In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we talk with Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who discusses a new plan that allows county workers to organize and advocate for better pay and working conditions.

Next, we talk with Rebecca Greene Udden, the Founding Artistic Director of Houston’s Main Street Theater, who tells us about their production of celebrated playwright Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed epic play Leopoldstadt.

Also, we’re joined by Stephen Simpson, the mental health reporter for the Texas Tribune, who talks to us about the looming ban on all smokable hemp products in Texas under new state rules, and what effects these new rules could have.