Hello Houston (January 7, 2026)

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with State Representative and chair of the House Democratic Caucus Committee on Free Speech, Donna Howard, who shares her thoughts on educators leaving the state of Texas due to free speech issues.

Also, in the show’s first hour, we learn more about the popular health challenge Dry January, in which people abstain from alcohol for the entire 31-day month, with Julian Braithwaite, CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who joins us to share his vision and priorities for 2026, including investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community services across the precinct.

Then, Beauty and the Beast director and choreographer Matt West tells us all about the 30th anniversary production of the hit musical, which is on stage now at the Hobby Center through Sunday, January 18.

And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Pentagon reviewing women in ground combat jobs to ensure their "effectiveness," and Dr. Peter Hotez joins in to discuss the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reducing the number of vaccines routinely recommended for children.