On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by John Diamond, senior director of the Center for Tax and Budget Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute, who helps break down the job market outlook for 2026 as well as what lies ahead for workers and employers.

Also, in the first hour, we learn all about the upcoming MLK Unity Parade - which unites two of Houston’s longstanding Martin Luther King Day parades into a single event - with local radio personality Madd Hatta, who’s one of the parade’s grand marshals.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by newly elected Houston City Councilmember Alejandra Salinas, who discusses the latest city council issues, shares her vision and priorities for 2026, and fields questions from Hello Houston listeners.

Plus, Brett Ishida, artistic director of the ISHIDA Dance Company, choreographer Kristian Lever, and dancer Maddie Medina, join us to tell us more about the nationally recognized dance company and their upcoming program, Rara avis, which is being presented by Asia Society Texas.

And, as always, Ernie and Celeste talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas faith leaders urging public school boards not to adopt rules setting aside time for prayer, the introduction of a bill to make Greenland the 51st state, and Texas Democrats calling for an investigation into Elon Musk’s AI chatbot on X.

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.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease physician at UTHealth Houston, who discusses the surge in flu and COVID cases around the country over the holiday season, as well as what’s driving this increase.

Then, we’re joined by Anthony Brandt, a professor of composition and music theory at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, who tells us all about the school’s new Music, Mind and Body Lab, and what it will be focused on studying.

In the show’s second hour, Houston entrepreneur Jerome D. Love fills us in on What is Rich, a new docuseries he is hosting, which explores how people across the country, from entrepreneurs to everyday Americans, are redefining wealth beyond just money.

Also, Bernie Tretta, the Athletes with Disabilities Captain for the Chevron Houston Marathon, talks to us about the marathoners with disabilities who participate in the event and her work with them.

And, as always, Celeste and guest host Doug Miller talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the controversial plan to expand Ben Taub Hospital into Hermann Park, the unclear future of the Astrodome, and more.

Plus, University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs joins in to share his thoughts on oil executives meeting at the White House to discuss plans for Venezuela.