Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie Manouse and guest host Katharine Shilcutt talk with Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who explains what voters need to know about upcoming runoff elections and what she thinks about voter fatigue.Also, we break down the latest report on Houston’s housing market with Kat Robinson, Vice Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors, who discusses the report’s findings and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and the overall real estate market.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie Manouse and guest host Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison talk with City Controller Chris Hollins, who explains his concerns with Mayor Whitmire’s proposal for the city’s budget.Then, we learn about how Houston’s hospital systems are preparing for health emergencies during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Adam Lee, Director of Emergency Management & Organizational Resilience at Memorial Hermann Health System, and Dr. Luis Ostrosky, Chief of Infectious Diseases at UTHealth Houston.Also, we hear from Doug Meikle, President and CEO of the Houston-based homeless shelter Star of Hope, who tells us about their work serving those in our community who are experiencing homelessness.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie Manouse and guest host Shelley Wade talk with U.S. Representative Christian Menefee, who discusses the upcoming runoff election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, his goals, and why he believes he’s right for this seat.Then, we learn all about local non-profit, Communities In Schools of Houston’s efforts to expand access to school-based mental health services, with their Director of Mental Health and Wellness, Shubhra Endley, who also shares her thoughts on why this support is needed in our community. 

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie Manouse and guest host Doris Childress discuss maternal mental health and motherhood with Dr. Angel Glover, a UT Health Houston assistant professor, psychologist, and childbirth educator.Next, we learn all about the Black Cowboy/girl Preservation Project, a growing oral history archive documenting the experiences of Black cowboys and cowgirls, with Dr. Tara T. Green and Dr. Demetrius Pearson of the University of Houston.Plus, we also hear from singer and stage actress Teal Wicks, who talks to us about her roles in The Cher Show, & Juliet, and Wicked, as well as her concert & Broadway, which will run tonight at the Hobby Center as part of their Live at the Founders Club series.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie Manouse and guest host Brandi Smith talk with Quentin Wiltz, the mayor-elect of the City of Pearland, who discusses his priorities and what residents can expect from him as he comes into office after a narrow victory.Next, we discuss what renewable energy means for Texans with Andy Uhler, a University of Texas energy reporter and host of the podcast Phases and Stages: The Texas Energy Story, who also tells us more about how his podcast explores how communities are navigating the state's changing energy system.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie Manouse and guest host Brandi Smith talk with Deputy Chief Appraiser for the Harris Central Appraisal District, Jason Cunningham, who explains how to protest your property taxes ahead of the deadline on May 15.Also, we discuss Texas’s nursing shortage as new projections show the state could be short of more than 50,000 nurses by 2032, with Bryan Sisk, Chief Nursing Executive with the Memorial Hermann Health System, who explains what’s behind this shortage.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie Manouse and guest host Lisa Gray discuss the use of AI in flood mapping, with University of Houston researcher Francisco Haces-Garcia, who also explains what was found in a recent flood risk study he authored.Then, James Beard Award-winning Houston chef and TV host, Chris Shepherd, joins us to tell us about his new live conversation series, Breaking Bread, which is being presented by the Hobby Center.Plus, we recognize the 30th anniversary of the popular Houston art space and bar, notsuoH, with its co-founders and owners Jim Pirtle and Missy Bosch, who share the story of how this unique Houston institution began and what’s ahead for them as they enter a new chapter.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie Manouse and Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison talk with the Texas Water Association’s Sarah Kirkle, who explains what needs to happen for Texas to avoid a major water crisis in the future.Next, we discuss the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding redistricting and voting rights with David Froomkin, assistant professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who also unpacks the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decisions on Texas and Louisiana’s congressional maps.Also, Nicholas Sawicki, the Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, explains how the library supports early literacy and serves as a community resource for children and families in recognition of Children’s Book Week this week.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down a new report with insights on where Houston’s economy stands today with Gus Faucher, the Chief Economist for PNC, who also explains what its findings mean for the months ahead. Next, we hear from Stephanie Magers, the Chief Development Officer of the local women’s organization, The Women's Resource of Greater Houston, who explains how they help women make choices to become independent and financially stable.Also, preservationist extraordinaire Phoebe Tudor joins us to share her thoughts on the significance of historical preservation, as well as her role as the Board Chair at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and her efforts to preserve the White House in this new role.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from writer, speaker, and social media influencer Libby Ward, who discusses how she’s redefining the narrative about motherhood and her new book Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself. Next, we talk with Melissa Enaje, the Fort Bend County reporter for Houston Public Media, who gives us the latest on a new county initiative that takes a closer look at the air its residents breathe to identify potential health risks and pollution hotspots across the area.Plus, Ernie and Celeste, along with Hello Houston listeners, share the latest things that are taking over all their free time, as part of our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss a new business accelerator initiative designed to expand childcare in Harris County with Anne Sung, the Chief Policy and Innovation Officer for Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones.Next, we talk with Houston-area media personality Tessa Berrera, formerly of Houston Life on KPRC, who shares with us what she’s been up to since leaving local television.Also, Dr. Bhagavatula Moorthy, the program director and principal investigator of the Baylor College of Medicine – Rice Superfund Research Program, joins us to explain what Superfund sites are, where they are in our region, and how researchers are studying their effects on people.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Kim Kofron, Director of Early Childhood Education at Children at Risk, breaks down their new report on “childcare deserts” across Texas, and what it means for families, providers, and policymakers.Next, we talk with Silambam Houston founder and Executive Artistic Director, Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, who tells us more about the arts organization and its original production Kāvya: Poetry in Motion, which will be performed at the Hobby Center on Friday, May 1.Also, we learn about how we can protect our long-term brain health with Dr. George Santos, a psychiatrist and member physician with the Harris County Medical Society, who also discusses new findings that suggest high levels of screen time may raise risks of cognitive decline.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss a new Alzheimer's Association report that’s shedding light on the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in Texas, with Richard Elbein, CEO of the organization’s Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter.Also, we hear from Dan Potter, Director of the Houston Population Research Center at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, who discusses the results of their annual Houston area survey and what they tell us about the current thoughts and attitudes of Harris County residents.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie Manouse and guest host Joy Sewing talk with Seth Chandler of the University of Houston Law Center, who breaks down the recent ruling on the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms.Next, we learn about the upcoming Ready365 event, with Brian Mason, Director of the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, who explains how the event is designed to prepare Houstonians for a variety of potential disasters.Then, singer-songwriter Patrice Pike and Dr. Sam West, Executive Director of the Step Onward Foundation, tell us about a special event to celebrate the organization’s work preventing homelessness and housing insecurity. Plus, we hear Pike perform from the Hello Houston studio.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie Manouse and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards discuss the new Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hearings over recent changes to vaccine policies with former Texas Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess.  Next, we hear from Houston-area intimacy and relationship expert Dr. Viviana Coles, who discusses intimacy after pregnancy and shares relationship advice to Hello Houston listeners.Plus, we learn all about a new Arts in Health initiative at Alley Theatre with their Education and Community Engagement Programs Manager, Ashley Love, who also talks to us about the significant health benefits the arts can provide both physically and mentally.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Celeste Diaz Schurman and guest host Doug Miller talk with Baylor College of Medicine allergist Dr. David Corry about how Houstonians can best navigate allergy season this year.Next, Arthouse Houston co-founder Maureen McNamara and ARTECHOUSE Houston director of marketing Jonathan Beitler join us to discuss the classic 1982 non-narrative documentary Koyaanisqatsi, which will be screened in Houston tonight in recognition of Earth Day.Also, Andrew Schneider, the senior reporter for politics and government at Houston Public Media, gives us the latest on a key legal battle over hemp products in Texas as a Travis County judge soon decides whether to extend a temporary restraining order blocking new state rules.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and guest host Chau Nguyen talk with Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas, who discusses tomorrow’s meeting to vote on the ordinance aimed at reducing HPD’s coordination with ICE agents.Then, we hear from Rice University political science professor, Dr. Richard Stoll, who joins us to help us understand how peace negotiations work and to share his thoughts on the current state of peace talks between the United States and Iran.Also, we learn all about the exhibition, Midcentury Menu: Dining in the Atomic Age, with Misty Flores, assistant curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Rienzi, who explains how it explores the way food became redefined in the U.S. following the end of World War II.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we’re joined by freelance journalist Laura Mallonee, who talks about the changing outlook for clean energy in Texas, after recently reporting on the topic for the Texas Observer.Then, we discuss what’s behind the changes in public school enrollment across the Houston region and what this could mean for local districts with Courtney Thrash, a researcher for the Houston Education Research Consortium.  Plus, we learn all about the Houston-based non-profit design house Magpies & Peacocks, with founder Sarah-Jayne Smith and vice president Ahshia Berry, who tell us all about their work recycling textiles and turning them into locally made, unique upcycled collections.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear our second simulcast with Tom Hudson at WLRN Public Media in Miami, who discusses redistricting with Ernie and Celeste as Florida lawmakers prepare to head into a special session later this month to consider congressional districts.Then, Giuseppe Taurino, Executive Director of Inprint, joins us to talk about their Poetry Buskers program for National Poetry Month, along with Poetry Busker Anna Barr, who reads us a poem she wrote at the start of the show about the importance of public radio.Also, Nancy Higgs, the Houston and Southeast Texas Representative for the Texas Historic Tree Coalition, joins us to tell us all about the non-profit group and how they bring the stories of significant trees in Texas to the public.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Celeste Diaz Schurman and guest host Foti Kallergis talk about the Harris County commissioners' discussion on county immigration enforcement guidelines, with Douglas Griffith, President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union.Then, we hear from David Gow, president and CEO of the Center for Houston's Future, and Dr. Jochen Reiser, CEO of the UTMB Health System, who tell us about the Project Metis initiative and its goal of making the Houston/Galveston region a global leader in brain health innovation.Plus, actors Major Attaway and Chris Collins-Pisano join us to talk about their roles as King Arthur and Sir Lancelot in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Monty Python's Spamalot, which is running at the Hobby Center through April 26.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Celeste and guest host Doug Miller are joined by former U.S. diplomat Ethan Chorin, who walks us through the deeper history behind the current conflict in Iran and where it could be headed next.Then, Eowyn Johnson, Executive Director of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, joins us to discuss the upcoming FeatherFest Birding & Nature Photo Festival, an annual birding event held during the spring migration.Also, we hear from Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, who joins us to discuss Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s threat to cut $110 million in city funding over the passing of a new ordinance she supports limiting how Houston police interact with federal immigration authorities.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the upcoming Fleet Week Houston event with co-chair Reda Hicks and Houston Maritime Center & Museum special advisor Margaret Kidd, who both tell us more about the event and what we can expect.Next, we learn about the local non-profit Divine Art Coalition, with founders Diego Noria and Raquel Natalicchio, who tell us more about the work they do and the series of street soccer tournaments they’ve been hosting in Houston’s East End neighborhood.Also, we hear from Nick Hellyar, a small business owner, former city and state campaign worker, and candidate for Houston City Council’s District C seat, who discusses the upcoming runoff election, his platform, and answers questions from Hello Houston listeners.

 In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from the Texas Tribune’s economy and industry reporter, Paul Cobler, who discusses the tax breaks given to data centers and what we can expect to happen next.Then, we talk with community organizer and Houston City Council District C candidate Joe Panzarella, who joins us to discuss the upcoming runoff election, his platform, and answer questions from Hello Houston listeners.Also, we learn all about the area non-profit, the Citizens' Environmental Coalition, with board president Amanda Kuhl, who also discusses the upcoming 2026 City Nature Challenge, which the organization is helping organize for the city of Houston.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we’re joined by Sergeant Tracy Hicks of the HPD Auto Theft Division, who explains the uptick in catalytic converter thefts in Houston and what Houstonians can do to keep their cars protected.Next, we receive an update on the efforts to preserve the historic Garden Oaks Theater with Maureen McNamara, co-founder and director of Arthouse Houston, who also explains the challenges in restoring it to a functioning movie theater.Plus, The Suffers lead singer Kam Franklin joins Ernie and guest host Craig Hlavaty for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans, to discuss one of Houston’s favorite annual traditions – the Houston Art Car Parade, which is running through Sunday.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Dr. Luz Maria Garcini of Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research talks to us about the issue of food insecurity in the Houston area and what’s being done to close these gaps.Next, well-known radio personality Roula Christie and her sister Maria Christie of the restaurant Christie’s Seafood & Steak, join us to tell us all about the rich traditions and food behind Orthodox Easter or Greek Easter, which will take place on Sunday, April 12.Plus, Ernie Manouse and guest host Foti Kallergis, along with Hello Houston listeners, share the latest things that are currently taking over all their free time, for our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss how President Trump’s tariffs have affected small businesses over the past year and what comes next with Dan Anthony, Executive Director at We Pay the Tariffs.Then, we hear from Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy, Executive Director of the local non-profit Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, who discusses their work providing free legal services to immigrants across the region, which includes children and families facing deportation.Plus, we learn all about the non-profit Camp For All, with COO Brian Frazier, Faith Malton, and Zach Ruhl, who share their experiences with the organization, explain how it creates memorable experiences for children and adults with challenging illnesses, disabilities, or special needs, and they tell us about their participation in its annual "Over The Edge" event.

For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.

On Today's "Hello Houston" it was shortened show as we joined NPR and President Trump's press conference at noon. At the top of the 11am hour, we discussed the top stories of the day including President Trump's profane social media post on Easter Sunday warning Iran about the Strait of Hormuz.   The story sparked a lot of phones calls to the show. Then, Galveston County reporter for Houston Public Media Julianna Washburn joined us to discuss a proposed desalination plant that is drawing concern from residents. And to close out the hour (and show), archivist with "Archivists of the Houston Area" John Rovell discussed how to preserve our family histories.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from a series of special guests who join us to surprise Frank Billingsley on his last show as a full-time Hello Houston host.First, we’re joined by former KPRC news anchor and content creator Dominique Sachse, who shares her well-wishes for Frank as they reminisce about their time working together for many years.Next, our hosts read comments and questions about Frank from the Hello Houston audience in a special Ask Me Anything segment, while Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore joins in to share his well-wishes.And finally, for his final segment as a full-time host, Frank’s husband, Kevin Gilliard, joins the Hello Houston hosts as they share a rundown of Houston events happening this Easter weekend as part of our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss a new study about the impact of ultra-processed foods on heart health with Dr. Amier Haidar, a cardiovascular disease fellow at UTHealth Houston, who helps break down the study’s findings.Next, we hear Celeste’s interview with Paul Champion, COO of Adaptive Construction Solutions, and Marc Spieler, NVIDIA's Senior Director of Energy, at last week’s CeraWEEK energy conference, who both discuss a push to build a workforce needed for the AI boom.Plus, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste, along with Hello Houston listeners, share the latest things that are currently taking over all their free time for our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison joins us live from the Johnson Space Center to discuss the scheduled launch for the moon-bound Artemis II mission tonight.Then, we hear from Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who joins us to discuss the recent arrest made in the infamous 1990 "Lovers Lane" cold case and what led to the breakthrough in this decades-long case.Plus, Houston teen Sam Slobin joins us to tell us all about the basketball program he started for special needs kids, called the Friendship Basketball Association (FBA).

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear highlights from Hello Houston’s first anniversary show, including our conversation with Houston comedian Chinedu, who celebrates this milestone with the hosts after previously joining us on our first show.  Next, we’re joined by Chris Ballard, President and CEO of the Memorial Park Conservancy, who discusses the famous Houston park’s transformative 100-acre project, which will introduce new spaces in addition to honoring its World War I roots.Plus, Back to the Future co-creator Bob Gale joins us to discuss his involvement in the widely popular franchise, where the idea for the original film came from, and the film’s Broadway musical adaptation, which is running in Houston through Sunday, April 5, courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we break down a newly filed bill aimed at strengthening reviews of antitrust cases with Darren Bush, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who also explains why he’s supporting it.Then, we’re joined by Khori Dastoor, the General Director and CEO of Houston Grand Opera, who tells us about their recently announced 2026 – 27 Season, which includes classics and celebrated works from world-famous composers.Also, we talk with Perla Trevizo, a reporter with the ProPublica–Texas Tribune investigative unit, who discusses a new investigation into how federal prosecutors are handling immigration cases at the southern border and how this is crowding local courts.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we talk with Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who discusses a new plan that allows county workers to organize and advocate for better pay and working conditions.Next, we talk with Rebecca Greene Udden, the Founding Artistic Director of Houston’s Main Street Theater, who tells us about their production of celebrated playwright Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed epic play Leopoldstadt.Also, we’re joined by Stephen Simpson, the mental health reporter for the Texas Tribune, who talks to us about the looming ban on all smokable hemp products in Texas under new state rules, and what effects these new rules could have.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," sports analyst Charlie Pallilo joins us to break down the sporting events taking place in Houston today, including the Houston Cougars competing in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA March Madness tournament and opening day for the Houston Astros.Next, we hear one of Celeste’s interviews from the major energy conference CERAWeek by S&P Global, in which she talks with President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, Jay Timmons, who discusses how complex manufacturing policy applies to our everyday life and how policy is currently affecting manufacturing.Plus, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste, along with Hello Houston listeners, share their Current Obsessions for this week as part of our regular Thursday feature, where we talk about the latest things that are taking up all our free time.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we learn all about the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra with band director David Caceras and student musician Matthew Cruz, who also discuss what's ahead for the group after being selected to compete in the Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.Next, we hear from Dr. Catherine Troisi, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, who shares her thoughts on the Trump administration's proposed changes to the country’s vaccine policy and why these vaccine recommendations remain important.Also, we highlight The Happening at The Orange Show, a monthly performance art and open mic showcase, with host and organizer Andrew Whit and The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art's chief curator, Pete Gershon, who tell us more about what audiences can expect from these experimental shows.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, who shares his thoughts on the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital through eminent domain and what happens next.Then, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez joins us to discuss his upcoming concert, Sincerely, Sondheim, a musical love letter to the late composer Stephen Sondheim, which will run at the Hobby Center on March 26th and 27th.Also, Wendell Primus, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center on Health Policy, joins us to discuss growing concerns over the future of social security as new projections warn the program could face insolvency in the coming years.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Frank’s conversation with Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, who talks about the university’s initiatives that have been launched in recent years, as well as his priorities moving forward.Next, Houston-area jazz pianist Barry Seelen and neurologist Dr. Justine Chen join us to share Seelen's health journey after a new treatment helped him regain the ability to swallow and eat certain foods after he experienced a massive stroke last year.Plus, Houston comedian Marcus D. Wiley joins us to discuss his comedy career, having previously been a TSU professor, his clean approach to comedy, and his new full-length stand-up special, Rehab.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jon Van Gorp, chair of global law at the Mayer Brown law firm, who discusses what’s behind Houston’s growing law industry with an influx of national and international law firms moving to the Bayou City.Also, we’re joined by former director of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Federico Salas-Isnardi, who talks to us about adult literacy, what’s being done to address the issue, and what resources are available for adults wanting to improve their literacy skills.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Frank and Celeste are joined by the Baker Institute’s Bill King, who discusses a new report raising questions about the impact affordable housing projects are having on Harris County.Then, producer and director Linda Gibbs tells us about the limited docuseries, The Change: Unleashing the Wild Woman, and how it explores the transformation women experience when going through menopause.Also, we hear from Houston City Councilmember Julian Ramirez, who joins us to discuss the city’s new on-demand heavy trash pickup system and what’s behind the delays in rolling it out after it was put on hold earlier this month.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Frank and Celeste talk with Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, who discusses a new report from his office saying the city is on track to spend about 40% more on electricity than it did last year.Then, longtime members of Houston’s Archway Gallery, John Slaby and Cookie Wells, join us to tell us all about this long-running artist-owned and operated gallery and its upcoming 50th anniversary exhibition, Fifty Forward.Also, we learn all about the University of Houston’s dementia research programs with Stacey Gorniak, a professor of motor behavior in the Department of Health and Human Performance, who also explains what we can do to protect our brain health.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Frank and Celeste’s conversation with former Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching, who talks about his sports career, his entrepreneurial work, and his upcoming induction into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.Next, we learn all about local faith-based organization Hope Center Houston, with assistant executive director Kathleen Spangler, who also explains how the non-profit is celebrating its tenth anniversary.Also, Texas Tribune journalist Gabby Birenbaum joins us to talk about her article on the political rise of the Freedom Caucus, which encompasses the most right-wing members of the House, and their recent successes in the 2026 Texas primaries.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste discuss the shortage of affordable rental units for low-income earners across the country and the Houston region with Ben Martin, the Deputy Director at Texas Housers.Then, we hear from Nicole Zayas Manzano, Deputy Director of Policy at The Bail Project, who joins us to break down new data from Harris County that suggests recent reforms to the local bail system appear to be working.Also, Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, joins us to discuss the legacy and history of one of Houston’s most iconic cultural landmarks, the Julia Ideson Library, which is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this year.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk about the upcoming 2026 Oscars with Dave Morales, co-owner and editor of the entertainment news website BackstageOL.com, who tells us his predictions for this year’s ceremony.Next, Dom Finetti and Patrick McAlexander of the Houston-based non-profit a cappella ensemble Space City Sound join us to discuss what they do, their upcoming performance, and members of the ensemble treat us to a special performance.Plus, we discuss the rise of prediction markets with Dustin Gouker, publisher of the Substack newsletter The Event Horizon, who helps us better understand this fast-moving industry and where the idea of betting on anything came from.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Dr. Sergio Lira, President of Greater Houston LULAC, who explains the organization’s recent decision to cancel this year's Cinco De Mayo parade.Next, we discuss Houston’s premier community biking event, Tour De Houston, with Todd Holloman, Vice President of Venues and Live Events at Houston First Corporation, who tells us all about this year’s upcoming event and its three route options.Also, we discuss the rising cost of housing and the debate over whether investment companies should be allowed to buy single-family homes with The Texas Tribune’s Urban Affairs reporter, Joshua Fechter.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our second live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who discusses how the city and county work with each other to put this large event together every year, and the current issues affecting the city of Houston.Then, we hear from Kenneth Lewis, Chairman of the HLSR’s Commercial Exhibits Committee, who tells us about the rodeo’s food vendors, along with the winners of this year’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, Joey Rousso of Rousso's Fat Bacon, and Mark Zable of Darlin's Fried Chicken, who tell us all about their award-winning food creations.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down what’s behind the large number of job losses in the latest jobs report with Dr. Daniel Hamermesh, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Texas, who also explains what this means for Houstonians.Next, we hear from Oliver James, a literacy activist, motivational speaker, and influencer, who shares the story of his struggles with adult illiteracy before making the decision to learn to read and how TikTok played a role in achieving this goal.Plus, we learn all about the local non-profit Keep Houston Beautiful, with Alan Steinberg, a volunteer board member for the organization, who discusses how they tackle their mission of cleaning up the city, and what individuals can do to help.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste talk with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who joins us to discuss the rising cost of oil due to the Iran conflict and what this could mean for consumers.Then, we learn about the upcoming Brains in Society conference, which will bring neuroscientists and other experts together to talk about how advances in brain research are influencing health care, education, and technology, with Simon Fischer-Baum, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Rice University.Plus, Jassi Bindra, a Houston-based chef and restaurateur, talks to us about being a contestant on the new season of the popular reality competition series Top Chef, the food he’s passionate about, and the story of his culinary journey.

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.