Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Letitia Plummer, who discusses her historic victory in the Harris County Judge race as the first Black person and first Muslim elected to this role and what her plans are for this office.

Then, Houston area trial attorney and author Tony Buzbee talks to us about his new book, How to Swim with Sharks: Success Tips They Don't Teach You in School, why he decided to write it, the advice he shares in the book, and more.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," our hosts Ernie Manouse and Tessa Barrera discuss last night's election results while they field phone calls from Hello Houston listeners who share their thoughts and reactions to the results.

Also, Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus joins us to break down last night's election results and give us his thoughts on what happens next following the historic “blue wave” that swept the Lone Star State last night.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear our regular Tuesday feature, Five Simple Questions, in which Hello Houston Executive Producer Jim Kovacik talks with civil attorney, content creator, and community voice Erika Harrison of “Black Girls Who Brunch.”

Next, Ben Schooley, founder of Pro Se Coach and author of Successfully Representing Yourself in Texas Family Law, discusses navigating family courts without an attorney, the financial and emotional toll family court can have on families, and what he believes needs to change in Texas.

Plus, we also hear from two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis, who talks to us about her upcoming Live at the Founder's Club concert, The Devil I Knew, which will feature bold, contemporary jazz and storytelling told through song.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Liam Mayes, director of undergraduate studies in media at Rice University, discusses the rising cases of misinformation spreading across digital platforms during election cycles and how voters can identify misinformation.

Next, we hear from David Goodman, the Texas bureau chief for The New York Times, who gives us a last look at all the key races in Texas ahead of Election Day tomorrow and what voters should be watching as these races come down to the wire.

And finally, Houston filmmaker, author, and actress Keyatta Crews tells us about her journey as a creative in the Bayou City, what it’s like to work with her family, and what it takes to turn a vision into a lasting legacy.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Jennifer Kapral, Executive Director of Preservation Houston, tells us about the demolition of the historic Kirby Mansion in Houston’s Midtown neighborhood and its historical significance.

Next, we hear a special Halloween-inspired edition of Tessa Takes On, in which Tessa talks with three members of the Ghost Hunting Beauties, an all-female, Houston-based paranormal investigation team that explores haunted locations.

Also, we discuss breast cancer awareness with Dr. Sandra F. Templeton, the Medical Director of Breast Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, and breast cancer survivor Vanessa Plascencia, who both share insights on the importance of early detection and how knowledge and support can make a difference.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Toluwani Osibamowo, an investigative reporter with the Texas Newsroom, who gives us the latest on the pamphlets and texts received by Texans across the state that appeared to promote transgender advocacy resources.

Next, in this week’s edition of HPM in Focus, Houston Public Media’s Fort Bend County reporter Melissa Enaje discusses the controversy surrounding a campaign ad that featured AI-generated videos of Black voters expressing support for Daniel Wong, the Republican candidate for Fort Bend County Judge.

Also, we hear from Dr. Courtney West, the senior associate dean for educational affairs at Sam Houston State University, and Dr. Kathryn Potter, the chair of primary care, who both tell us about a mobile health clinic initiative that’s designed to help provide women’s preventative healthcare in underserved communities.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Texas Monthly senior writer Forrest Wilder discusses an investigation into the major changes undergone at the University of Texas that are raising questions about academic freedom and the role of politics in higher education.  

Next, University of Houston chemistry professor Dr. Yuhong Wang explains how local researchers are using artificial intelligence and advanced sensing technology to help combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

Plus, we hear from actor Joey Herrera, who talks to us about playing Dracula in Drunk Dracula, a theatrical production that puts an interesting twist on the classic horror story by mixing comedy with an unpredictable performance.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” John Diamond, a senior fellow in public finance at Rice University’s Baker Institute, shares his thoughts on the current state of the U.S. economy amid pressures like the national debt, rising costs, and major investments in AI.

Next, we hear Hello Houston Executive Producer Jim Kovacik talk with Houston City Councilmember Edward Pollard for this week’s edition of our regular Tuesday feature, Five Simple Questions.

Also, we hear from Ayden Runnels, a reporter for The Texas Tribune, who discusses a Texas city’s attempt to charge more than $2 million for public records on the city’s Flock cameras and how this has become a flashpoint in the debate over how these cameras are being used.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," the Texas Tribune’s urban affairs reporter Joshua Fechter talks about the hundreds of thousands of Texas homeowners who may be missing out on property tax savings because they haven’t claimed a homestead exemption.

Then, playwright Elena Coates discusses her new play, Shadow of Nuremberg, which explores the human, ethical, and historical questions that emerged from the Nuremberg trials and how societies wrestle with the lingering effects of atrocity.

Plus, we hear Tessa’s conversation with Kim Miller, founder of the grassroots organization America’s Women, who discusses civic engagement and how they’re encouraging women to become more involved in elections.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Tessa’s conversation with PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger, who shares her perspective on PBS today, the evolving ways audiences engage with public media, and the future of public television.

Then, in this week’s edition of Tessa Takes On, Tessa chats with representatives from Houston’s primary women’s rugby organization, the Houston Athletic Rugby Club, for a discussion on the city’s role in the ever-growing international sport.

Plus, we wrap up the week with our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans, in which our hosts share a list of Houston area events to help you make the most of your weekend, while they also share their own plans for the weekend.