On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with legendary Houston broadcaster Shara Fryer, who discusses her colleague and co-anchor from 1986 to 2003, Dave Ward, following his passing at the age of 86 on Saturday.

Also, Ed Hirs, Energy Fellow at the University of Houston, breaks down the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by the Trump administration, and Ernie talks with Kelli Soika and Michael Fahey of the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO), who discuss what they have in store ahead of the New Year.

In the second hour of the show, we are joined by longtime ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson, who, after recently announcing her retirement, reflects on her more than four decades at the station, the stories that shaped Houston, and what comes next as she enters this new chapter of her life.

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day, including Alejandra Salinas winning the runoff election to fill a vacant at-large seat on the Houston City Council, Houston Mayor John Whitmire being reprimanded by the Harris County Democratic Party, and the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Chet Garner, host of the six-time Emmy Award-winning travel series, The Daytripper, who tells us more about the series and where you and your family can travel during this holiday season.

Then, Daniel Ackermann, Director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at MFAH, joins us to tell us all about Christmas Village at Bayou Bend and how the museum’s historic mansion is transformed into an immersive holiday experience.

In the second hour of the show, Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau, helps break down President Trump’s $12 billion aid package for American Farmers, and whether this aid package will be enough to support farmers dealing with deep financial losses.

Plus, our hosts share a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including subsidies for the Affordable Care Act expiring by the end of the year and the Trump administration ordering national parks to remove any merchandise from their gift shops that promotes DEI.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard in the show’s first hour, who fills us in on all the issues concerning District J, as well as the highlights, challenges, and what’s ahead for the district.

Then, we’re joined by Broadway stars Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur, who tell us about reuniting for their upcoming show Mama I’m A Big Girl Now, which is coming soon to the Hobby Center.

In the second hour of the show, as we get closer to the new year and begin making our New Year’s resolutions, we revisit an episode of Celeste’s "Cold Coffee" series in which she sits down with board-certified physician Dr. Gabrielle Lyon.

Plus, our hosts and Hello Houston listeners talk about the things they’re currently obsessed with this week for our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”

And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Australia introducing a social media ban for children under the age of 16, HPD cracking down on speeding and road rage during the holidays, and the U.S. State Department being ordered to stop using the Calibri font.