The 713: Commute Mode

By 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 Balla... more

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FAQs about The 713: Commute Mode:

How many episodes does The 713: Commute Mode have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

The 713: Commute Mode episodes:

August 07, 2026The 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.
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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

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...more
16min
August 06, 2026The 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.

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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

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...more
11min
August 05, 2026The 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.
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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

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...more
12min
August 04, 2026The 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

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...more
10min
August 03, 2026The 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.
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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

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...more
13min
July 31, 2026The 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

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...more
12min
July 30, 2026The 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

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...more
12min

FAQs about The 713: Commute Mode:

How many episodes does The 713: Commute Mode have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.