In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Bill King, a fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy, discusses his newest book, Depopulation: Our New Demographic Reality, and what changing demographics could mean for Houston and beyond.

Then, we’re joined by University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who talks to us about the role oil is playing in the U.S. military operation in Venezuela as well as President Trump’s plans to bring in American oil companies to fix the country’s oil infrastructure.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department, who discusses health equity in Houston and what's being done to close the gaps in healthcare access.

Also, we’re joined by Stanton Welch, artistic director of Houston Ballet and Jennifer Sommers, director of the Houston Ballet Academy, who tell us more about this year’s production of The Nutcracker, a long-standing Houston holiday tradition.

Then, we hear Ernie’s conversation with actor, playwright, and director John Cameron Mitchell, who discusses his upcoming event with Arthouse Houston, and our hosts share a rundown of holiday-themed weekend events for our regular Friday feature, "Last Minute Plans."

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss the potential takeover of Warner Bros. by Netflix, with the University of Houston Law Center’s Dr. Nikolas Guggenberger, who gives us the latest on this deal and its potential impact on the entertainment industry.

Then, we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste’s conversation with former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who responds to her recent criticisms by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, tells us about her run for Harris County Judge, and more.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who discusses the county's budget shortfall, addresses her comments about possible successors, and more.

Then, we hear Celeste’s one-on-one with Tom Llamas, the anchor and managing editor for NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas, who will be broadcasting tonight from Houston, as part of the network's "Reporting for America" campaign.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down Governor Abbott’s proposed plans for lowering property taxes in Texas and their long-term impact, with Adam Langley, associate director of tax policy at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Then, local certified financial planner Juan HernandezAriano joins us to share his thoughts on “Trump Accounts,” as well as how these kinds of accounts will impact the parents’ finances, and whether they will help benefit kids in the future.

Also, we hear from Houston-based actress Courtney Markowitz, who tells us all about Theatre Under the Stars’ production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, which is on stage now at the Hobby Center through December 24, and her role as Betty Haynes in the musical.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston broadcaster Shara Fryer joins us to discuss the legacy of legendary Houston newsman Dave Ward, her longtime colleague and co-anchor from 1986 to 2003, following his passing on Saturday.

Then, we hear from longtime ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson, who joins us to reflect on her extraordinary 43-year-long career with the station, as well as what comes next following her recently announced retirement.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Chet Garner, host of the award-winning travel series, The Daytripper, who tells us more about the series and the places in Texas he’s traveled to.

Also, we’re joined by Daniel Ackermann, Director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at MFAH, who discusses Christmas Village at Bayou Bend and the history behind the museum’s famous mansion.

Then, we break down President Trump's $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers, with Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau, who shares his thoughts on whether this aid will be enough to support farmers dealing with severe financial losses.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss a world-first social media ban that’s now in effect in Australia, which blocks any child under the age of 16 from accessing major platforms.

Then, we talk with Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard, who joins us to give us the latest on issues concerning District J, including the highlights, challenges, as well as what’s ahead for the district. 

Also, Broadway stars Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur join us to discuss reuniting on stage for the first time in 20 years, for their upcoming concert Mama I’m A Big Girl Now.

And finally, our hosts and listeners share the things they’re currently obsessed with this week for our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Silvia Trevino, who joins us to discuss how we can stay alert and keep ourselves and our communities safe during the holiday season.

Also, we’re joined by Kat Robinson, Vice Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors, who helps break down the latest Houston housing numbers and what all of this means for homeowners and buyers.

Then, we discuss the Alley Theatre's annual production of A Christmas Carol with Houston-based actors Brandon Hearnsberger, Adam Gibbs, and Dylan Godwin, who all tell us about this year’s production, what the story means to them, and how it feels to be part of a Houston holiday tradition.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we learn about the upcoming opening of the Ismaili Center Houston, a long-envisioned landmark, which is the first center of its kind in the United States and seventh in the world, with spokesperson Omar Samji.

Then, we discuss a new study on climate anxiety in the Houston area, with Rice University’s Dr. James Elliott, who helps break down what was uncovered in the study and what its findings mean for resilience in the future.

Plus, we also hear from Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease physician with UTHealth Houston, who shares his thoughts on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee voting to roll back a decades-long, universal recommendation for newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin, who tells us about a new dashboard aimed at changing how we understand and tackle gun violence, as well as her recently announced run for Harris County attorney.

Also, we’re joined by Houston-based author William Dylan Powell, who talks to us about his new book, Lost Treasures of Houston, which explores the amazing people, places, and phenomena from Houston’s history.

Plus, Emma Wager, a senior policy analyst at KFF, joins us to share her thoughts on expiring subsidies for Obamacare, what lawmakers are currently weighing, and what’s at stake for millions of American families.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we talk with Jishnu Nair, a health care reporter for Houston Business Journal, about Houston Methodist joining a massive lawsuit against several major health insurance companies over alleged price fixing.

Then, we discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to allow Texas to use its controversial new congressional map in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, with State Representative Gene Wu, who joins us to share his views about this decision.

Plus, we also hear from Ollie Dickens, the great-great-great-grandson of celebrated author Charles Dickens, who talks to us about his connection to his famous ancestor and his work, as well as this weekend’s Dickens on the Strand festival in Galveston.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Nour Acosta, a senior legal clinic supervisor at the University of Houston Law Center, discusses Proposition 15, a constitutional amendment that formally adds parental rights into the state constitution, and what changes parents might see now that it’s passed.

Then, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with CJ Emmons, a Houston-born singer, songwriter, and former Dancing with the Stars principal singer, who tells us more about his career and one-man show, I'm Freaking Talented, which is coming soon to the Hobby Center.

Plus, we also break down a new wave of Texas state laws that are about to take effect, with Mark Jones, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University, who also shares his thoughts on what each of them could mean for Texans.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we revisit our recent conversations with Houston City Council At-Large 4 candidates Alejandra Salinas and Dwight Boykins, with early voting for this race happening now through December 9, and Election Day being on December 13.

Then, we discuss a new study that maps out the Houston neighborhoods with limited or nonexistent access to counseling and psychological services, with Dr. Chakema Carmack, senior author of the study and an associate professor in the University of Houston’s Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences.

And finally, we reflect on the 50^th anniversary of Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, with its dean, Matthew Loden, who also tells us more about the prestigious music school.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Council on American-Islamic Relations national board member John Floyd tells us about the group’s lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott for his decision to label them a terrorist organization.

Also, we hear from Krish Gundu, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Texas Jail Project, who helps break down Proposition 3 and how it could impact jail populations across the state following its recent passing.

Plus, we also talk with Ali Al Sudani, chief program officer for IM Houston, who discusses the organization’s Meals on Wheels program and their mission to provide nutritious meals and social support to thousands of homebound seniors daily.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Wesleyan University professor, Dr. Gary Yohe, who discusses where we currently stand with climate economics, as well as what choices we have for adapting to and preventing climate change.

Also, we’re joined by Lesley Oden and Lindy Froebel of the National Turkey Federation, who tell us all about turkey production in the U.S., the future of the industry, and how they’re helping ensure that the country’s turkey supply is healthy and safe for consumption.

Then, we learn about fraud and scams that can occur during the holiday season with Kathy Stokes, Senior Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at the AARP Fraud Watch Network, who also shares advice on how to avoid falling victim to them.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Joe Jaworski, a former Galveston mayor and candidate for Texas Attorney General, who discusses his platform, what made him decide to enter this race, and more.

Then, we hear from Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison, who tells us about the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston and why the Smithsonian and NASA are saying the shuttle would need to be dismantled to transport it.

Plus, we’re also joined by Danny Perez, a public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation, who discusses what we can expect on the roads for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and how we can travel safely and responsibly on the road.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston City Councilmember Tarsha Jackson joins us to tell us about what’s being done to address the illegal dumping in Houston’s 5th Ward and what needs to be done to resolve this issue.

Also, we break down President Trump’s decision to roll back food tariffs initially ordered by him, as well as what this means for America’s trade strategy going forward, with Margaret Kidd, adjunct professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering.  

Plus, we also hear from Elisha Beach, founder of the online community The Mom Forum, who shares her thoughts on motherhood and tells us all about her new book, Balance Is B.S: The Truth About Motherhood and Self-Care.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we talk with noted bail attorney and board member of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Ken W. Good, who discusses a new legal development that could reshape how misdemeanor defendants are released before trial.

Then, we’re joined by five-time New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano, who discusses his newest book, Expensive Basketball, and what made him pursue writing as a career.

Plus, we also hear from Champions Club Agency’s Blanca Beltran-Robinson and singer/songwriter Yeisi, who tell us all about the Tejano Music Awards, which take place tonight in Katy for the first time after almost five decades in San Antonio.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Dr. Robin Armstrong, a member of the Finance Commission of the Texas Republican National Committee and commissioner for Galveston County’s Precinct 4, joins us to share his thoughts on the recent ruling on redistricting maps.

Then, we hear from Charles Foster, a Houston area immigration attorney, who gives us his reaction to the Department of Justice’s decision to fire certain immigration judges, what this means for immigrants waiting years for their hearings, and more.

Plus, we also hear Ernie and Celeste tell us about their latest “Current Obsessions,” as part of our regular Thursday segment in which our hosts and audience tell us about the things that are currently taking over all their free time.