About this episode

The episode discusses key issues impacting children and families in Texas, including human trafficking, immigrant challenges, and education updates from HISD.

On this episode, Owala Maima and co-host Abbi Antoun, Development Intern at CHILDREN AT RISK, dive into some key issues impacting children and families across Texas. HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca , Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down HISD's new Kinder Bridge program, early literacy initiatives, and what the latest STAAR results reveal about student learning across the district. Human Trafficking & the World Cup: Dr. Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez of UT Health discusses human trafficking as a public health issue, who is most vulnerable, and what communities should know as Houston prepares to host World Cup events. Immigrant Children: Krystal Gomez , Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explores how immigration policies affect children and families, the challenges facing immigrant youth in Texas, and what policymakers should consider when crafting immigration policy. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org !

More episodes of Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

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• HISD's Controversial Curriculum, Youth Leadership & FIFA, Gen Z Panel on Voting · July 8, 2026 · 55 min
• Make America Healthy Again Agenda, Rothko Chapel, DACA Anniversary · July 2, 2026 · 58 min

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