Meeting NASA's newest astronauts

http://www.khou.com/video/news/local/sugar-land-native-among-newest-nasa-astronauts/285-24b0c7ea-501e-47af-8443-b540583114fa?jwsource=cl

It's been a while since I posted a story.. But this was a fun one.  I got to cover NASA's newest class of astronauts as they were introduced during a ceremony at Houston's Johnson Space Center.  I didn't realize that one of them was a Houston-area native.  Fortunately, she gave us a few words in a separate interview and became the "peg" of my story.  Being so close to a NASA facility provides a lot of interesting stories.  We could almost have a bureau there and cover nothing but space-related news.

Chemical plant explosion rocks SE Texas town

http://www.khou.com/video/news/local/officials-lift-evacuation-order-in-port-neches/285-2c201f23-9f2a-445f-9fb1-c82b76bcd1c2?jwsource=cl

I spent Thanksgiving Day and the day after in Port Neches, TX.  The town near Beaumont was rocked by a chemical plant explosion.  The blast and its resulting shockwave caused significant damage to the facilities and surrounding homes and businesses.  I put this story together on the day residents were allowed to return to their homes after an evacuation order was lifted.  Port Neches is more than a 1 1/2 hour drive from Houston.. So, we didn't have too much time to gather material for a 5:00 story.  Luckily, we found people willing to speak on the first two streets we checked.  I delivered the story from just outside the plant, which was still burning.

Texas voters pass K-9 retirement law

https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/i-couldnt-imagine-losing-him-local-deputy-praises-passage-of-k-9-retirement-law/285-274d86b1-8b47-4094-b691-b736f96b7dba

Any story that allows me to hang out with animals is always fun.  In this case, the story was about the passage of a law that allows retired K-9s to live with their handlers.  Believe it or not, under Texas law, they previously had to be sold or even put down (depending on their health).  I reached out to a number of law enforcement agencies in order to help with a follow-up story.  The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office allowed us to come by and interview a deputy who works and lives with his K-9 named "Cactus Jack."  I asked if I could pet him and was told "you better not."     

Quirky landmark building facing wrecking ball

https://www.khou.com/video/news/local/landmark-to-be-demolished-as-highway-146-expands/285-544595b7-4ae3-4c4e-9afa-1b0e1527bca2?jwsource=cl

This is a good example of how drone video can really help a story pop.  The story is about a quirky old building in Seabrook, TX that is known to anyone who's been through the Galveston County city.  A massive TxDOT widening project requires the building's demolition.  I interviewed the former owner about the loss and touched on the overall project too.  Fortunately, one of our photographers, who is a certified drone operator, was available to get some good shots of the building.

Apollo 11 inspired park in need of a makeover

https://www.khou.com/video/tech/science/aerospace/apollo-11/rescue-mission-for-park-honoring-apollo-11/285-3505dc16-0ec8-4411-a82d-e70c69e41e83?jwsource=cl

This is a story prompted by my own observances.  Tranquility Park (named after the Moon's "Sea of Tranquility") is in my neighborhood in downtown Houston.  I've noticed its disrepair.. Particularly since Hurricane Harvey.  It became a story worth pitching even more as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.  What better excuse for a makeover?  A friend of the original architect was among those who shared concerns about the park with me.

Presidential hopefuls in Houston, again

https://www.khou.com/video/news/politics/10-democratic-presidential-hopefuls-address-educators-at-downtown-houston-forum/285-32cd8a71-fc70-4ad9-9a1a-ce279440d1d5?jwsource=cl

It's not surprising that 10 of the Democratic candidates running for president would jump at the chance to appear before the nation's largest labor union.  The National Education Association held its annual convention in Houston this year.  Part of the days-long event was a forum with the candidates.  This is the second such forum featuring a number of Democratic candidates that I've covered here in recent months.  Many expect other visits by Democratic candidates as Texas turns more and more purple.

Road rage murder victim's widow speaks about crime

https://www.khou.com/video/news/crime/we-werent-finished-living-our-lives-together-widow-talks-about-deadly-road-rage-shooting-in-katy/285-680a82f4-1264-4c7e-a1b6-9e66d8fd10ad?jwsource=cl

Getting exclusive interviews is always a goal when you know it's a story other stations are also working.  But there's a fine line between getting an interview and exploiting a very sad situation.  In this case, the family of a road rage murder victim wanted to share their thoughts about the father, husband, and son.  The man's widow got very emotional during the interview.. understandably.  It makes for powerful TV.  I just hate that we have to cover such senseless stories.