Hello Houston Full Episode - December 17, 2025

On today’s Hello Houston, Celeste Díaz Schurman talks one-on-one with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas just ahead of his broadcast tonight from Houston. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo discusses the Harris County budget shortfall, her comments about possible successors, and more. Psychologist Dr. Kelly Cosgrove talks about Australia’s ban on social media for kids under 16 and if it could work here in the U.S. Juan Lozano, who covers Houston for The Associated Press, tells us about the Justice Department’s ending of monitoring of illegal dumping in parts of Houston, a move critics say signals a retreat from environmental justice. Jared Schaller from Moody Gardens tells us about the Holiday in the Gardens celebration and “North Pole’s Got Talent”, a high-energy show with acrobats, aerialists, fire dancers and more.

We also discuss the big topics of the day, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ candid interview with Vanity Fair and more.

Hello Houston is your connection to the heart of the Bayou City. We dive deep into the stories that matter to Houstonians – from breaking local news to cultural happenings, community voices, and the everyday joys and challenges of life in our vibrant city.

Hosts Ernie Manouse, Frank Billingsley, and Celeste Díaz Schurman bring you thoughtful discussions, insightful interviews, and a mix of topics including local politics and city events, Houston’s ever-changing food scene, and feel-good stories from your neighborhood.

Hello Houston streams live on YouTube weekdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. CT, and airs live on Houston Public Media’s News 88.7.


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Timestamps:
00:00 Pre-show news
06:20 Show Intro
12:42 WH Chief of Staff candid Vanity Fair interview
23:52 $1.25 Billion Powerball jackpot
26:46 Dr. Kelly Cosgrove on social media ban in Australia
46:31 Jared Schaller on the Holidays at Moody Gardens
1:07:22 Lina Hidalgo on her comments on Annise Parker
1:27:06 Is Hidalgo supporting Letitia Plummer?
1:27:52 Lina Hidalgo on Harris County Budget
1:34:02 Juan Lozano on DOJ ending monitoring of illegal dumping
1:45:53 Tom Llamas in Houston on “Reporting for America” project