Hello Houston (July 1, 2026)

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Gina Plata-Nino, the SNAP Director at the Food Research and Action Center, who discusses a new analysis that examines how changes to SNAP policies are being implemented and how they’re affecting recipients.Then, Daniel Kurt Ackermann, Director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, joins us to tell us about their exhibition “George Washington: America’s Enduring Icon,” which examines how Americans memorialize and remember the nation’s first president.In the second hour, Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, the chefs behind Houston's JŪN, share their story of how they went from being ambitious newcomers to the top of Texas' culinary world, having recently earned one of the restaurant industry's highest honors, the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas.Plus, we chat with YouTuber Coffee Mike from the channel “I Travel4Coffee,” who gives us the scoop on Houston’s hidden coffee gems as someone who explores coffee shops, roasters, and coffee culture from all over the world.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Katharine Shilcutt discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocking Harris County’s immigrant legal aid program, TIME Magazine naming the Astrodome as one of the 25 buildings and monuments that best tell the story of America, Governor Greg Abbott criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to preserve birthright citizenship, and more.