Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut is your connection to the heart of the Bayou City, but shorter, for our busy commuters. Every weekday, we dive deep into the stories that matter to Houstonians — from breaking local news to cultural happenings, community voices, and the everyday joys and challenges of life in our vibrant city.
Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut is your connection to the heart of the Bayou City, but shorter, for our busy commuters. Every weekday, we dive deep into the stories that matter to Houstonians — from breaking local news to cultural happenings, community voices, and the everyday joys and challenges of life in our vibrant city.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Celeste and guest host Doug Miller discuss the surge of flu activity in recent weeks with Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease physician at UTHealth Houston, who also explains how families can stay safe.
Also, we hear comments from Hello Houston listeners who share how they feel about the controversial plan to expand Ben Taub Hospital into Hermann Park through eminent domain.
Then, we’re joined by Houston entrepreneur Jerome D. Love, who tells us about the docuseries he’s hosting, What is Rich, which is an exploration of how wealth is being redefined across the country.
Plus, we also learn about athletes with disabilities who participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon, with Bernie Tretta, who serves as the Athletes with Disabilities Captain for the marathon.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Celeste and guest host Doug Miller are joined by Tony Payan of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, who discusses what unfolded yesterday with the shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent, and what might happen next.
Then, we hear from sports dietician Brett Singer of the Memorial Hermann Rockets Sports Medicine Institute, who helps break down the new U.S. dietary guidelines released yesterday, as well as explain which food groups are being promoted the most, and whether these new guidelines were needed.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from State Representative Donna Howard, who shares her thoughts on educators across Texas raising concerns about freedom of speech due to the current political climate.
Then, we’re joined by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who tells us about his vision and priorities for 2026, which include investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community services.
Plus, we also talk with Matt West, director and choreographer of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, who explains what audiences can expect from the hit musical’s 30th anniversary production, currently running at the Hobby Center.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie and Celeste’s conversation with first-time candidate Tony Box, who discusses his run for Texas Attorney General, as well as what made him decide to run for this position.
Then, we hear Ernie and Celeste share their predictions for what they believe is likely to happen in 2026, as well as respond to predictions from Hello Houston listeners.
Plus, Linda Dodge, author of the book A Museum is Born: How the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Came to Be, tells us all about the history of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and what makes the story of its creation so remarkable.
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 50th 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.