Hello Houston

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss a new study on large-scale air pollution events with Dr. Inyang Uwak, Research and Policy Director at Air Alliance Houston, who explains its findings and what caused these pollution events.Then, we’re joined by Jamie Ferrell, Director of Forensic Nursing for Memorial Hermann Health System, who discusses how to prevent sexual assault during Spring Break, as well as the signs to be aware of, and what to do if an incident occurs.In the second hour of the show, in recognition of Women’s History Month, we revisit Ernie’s conversation with Houston singer, actress, and former America’s Got Talent contestant, Christina Wells, for his InnerVIEWS series. To watch the full interview, click here.Plus, our hosts share their Current Obsessions for this week, and a list of events going down in H-town this weekend for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including President Trump firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Rep. Tony Gonzales announcing he’s withdrawing from his reelection race, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton considering dropping out of the U.S. Senate race.

On today’s Hello Houston, we are live from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo event in the entire world.In the first hour, we learn all about Agventure, an attraction where parents can take their kids to learn about agriculture and farm animals, with Allen Kaminski, a founding member of the rodeo’s Tours Committee and a former Texas Farm Bureau state director.Then, we talk with Kyle Olsen, the Chief Show Operations Officer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at rodeo operations in what’s his first year in this role following the retirement of rodeo legend Mike DeMarco.In the second hour of the show, Laura Lambert, Director of Auctions and Attractions at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, discusses the junior market auctions for livestock and art, as well as her own experience with the rodeo and how it feels to be a part of it.Also, Lindsey Weid, chairman of the Wine Garden Committee, tells us about the specialty wines and events that can be found at the rodeo’s Champion Wine Garden. And finally, HLSR board member, committee member, and Trailblazer Honoree, Angela Hernandez, joins us to discuss the rise in women’s roles at the rodeo.Plus, throughout the show, Celeste and Frank check in with Ernie, who’s at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, where he tells us all about the great food that can be found at the event.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Texas Monthly senior writer Michael Hardy in the first hour, who discusses his in-depth article on Lina Hidalgo’s tenure as Harris County Judge and how her leadership style and clashes with local politicians reshaped her time in office.Then, actor Edward Staudenmayer from the cast of the national touring production of The Great Gatsby joins us to tell us all about the musical based on the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which is running at the Hobby Center through Sunday.In the show’s second hour, we discuss possible human trafficking at the upcoming FIFA World Cup games here in Houston with David Reid, founder of the redM Movement, an area non-profit that brings together professionals from energy, the arts, science, and media to raise awareness on human trafficking, support survivors, and push for change.Also, we learn about a community effort to restore one of the oldest AIDS memorials in the nation, the Texas AIDS Memorial Garden, with the garden’s architect and founder, R. Michael Lee and Edward D. Pettitt II, president of local non-profit Friends of Columbia Tap.Plus, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank break down the results of last night’s primary election at the top of each hour, with Houston Public Media reporters Andrew Schneider and Michael Adkison.

On today’s Hello Houston, it’s Election Day for the 2026 Primary Election – we talk with University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus, who breaks down all the key races.Then, we hear from Houston Chronicle space reporter Andrea Leinfelder, who gives us the latest developments on the updated plan for NASA’s Artemis III mission.In the second hour of the show, Emmett Hopkins, the Transportation Policy Manager at the Climate & Community Institute, educates us on a new transportation proposal by the Trump administration, which would scale back federal support for public transportation.Plus, we also learn about the Houston-based social service agency Alexander JFS, with their Director of Program Services, Morgan Zeringue, who also explains what impact SNAP cuts are having on the work they do.  And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including President Trump saying the Iran strikes are meant to prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon and President Trump’s endorsements in the Texas primaries. 

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by interim Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne in the show’s first hour, who explains how the county maintains election integrity and protects voters’ rights, ahead of Election Day for the 2026 primary election.Then, we talk with Brittany Hebert, founder of the Houston-based non-profit Sky High for Kids, who tells us about their work funding research and family services to help children with cancer and other life-threatening conditions.In the second hour, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones joins us to discuss the forthcoming “Toro District,” an 83-acre, mixed-use development that will serve as the new home of the Houston Texans' headquarters, as well as its expected economic impact.Plus, Dr. Tamara J. Cadet, an associate professor in the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, shares her thoughts on how people can prepare for an extended lifespan.And, as always, Ernie and Celeste talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the mass shooting that took place at an Austin bar on Sunday morning, the cancellation of this year’s Cinco de Mayo parade, and the United States' attack on Iran, which they discuss with NPR Pentagon reporter Tom Bowman.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Tony Payan, Fellow in U.S.-Mexico Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, who shares his thoughts on the violence taking place in Mexico after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.Then, actress Pantea Ommi joins us to talk about the Pulitzer Prize-winning play English, currently running at the Alley Theatre, as well as her role as Roya in the play.In the show’s second hour, we talk with Housing Alliance HTX president and CEO, Jamie Bryant, who tells us about the organization’s recent rebrand from the Houston Housing Authority, and his plans for the organization in his second year of leadership and beyond.Plus, our hosts share their weekend plans and a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Houston ISD's state-appointed board of managers voting to close 12 schools by the end of the school year and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s testimony before a congressional committee yesterday.

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by listening to the newest episode of University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus’ series Texperts, in which he explains what county attorneys do and the role they play in elections.Then, we hear Frank and Celeste’s conversation with actor, comedian, and screenwriter Mae Martin ahead of their upcoming show this Friday at the Cullen Performing Arts Center.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Eric Broussard, curator of the Bryan Museum in Galveston, who tells us all about their large collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West.Also, the Hello Houston team and listeners share the things they’ve been obsessed with lately for our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.Plus, at the top of each hour, Ernie Manouse talks about today’s top stories, including a new poll showing Jasmine Crockett leading over James Talarico, which he discusses with HPM’s politics and government reporter Andrew Schneider, and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales saying he will not resign despite the release of explicit text messages between him and a former aide, which he discusses with Texas Tribune reporter Eleanor Klibanoff.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with American Meteorological Society Fellow Alan Sealls, who joins us to share his thoughts on the EPA’s decision to officially rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which established that greenhouse gas emissions are a threat to public health.Also, in the show’s first hour, actor and singer Nat Zegree discusses playing Jerry Lee Lewis in the Theatre Under the Stars production of the musical Million Dollar Quartet, which is on stage now at the Hobby Center through Sunday, March 1.In the second hour, we revisit an episode of Frank’s Friends of Frank series in which he chats with longtime Houston broadcaster Dominique Sascha. Then, Dee Dee Dochen, a producer of ReelMusic, tells us all about the upcoming Houston event, which showcases the talents of musicians and performers who live with disabilities.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top headlines at the top of each hour, including President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address and Houston Rep. Al Green being ejected from the House chamber minutes into the President’s speech last night.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Nikolas Guggenberger, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, who breaks down a landmark case examining whether social media companies have designed their platforms to be addictive for younger users.Then, New York Times best-selling author Meg Medina, known for writing picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction, joins us to tell us more about her work, her newest book, Graciela in the Abyss, and her upcoming Houston event.In the second hour of the show, we talk with Texas Tribune reporter Kayla Guo about how social media influencers are driving the Texas Democratic Senate race, and what this rising influence tells us about the changing landscape of political discourse in Texas.Plus, Abdullah Antepli, the recently appointed president of the Rothko Chapel, discusses this iconic Houston landmark, how it serves the community, and what's next as it enters a new chapter of leadership.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the families of Camp Mystic victims suing Texas health officials for allegedly licensing the camp without an evacuation plan and the launch of the autonomous vehicle company Waymo in Houston.

On today’s Hello Houston, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Party Politics, joins us in the first hour to help us break down the races and propositions in the 2026 primary election and to give us a preview of tomorrow’s State of the Union address.Then, Priya James, associate director of community engagement at NEDA Houston, joins us to discuss National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, as well as tell us about the factors that drive eating disorders.In the second hour of the show, we learn all about The Inquisitor, a documentary about the life and legacy of lawyer, educator, and former Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan, with director Angela Tucker and executive producer Tyrone Dixon. The documentary will premiere tonight on PBS Channel 8.Also, Houston-based photographer Ed Finger tells us about his photography work, his travels exploring 95 different countries, and an upcoming exhibition that will feature his work later this week.Plus, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Mexican army’s killing of the leader of the Jalisco cartel, President Trump directing agencies to release files related to UFOs, and logistics and supply chain expert, Margaret Kidd, shares her thoughts on President Trump’s plans to raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Hobby School of Public Affairs researchers Maria Perez Arguelles and Soran Mohtadi about a new survey that found the cost of living is the biggest economic concern for an overwhelming majority of Houstonians.Then, Houston artist David McGee joins us to discuss his art career and an upcoming exhibition dedicated to his work that will be on view at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, North Carolina, which curator Katia Zavistovski tells us more about.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin, currently serving District 47, who discusses her campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the issues driving her run, and her vision for the future of the Lone Star State.Also, our hosts share their weekend plans and a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.Plus, at the top of each hour, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress talk about today’s top stories, including discussing the Supreme Court striking down President Trump’s tariffs with University of Houston-Downtown professor Dietrich von Biedenfeld, and University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs shares his thoughts on President Trump considering an attack on Iran. 

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by hearing the latest episode of University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus’ Texperts series, in which he guides us through the world of legal billboard advertising.Then, the organizers of SpringStock Music Fest, David Gordon and Dallas and Austin Burkhalter, join us to tell us all about the upcoming all-ages experience created by Houston artists and musicians.In the second hour of the show, University of Houston film professor and director Greg Carter tells us about a new online graduate certificate program that aims to help prepare a workforce of leaders in the city's film space.Also, our hosts and listeners share the things they’re obsessed with this week for our regular Thursday feature – Current Obsessions.Plus, Ernie and News 88.7 news anchor Matt Harab discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a man on a Delta Airlines flight being detained for “unruly behavior,” Texas primary candidates using artificial intelligence in their campaign ads, U.K. police arresting the former Prince Andrew, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, Dr. Tina Petersen, executive director of Harris County Flood Control District, joins us to help break down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s draft for the updated Harris County floodplain maps, the first countywide update since 2007.Then, Lisa Descant, CEO of the non-profit Communities In Schools of Houston, tells us more about their work across the Greater Houston area and their report for the 2024-2025 school year.In the second hour of the show, we hear the latest edition of Frank’s Friends of Frank series in which he talks with broadcaster Brent Goff, the Chief News Anchor at DW News in Berlin, Germany, who discusses his news career and shares his thoughts on how Europeans currently view Americans.Plus, acclaimed playwright James Anthony Tyler tells us about his work and his role as head of the Playwriting & Dramaturgy program at the University of Houston.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Stephen Colbert criticizing CBS for allegedly blocking an interview with James Talarico, and NAACP Houston president Bishop James Dixon II tells us about a community prayer vigil he’s officiating tonight to honor the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

On today’s show, we’re joined by Mary Ellen O'Toole, a former FBI senior profiler and professor of forensic science, who discusses the latest developments in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and how profilers aid in the search for missing people.Then, we talk with Dr. Marianne Cusick, a colorectal surgeon at UTHealth Houston, who provides insight into colorectal cancer, risks to be aware of, and why rates are increasing among people younger than the age of 50.In the second hour of Hello Houston, the Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, a former district Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, joins us to share stories from her groundbreaking career and to give her take on current legal issues.Plus, on this “Fat Tuesday,” Doc's Houston artistic director and drummer Graeme Francis and Houston-based vocalist Nicoya Baker tell us all about the musical traditions of Mardi Gras.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the passing of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth joins in at the top of the show to answer questions about early voting for the 2026 primaries, which begins today.

On today’s Hello Houston, City Council Member Tiffany Thomas joins the show in the first hour to discuss the proposed apartment inspection ordinance, which would create a registry of “high-risk rental buildings,” as well as inspections and fines should issues with these properties continue unresolved.Then, we hear from Steven Evans, executive director of the Houston-based contemporary arts organization FotoFest, who tells us all about their upcoming 40th anniversary biennial, which will be a celebration of their work from the past four decades.In the second hour, we’re joined by entertainment attorney and actress Jalene Mack, who shares her success story, answers questions related to entertainment law, and discusses her local non-profit MPAC, which aims to help young creatives through workshops and networking.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including water pouring from the ceiling of NRG Stadium during an event, former Vice President Kamala Harris selling her email list to the Democratic National Committee, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who discusses her run for Senate as she squares off against Texas State Representative James Talarico, as well as her policy priorities, and why she believes this race is so important.Then, ahead of Valentine’s Day, we talk with Houston area relationship therapist Dr. Viviana Coles, who shares advice on how couples can maintain healthy relationships.In the show’s second hour, Michael Emerson, a Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute, joins us to discuss the growing influence of Christian nationalism in Texas politics, a topic he explores in the four-part audio series, Between Pulpit and Policy.Also, Theatre Under the Stars artistic director Dan Knechtges joins us to tell us all about the exciting musicals included in the theatre company’s new 2026-27 season.And, as always, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress discuss today’s top headlines, including Christian Menefee leading over Al Green in the Democratic primary for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s 2026 State of the City address, plus, former City Council member Amanda Edwards tells us her plans after suspending her campaign for the 18th Congressional District earlier this week.

On today’s Hello Houston, ArtHouse Houston Executive Director Maureen McNamara joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss a local effort to preserve the Garden Oaks Theater, one of several neighborhood cinemas built in Houston between the 1930s and 1950s.Also, in the first hour, we’re joined by Rice University postdoctoral researcher and Houston Texans cheerleader, HTC Kelly, who discusses how she balances these two dual roles.In the second hour of the show, Jim Morris, Founder, Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief of Public Health Watch, helps us understand a new report highlighting pollution in Texas and what this continued growth could mean for Texans.Plus, we also chat with jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer, Jumaane Smith, who tells us all about his Hobby Center concert LOVE ALWAYS: Celebrating the Romance of Nat King Cole, in which he’ll perform renditions of Cole’s most famous songs.And, as always, Ernie and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Houstonians concerned that their wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s heated congressional hearing, Harris County seeking a restraining order against the federal government to halt FEMA layoffs, and more.

On today’s show, we break down a University of Houston study, which found that many Houston-area residents are overestimating the potential reach and impact of Texas’s new school voucher program, with the Hobby School of Public Affairs’ Blake Heller.Then, actor Rudy Foster joins us to discuss playing the role of Hermes in the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, currently running at the Hobby Center through Sunday, February 15th.In the second hour of Hello Houston, Celeste talks with Texas Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nate Sheets, who discusses his vision for the department, how he plans to tackle challenges like water scarcity and livestock health, and what changes he hopes to bring to Texas agriculture.Plus, we also learn all about Lunar New Year and its traditions, with Elaine Yuan, senior fund development manager at the Chinese Community Center.And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Cy-Fair ISD’s new board members rolling back the previous board’s policies, Houstonians turning to payday loans to cover everyday expenses, the latest developments in the kidnapping case of Nancy Guthrie, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Natalia Contreras, a reporter covering election administration and voting access for Votebeat, who shares her thoughts on why the Trump administration is asking states to turn over their voter rolls.Then, at the end of the first hour, Houston actress Brenda Palestina joins us to tell us about playing the character Ana in the Alley Theater production Real Women Have Curves.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), who discuss the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which aims to equip every new car with anti-drunk driving technology by 2030.Plus, we also explore the history of one of the largest Black-owned and operated theaters in the nation, The Ensemble Theatre, with artistic director Eileen J. Morris and resident actor Timothy Eric, who also tell us about its significance to the community.And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton pursuing legal action against a Houston-area anti-fascist group, city officials announcing a new on-demand system for faster trash pickup, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Bishop James Dixon II, president of the NAACP Houston chapter in the show’s first hour, who discusses the current issues affecting the organization, as well as his commitment to civil rights and community empowerment.Also, at the end of the first hour, we learn all about the German cultural center, the Goethe-Institut, with Sandy Schwalen, program coordinator of the institute’s Houston branch.In the second hour of the show, we talk with Marcos Velez, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas, who tells us more about his campaign, the issues driving his run, and his vision for the future of the state.Plus, we also hear from Mark Norris, Senior Director of Digital Operations at Houston Public Media, who gives us a live report from the 2026 Winter Olympics taking place in Italy.And, as always, Frank and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Harris County residents filing a lawsuit to halt immigration enforcement raids in Houston, University of Houston faculty being asked to sign an agreement to "not indoctrinate" students, and we recap last night’s Super Bowl and its halftime show.