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.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Celeste and guest host Doug Miller are joined by Tony Payan of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, who discusses what unfolded yesterday with the shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent, and what might happen next.

Then, we hear from sports dietician Brett Singer of the Memorial Hermann Rockets Sports Medicine Institute, who helps break down the new U.S. dietary guidelines released yesterday, as well as explain which food groups are being promoted the most, and whether these new guidelines were needed.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from State Representative Donna Howard, who shares her thoughts on educators across Texas raising concerns about freedom of speech due to the current political climate.

Then, we’re joined by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who tells us about his vision and priorities for 2026, which include investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community services.

Plus, we also talk with Matt West, director and choreographer of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, who explains what audiences can expect from the hit musical’s 30th anniversary production, currently running at the Hobby Center.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie and Celeste’s conversation with first-time candidate Tony Box, who discusses his run for Texas Attorney General, as well as what made him decide to run for this position.

Then, we hear Ernie and Celeste share their predictions for what they believe is likely to happen in 2026, as well as respond to predictions from Hello Houston listeners.

Plus, Linda Dodge, author of the book A Museum is Born: How the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Came to Be, tells us all about the history of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and what makes the story of its creation so remarkable.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Bill King, a fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy, discusses his newest book, Depopulation: Our New Demographic Reality, and what changing demographics could mean for Houston and beyond.

Then, we’re joined by University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who talks to us about the role oil is playing in the U.S. military operation in Venezuela as well as President Trump’s plans to bring in American oil companies to fix the country’s oil infrastructure.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department, who discusses health equity in Houston and what's being done to close the gaps in healthcare access.

Also, we’re joined by Stanton Welch, artistic director of Houston Ballet and Jennifer Sommers, director of the Houston Ballet Academy, who tell us more about this year’s production of The Nutcracker, a long-standing Houston holiday tradition.

Then, we hear Ernie’s conversation with actor, playwright, and director John Cameron Mitchell, who discusses his upcoming event with Arthouse Houston, and our hosts share a rundown of holiday-themed weekend events for our regular Friday feature, "Last Minute Plans."