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.

Cruising for Answers: Inside the World of Large Ships

For the past week, the world’s attention has been focused on Italy and the crippled cruise-liner Costa Concordia. This sad turn of events has made us look homeward toward our own growing cruise line industry. Our region has made a huge investment in the cruise industry – building ports; attracting corporate giants to our ports (such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and now even Disney); and catering to the tourists - but with these stories coming from the coast of Italy, how will this industry be affected? What will it mean for our region? And just how safe are these floating skyscrapers?

Rebuilding Our Commitment to Low Income Housing

For the most part, we are a compassionate people… But what happens when we are faced with those who “have not?” Just like so many communities in our country, Galveston is currently dealing with an issue of rebuilding and replacing low income housing destroyed by Hurricane Ike. This current situation has led us to ask, whose responsibility is it to care for those who do not have, or cannot afford, reasonable housing? What programs are in place to help the homeless? What is the cost of all this aid to our citizens and community? And what of the fear, anger and confusion that is tied to this difficult situation? This week on Houston 8, who is helping the homeless?

Movements and Protests

2011 was highlighted by a wave of revolutions, movements and occupations, so much so, time magazine named the protester as man of the year! From the “Arab spring,” to the occupy movements, how effective will these events prove to be? This week on Houston 8, has government and big business grown to strong for the individual voice to ever be heard again? On the next Houston 8, we take a stand for understanding change! Guests: Dina Alsowayel, Women’s Studies, University of Houston; Mike McMullen, Sociology Dept, University of Houston-Clear Lake; Robert D. Stacey, Interim-Provost, Dean, Honors College, Assoc. Professor in Government, Houston Baptist University

2011 - A Year in Review

2011 has come to an end – and what a year it has been… sex scandals, the wrath of nature, political turmoil, and even a few sports highs (and lows) … This week, we’ll share our list of the top stories of 2011 – the good, the bad and even a few of the tabloid. We’ll look behinds the scenes, talk of the ramifications, and even discuss how it was reported, and figure out how many of these stories will still be around in 2012…

Philanthropy - The Art of Giving

Walt Whitman said, "Charity and personal force are the only investments worth anything," and at this time of the year, many in our community look to others for help and charity. But philanthropic works are needed year round, and Houston has one of the strongest “giving” communities in the country. But how does philanthropy work? What impact does it truly have in our area? What inspires individuals to dedicate their time and give of themselves and their money? And what should be government’s role in helping those who are in need? This week on Houston 8, we explore the art of giving.

The Holidays and Identity Theft

At this time of year we tend to rush around from place to place trying to get our holiday shopping done, often not realizing the many clues we leave behind about who we are, where we live, and what we desire. What can we do to preserve our identity, our money and our personal security? Ernie Manouse talks with guests: Dennis Adams, Ph.D, University of Houston; Christopher Bronk, Ph.D, Baker Institute, Rice University; and Officer Jacob Webb, Houston Police Department; about identity theft, and the tools and techniques used to commit this very common crime.

9/11 and Houston - Then and Now

This week, our country looks back and remembers the tragic events of 9/11. We remember the pain, the heartache, the disaster and the reaction… During the confusion and uncertainty, some wondered, could Houston be next? And were we safe? This week on Houston 8, we’ll look at what went on behind the scenes in Houston while the nation was under attack and ask what policies and procedures are in place today should another act of terrorism happen. Join us as we explore Emergency Management, Safety and Homeland Security in the Gulf Coast Region. Guests: Dennis Storemski, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, City of Houston; Captain Marcus Woodring, Senior Managing Director of Port Security and Emergency Operations, Port of Houston Authority; and Mark Sloan, Coordinator, Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Hurricane Season – Are You Ready?

Across the globe – the earth seems under attack… from its own forces! Massive earth quakes, devastating droughts and horrific tornadoes have caused billions of dollars in damage and taken thousands of lives. Do all of these events give us any indication of the kind of hurricane season we are to expect? What plans are in place by the city and county for evacuation or survival? And what can we be doing now to secure our property and safety? Bottom line, how are we to best weather the current storm season? Guests: Frank Billingsley, Chief Meteorologist, KPRC-Channel 2; Craig Roll, President, Coastal Building Inspection & Engineering; and Ed Emmett, Harris County Judge

Houston: The Operators' Manual

As nations across the globe struggle to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and search for sustainable energy options, we turn our focus homeward. According to Mayor Parker, these changes need to happen, because it is smart, makes business sense, and it is simply the right thing to do. As we work as a community toward reducing our carbon footprint, how will it change our lives? What are the new clean green energy opportunities for our city and surrounding communities? Where does Houston rank globally in research and development of renewable energy? Can we economically survive without the use of fossil fuels? And with all of these changes on the horizon, can Houston remain the Energy capital of the world? Guests: Laura Spanjian, Green Houston (Office of Sustainability), City of Houston; Craig Pirrong, Global Energy Management Institute, Bauer College of Business, University of Houston; David Hitchcock, Sustainable Transportation Programs, Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)

Climate Change-Man vs. Nature

Climate Change, Man vs. Nature Our climate is changing – no doubt about it. Heat waves are sweeping the continent, drought is devastating the south, yet floods have destroyed much of the Mississippi River Valley… and across the globe tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes are racking up billions of dollars in damage and costing thousands of lives. So we ask, what is causing the planet to experience such drastic weather patterns – is it just the normal cycle of nature or is man at the root of these changes? Guests: Andrew Dessler, Ph.D, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University and David Bieler, Ph.D Chair & Associate Professor Geology, Centenary College of Louisiana

Retirement of NASA's Space Shuttle Program

Thirty years after the NASA program began, what have we learned from these missions? How has science benefited? And what remains unfinished as we end the space shuttle program? To further explore these questions, we’ll be joined by members of the final crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery… as we explore man’s hunger to visit and understand outer space. Guests: Colonel Benjamin Alvin Drew, Mission Specialist, STS-133 Discovery Crew; Julie Robinson, PhD, Deputy Program Scientist, ISS (International Space Station); Nicole Stott, Mission Specialist, STS-133 Discovery Crew.