On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Andrew Rothman, the Wildlife Campaigns Director for Environment America, who discusses the Trump administration’s major changes to the Endangered Species Act and how these changes could impact us in the state of Texas.

Then, we hear from the winner of the 2026 Houston Blues Challenge, Sara Van Buskirk, who sits down with Hello Houston executive producer Jim Kovacik for this week’s Five Simple Questions, where she shares the experiences and influences behind her music.

In the second hour, we learn about the University of Houston’s Institute for Housing, Homelessness, and Health, with its founding director Ben King, who explains how it brings together researchers, experts, and community groups to better understand the causes of homelessness and find solutions for long-term housing stability.

And finally, we close the show with a special performance by singer, songwriter, and Houston Blues Challenge winner Sara Van Buskirk, featuring music from her upcoming self-titled album and her debut album.

And, as always, our hosts Tessa Barrera and Ernie Manouse talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including former Houston Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Persse's passing, which they discuss with Dr. Catherine Troisi, Harris County receiving a one-year extension to use federal funds for post-Hurricane Harvey flood bond projects, and New York prosecutors reopening an investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University.