Hello Houston (January 12, 2026)

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Party Politics, Brandon Rottinghaus, who breaks down where Texas is headed politically in 2026 and which races we should be paying attention to.

Then, Sharon Fletcher, executive director of the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy, joins us to tell us more about the history behind this historic Houston neighborhood and how the Conservancy is keeping its story alive for future generations.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by the new director of the University of Houston’s Institute for Ecological Resilience, Jaime González, who discusses his vision for the institute and why ecological resilience matters for the future of our region.

Plus, Raheel Ramzanali, formerly of ESPN radio and CityCast Houston, joins us to share his thoughts on tonight’s big playoff game between the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as what’s at stake for the Texans.

And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Governor Greg Abbott threatening a takeover of Harris County elections, the nationwide protests following last week’s shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, and more.