In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Celeste discuss the 2026 jobs outlook with John Diamond, senior director of the Center for Tax and Budget Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Then, local radio personality Madd Hatta joins us to tell us about the MLK Unity Parade, an event which brings together – for the first time in 30 years – two of Houston’s biggest Martin Luther King Day parades into a single event.

Also, we hear from newly elected Houston City Councilmember Alejandra Salinas, who responds to questions from Hello Houston listeners, as well as weighs in on the latest city council issues and her plans for the city in this new role.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, joins us to discuss Texas politics in 2026, which races Texans should be aware of, and which rising political stars could shape the state’s political future.

Then, we hear from Jaime González, the new director of the University of Houston's Institute for Ecological Resilience, who shares his vision for the institute and why he believes ecological resilience is important for the future of our region.

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.