Manufacturing Jobs: IEM announced a $200M, 1-million-square-foot advanced manufacturing plant at Brooks City Base in San Antonio, aiming to create up to 3,000 jobs by 2030. Courts & Culture: A federal judge struck down Texas’ drag performance ban again, saying the law is too vague and violates the First Amendment, with rulings blocking AG Ken Paxton from enforcing it. Online Safety: Texas reached a $1B+ settlement with Meta over child safety, including age checks and new default limits for teens. Houston Politics: U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz said he’d “follow the law” on whether to prosecute a federal officer in the Houston ICE shooting, while also saying he “backs the blue.” Elections: A new UT/Texas Politics Project poll shows a tight U.S. Senate race and Abbott leading for governor, with data centers a top issue. Economy & Trade: Port Houston reported July container volumes down 6% year over year, while a new study puts the ship channel’s economic impact at $986.9B nationwide. Weather & Safety: The Ross Fire threat continued with evacuations and school closures as conditions stay dry and hot. Local Business: Houston’s Fertitta family is set to acquire Boston’s Union Oyster House. Sports: Texans’ Braden Smith and Ali Gaye were carted off during joint practice with Carolina, raising injury concerns ahead of the preseason finale.