Public outcry against President Trump’s immigration freeze stretched across the country and Texas — including in Houston — this weekend. The City of Houston has played a large role in the country’s refugee resettlement program and is one of America’s most diverse cities. On Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017), some local officials spoke out against closing the door to refugees and immigrants from certain Muslim countries.

On this edition of Houston Matters, we take a closer look at the executive order and reaction to it with three guests: Jon Taylor, political scientist from the Univ. of St. Thomas,  Brandon Rottinghaus, political science professor at the University of Houston, and Sara Kauffman, Houston Area Director for Refugee Services of Texas.

(Above: In downtown Houston on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, more than a thousand people gathered just steps away from the Super Bowl festivities. Photo: Laura Isensee, Houston Public Media)

Also this hour…

How is Houston Engaging the Community on HIV Education?

On Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2017), the Houston Health Department is co-hosting an HIV symposium with Baylor College of Medicine. Officials say the goal is to present the newest scientific findings in a way that’s more accessible and easier to understand. We talk with Dr. Jessica Davila from Baylor College of Medicine. She’s presenting research looking at treating the homeless who are infected with HIV. And we hear from Melody Patelis, chief development officer of AIDS Foundation Houston.

Sports Monday

We’re less than a week away from the big game, as the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots prepare to face off in Super Bowl 51. We preview the game, check in on the Houston Rockets and talk about historical landmark status for the Astrodome with Jeff Balke, who writes for Houston Press and Houstonia Magazine.

Houston Matters offers a free daily, downloadable podcast here, on iTunes, Stitcher and various other podcasting apps.