Hello Houston

On today’s Hello Houston, as Texas races to become the nation’s data center capital, we discuss the energy infrastructure needed to support this growth and whether residential customers can avoid inheriting the cost with University of Houston Energy Fellow Ed Hirs.
Next, we learn about the award-winning documentary film, The Gas Station Attendant, which will be screened at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, tomorrow night, with its director, Houston-born filmmaker Karla Murthy, and HTX MADE creator Li Lu, who will be moderating the screening.
In the show’s second hour, we break down the reasons why Houston is trailing other major Texas cities like Austin and Dallas when it comes to attracting and retaining college graduates and young professionals, with Houston Business Journal reporter Janet Miranda.
Plus, Colin Woodard, Director of the Nationhood Lab at Salve Regina University’s Pell Center, joins us to discuss why Americans are so divided today and new research that suggests these divisions can be traced back to the country’s earliest colonial settlements.
And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Maria Todd discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas’s judicial oversight agency being required to pay $640,000 to a Waco judge who was disciplined for refusing to marry gay couples, a federal judge blocking bans on using SNAP for foods considered unhealthy, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Michael Soules, a political scientist with the University of Houston, who joins us to share his thoughts on why political violence, intimidation, and extremism seem to be on the rise in the United States.   
Then, Deborah Lugo, Vice President of Programming and Education at the Hobby Center, joins us to reveal the 2026–27 season for their Live at the Founders Club series.
In the second hour of the show, we turn to estate planning and talk with Hilary Reed, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center, who educates us on the best practices for writing a will or trust, and how thoughtful planning can help protect your loved ones.
Plus, Mehrnaz Gill, the Brain Health Programs Director for local non-profit Amazing Place, joins us to share practical resources, support strategies, and brain health guidance to help families better navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia.
And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Maria Todd talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office investigating a data breach at Carnival Cruise Line, two 4th of July events celebrating America's 250th birthday in different ways, and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett not attending this week’s Texas Democratic state convention.

On today’s Hello Houston, Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee, joins us again on the show to give us an update on how the city is handling the crowds and festivities of the World Cup.
Next, we talk with Jessi Bowman, the founder and owner of FLATS, a Houston-based photo lab, community darkroom, and exhibition space, who tells us all about the services they provide and the current state of film photography.
In the second hour, Houston City Councilmember Joe Panzarella, who represents District C, joins us to discuss the approved plans for a new pedestrian and bicycle connection between Memorial Park and Uptown Houston, which supporters are saying will improve mobility and make it easier to move around one of the city's busiest areas without a car.
Plus, the co-director of Spamilton: An American Parody, Valerie Rachelle, joins us to tell us about the musical parody, which is currently running at Stages Houston through July 5, and how it lovingly spoofs the Broadway hit Hamilton and other Broadway musicals.
And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including James Talarico criticizing Ken Paxton for a plea deal his office offered in a child sexual abuse case, and the Texas State Board of Education voting on curriculum that would emphasize the Bible.

On today’s Hello Houston, as Juneteenth approaches, historian and author Blair LM Kelley and Prairie View A&M’s Dr. Melanye Price join us to explore what the holiday means to us today and how it’s still shaping conversations about social justice in the United States.
Next, Militza Mezquita, the Texas State Director for Save the Children, joins us to share tips for how parents can keep their children learning throughout summer break.
In the second hour, we hear an excerpt of the latest installment of Ernie Manouse’s InnerVIEWS series, in which he talks with Netflix BBQ star and fourth-generation Texas pitmaster Sloan Rinaldi, who shares some simple grilling tips that can help take your Father's Day cookout to the next level.
Plus, it’s Thursday, which means it’s time for our regular feature, Current Obsessions, in which our hosts and listeners share the latest things that are taking over all their free time. You can send us your Current Obsessions anytime by emailing us at talk@hellohouston.org.
And, as always, Ernie and guest host Chau Nguyen discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the city of Houston offering certain residents financial assistance for the $5 fee related to solid waste services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizing millions of dollars in counterfeit World Cup merchandise, and the opening of The Obama Presidential Center.

On today’s Hello Houston, University of Houston Energy Fellow Ed Hirs joins us in the first hour of the show to share his thoughts on the United States' memorandum of understanding with Iran and what we can expect to see with oil prices going forward.
Then, Kevin Myer, CEO and President of LifeGift, the organ procurement organization for North, Southeast and West Texas, joins us to discuss the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation as well as how Texans can register to become donors.
In the show's second hour, we hear the latest edition of Ernie Manouse's InnerVIEWS series in which he talks about the business side of the arts and the economic impact they have on our community with Hillary Hart, the Executive Director of Theatre Under the Stars.
Plus, we highlight the Houston-area skate park, North Houston Skate Park, and the park adjacent to it, Dylan Park, which has features benefitting children of all abilities, with Sally Bradford, Executive Director of the North Houston Development Corporation.
And, as always, Ernie and guest host Chau Nguyen discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including President Trump's press conference at the G7 summit in France, the Galveston area experiencing flooding risks due to Tropical Storm Arthur, and the FIFA World Cup match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.