The 713: Commute Mode

In today’s briefing, Texas Republicans sharpen their midterm message in Dallas, a Houston ISD magnet school challenges promised funding, and Harris County agrees to constable back pay.  Stories: 5 key takeaways from the Republican midterm convention in Dallas Texas oil CEO John Cohen allegedly resumed fraud scheme after posting $400K bond, prosecutors say Talarico's upcoming Kimmel interview will not air due to FCC pressure, host says   HISD promised more autonomy. One magnet school says its been 'completely iced out' of its funding.  SpaceX sues Texas AG Ken Paxton, Grimes County to block release of 'sensitive' Terafab records   Chris Hollins sends strongest signal yet of a 2027 challenge to Houston Mayor John Whitmire  8 Harris County constables to get $45,000 each in back pay Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, Houston’s mayor makes a property tax rate promise, a West Texas aquifer deal worries ranchers, and Sugar Land confronts a surprising growth challenge.  Stories: Houston Mayor John Whitmire pledges not to raise property taxes despite long-term financial pressure  This West Texas town could lose a vital groundwater source to far-off cities  Sugar Land is changing how the city recruits businesses as it runs out of space to grow  Army veteran 'snapped' and fatally shot two Houston apartment complex leasing agents, prosecutor says Ken Paxton uses convention spotlight to tout affordability, transgender stances Woman says strangers now live in her grandmother’s home as Harris County files deed theft suits Underbelly Burger closure puts an end to Houston restaurant group Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, Houston police changed how they investigate shootings by outside agencies more than a year before a fatal ICE shooting, Harris County sets its highest property tax rate in decades, and Texas school voucher funding could more than double.  Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories: HPD quietly ended automatic probes of federal police shootings before ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Divided Harris County Commissioners Court approves highest tax rate in modern history UH-Downtown launches research center to unite Houston-area police data, help solve crimes Voucher program could swell to $4.4B next biennium, Texas comptroller says  Internal poll shows Letitia Plummer with 16-point lead over Orlando Sanchez in Harris County Judge race  Ken Paxton whistleblower endorses James Talarico for U.S. Senate Sharpstown apartment residents go days without power; Red Cross brings meals  Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New research suggests generative artificial intelligence could reshape work for 1 in 6 Houston workers, Ted Cruz’s political action committee spent nearly 200,000 dollars on private flights and an immigrant witness remains detained after calling 911. Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained  Stories: Houston jobs have the most AI exposure. How does your profession stack up?⁠  ⁠Ted Cruz racks up private jet flights ahead of midterms⁠ ⁠He called 911 to report a crime. Weeks later, he remains in ICE custody.⁠ ⁠Texas approves $14 billion Permian Basin power ‘superhighway,’ a win for Houston energy companies⁠ ⁠Texas education board OKs new high school curriculum over objections from Muslim advocates⁠ ⁠James Talarico launches Black voter engagement team as questions linger over $25M pledge⁠ ⁠HISD closed McReynolds Middle School due to its aging facilities. Now, it’s reopened as an alternative campus.⁠  Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The number of homeless dying in Houston’s bayous is growing, Texas A&M regents cut hundreds of core courses and a Galveston County jury sentences James Elmore in Laura Miller’s 1984 death. Sign up for the Tomlinson’s Take newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/  As Houston’s unsheltered count falls, more homeless deaths are emerging in its bayous ⁠ ⁠Texas A&M System removes over 200 core curriculum courses, including Black history, gender studies⁠  ⁠James Elmore sentenced to 20 years for 1984 Texas Killing Fields death of Laura Miller⁠  ⁠ICE officer at center of Texas extradition fight now faces federal charges⁠  ⁠HISD Superintendent Mike Miles' charter network faces layoffs, $14M deficit after tripling footprint⁠⁠ ⁠Houston has a record number of homes for sale. Buyers still can't find big bargains.⁠  ⁠Federal officials revealed details of deadly ICE pursuit in Houston. Now they want the record sealed. Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, pro-Paxton groups push China-focused Senate ads, a Harris County immigrant legal-aid program hits a funding snag, and Texas health officials delay a key maternal death report. Sign up for the To Houston, with Joy newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/to-houston-with-joy/ Stories: Ken Paxton needs to win back Republicans. His allies are hoping ad attacks on China will help. What Harris County’s legal-aid freeze means for attorneys, immigrants facing deportation Texas' first study of maternal deaths since banning abortion won't be ready by the midterms   Houston council approves $50M deal ending possibility of Woodlands annexation   Texas A&M System could cut dozens of core courses, including race, gender and climate classes Magnolia’s new mayor scruntinizes $1B development that could reshape the small Houston-area city Bar Bludorn announces opening date in The Woodlands Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's briefing, Conroe ISD keeps its overall state rating as some campuses slide, Harris County weighs a property tax increase, and Texas lawmakers eye bigger school-tax exemptions.  Stories:  Conroe ISD maintains B rating but sees 2 new failing campuses in 2026 A-F ratings. See grades by campus. Harris County commissioners to consider highest tax rate in 20 years Tuesday Nearly 40% of Texas homeowners pay no school property taxes, Senate analysis finds UH professor leaves Texas over academic freedom concerns  Texas Killing Fields defendant told police what happened right before Laura Miller died  Burger Bodega expands to Katy with second Houston-area location  Exclusive: Rice University’s ‘Twilight Epiphany’ Skyspace announces reopening this month Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's briefing, Houston keeps an eye on the Gulf, a Texas connection emerges in an apartment dispute hundreds of miles away, and Harris County rethinks how it handles community safety.  Stories:  Will Edouard form? Houston faces flood threat as tropical depression nears This secretive West Texas housing agency is building an apartment empire– 1,500 miles away Houston’s SLB, formerly Schlumberger, to acquire data center firm Kelvion for $3.4 billion Ted Cruz urges US companies to contribute to Trump Accounts  Houston Muslims say Republicans have ‘abandoned’ them amid anti-Sharia push  Commissioner Rodney Ellis proposes $4.5M for new Harris County department focused on community safety Houston’s original Pappasitos Cantina is closing after 43 years Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Greg Abbott’s affordability plan leaves major cost questions, a federal record reveals new details in a fatal ICE shooting, and Rice University expands enrollment while trying to preserve its campus culture. Sign up for our Food newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/food/ Stories: Greg Abbott is campaigning to make Texas more affordable. Will his plan work? Exclusive: U.S. attorney objects to disclosure of record detailing fatal ICE shooting Rice University is transforming its campus as enrollment surges toward 9,500 300,000 Houston-area voters are on Texas’ suspense list. If you are, here's what to do.  Six Texas school districts are under a state takeover. Has it worked? Houston mural will honor Barbara Jordan, Ima Hogg and four other influential women  Texas watches Dolly remnants, Gulf disturbance crawl westward  Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metro proposes fewer bus and rail service hours, prosecutors move toward a grand jury in a fatal federal immigration shooting and Tropical Storm Dolly highlights September hurricane risk. Sign up for the Tomlinson's Take newsletter at https://www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/ Stories: Houston Metro's proposed $1.7B budget projects fewer bus and rail hour amid cuts Houston ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado could go before grand jury 'very soon,' DA Sean Teare says September usually wakes up hurricane season. What does that mean for Texas?  NASA’s $4.3B space telescope could find 100,000 new planets  Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant explains why he's constantly firing back at hecklers Houston candidates could be punished for missing campaign reports under new ethics proposal  Six Flags to move corporate headquarters to Texas next year from North Carolina Credits: Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing:  Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's briefing, Texas grapples with a data center boom, a federal judge rules on a detained ICE agent's release, and change is coming to the top of MD Anderson. Sign up for the To Houston, with Joy newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/to-houston-with-joy/ Stories: Don't buy Gov. Greg Abbott's latest blame game: Texas's data center problem is on him ICE agent accused of Minneapolis shooting can be released from Texas jail, judge says MD Anderson president Dr. Peter Pisters retiring after 9 years as leader of elite cancer hospital University of Houston launches institute to find new solutions to homelessness Houston postpones action on $50M proposal that would block future annexation of The Woodlands Can Democrat James Talarico unlock Republicans' grip on the veterans' vote? Texas to receive over $1 billion in settlement with Meta over child safety concerns, AG says Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, a Texas book-removal push includes a Holocaust memoir set for classrooms, a witness to a fatal Houston ICE shooting is ordered released, and Houston ISD gets a clearer timeline for the end of its state takeover.  Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletter/houston-explained Stories: Acclaimed Holocaust book part of list Dan Patrick flagged for removal from Texas schools Judge orders second witness to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo shooting released from ICE custody Superintendent Mike Miles says HISD’s state takeover could end after 2026-27 school year Texas musicians and leaders pay tribute to Dolly Parton after her death at 80 Abbott leaves nearly a million Texans without a vote in Congress Houston City Council sought answers on HPD and ICE. Police leaders skipped the meeting. Houston Texans' rivalry uniforms include white helmet, plenty of H-Town Blue and city's street tiles Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, Texas voucher dollars are reaching private school and homeschool families, what new polling says about a tight U.S. Senate race and why Shell is selling its longtime west Houston headquarters.  Stories: Where 8 Houston families landed after the Texas school voucher lottery  How close is the Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton? We're tracking the major polls. Shell puts longtime U.S. headquarters on the market for $325 million as it shrinks Houston footprint First-place Houston Astros, general manager Dana Brown part ways after disappointing homestand What we know about 7 separate cases of bodies found across Houston in the last month Can counties stop data centers? Ken Paxton won’t say. TEA printing delays leave Texas schools scrambling for Bluebonnet material Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston-area elected officials are getting raises, renters can seek money from a major settlement with landlords and Governor Greg Abbott wants federal investigators to review airport foot-washing stations. Sign up for the Houston explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories: Houston and Harris County elected officials are getting big raises. See how much they make.  Houston renters can now claim money from $360 million settlement in major rent-collusion lawsuit  Greg Abbott asks DOJ to investigate Muslim accommodations at IAH, DFW airports  Exclusive: ABC lawsuit says FCC singled out Houston’s ABC13 over James Talarico interview   James Elmore pleads not guilty as Texas Killing Fields trial nears`   Houston pastor released by ICE, will soon return to Seventh-day Adventist church after posting bond  Texas court cuts Alex Jones' Sandy Hook damages by $43M  Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

the University of Houston cuts about 40 percent of its core curriculum, children’s hospitals warn that proposed Medicaid restrictions could deepen funding losses, and Galveston’s Margaritaville resort raises wildlife concerns. Sign up for the "To Houston, with Joy" newsletter at  www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/to-houston-with-joy/ Stories University of Houston cuts over 40% of core curriculum, including climate change and LGBT studies courses  Texas children’s hospitals warn proposed changes to Medicaid payments could cost them billions Houston federal judge questions viability of case against former Memorial Hermann transplant surgeon Brandon Herrera says he's a millionaire. His filings still don't back that up. Greg Abbott’s data center audit won’t be done before the election  Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee sues CenterPoint after lineman is fatally shocked on power lines    $700M Margaritaville resort in Galveston begins vertical construction despite pushback  Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

In today’s briefing, a new study points to wider flood risk across Harris County, a former Brazoria County deputy heads toward trial in a fatal shooting, and Governor Greg Abbott takes aim at how Texas schools hire foreign workers.  Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories: Where is Houston flood risk most underestimated? Texas A&M researchers point to these hot spots Trial set for former Brazoria County deputy charged in fatal shooting of Texas State student)  Greg Abbott pushes to ban public schools from using H-1B visas   Houston violent crime falls below pre-pandemic levels, survey finds   Houston TV anchor Charly Edsitty to leave ABC13 after eight years, station confirms  Port Arthur ISD looks into reported corporal punishment used on Memorial student Texas constable tells Flock to 'come get your garbage' after Hood County ends contract Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing:  Alan Fossler, Assistant Breaking News Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

In today’s briefing, Houston’s top elected officials have new salary limits, ICE detained a Houston pastor at Bush Intercontinental Airport, and border security construction has begun at Big Bend National Park. Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Houston elected officials get first raises in 13 years, with council member pay hitting $80K Houston pastor who led Seventh-day Adventist churches detained by ICE at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Border construction is underway at Big Bend National Park. Here's what we know  Ex-deputy didn't know gun fired in killing of Texas State student, attorney says  Would you share your contacts with Greg Abbott? His campaign wants you to.   Pasadena officer won't face prosecution after allegedly misusing Flock cameras  Hugo's lands on New York Times list of best Mexican restaurants in America Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, big companies are changing their headquarters to Texas, Harris County faces another state elections audit and a rescued sea turtle completes a five thousand mile flight to the Houston Zoo. Sign up for the Tomlinson's Take newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/tomlinsons-take/ Stories: Big companies are leaving states like New York and Delaware for Texas. Here’s why that matters.  Houston law firm with Trump ties backs out of federal immigration deal   Harris County to undergo second state-mandated elections audit in four years following random draw  Ken Paxton snubs debate invite from Hearst and NBC/Telemundo  Houston voters will decide whether to change marijuana enforcement, ban no-knock warrants this fall  At least 54 Houston ISD schools changed principals for the 2026-27 school year  Rescued sea turtle stops at Houston Zoo on 5,000-mile trip back to the Gulf Credit: Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Cat DeLaura, Senior Audience Strategy Editor for Newsletters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, a Houston law firm faces questions over a $150 million contract for migrant children, Houston ISD moves closer to reassigning special education students and a witness is arrested by federal immigration agents. Sign up for the Houston Chronicle's "SaysHou" Opinion newsletter: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/opinion/ Stories Houston firm tapped for $150M migrant contract has deep Trump ties, little immigration experience  Mike Miles says Houston ISD called around 1,600 parents to comply with state order  Exclusive: ICE arrests witness in active HPD shooting investigation  Lina Hidalgo blasts Democratic commissioners in scathing Substack post  Houston explosion victims awarded $61 million after lengthy court battle with 3M. Will it stand?  Beef recalled in Texas and Florida over inspection concerns  House of Pies will bring 45 pie varieties and classic Houston diner fare to Webster Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Jennifer Chang, Senior Director Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rural Republican backlash over data centers tests Governor Abbott, a pharmaceutical giant plans a major Houston manufacturing facility and a congressional candidate pushes nationwide permitless carry. Sign up for the Houston Chronicle's food newsletter: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/food/ Stories: Greg Abbott is cracking down on data centers. Some rural Republicans say they still don't trust him. Bristol Myers Squibb plans $2.3B manufacturing plant in Houston  Only one thing can stop Texas GOP dominance in Congress: Gina Hinojosa  This Texas frontrunner for a seat in Congress wants to take permitless carry national   Police respond to report of body floating in Brays Bayou in southeast Houston   Kamp Houston closes after six years in business   The Perseid meteor shower peaks this week. Here’s how to watch Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Jennifer Chang, Senior Director Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s briefing, Texas students will see more religion in classrooms, license-plate camera networks face privacy backlash around Houston, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD may ask voters for a one point six billion-dollar bond. Sign up for the Houston Explained newsletter: www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/houston-explained Stories: How politics could show up in Texas classrooms this year and beyond, from Bible lessons to vouchers Flock camera surveillance is spreading across the Houston region. So is the backlash. ‘Your body belongs to me’: Feds release new explicit texts from pastor who ran Houston call center Is Ken Paxton really working hard enough to win? Cy-Fair ISD board eyes $1.6B bond, tax rate increase for November ballot Axiom Space CEO Jonathan Cirtain on NASA’s moon race and the fight to build the next space station Lake Corpus Christi surges to more than 85% full after South Texas floods last month Credits:  Forecast: Justin Ballard, Meteorologist Editing: Brian Rausch, Weekend Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices