The 713: Commute Mode en The Houston Chronicle's biggest stories in audio form every weekday morning. Stay connected to the city in 10 minutes or less. Every episode includes a brief forecast by meteorologist Justin Ballard and is produced and edited by human editors using stories written by human journalists. It is read using text-to-speech technology. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2d9da4c4-fa69-11ed-a203-3fb3c73387a8/image/a96390aed36e41c904dd747f56fc8956.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress The 713: Commute Mode episodic Houston Chronicle The Houston Chronicle's biggest stories in audio form every weekday morning. Stay connected to the city in 10 minutes or less. Every episode includes a brief forecast by meteorologist Justin Ballard and is produced and edited by human editors using stories written by human journalists. It is read using text-to-speech technology. The Houston Chronicle's biggest stories in audio form every weekday morning. Stay connected to the city in 10 minutes or less.


Every episode includes a brief forecast by meteorologist Justin Ballard and is produced and edited by human editors using stories written by human journalists. It is read using text-to-speech technology.

]]> Houston Chronicle cat.delaura@houstonchronicle.com The 713: Commute Mode — August 7, 2026 In today’s briefing, Houston ends a business recycling program, Harris County funds an investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and SpaceX plans a massive chipmaking facility near College Station. But first, the weather. Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories:  Houston quietly ended its business recycling program, leaving organizations scrambling for alternatives⁠  Harris County to fund local $2.5M investigation into ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado, commissioners vote⁠  Houston investigating claim police held man for ICE during 2-hour traffic stop⁠  Harris County to increase elected constables' salaries to $305K; more than vice president⁠  James Talarico's economic plan calls for AI dividends, help for first-time homebuyers⁠  Elon Musk, Greg Abbott confirm $17B Terafab facility will be built in Grimes County near College Station⁠  Prairie View A&M ranks No. 3 among Forbes' top public HBCUs. Here's why it stands out⁠ Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full Houston Chronicle In today’s briefing, Houston ends a business recycling program, Harris County funds an investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and SpaceX plans a massive chipmaking facility near College Station. But first, the weather. Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories:  Houston quietly ended its business recycling program, leaving organizations scrambling for alternatives⁠  Harris County to fund local $2.5M investigation into ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado, commissioners vote⁠  Houston investigating claim police held man for ICE during 2-hour traffic stop⁠  Harris County to increase elected constables' salaries to $305K; more than vice president⁠  James Talarico's economic plan calls for AI dividends, help for first-time homebuyers⁠  Elon Musk, Greg Abbott confirm $17B Terafab facility will be built in Grimes County near College Station⁠  Prairie View A&M ranks No. 3 among Forbes' top public HBCUs. Here's why it stands out⁠ Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor In today’s briefing, Houston ends a business recycling program, Harris County funds an investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and SpaceX plans a massive chipmaking facility near College Station. But first, the weather.

Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained


Stories: 

  1. Houston quietly ended its business recycling program, leaving organizations scrambling for alternatives⁠ 
  2. Harris County to fund local $2.5M investigation into ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado, commissioners vote⁠ 
  3. Houston investigating claim police held man for ICE during 2-hour traffic stop⁠ 
  4. Harris County to increase elected constables' salaries to $305K; more than vice president⁠ 
  5. James Talarico's economic plan calls for AI dividends, help for first-time homebuyers⁠ 
  6. Elon Musk, Greg Abbott confirm $17B Terafab facility will be built in Grimes County near College Station⁠ 
  7. Prairie View A&M ranks No. 3 among Forbes' top public HBCUs. Here's why it stands out⁠

Credits: 

Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist

Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor

]]> 860 The 713 Commute Mode — August 6, 2026 In today’s briefing, Texas sheds new light on its school voucher program, Fort Bend County faces a budget showdown, and election officials raise concerns about a new voting law.  Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter:  www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/ Here's what we know about the 85k Texas students who received private school vouchers Fort Bend County judge dispute threatens employee raises and infrastructure projects James Talarico used parents' address to vote in 5 elections after buying his own home, report says  Texas counties say new law adding another weekend of early voting will strain their budgets  A Midland lawsuit could upend Texas school funding. Why aren't other districts joining in?  Texas leads nation in Candida auris cases as the drug-resistant fungus spreads  KPRC reporter Deven Clarke says he will part ways with Houston TV station after five-year stint Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full Houston Chronicle In today’s briefing, Texas sheds new light on its school voucher program, Fort Bend County faces a budget showdown, and election officials raise concerns about a new voting law.  Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter:  www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/ Here's what we know about the 85k Texas students who received private school vouchers Fort Bend County judge dispute threatens employee raises and infrastructure projects James Talarico used parents' address to vote in 5 elections after buying his own home, report says  Texas counties say new law adding another weekend of early voting will strain their budgets  A Midland lawsuit could upend Texas school funding. Why aren't other districts joining in?  Texas leads nation in Candida auris cases as the drug-resistant fungus spreads  KPRC reporter Deven Clarke says he will part ways with Houston TV station after five-year stint Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor In today’s briefing, Texas sheds new light on its school voucher program, Fort Bend County faces a budget showdown, and election officials raise concerns about a new voting law. 


Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter:  www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/

  1. Here's what we know about the 85k Texas students who received private school vouchers
  2. Fort Bend County judge dispute threatens employee raises and infrastructure projects
  3. James Talarico used parents' address to vote in 5 elections after buying his own home, report says 
  4. Texas counties say new law adding another weekend of early voting will strain their budgets 
  5. A Midland lawsuit could upend Texas school funding. Why aren't other districts joining in? 
  6. Texas leads nation in Candida auris cases as the drug-resistant fungus spreads 
  7. KPRC reporter Deven Clarke says he will part ways with Houston TV station after five-year stint

Credits: 

Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist

Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor


]]> 573 The 713 Commute Mode — August 5, 2026 In today’s briefing, Houston layoffs increased even as economists say the region is beating expectations, Harris County may ask voters to raise property taxes to help low-income families pay for early childhood care and Houston hospitals earned national recognition.  Sign up for the To Houston, with Joy newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/to-houston-with-joy/ The 5 companies with the biggest Houston layoffs of 2026 so far Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo again asks commissioners to support tax increase for childcare   Houston Methodist, MD Anderson lead Houston hospitals in new U.S. News rankings  Professors sue Texas A&M System over classroom ban on race, gender ideology   Texas could be forced to curb dangerous soot after courts revive Biden-era air pollution rules Montgomery County selects potential site for $1 billion jail   The viral new place to get dinner in Houston? Facebook Marketplace Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full Houston Chronicle In today’s briefing, Houston layoffs increased even as economists say the region is beating expectations, Harris County may ask voters to raise property taxes to help low-income families pay for early childhood care and Houston hospitals earned national recognition.  Sign up for the To Houston, with Joy newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/to-houston-with-joy/ The 5 companies with the biggest Houston layoffs of 2026 so far Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo again asks commissioners to support tax increase for childcare   Houston Methodist, MD Anderson lead Houston hospitals in new U.S. News rankings  Professors sue Texas A&M System over classroom ban on race, gender ideology   Texas could be forced to curb dangerous soot after courts revive Biden-era air pollution rules Montgomery County selects potential site for $1 billion jail   The viral new place to get dinner in Houston? Facebook Marketplace Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor In today’s briefing, Houston layoffs increased even as economists say the region is beating expectations, Harris County may ask voters to raise property taxes to help low-income families pay for early childhood care and Houston hospitals earned national recognition. 

Sign up for the To Houston, with Joy newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/to-houston-with-joy/

  1. The 5 companies with the biggest Houston layoffs of 2026 so far
  2. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo again asks commissioners to support tax increase for childcare  
  3. Houston Methodist, MD Anderson lead Houston hospitals in new U.S. News rankings 
  4. Professors sue Texas A&M System over classroom ban on race, gender ideology  
  5. Texas could be forced to curb dangerous soot after courts revive Biden-era air pollution rules
  6. Montgomery County selects potential site for $1 billion jail  
  7. The viral new place to get dinner in Houston? Facebook Marketplace

Credits: 

Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist

Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor


]]> 628 The 713 Commute Mode — August 4, 2026 In today’s briefing, Houston hospitals test artificial intelligence for faster medical imaging, Texas pauses new data center approvals for an audit, and Rice University expands free tuition.  Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories:  Houston hospitals are seizing on the AI revolution. Is the tech actually helping patients?  Greg Abbott orders sweeping audit of Texas data centers amid power grid concerns  Rice University extends free tuition to families earning up to $200K a year  John Cornyn wins showdown with Trump administration over 'anti-weaponization fund'  Deal could spare lawyer Dick DeGuerin from contempt proceedings in Lee Gilley capital murder case  Montgomery County sheriff urges purchase of mobile barriers after deputy's death at I-45 crash scene  Why Houston restaurants are creating their own restaurant weeks Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:20:00 -0000 full Houston Chronicle In today’s briefing, Houston hospitals test artificial intelligence for faster medical imaging, Texas pauses new data center approvals for an audit, and Rice University expands free tuition.  Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories:  Houston hospitals are seizing on the AI revolution. Is the tech actually helping patients?  Greg Abbott orders sweeping audit of Texas data centers amid power grid concerns  Rice University extends free tuition to families earning up to $200K a year  John Cornyn wins showdown with Trump administration over 'anti-weaponization fund'  Deal could spare lawyer Dick DeGuerin from contempt proceedings in Lee Gilley capital murder case  Montgomery County sheriff urges purchase of mobile barriers after deputy's death at I-45 crash scene  Why Houston restaurants are creating their own restaurant weeks Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor In today’s briefing, Houston hospitals test artificial intelligence for faster medical imaging, Texas pauses new data center approvals for an audit, and Rice University expands free tuition. 

Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained


Stories: 

  1. Houston hospitals are seizing on the AI revolution. Is the tech actually helping patients? 
  2. Greg Abbott orders sweeping audit of Texas data centers amid power grid concerns 
  3. Rice University extends free tuition to families earning up to $200K a year 
  4. John Cornyn wins showdown with Trump administration over 'anti-weaponization fund' 
  5. Deal could spare lawyer Dick DeGuerin from contempt proceedings in Lee Gilley capital murder case 
  6. Montgomery County sheriff urges purchase of mobile barriers after deputy's death at I-45 crash scene 
  7. Why Houston restaurants are creating their own restaurant weeks


Credits: 

Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist

Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor


]]> 507 The 713 Commute Mode — August 3, 2026 Houston-area mothers are testing Texas parental rights in a Ten Commandments lawsuit, a new Senate polls show trouble for Ken Paxton with independents, and inherited homes in Kashmere Gardens face legal risks. But first, the weather. Sign up for our Bayou City History newsletter: ⁠www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/bayou-city-history/⁠  Stories:  New lawsuit claims Ten Commandments in schools violates Texas' parental rights   Talarico building a massive advantage with independents   Katy ISD elementary STAAR scores fall while high school results improve   St. Thomas to settle data breach lawsuit. Here's how to file a claim   Ken Paxton proposes new tax breaks in economic plan   Knocking on doors before investors do: Meet the team trying to save Houston family homes Texas is entering the busiest stretch of hurricane season. Here's what you should know.  Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing:  Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full Houston Chronicle Houston-area mothers are testing Texas parental rights in a Ten Commandments lawsuit, a new Senate polls show trouble for Ken Paxton with independents, and inherited homes in Kashmere Gardens face legal risks. But first, the weather. Sign up for our Bayou City History newsletter: ⁠www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/bayou-city-history/⁠  Stories:  New lawsuit claims Ten Commandments in schools violates Texas' parental rights   Talarico building a massive advantage with independents   Katy ISD elementary STAAR scores fall while high school results improve   St. Thomas to settle data breach lawsuit. Here's how to file a claim   Ken Paxton proposes new tax breaks in economic plan   Knocking on doors before investors do: Meet the team trying to save Houston family homes Texas is entering the busiest stretch of hurricane season. Here's what you should know.  Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing:  Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Houston-area mothers are testing Texas parental rights in a Ten Commandments lawsuit, a new Senate polls show trouble for Ken Paxton with independents, and inherited homes in Kashmere Gardens face legal risks. But first, the weather.

Sign up for our Bayou City History newsletter: ⁠www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/bayou-city-history/⁠ 


Stories:

  1.  New lawsuit claims Ten Commandments in schools violates Texas' parental rights 

  2.  Talarico building a massive advantage with independents 

  3.  Katy ISD elementary STAAR scores fall while high school results improve 

  4.  St. Thomas to settle data breach lawsuit. Here's how to file a claim 

  5.  Ken Paxton proposes new tax breaks in economic plan 

  6.  Knocking on doors before investors do: Meet the team trying to save Houston family homes

  7. Texas is entering the busiest stretch of hurricane season. Here's what you should know. 


    Credits: 

    Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist

    Editing:  Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor


]]> 722 The 713: Commute Mode — July 31, 2026 In today's briefing, Harris County backs a local investigation of a fatal ICE shooting, the governor pitches health care affordability plans, and records show Harris County officials were allocated World Cup seats. Stories:  Trump administration warns against nursing home voter fraud, citing underwhelming Texas case Lina Hidalgo calls for ICE agents in Houston killing to self-identify  Greg Abbott pitches plans to lower insurance, drug costs Is Texas' richest man going to save Trump's final two years in office? Harris County leaders got dozens of free seats to the World Cup. See the data. Nonprofit Arthouse Houston gets final extension to raise $1.6M to save Garden Oaks Theater Houston institution Barbecue Inn closing this weekend after 80 years Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:52:00 -0000 full Houston Chronicle In today's briefing, Harris County backs a local investigation of a fatal ICE shooting, the governor pitches health care affordability plans, and records show Harris County officials were allocated World Cup seats. Stories:  Trump administration warns against nursing home voter fraud, citing underwhelming Texas case Lina Hidalgo calls for ICE agents in Houston killing to self-identify  Greg Abbott pitches plans to lower insurance, drug costs Is Texas' richest man going to save Trump's final two years in office? Harris County leaders got dozens of free seats to the World Cup. See the data. Nonprofit Arthouse Houston gets final extension to raise $1.6M to save Garden Oaks Theater Houston institution Barbecue Inn closing this weekend after 80 years Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor In today's briefing, Harris County backs a local investigation of a fatal ICE shooting, the governor pitches health care affordability plans, and records show Harris County officials were allocated World Cup seats.

Stories: 

  1. Trump administration warns against nursing home voter fraud, citing underwhelming Texas case
  2. Lina Hidalgo calls for ICE agents in Houston killing to self-identify
  3.  Greg Abbott pitches plans to lower insurance, drug costs
  4. Is Texas' richest man going to save Trump's final two years in office?
  5. Harris County leaders got dozens of free seats to the World Cup. See the data.
  6. Nonprofit Arthouse Houston gets final extension to raise $1.6M to save Garden Oaks Theater
  7. Houston institution Barbecue Inn closing this weekend after 80 years

Credits: 

Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist

Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor

]]> 618 The 713 Commute Mode — July 30, 2026 In today’s briefing, new research raises questions about Harris County’s flood maps, a judge intervenes in a high-profile immigration case tied to a fatal ICE shooting, and Houston hospitals brace for another stretch of dangerous heat.  Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/ Stories: Exclusive: FEMA maps may be missing over 200K high-flood-risk Harris County properties, study shows Witness to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's shooting released from ICE custody after 22 days Texas homeowners face some of the highest insurance burdens in the nation. Here’s why. Fort Bend police academy temporarily closes as state probes allegations of ineligible cadets Extreme Houston heat nearly triggers a new record for single-day emergency room visits Texas issues measles alert after Montgomery County confirms four cases Pudgy's Fine Cookies, Underground Creamery to team up on new Meyerland location with soft serve Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:55:00 -0000 full Houston Chronicle In today’s briefing, new research raises questions about Harris County’s flood maps, a judge intervenes in a high-profile immigration case tied to a fatal ICE shooting, and Houston hospitals brace for another stretch of dangerous heat.  Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/ Stories: Exclusive: FEMA maps may be missing over 200K high-flood-risk Harris County properties, study shows Witness to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's shooting released from ICE custody after 22 days Texas homeowners face some of the highest insurance burdens in the nation. Here’s why. Fort Bend police academy temporarily closes as state probes allegations of ineligible cadets Extreme Houston heat nearly triggers a new record for single-day emergency room visits Texas issues measles alert after Montgomery County confirms four cases Pudgy's Fine Cookies, Underground Creamery to team up on new Meyerland location with soft serve Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor In today’s briefing, new research raises questions about Harris County’s flood maps, a judge intervenes in a high-profile immigration case tied to a fatal ICE shooting, and Houston hospitals brace for another stretch of dangerous heat.  Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/

Stories:

  1. Exclusive: FEMA maps may be missing over 200K high-flood-risk Harris County properties, study shows
  2. Witness to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's shooting released from ICE custody after 22 days
  3. Texas homeowners face some of the highest insurance burdens in the nation. Here’s why.
  4. Fort Bend police academy temporarily closes as state probes allegations of ineligible cadets
  5. Extreme Houston heat nearly triggers a new record for single-day emergency room visits
  6. Texas issues measles alert after Montgomery County confirms four cases
  7. Pudgy's Fine Cookies, Underground Creamery to team up on new Meyerland location with soft serve

Credits: 

Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist

Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor

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