Hello Houston

On today’s Hello Houston, Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, joins us to talk about the expansion of the Ben Taub hospital through eminent domain, and what we can expect next now that the plan is moving forward.Next, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez tells us all about his upcoming concert, Sincerely, Sondheim, a musical tribute to the life and legacy of the late composer Stephen Sondheim, which will run at the Hobby Center on March 26th and 27th.In the second hour, we’re joined by Wendell Primus, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center on Health Policy, who joins us to discuss growing concerns over the long-term future of social security with new projections warning the program could face insolvency in the years ahead.Plus, we also learn about the student-led organization, UTHealth Houston Cares, and their upcoming annual Community Health Fair, which will provide people with free health screenings, among other health services.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including energy company TotalEnergies announcing it will end offshore wind projects and invest in oil and gas projects, The Woodlands not being selected for free underground tunnels, Sen. Ted Cruz’ idea to separate immigration enforcement funding from the rest of the DHS budget, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, who discusses the efforts and initiatives the university has launched in recent years, his management philosophy, and what his priorities are moving forward.Then, neurologist Dr. Justine Chen and Houston-area jazz pianist Barry Seelen join us to tell us about a new treatment that helped Seelen regain the ability to swallow after he experienced a massive stroke last year.In the second hour of the show, we talk with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard, who discusses the possible return of an El Niño weather event following the departure of a La Niña and whether it could develop into a stronger “Super” El Niño later this year.Plus, TSU professor turned comedian, Marcus D. Wiley, joins us to tell us all about his comedy career and his new full-length comedy special, Rehab.And, as always, Ernie and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including ICE agents being sent to airports to assist long security lines as the partial government shutdown continues and the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments for a GOP bid to disqualify mail-in ballots received after Election Day.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Jon Van Gorp, chair of global law at the law firm Mayer Brown, who shares his thoughts on what’s fueling Houston’s rise as a major legal and commercial hub with an influx of national and international law firms moving to the city.Then, we learn about the 22nd Houston Jewish Film Festival with Amy Rahmani, the Arts and Culture Director at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, who also tells us about the films in this year’s lineup and where Houstonians can check them out.In the second hour, Federico Salas-Isnardi, the former director of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, joins us to tell us about the scope of adult literacy, the progress Houston has made in addressing the issue, and the resources that are available for adults looking to improve their literacy skills.Plus, our hosts share their weekend plans as well as a rundown of events happening this weekend in H-Town as part of our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.And, as always, Celeste and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a Houston woman suing the Houston Astros after a stray firework struck her eye, Harris County commissioners approving the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital through eminent domain, a federal arts commission approving a 24-karat gold commemorative coin with President Trump's image, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, the Baker Institute’s Bill King joins us to break down a new report raising questions about the long-term cost of affordable housing programs in Harris County, finding they could result in billions of dollars in lost property tax revenue over time.Next, we learn all about the limited documentary series, The Change: Unleashing the Wild Woman, with the series’ director and producer, Linda Gibbs, who explains how it explores what women experience when going through menopause.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Houston City Councilmember Julian Ramirez, who discusses the city’s new heavy trash pickup system, what’s causing the delays in starting it, and what we can expect to happen next.Plus, our hosts and listeners share the latest things that are taking over all their free time as part of our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.And, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the cancellation of Houston's César Chávez march after an investigation uncovered years of alleged sexual abuse, Texas conservatives criticizing James Talarico for his stance on reducing meat consumption, and sports analyst Charlie Palillo joins us to help us unpack March Madness.

On today’s Hello Houston, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss the rising cost of electricity, with the city of Houston expected to spend more than $131 million on electricity this fiscal year.Next, we’re joined by John Slaby and Cookie Wells, longtime members of Archway Gallery, a long-running artist-owned and operated gallery in Houston, who tell us about its history and an upcoming exhibition to celebrate its 50th anniversary.In the second hour, we talk with Stacey Gorniak, a professor of motor behavior at the University of Houston’s Department of Health and Human Performance, who discusses the university’s dementia research programs and what we can do to protect our brain health for the future.Plus, Amanda McMillian, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston, tells us all about the nonprofit’s Integrated Client Journey program and how it aims to help people achieve financial stability.And, as always, Celeste and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a federal judge ordering Texas to extend the deadline for private school vouchers, TSA workers not being paid during the government shutdown, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton remaining in the Texas Senate GOP runoff as the withdrawal deadline passes, and more.

On today’s show, Houston soccer legend and former Houston Dynamo player, Brian Ching, joins us to discuss his career, the upcoming FIFA World Cup event, and his induction into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame this Fall.Then, Kathleen Spangler, Assistant Executive Director of the local faith-based organization Hope Center Houston, tells us all about their work and how they’re celebrating their tenth anniversary.In the second hour of Hello Houston, we talk with Texas Tribune journalist Gabby Birenbaum, who discusses her article examining the political rise of the House Freedom Caucus, following their successes in the 2026 Texas primaries.Also, we hear the newest episode of Party Politics co-host and University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus’ Texperts series, in which he explores whether it is illegal to pick Texas bluebonnets.And, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s updated dress code, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s trade mission to Europe amid calls for her to resign, and a federal judge blocking Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s changes to children's vaccine policies.Plus, Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s Lennie Ambrose joins us to explain how they’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Ben Martin, Deputy Director at Texas Housers, who discusses a new report that found low-income earners are experiencing a shortage of affordable rental units, and what we're seeing nationwide and in the Houston region. Then, we learn all about Opera Gallery Houston, the newest part of an international network of galleries known for showcasing modern and contemporary works by world-famous artists, with its director, Gregory Lahmi and founder, Gilles Dyan.In the show’s second hour, we’re joined by Nicole Zayas Manzano, Deputy Director of Policy at The Bail Project, who breaks down new data out of Harris County that suggests recent changes to the local bail system may be working.Plus, we celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of one of Houston’s most iconic cultural landmarks, the Julia Ideson Library, with Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation.And, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo taking steps to prevent fights, the GOP uncovering past comments from James Talarico, and President Trump urging NATO to help the U.S. secure the Strait of Hormuz, which they discuss with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs.

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss the upcoming 2026 Oscars with Dave Morales, co-owner and editor of the entertainment news website BackstageOL.com, who shares his predictions for the big winners of this year’s ceremony.Then, Dom Finetti and Patrick McAlexander of the Houston-based non-profit a cappella ensemble Space City Sound, tell us all about the group and their upcoming performance on the University of Houston campus. Plus, members of the ensemble treat us to a special performance.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Dustin Gouker, publisher of The Event Horizon, a Substack newsletter focused on the prediction market industry, who helps break down the murky and fast-moving world of prediction markets.Also, our hosts share a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.And, as always, Ernie and Frank talk about the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including Texas SNAP recipients not being able to buy candy or sweetened drinks with their Lone Star Cards starting next month and Buc-ee's receiving an F rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for its alleged failure to respond to customer service complaints.

On today’s Hello Houston, Dr. Sergio Lira, President of the Houston council of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), discusses their decision to cancel this year’s Cinco De Mayo parade, and other pressing concerns for the city’s Latin American community.Then, we learn all about this year’s upcoming Tour De Houston, an annual community bike ride event celebrating the beauty, history, and diversity of Houston’s neighborhoods, with Todd Holloman, Vice President of Venues and Live Events at Houston First Corporation.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Joshua Fechter, the Urban Affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, who breaks down his report on the rising cost of housing and the debate over whether investment companies should be allowed to buy single-family homes.Plus, our hosts tell us about the latest things that are currently taking over all their free time as part of our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.And, as always, Ernie and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo saying that she was threatened and removed from a Houston rodeo concert, a new poll on how Americans feel about placing the National Guard at polling places, and a new poll showing James Talarico tying with John Cornyn and Ken Paxton.

On today’s Hello Houston, we are back at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo event in the entire world. In the first hour, Chris Boleman, President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, talks to us about everything the rodeo has to offer as well as his history with the organization. Then, Houston Mayor John Whitmire joins us to share his favorite rodeo memories, discuss how the city and county work together every year to produce this iconic event, and talk about the latest issues affecting the city of Houston.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Holly Schweitzer, the HLSR’s director of customer experience, who tells us about Volunteer Appreciation Day, the rodeo’s first-ever drone show with pyrotechnics, and more.Next, we learn all about one of the most attended days at the rodeo, Go Tejano Day, with Adrian Izaguirre, the Go Tejano Committee Captain, and Laura Cervantes, the Scholarship Gala Captain, who both break down the events that occur on this day and how the committee gets Houston’s Hispanic community involved.And finally, to end today’s program, we talk to the winners of this year’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, Joey Rousso of Rousso’s Fat Bacon and Mark Zable of Darlin’s Fried Chicken, along with Kenneth Lewis, Chairman of the Commercial Exhibits Committee, who all tell us about the culinary creations that can be found at the rodeo.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Daniel Hamermesh, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Texas, who discusses the latest jobs report, what’s behind the rise in job losses, and what this means for Houstonians.Then, we talk with literacy activist and influencer Oliver James, who shares his experience with adult illiteracy and his journey of learning to read with the help of TikTok.In the second hour of the show, we revisit Celeste’s in-depth interview with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for her Cold Coffee series as part of our month-long celebration of Women’s History Month. To watch the full interview, click here.Plus, Alan Steinberg, a volunteer board member for the local non-profit Keep Houston Beautiful, tells us about the organization and their mission to ensure the city is kept clean through a combination of education and community partnerships.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top headlines at the top of each hour, including the death of a Georgia teacher after a student prank went wrong, Houston’s public transit system receiving more than $9 million in federal funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the latest developments on the war with Iran.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk about oil prices surging due to the Iran conflict, with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who explains what’s driving the spike in these prices and what this could mean for consumers.Then, we learn about the Houston area non-profit The Woods Project, with executive director Natalie Hausman-Weiss and program manager Manny Salas, who both explain how the organization creates wilderness exploration experiences for high school students.In the second hour, Simon Fischer-Baum, an associate professor in Rice University’s Department of Psychological Sciences, tells us about this week’s Brains in Society conference, which brings together neuroscientists and other experts to discuss how advances in brain research are influencing health care, education, technology, and more.Plus, we also chat with Houston-based chef and restaurateur Jassi Bindra, who tells us all about being a contestant on the new season of Top Chef, as well as the story of his culinary journey, moving from India to the United States at age 30.And, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including discussing how daylight savings time affects sleep patterns with neurologist Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula and the removal of a Ramadan display at a Houston elementary school after district officials said it violated a "political and religious neutrality" policy.

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.