The 713: Commute Mode — August 17, 2026

Big money is flowing into the U.S. Senate race in Texas, Amazon’s proposed Wharton County data center raises questions about water and power supplies, and Houston ISD could soon return to local control. Sign up for the Medical Mystery Files newsletter: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/medical-mystery-files/ Stories These are the top donors to Senate candidates James Talarico and Ken Paxton A massive $10B Amazon data center project is quietly taking shape near Houston. Here's a look inside.  HISD's state takeover could end 'relatively soon,' Mike Morath says  Is a 'super El Niño' forming in 2026? What NOAA says  A year after redistricting, are Texas Republicans still set to flip 5 seats?  How a $6.2 billion merger could remake Houston's television news landscape  Spring ISD avoids state takeover, as Dekaney High School rating improves to 'C'  Credits Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices