Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we’re joined by Dr. Inyang Uwak, Research and Policy Director at Air Alliance Houston, who discusses a new report that examines large-scale air pollution events in Houston and what caused them.Also, Jamie Ferrell, Director of Forensic Nursing for Memorial Hermann Health System, explains what people can do to prevent sexual assault incidents during Spring Break, as well as what victims should do if an incident does occur.Plus, our hosts discuss the latest things they’re obsessed with for this week’s edition of Current Obsessions, and share a rundown of events happening in Houston this weekend for our regular Friday feature, "Last Minute Plans."

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Allen Kaminski, founding member of the Tours Committee, who discusses the Agventure attraction, where kids can learn all about agriculture and farm animals.Also, we hear from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s new chief show operations officer, Kyle Olsen, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at rodeo operations for this large-scale event, and what goes into putting it together every year.Plus, Angela Hernandez, an HLSR board member, committee member, and past Trailblazer Honoree, talks to us about the rise in women’s roles at the rodeo over the years, as well as her experience volunteering with the event for now 22 years.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Texas Monthly senior writer Michael Hardy discusses Lina Hidalgo's tenure as Harris County Judge, as well as how clashes with local politicians and her leadership style reshaped her time in office.Then, actor Edward Staudenmayer, who’s playing Meyer Wolfsheim in the national tour of The Great Gatsby, joins us to tell us about what audiences can expect from this musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, currently running at the Hobby Center.Also, we discuss possible human trafficking at the upcoming FIFA World Cup games here in Houston, with David Reid, founder of the Houston-based non-profit redM, who also explains how the group is working to raise awareness and support survivors of human trafficking.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus joins us on Election Day for the 2026 Primary Election to break down key races and to help us make sense of what comes next. Then, we’re joined by Emmett Hopkins, Transportation Policy Manager at the Climate & Community Institute, who discusses the Trump administration’s new transportation proposal, which is looking to scale back federal funding for public transit.Plus, Morgan Zeringue, Director of Program Services at the Houston-based social service agency Alexander JFS, tells us about what they do, the services they provide to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds, and how they’ve been affected by funding cuts to SNAP.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Celeste talk with interim Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne, who discusses how the county ensures elections are kept fair and how voters’ rights are protected.Then, NPR Pentagon reporter Tom Bowman joins us to break down this weekend’s attack on Iran by the United States, as well as what’s next following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Also, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones tells us about the plans and expected economic impact of the forthcoming “Toro District,” a mixed-use development that will serve as the new home of the Houston Texans' headquarters.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Tony Payan, Fellow in U.S.-Mexico Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, explains what we’re seeing with the violence taking place in Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.Also, we hear from actress Pantea Ommi, who tells us about the Pulitzer Prize-winning play she’s starring in, English, which is running at Alley Theatre through March 8.Plus, Jamie Bryant, president and CEO of Housing Alliance HTX, joins us to discuss what the organization does, addresses its recent name change from the Houston Housing Authority, and what he has planned for his second year in his leadership role and afterwards.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Frank and Celeste talk with actor, comedian, and screenwriter Mae Martin, who discusses their comedy career, comedic influences, and their show at the Cullen Performing Arts Center tomorrow.Then, Ernie is joined by Texas Tribune reporter Eleanor Klibanoff, who gives us the latest on a scandal involving U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who’s saying he will not resign following the release of explicit text messages between him and a former aide.Also, Eric Broussard, curator of the Bryan Museum in Galveston, joins us to discuss the museum’s large collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West, as well as the stories behind them.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Alan Sealls, an American Meteorological Society Fellow, gives us his take on the EPA’s decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which established that greenhouse gas emissions are a threat to public health.Then, we’re joined by Nat Zegree, who discusses his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Theatre Under the Stars production of the musical Million Dollar Quartet, what audiences can expect, and how he brings this music legend to life on stage.Plus, we also hear from Dee Dee Dochen, a producer of the upcoming Houston event, ReelMusic, who talks to us about this yearly concert and how it showcases the talents of musicians and performers living with disabilities.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” University of Houston Law Center’s Nikolas Guggenberger joins us to unpack a landmark trial examining whether social media companies designed their platforms to be addictive for younger users.Then, we hear from New York Times best-selling author Meg Medina, known for writing for kids of all ages, who joins us to discuss her books, how she approaches writing for different ages, and her upcoming event in Houston later this week.Plus, we discuss how social media influencers are driving the Texas Democratic Senate race, with Texas Tribune reporter Kayla Guo, who also shares her thoughts on what this growing influence says about how political discourse in Texas is evolving.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Priya James, associate director of community engagement at NEDA, discusses National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the factors that cause eating disorders, and the stigma surrounding these kinds of disorders.Then, filmmakers Angela Tucker and Tyrone Dixon tell us about The Inquisitor, a documentary about the life and legacy of former Texas congresswoman and civil rights icon Barbara Jordan. The documentary will premiere tonight on PBS Channel 8.Plus, Houston-based photographer Ed Finger joins us to tell us all about his photography work and an upcoming exhibition that will feature photographs from his many travels, having been to over 90 different countries.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Houston artist David McGee and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art curator Katia Zavistovski tell us about an upcoming exhibition dedicated to McGee’s work that will soon be on view at the museum.Then, Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin, currently serving District 47, joins us to discuss her campaign for Texas Lieutenant Governor, the issues important to her in this race, what sets her apart from her opponents, and more. Plus, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress share their plans for the weekend, as well as a list of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and News 88.7 news anchor Matt Harab talk with David Gordon and Dallas and Austin Burkhalter, organizers of SpringStock Music Festival, an upcoming all-ages experience brought to life by Houston artists and musicians.Then, we’re joined by Greg Carter, a filmmaker and University of Houston film professor, who discusses a new online graduate certificate program to address the demands of the film industry’s growth in Houston by preparing a workforce of leaders in this space. Plus, we also hear a rundown of things our hosts and listeners are obsessed with this week as part of our regular Thursday feature – Current Obsessions.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Harris County Flood Control District executive director Dr. Tina Petersen discusses FEMA’s draft for the updated floodplain maps for Harris County, what they show, and what happens next.Then, we discuss the Houston-area non-profit Communities In Schools of Houston, with CEO Lisa Descant, who tells us more about their mission and work across the Greater Houston area.Also, we hear from acclaimed playwright James Anthony Tyler, who joins us to discuss his career, the playwrighting process, and his role as the head of the University of Houston’s Playwriting & Dramaturgy program.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the latest on the Nancy Guthrie abduction case with Mary Ellen O’Toole, a former FBI senior profiler and professor of forensic science, who also explains how profilers aid in the search for missing persons.Then, we’re joined by former district Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, the Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, who tells us about her incredible career, which includes being the country’s youngest sitting federal judge at the time of her appointment, and what she thinks about current legal issues.Also, to celebrate Fat Tuesday, we chat with Doc’s Houston artistic director and drummer Graeme Francis and Houston-based vocalist Nicoya Baker, who discuss the musical traditions of Mardi Gras and New Orleans-style jazz.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas, who tells us about a proposed apartment inspection ordinance that aims to help crack down on unsafe and unsanitary rental buildings.Also, FotoFest executive director Steven Evans joins us to tell us about the contemporary arts organization’s upcoming 40th anniversary biennial, which will reflect on the work presented in their biennials from the past four decades.Plus, we also talk with entertainment attorney and actress Jalene Mack, who joins us to share her success story, as well as her insight on entertainment law, and tell us about her local non-profit, Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC).

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and guest host Doris Childress talk with U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who discusses her campaign for U.S. Senate, her policy priorities, and why she believes she’s right for this seat.Also, we hear from Dr. Viviana Coles, a Houston-area relationship therapist, who shares her thoughts on how couples can ensure they maintain healthy relationships.Plus, we discuss the rising influence of Christian nationalism, with Michael Emerson, a Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute, who also explains how this form of nationalism has become a major political force in Texas politics.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Maureen McNamara, executive director of ArtHouse Houston, who tells us about a local effort to preserve the historic Garden Oaks Theater.Then, we hear from HTC Kelly, a Rice University postdoctoral researcher and cheerleader for the Houston Texans, who explains how she balances these two different roles.Plus, jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer, Jumaane Smith, joins us to discuss his Hobby Center concert LOVE ALWAYS: Celebrating the Romance of Nat King Cole, a love letter to the romanticism of one of America’s most celebrated singers.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," the Hobby School of Public Affairs' Blake Heller breaks down a University of Houston report, which found that Houston-area residents are significantly overestimating the size of Texas's new school voucher program.Then, actor Rudy Foster, who’s playing Hermes in the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, discusses what audiences can expect from the hit musical, which is on stage at the Hobby Center through Sunday, February 15.Also, we’re joined by Elaine Yuan, senior fund development manager at the Chinese Community Center, who tells us all about the traditions of Lunar New Year, as well as its significance to Chinese culture.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Votebeat reporter Natalia Contreras, who shares her thoughts on why the Trump Administration has been asking several states to turn over their voter rolls.Also, we’re joined by Houston-area actress Brenda Palestina, who tells us about the Alley Theater production of Real Women Have Curves, and playing the role of Ana in the comedic play.Then, we discuss the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which would require every new car to be equipped with anti-drunk driving technology, with Stephanie Manning, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Rana Abbas-Taylor, whose family’s tragedy inspired this legislation.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," NAACP Houston president Bishop James Dixon II joins us to share his thoughts on current issues and tell us more about his commitment to equality and community empowerment.Then, we learn about the Goethe-Institut, with Sandy Schwalen, program coordinator of the institute's Houston branch, who tells us more about their work fostering cultural dialogue and educational partnerships across Texas.And finally, we hear from labor leader Marcos Velez, who discusses why he’s running for Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the issues most important to him, and what his vision is for the future of Texas.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie as he broadcasts live from the Houston Home and Garden Show, where he chats with Home Improvement star Richard Karn, who explains how he got cast as Al in the hit sitcom.Then, Frank and Celeste talk with Yale leadership scholar Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who discusses his upcoming book, Trump’s Ten Commandments, which explores the strategies that President Trump uses in his decision-making for business, politics, and media.Plus, we check back in with Ernie at the Home and Garden Show, and hear his conversation with Sloan Rinaldi, owner and pitmaster of Texas Q, who shares her advice on how to make great Texas barbecue.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Celeste talk with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who discusses his re-election campaign, how the state is handling the screwworm threat, food affordability, and more.Also, Amy Hufnagel, executive director of the ACE Mentor Program Houston, explains how the after-school mentoring program educates high school students about careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries.Plus, we also chat with former ESPN and CityCast Houston broadcaster Raheel Ramzanali, who shares his thoughts on this weekend’s Super Bowl, the highly anticipated halftime show featuring Bad Bunny, and whether the commercials are still as exciting as they’ve been in the past.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down ERCOT's 2026 forecast, which showed electricity demand increasing rapidly across Texas, with local energy expert Samuel Luna, who also explains how this will affect your electric bill.Also, we’re joined by Kelly Young and Catherine Villarreal of Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, who tell us about their organization’s work and the latest issues impacting Houston’s homeless population.Then, we hear an excerpt from the latest installment of Ernie's InnerVIEWS series, in which he sits down with Broadway legend Bernadette Peters ahead of her concert in Houston this weekend. To watch the full interview, click here.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we talk with Miriam Feldblum, co-founder and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, who shares her thoughts on Governor Greg Abbott ordering new H-1B visa applications to be paused.Then, local attorney Ebony Williams discusses her run for the Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2 judge seat, currently held by Judge Jim Kovach, as well as why she decided to run, and why she believes she’s right for this position.Also, award-winning media executive Amy DuBois Barnett talks about her debut novel, If I Ruled the World, her time serving as the editor-in-chief of three major magazines, and the influence her mother, former University of Houston president Dr. Marguerite Barnett, had on her.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Pastor D.Z. Cofield who shares his thoughts on the meaning of Black History Month, and discusses his charity, “Hope for Families,” which is focused on rebuilding urban communities.Then, Maureen Patton, executive director of The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, joins us to share stories from her more than 40 years of running the historic theater, which is recognized as the official opera house of Texas.Also, we’re joined by Houston Public Media’s Galveston County reporter, Julianna Washburn, who tells us about the more than 100 sea turtles released back in the Gulf after being rescued from the conditions of last week’s winter storm, and more of the latest stories happening in Galveston.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the federal government’s plan to reduce the number of federal immigration agents in Minnesota and respond to comments from Hello Houston listeners about this news.Then, Dr. David Schrank, a Senior Research Scientist at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, joins us to discuss the 2025 Texas Top 100 Congested Road Segments list and why several of Texas’s most congested roads are in Houston.Plus, we’re also joined by Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who tells us everything Houstonians need to know about the 18th Congressional District special election runoff, ahead of Election Day tomorrow, as well as information about upcoming primaries.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison tells us more about the Artemis II mission and the crew entering quarantine in preparation for a possible February launch to the moon.Then, we hear from Khori Dastoor, the General Director and CEO of Houston Grand Opera, who discusses the much-anticipated HGO production of Hansel and Gretel, and what audiences can expect.Plus, we also hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Texas State Representative James Talarico, who discusses his run for Senate, as well as the issues he faces, his relationship with his challenger, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, and the future of Texas.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss a new study from the Kinder Institute for Urban Research about Houston’s Asian American population, with the institute’s Dan Potter and Katherine Yang Bao, who break down the study’s findings.Then, we hear from actor Zachary Keller, who talks about playing the character Jacob Jankowski in the hit Broadway musical Water for Elephants, currently running at the Hobby Center through Sunday.Also, we’re joined by Cindy Peña, assistant curator of Latin American and Latino Art at MFAH and Arden Decker, associate director of the International Center for Art of the Americas, who discuss the museum's new exhibition, Frida: The Making of an Icon, which explores how Frida Kahlo became one of the world’s most influential artists.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the latest issues impacting the Federal Reserve with John Diamond, senior fellow in public finance at Rice University's Baker Institute, who also helps us understand what's at stake for the Fed and the markets.Then, we hear from Jim Kovach, who’s running for re-election as judge for Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2. He tells Ernie, Frank, and Celeste about his platform, what makes him qualified to continue serving as judge, his endorsements, and more.Plus, we also talk with Karen Kennard, assistant executive director of The Children’s Assessment Center, about how we can protect children from falling victim to human trafficking, as well as the signs to be aware of to prevent this crime.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss how you can protect your pipes from the freezing weather with Joe Bany, director of operations at John Moore Services, who also takes questions from Hello Houston listeners.Then, Andrea Leinfelder, the space reporter for the Houston Chronicle, joins us to tell us about Congress approving a $24.4 billion budget for NASA, what impact this could have on the agency's future, and what we know about the upcoming Artemis II mission.Plus, we also learn about the closure of an oyster harvesting area in Matagorda Bay, from Kelley Kowal, the regional director of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Coastal Fisheries Division, who also explains what factors hinder oyster habitats.