On the Republican side of things - there are 2,286 delegates at stake. And it has been a very interesting journey so far to acquiring them – from over 2 dozen debates… to the first time use of super pacs, and their unlimited fundraising for candidates. Tonight – a look at the presidential primary process – the good, the bad, and the downright confusing.

Rodeo Houston

Rodeo Houston is on its way – this year marks 80 years of concerts, calf scrambles and cowboys – an event that is considered the world’s largest live entertainment and exhibition - over one million spectators, participants and volunteers occupy Reliant Park every year. At the same time – the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo boosts our economy and, in its history, has raises over 260 million dollars for local students, scholarship, research and endowments…On this episode of Houston 8, a look at the inner workings of Rodeo Houston.

Black History Month

February is black history month – a time each year for schools and the community to focus on the historical impact and accomplishments of the African American community – a time to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of a large part of our nation. As many celebrate - there are still those who feel since black history is American history, it should not be separated out into a single month, but rather woven into the fabric of our total heritage. I’m Ernie Manouse – join me on the next Houston 8 for look at black history month and beyond.

The Ever Evolving World of the Church

With the news of Houston becoming home for Anglicans and Episcopalians who want to join the Roman Catholic Church, we ask what other moves are churches making to continue to offer hope and fellowship in an ever-changing world of beliefs and mores? We’ll explore - Why people chose to leave the church? Why others join in? And how does religion continue to shape and change our world?

Keystone Pipeline

The Keystone Pipeline would transport synthetic crude oil from Canada to refineries along the Gulf Coast. But, the pipeline has not been without it critics and in December, congress gave the Obama administration a 60-day deadline to make a decision about the project. In January, President Obama rejected the application, stating that the deadline for the decision had "prevented a full assessment of the pipeline's impact." So what does that mean for the project, for the energy industry and for our region...

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Through the U.S. Department of Education, there is an amount of over 150 million dollars available to eligible students who wish to go to college - but many students and their parents are unaware that this money even exists. Federal Student Aid is partnering with HISD to increase awareness about the “Free Application For Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA). On the next Houston 8, we’ll share details and information on the world of FAFSA, the application process and how you could be receiving federal grant money for higher education. GUESTS: Maisha K. Challenger, Awareness & Outreach Specialist U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid Nefertari Mundy Manager of Counseling Services, Houston ISD.