On today’s Hello Houston, in the wake of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Rice University’s Dr. Richard Stoll, who breaks down the recent developments and how this situation impacts Houston.

Then, we’re joined by Bill King, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, who discusses his new book, Depopulation: Our New Demographic Reality, which is about how shifting population changes will reshape our world.

In the second hour of the show, we continue our coverage of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who shares his thoughts on President Trump wanting to bring in American oil companies to fix the country’s oil infrastructure.

Also, Jack Massing, executive director of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, and one half of the legendary artist duo “The Art Guys,” joins us to discuss the 25th anniversary of one of their most recognizable works – “SUITS: The Clothes Make the Man.”

Plus, we also learn more about pet health and nutrition with Houston-area veterinarian Dr. Kristen Cleary and Barbara Marshall, owner of the organic dog food company Wag Tantrum.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department, who explains what’s being done to address the disparities in healthcare access in Houston, and what changes could be made to make healthcare more accessible.

Then, Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch and Jennifer Sommers, director of the Houston Ballet Academy, tell us all about this year’s annual production of The Nutcracker, which is running through December 28.

In the second hour of the show, in the wake of the tragic death of actor/director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle, we pay tribute to his legacy with a portion of Ernie Manouse’s conversation with Reiner from 2010 for his series “InnerVIEWS.” To watch the full interview, click here.

Plus, Ernie talks with actor, playwright, and director John Cameron Mitchell, ahead of his upcoming event with Arthouse Houston. And finally, our hosts share a list of holiday-themed events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the White House adding plaques that criticize some of President Trump’s predecessors, President Trump signing an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agreeing to unseal his divorce case.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, Dr. Nikolas Guggenberger, in the first hour of the show, who helps break down the potential takeover of Warner Bros. by Netflix.

Then, we hear from Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston cardiologist Dr. Khash Hematpour, who explains how people can maintain a healthy heart during the holidays and why there’s an increase in heart attacks during this time of the year.

In the second hour, we talk with Midtown Management District board members Jeanette Criglar and Maggie Segrich about the 10-year, $38 million plan to reinvent Houston’s Midtown, as well as how the plan will be implemented, and what other improvements we can expect.

Also, Matt Bailey, founder of the music analytics company Your Hit Momentum Report, joins Ernie, Frank, and Celeste for a special Christmas music edition of our regular Thursday feature, "Current Obsessions."

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories, including President Trump’s primetime address to the nation yesterday, and at the top of the second hour, we’re joined by Harris County Judge candidate and former Houston Mayor, Annise Parker, who discusses her recent criticisms by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by discussing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ interview with Vanity Fair in which she discusses President Trump’s first year in his second term, and what was revealed from the interview.

Then, we hear from psychologist Dr. Kelly Cosgrove, who shares her thoughts on whether Australia’s ban on social media for kids under 16 would be effective in the United States, and Moody Gardens PR Manager Jared Schaller tells us all about their annual Holiday in the Gardens Festival and what’s new this year.

In the show’s second hour, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joins us to discuss the county’s budget shortfall, her comments about possible successors, and more. Also, AP Reporter Juan Lozano breaks down his report on the Justice Department quietly ending its monitoring of illegal dumping in Houston neighborhoods.

And finally, we hear Celeste talk with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas just ahead of his broadcast tonight from Houston, as part of the network’s “Reporting for America” campaign.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’ll talk with Adam Langley, associate director of tax policy at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, who helps break down Governor Abbott’s proposed plans for lowering property taxes in Texas and their long-term impact.

Also, Adam-Cohen Aslatei, CEO of the modern matchmaking service Three Day Rule, shares his thoughts on how singles and new and existing couples can navigate the difficulties of dating during the holidays.

Then, in the show’s second hour, we discuss “Trump Accounts," new government-funded savings accounts that offer $1000 to every newborn in the United States, with financial planner Juan HernandezAriano, who explains how these accounts will affect the parents’ finances.

Plus, Houston-based actress Courtney Markowitz joins us to tell us about her role in the Theatre Under the Stars production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, which is currently at the Hobby Center through December 24.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas universities possibly using AI to rework how some courses discuss race and gender, and President Trump signing an executive order that designates fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with legendary Houston broadcaster Shara Fryer, who discusses her colleague and co-anchor from 1986 to 2003, Dave Ward, following his passing at the age of 86 on Saturday. 

Also, Ed Hirs, Energy Fellow at the University of Houston, breaks down the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by the Trump administration, and Ernie talks with Kelli Soika and Michael Fahey of the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO), who discuss what they have in store ahead of the New Year.

In the second hour of the show, we are joined by longtime ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson, who, after recently announcing her retirement, reflects on her more than four decades at the station, the stories that shaped Houston, and what comes next as she enters this new chapter of her life.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day, including Alejandra Salinas winning the runoff election to fill a vacant at-large seat on the Houston City Council, Houston Mayor John Whitmire being reprimanded by the Harris County Democratic Party, and the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Chet Garner, host of the six-time Emmy Award-winning travel series, The Daytripper, who tells us more about the series and where you and your family can travel during this holiday season.

Then, Daniel Ackermann, Director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at MFAH, joins us to tell us all about Christmas Village at Bayou Bend and how the museum’s historic mansion is transformed into an immersive holiday experience.

In the second hour of the show, Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau, helps break down President Trump’s $12 billion aid package for American farmers, and whether this aid package will be enough to support farmers dealing with deep financial losses. 

Plus, our hosts share a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including subsidies for the Affordable Care Act expiring by the end of the year and the Trump administration ordering national parks to remove any merchandise from their gift shops that promotes DEI. 

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard in the show’s first hour, who fills us in on all the issues concerning District J, as well as the highlights, challenges, and what’s ahead for the district. 

Then, we’re joined by Broadway stars Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur, who tell us about reuniting for their upcoming show Mama I’m A Big Girl Now, which is coming soon to the Hobby Center.

In the second hour of the show, as we get closer to the new year and begin making our New Year’s resolutions, we revisit an episode of Celeste’s "Cold Coffee" series in which she sits down with board-certified physician Dr. Gabrielle Lyon.

Plus, our hosts and Hello Houston listeners talk about the things they’re currently obsessed with this week for our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Australia introducing a social media ban for children under the age of 16, HPD cracking down on speeding and road rage during the holidays, and the U.S. State Department being ordered to stop using the Calibri font.

On today’s Hello Houston, we are joined by Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Silvia Trevino in the first hour of the show, who talks to us about holiday shopping safety and the threat of porch pirates during the holiday season.

Also, in the show’s first hour, engineer Dale Link joins us to explain how he comes up with his hurricane landfall predictions, as well as his forecast for the upcoming 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

In the second hour of the show, we discuss the legacy of former Houston ISD superintendent and U.S. Secretary of Education, Rod Paige, following his passing yesterday morning, with his former press secretary, Terry Abbott.

Then, we break down the latest Houston housing numbers and what they all mean for homeowners and buyers, with Kat Robinson, Vice Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors.

Plus, local actors Brandon Hearnsberger, Adam Gibbs, and Dylan Godwin join us to tell us about the Alley Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol and how they feel about being a part of a Houston tradition.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including a proposed bill that would require fathers to provide financial support for pregnant mothers, applications opening for Houston ISD's school choice program for the 2026-27 school year, and actor Dick Van Dyke turning 100.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with University of Houston Law Center professor Seth Chandler in the show’s first hour, who discusses the current challenges facing birthright citizenship, as the Supreme Court reviews its constitutionality.

Then, we’re joined by Omar Samji, a spokesperson for the Ismaili Center Houston, who tells us more about the upcoming opening of this new, long-envisioned landmark, which is the first of its kind in the United States.

In the second hour of the show, we discuss a new study on climate anxiety in the Houston area with Dr. James Elliott, co-director of the Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience at Rice University, who helps us understand the study’s findings and what this means for resilience going forward.

And finally, Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease physician with UTHealth Houston, breaks down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee voting to roll back a recommendation for newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including plans to expand chapters of Turning Point USA to every high school across Texas, the developer of the app ICEBlock suing the Trump administration after it was removed from Apple’s app store, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett launching her campaign for U.S. Senate in Texas. 

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin in the first hour of the show, who talks to us about the city’s new gun violence tracking dashboard, as well as her run for Harris County attorney.

Then, local author William Dylan Powell tells us about his new book, Lost Treasures of Houston, which explores the cultural and physical history of the Bayou City by celebrating the amazing people, places, and phenomena of our fair city’s past.

In the show's second hour, with expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) threatening to drive up insurance premiums for millions of Americans, Emma Wager, a senior policy analyst at KFF, joins us to discuss what lawmakers are weighing and what’s at stake for everyday families.

Plus, we also hear from Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society, who joins us to tell us more about their organization’s historic houses in Sam Houston Park and their efforts to share the stories of Houston’s rich and diverse history.

And, as always, Ernie and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a CDC vaccine advisory panel voting to end the recommendation for newborns to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination at birth, Colin Allred dropping out of the U.S. senate race, and the Golden Globe nominations.

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste begin the first hour of the show by discussing one of today's top stories, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposing a state program that would give every Texas baby $1,000 invested in the stock market.

Then, we’re joined by Houston Business Journal health care reporter, Jishnu Nair, who breaks down his story on Houston Methodist joining a massive lawsuit against several health insurance companies over alleged price fixing.  

Plus, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston curators Cindi Strauss and Christine Gervais join us to tell us about their new exhibition, Louvre Couture, which showcases the work of historic and contemporary fashion houses alongside masterworks from MFAH’s collections.

In the show’s second hour, State Representative Gene Wu joins us to share his thoughts on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow Texas to use its controversial new congressional map in the 2026 midterm elections.

Also, we discuss Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, a festive celebration that transforms the Historic Strand District into 19th-century London, with Ollie Dickens, the great-great-great-grandson of celebrated author Charles Dickens.

And finally, our hosts close the show by sharing a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston as part of our regular Friday feature, "Last Minute Plans."

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss Proposition 15, a constitutional amendment that formally adds parental rights into the state constitution, with Nour Acosta, the senior legal clinic supervisor at the University of Houston Law Center.

Then, we’re joined by Houston-born singer and songwriter CJ Emmons, who joins us to talk about his singing career and upcoming one-man show, I’m Freaking Talented.

In the second hour of the show, we hear from Rice University political science professor Mark Jones, who breaks down the new laws set to go into effect here in Texas soon and what they each could mean for Texans. 

And finally, to close the show, our hosts and listeners tell us about the things that are currently taking over all their free time for our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including Costco suing the Trump administration over tariffs, President Trump pardoning Texas Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife, and the New York Times suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Pentagon’s new media policy.

On today’s Hello Houston, with early voting for Houston City Council's At-Large Position 4 runoff now officially begun, we revisit our interviews with both candidates – Alejandra Salinas and Dwight Boykins – in the first hour of the show.

Then, we learn about Meow Wolf’s new interactive and immersive show experience, Phenomenomaly, with creative director Alexandra Renzo and Meow Wolf senior public relations manager Connor Gray, who tell us about what audiences can expect.

In the show’s second hour, we talk with the University of Houston’s Dr. Chakema Carmack, who discusses a new study that shines a spotlight on Houston’s “mental health deserts,” which are neighborhoods where access to counseling and psychological services is severely limited or nonexistent.  

Plus, Matthew Loden, dean of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, joins us to reflect on the prestigious music school reaching its 50-year milestone.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories, including the Dell family donating $6.25 billion to investment accounts for millions of children, the City of Houston bringing in crews to help clear the trash that’s been piling up for months, and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announcing that she and her husband are separating.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with John Floyd, a national board member of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who discusses their decision to sue Governor Abbott over his move to designate CAIR as a terrorist organization in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, Houston Public Media general manager Josh Adams joins us to discuss Giving Tuesday and how donations help support the work we do.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we take a closer look at how Proposition 3 may shape jail populations across the state with Krish Gundu, co-founder and executive director of the Texas Jail Project.

Plus, as we enter the holiday season, we’re joined by Ali Al Sudani, chief program officer for IM Houston, who tells us about their Meals on Wheels program, which delivers nutritious meals and social support to thousands of homebound seniors every day.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Senate Bill 8, commonly known as the “bathroom bill,” taking effect later this week and Houston Mayor John Whitmire potentially losing the endorsement of the Harris County Democratic Party.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Gary Yohe, a professor at Wesleyan University and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who shares his thoughts on the current state of climate economics, finding solutions in climate action, and more in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we explore how artificial intelligence can support, as opposed to replace, human creativity and ambition with Ezekiel Rivera, founder of QuantumZ Solutions.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear from Lesley Oden, president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation and Lindy Froebel, the federation’s senior vice president of science and policy, who join us to discuss turkey production in the U.S., food safety, and the future of the industry.

Plus, we’re also joined by Kathy Stokes, Senior Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at the AARP Fraud Watch Network, who shares advice on how people can avoid scams and fraud during the holiday season.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls saying he will not seek reelection for his Houston-area district, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth facing criticism for reportedly ordering a second strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by former Galveston mayor and candidate for Texas Attorney General Joe Jaworski in the first hour of the show, who tells us about his platform and why he decided to run after running for this seat before.

Also, in the first hour, Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison joins us to give us the latest on the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston and what it would take to transport the shuttle. 

Then, in the show’s second hour, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation, Danny Perez, explains what we can expect on the roads for the Thanksgiving holiday and shares some tips on traveling smart for the holiday season.

Plus, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste break down events and releases happening during the week of Thanksgiving, as well as share how they're celebrating the holiday this year. 

And, as always, our hosts discuss today's top stories at the top of each hour, including Governor Greg Abbott wanting to flip Harris County red and the Pentagon investigating Arizona Senator Mark Kelly after he appeared in a video with other Democratic lawmakers urging military members to refuse "illegal orders."

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Houston City Councilmember Tarsha Jackson in the show’s first hour, who discusses the illegal dumping in 5th Ward, as well as what is happening to address this issue, and what still needs to happen.

Also, in the first hour, with this week’s festivities only a few days away, we also talk with licensed professional counselor Audrey Omenson, who tells us about how we can navigate difficult family gatherings and avoid arguments on Thanksgiving. 

Then, in the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Margaret Kidd, adjunct professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, who shares her thoughts on President Trump’s decision to roll back food tariffs that he initially ordered.

Plus, Elisha Beach, the wife of actor Michael Beach and founder of The Mom Forum, an online community dedicated to helping moms, joins us to discuss her new book Balance Is B.S: The Truth About Motherhood and Self-Care.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste weigh in on the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including the Federal Aviation Administration preparing for Thanksgiving travel, the Supreme Court pausing the ruling on Texas's new congressional map, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announcing her resignation from Congress, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, Ken W. Good, a noted bail attorney and board member of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, joins us in the show’s first hour to break down a ruling on Attorney General Ken Paxton’s challenge of Harris County’s 2019 bail reform settlement.

Also, in the first hour, we hear from five-time New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano, who tells us all about his latest book, Expensive Basketball, a poetic examination of some of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the game. 

Then, in the second hour, Dan Price, director of the Data & Society Program and the Community Health Workers Initiative, and his wife, Carol Price, a member of the board of directors for Preservation Houston, join us to talk about their role in preserving famed architect Victor Lundy’s home in Bellaire.

Plus, we learn all about tonight’s Tejano Music Awards and its move to Houston after nearly five decades in San Antonio, with Blanca Beltran-Robinson of Champions Club Agency, and singer/songwriter Yeisi, who’s also a nominee in this year’s awards.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Humble ISD joining a statewide School Marshal program, President Trump meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and President Trump’s response to a video by Democratic lawmakers saying members of the military can refuse illegal orders.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Robin Armstrong, currently serving as a member of the Finance Commission of the Texas Republican National Committee and commissioner for Galveston County’s Precinct 4, who gives us the Republican reaction to the ruling on redistricting maps in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we hear the newest installment of Ernie’s “InnerVIEWS” series, in which he catches up with 80s easy-listening and R&B singer Charlene, known for the hit song “I’ve Never Been to Me.”

Then, in the show’s second hour, we’re joined by Houston area immigration attorney Charles Foster, who discusses the Department of Justice’s decision to fire certain immigration judges and how this is impacting U.S. immigration broadly.

Plus, our hosts and listeners share a rundown of the things that are currently taking over all their free time for our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”

And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Houston City Council enacting a curfew on scooters across the city, a movie based on the life of Houston businessman "Mattress Mack," and Buddhist monks on a 2,000-mile “Walk for Peace” injured after a traffic crash.