The 713 Commute Mode — August 20, 2026

In today’s briefing, a watchdog raises concerns about thousands of plugged oil and gas wells across Texas, college-prep courses factor into Houston ISD’s state ratings, and Houston is changing the rules around air conditioning in rentals.  Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/ Stories: 25,000 Texas oil and gas wells could soon fail and become ‘zombie wells,' watchdog group warns Exclusive: Online courses inflated HISD ratings. Without them, some schools would have Fs. More drivers are suing Houston after police crashes. The city’s legal strategy is under fire. Smuggled Texas fuel is bankrolling cartels, state officials say Harris County Treasurer Carla Wyatt requests six-figure raise months after DWI charge Dan Patrick threatens to lower A-F ratings for school districts that still have flagged books Houston landlords have until December to provide air conditioning to tenants Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices