Posted on · John Tefft, the only American foreign service officer to have been an ambassador to both Russia and Ukraine, spoke with Houston Matters while in town for events.
Posted on · On Monday's show: We preview what’s ahead for the University of Houston Cougars and other area college basketball teams who made the cut for the NCAA college basketball tournament.
Posted on · Griner was released from a Russian prison on Thursday morning, nearly nine months after first being detained. Her former Houston-area high school coach said she was "ecstatic" at the news.
Posted on · On Thursday's show: We discuss what we know about Griner’s release and whether the prisoner the United States released is a steep price to pay. And we learn why the League of Women Voters of Houston is shifting from a volunteer-only organization to hiring staff.
Posted on · Exposing the life and lies of Vladimir Putin and gaining insight on the history of America’s heroes.
Posted on · The two-time Olympic champion’s wife spoke out for the first time since Griner’s sentencing two months ago in an interview with CBS’ Gayle King.
Posted on · Today, we discuss the theater scene in Houston and the most-anticipated shows of the season. Plus, the latest on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Posted on · Griner's attorney was quoted by Russian news agencies on Monday as saying the appeal was filed, but the grounds of the appeal were not immediately clear.
Posted on · With the crisis in Ukraine and flooding emergencies here at home, the CORE response team provides humanitarian aid to devastated areas around the globe.
Posted on · Rice University's Richard Stoll said the odds of a prisoner swap are in Griner's favor, but he remains concerned about the basketball star's well-being.
Posted on · On Friday's show: An international relations expert explains what it might take for the United States to arrange for Griner's release after her guilty verdict and sentencing. Then, we discuss how a recent ruling limiting the EPA's power might affect Houston. And Indian composer and violinist L. Subramaniam talks about his concert in Houston this weekend celebrating 75 years of Indian independence.
Posted on · The ruling came nearly six months after Griner was detained. Russia has indicated that any potential deal or prisoner swap to secure her release would have to wait until after a verdict in her case.
Posted on · In an extraordinary move, Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week spoke to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and another American imprisoned in Russia would go free.
Posted on · It is unclear if it will be enough for Russia to release the Americans. But the public acknowledgment of the offer at a time when the U.S. has otherwise shunned Russia, reflects the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan and its determination to get them home.
Posted on · In her first testimony under questioning from the prosecution, Griner said she received neither an explanation of her rights nor access to a lawyer.