The 713 Commute Mode — August 18, 2026

In today's briefing, Texas colleges rethink core courses, Harris County could raise property taxes, and officials pause border construction in Big Bend National Park.  Sign up for the Houston Chronicle's Opinion newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/opinion/ Stories: Political pressures are causing curriculum changes across Texas. See the changes by university. Harris County officials propose a $3.1B budget as costs for law enforcement and healthcare rise Ken Paxton says dozens of Texas cities can't raise property taxes  Explore the Houston area's top 50 high schools per U.S. News, from Sugar Land to The Woodlands Trump administration pauses Big Bend border construction ahead of fact-finding visit   These 5 Houston-area businesses rank among the 100 fastest-growing private companies in the US  Houston groups hold week of events opposing Flock license plate cameras Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices