On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Hobby School of Public Affairs researchers Maria Perez Arguelles and Soran Mohtadi about a new survey that found the cost of living is the biggest economic concern for an overwhelming majority of Houstonians.

Then, Houston artist David McGee joins us to discuss his art career and an upcoming exhibition dedicated to his work that will be on view at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, North Carolina, which curator Katia Zavistovski tells us more about.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin, currently serving District 47, who discusses her campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the issues driving her run, and her vision for the future of the Lone Star State.

Also, our hosts share their weekend plans and a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.

Plus, at the top of each hour, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress talk about today’s top stories, including discussing the Supreme Court striking down President Trump’s tariffs with University of Houston-Downtown professor Dietrich von Biedenfeld, and University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs shares his thoughts on President Trump considering an attack on Iran.

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by hearing the latest episode of University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus’ Texperts series, in which he guides us through the world of legal billboard advertising.

Then, the organizers of SpringStock Music Fest, David Gordon and Dallas and Austin Burkhalter, join us to tell us all about the upcoming all-ages experience created by Houston artists and musicians.

In the second hour of the show, University of Houston film professor and director Greg Carter tells us about a new online graduate certificate program that aims to help prepare a workforce of leaders in the city's film space.

Also, our hosts and listeners share the things they’re obsessed with this week for our regular Thursday feature – Current Obsessions.

Plus, Ernie and News 88.7 news anchor Matt Harab discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a man on a Delta Airlines flight being detained for “unruly behavior,” Texas primary candidates using artificial intelligence in their campaign ads, U.K. police arresting the former Prince Andrew, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, Dr. Tina Petersen, executive director of Harris County Flood Control District, joins us to help break down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s draft for the updated Harris County floodplain maps, the first countywide update since 2007.

Then, Lisa Descant, CEO of the non-profit Communities In Schools of Houston, tells us more about their work across the Greater Houston area and their report for the 2024-2025 school year.

In the second hour of the show, we hear the latest edition of Frank’s Friends of Frank series in which he talks with broadcaster Brent Goff, the Chief News Anchor at DW News in Berlin, Germany, who discusses his news career and shares his thoughts on how Europeans currently view Americans.

Plus, acclaimed playwright James Anthony Tyler tells us about his work and his role as head of the Playwriting & Dramaturgy program at the University of Houston.

And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Stephen Colbert criticizing CBS for allegedly blocking an interview with James Talarico, and NAACP Houston president Bishop James Dixon II tells us about a community prayer vigil he’s officiating tonight to honor the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

On today’s show, we’re joined by Mary Ellen O'Toole, a former FBI senior profiler and professor of forensic science, who discusses the latest developments in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and how profilers aid in the search for missing people.

Then, we talk with Dr. Marianne Cusick, a colorectal surgeon at UTHealth Houston, who provides insight into colorectal cancer, risks to be aware of, and why rates are increasing among people younger than the age of 50.

In the second hour of Hello Houston, the Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, a former district Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, joins us to share stories from her groundbreaking career and to give her take on current legal issues.

Plus, on this “Fat Tuesday,” Doc's Houston artistic director and drummer Graeme Francis and Houston-based vocalist Nicoya Baker tell us all about the musical traditions of Mardi Gras.

And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the passing of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth joins in at the top of the show to answer questions about early voting for the 2026 primaries, which begins today.

On today’s Hello Houston, City Council Member Tiffany Thomas joins the show in the first hour to discuss the proposed apartment inspection ordinance, which would create a registry of “high-risk rental buildings,” as well as inspections and fines should issues with these properties continue unresolved.

Then, we hear from Steven Evans, executive director of the Houston-based contemporary arts organization FotoFest, who tells us all about their upcoming 40th anniversary biennial, which will be a celebration of their work from the past four decades.

In the second hour, we’re joined by entertainment attorney and actress Jalene Mack, who shares her success story, answers questions related to entertainment law, and discusses her local non-profit MPAC, which aims to help young creatives through workshops and networking.

And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including water pouring from the ceiling of NRG Stadium during an event, former Vice President Kamala Harris selling her email list to the Democratic National Committee, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who discusses her run for Senate as she squares off against Texas State Representative James Talarico, as well as her policy priorities, and why she believes this race is so important.

Then, ahead of Valentine’s Day, we talk with Houston area relationship therapist Dr. Viviana Coles, who shares advice on how couples can maintain healthy relationships.

In the show’s second hour, Michael Emerson, a Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute, joins us to discuss the growing influence of Christian nationalism in Texas politics, a topic he explores in the four-part audio series, Between Pulpit and Policy.

Also, Theatre Under the Stars artistic director Dan Knechtges joins us to tell us all about the exciting musicals included in the theatre company’s new 2026-27 season.

And, as always, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress discuss today’s top headlines, including Christian Menefee leading over Al Green in the Democratic primary for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s 2026 State of the City address, plus, former City Council member Amanda Edwards tells us her plans after suspending her campaign for the 18th Congressional District earlier this week.

On today’s Hello Houston, ArtHouse Houston Executive Director Maureen McNamara joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss a local effort to preserve the Garden Oaks Theater, one of several neighborhood cinemas built in Houston between the 1930s and 1950s.

Also, in the first hour, we’re joined by Rice University postdoctoral researcher and Houston Texans cheerleader, HTC Kelly, who discusses how she balances these two dual roles.

In the second hour of the show, Jim Morris, Founder, Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief of Public Health Watch, helps us understand a new report highlighting pollution in Texas and what this continued growth could mean for Texans.

Plus, we also chat with jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer, Jumaane Smith, who tells us all about his Hobby Center concert LOVE ALWAYS: Celebrating the Romance of Nat King Cole, in which he’ll perform renditions of Cole’s most famous songs.

And, as always, Ernie and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Houstonians concerned that their wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s heated congressional hearing, Harris County seeking a restraining order against the federal government to halt FEMA layoffs, and more.

On today’s show, we break down a University of Houston study, which found that many Houston-area residents are overestimating the potential reach and impact of Texas’s new school voucher program, with the Hobby School of Public Affairs’ Blake Heller.

Then, actor Rudy Foster joins us to discuss playing the role of Hermes in the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, currently running at the Hobby Center through Sunday, February 15th.

In the second hour of Hello Houston, Celeste talks with Texas Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nate Sheets, who discusses his vision for the department, how he plans to tackle challenges like water scarcity and livestock health, and what changes he hopes to bring to Texas agriculture.

Plus, we also learn all about Lunar New Year and its traditions, with Elaine Yuan, senior fund development manager at the Chinese Community Center.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Cy-Fair ISD’s new board members rolling back the previous board’s policies, Houstonians turning to payday loans to cover everyday expenses, the latest developments in the kidnapping case of Nancy Guthrie, and more.