AGP Executive Report

Texas 4th of July travel safety: AAA Texas says 5.7 million Texans will hit the road for Independence Day, with TxDOT stepping up enforcement July 2-5 after recent holiday crash/fatality totals. Weather Watch: Houston-area forecasts call for hot, muggy conditions with a few storms possible Thursday and spotty rain chances over the holiday weekend. Data centers vs. rural communities: Gov. Greg Abbott renewed calls to block AI data centers in rural Texas neighborhoods, arguing they should bring their own power and water and avoid shifting costs to residents. Public health in schools: New state data shows measles vaccination coverage for Texas kindergarteners edged up, while opt-outs via conscientious exemptions rose after the 2025 outbreak. Energy reliability funding: Abbott announced more than $22 million in Texas Energy Fund grants for grid upgrades in the Panhandle. Local business & community: Anthony’s River Oaks launched a new weekday Italian lunch menu, and Texas Precious Metals unveiled a Guinness-record 2,500-troy-ounce silver coin tied to America’s 250th. Sports: The Twins beat the Astros 8-3 as Houston’s Raynel Delgado left with an injury; the Rangers host Detroit in Arlington for a key series opener.

Texas Data Centers & Water/Energy: Gov. Abbott says AI data centers should be barred from rural neighborhoods, calling for limits on tax breaks and pushing for better reporting of water and electricity use. State Oversight: Texas is again trying to collect data on how much power and water data centers consume, but response rates have been low. Local Fallout: Cities and residents keep pressing for rules, including bans and moratoriums, as power-grid and water-supply worries grow. Immigration & Religious Freedom: A Catholic diocese says an ICE detention of a nun walking to Sunday Mass was “wildly disturbing,” after lawmakers intervened and she was released. Courts & Online Safety: A Texas court ordered a porn site’s domain locked down after it failed to meet the state’s age-verification requirements, with a $9M bond at issue. Public Safety: Texas is sending help to Colorado as wildfires rage, while a prison bus crash injured seven inmates in Limestone County. Houston & Community: Garden Oaks Theatre demolition fears spark a preservation push, and residents in EaDo report repeated crashes at a downtown intersection.

Immigration & Public Safety: A nun arrested by ICE while walking to Mass in McAllen was released after intervention from South Texas lawmakers, with parish officials saying she’s back home. Education & Culture Wars: The Texas State Board of Education approved Bible passages for a required K-12 reading list, a move that drew renewed backlash over church-state separation and inclusion. Energy & Reliability: Gov. Abbott announced Texas Energy Fund grants totaling $8.8M to boost electric reliability in Lamb and Hockley counties. Health: Doctors warn Houston-area swimmers about flesh-eating bacteria risks, urging people to avoid swimming with open wounds. Crime & Courts: A Houston luxury florist pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return after underreporting millions in income. Local Crime: Police say a gun sale robbery at a Houston motel ended with one man shot and the suspect escaping with a pistol and cash. Environment & Agriculture: New World screwworm continues spreading in Texas, with quarantine zones updated as cases rise. Sports (Houston): Yordan Alvarez’s grand slam powered the Astros to a 6-4 win over the Twins. Weather: North Texas stays hot and muggy into the Fourth of July, with only small rain chances returning.

U.S. Supreme Court & Immigration: The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship, a 6-3 ruling that drew sharp Texas political reaction and renewed debate over the 14th Amendment. Education Policy: Texas State Board approval moves ahead for a Bible-infused required reading plan in public schools, reigniting separation-of-church-and-state fights. School Choice: Nearly 73,000 Texas Education Freedom Accounts recipients get initial funding July 1, with homeschool and private-school payment schedules laid out by the comptroller. Houston & Growth: H-E-B filed plans for a new 125,000-square-foot store in New Caney’s Valley Ranch Town Center, signaling continued retail expansion in the Houston area. Weather & Safety: Houston remains hot and humid into July, with heat advisories and a few storm chances; vets in South Texas warn extreme heat can kill pets fast. World Cup in Texas: Canada vs. Morocco is set for Houston Stadium on July 4, while North Texas fans scramble for jerseys as knockout matches heat up. Local Public Safety: A crash into a building in Atascocita left one dead and four injured; officials are investigating. Sports & Community: Sarah Brown leaves Penn State to become Texas State’s first NCAA Division I women’s gymnastics head coach, launching a program slated to start competing in 2028.

Texas Politics: A new New York Times/Siena poll shows Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico dead even with Republican AG Ken Paxton at 47% each, a major boost for Democrats trying to make Texas competitive in November. Immigration Enforcement: ICE detained a Catholic nun, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, while she was walking to Sunday Mass in McAllen; she was released the same day after backlash and lawmakers pushed for answers. Courts & Immigration Aid: The Texas Supreme Court keeps Paxton’s fight alive by blocking taxpayer-funded legal aid for illegal aliens fighting deportation, leaving Harris County’s immigrant legal services fund on hold. Health & Agriculture: USDA confirmed 26 New World screwworm cases in Texas, prompting quarantines and new pressure on producers to report suspicious wounds. Business/Health Care: Texas reached a $34M AstraZeneca settlement over alleged Medicaid kickbacks tied to steering prescriptions. Local Governance: San Marcos became the first Texas city to ban data centers within city limits using home-rule zoning power. Weather: North Texas heat and Saharan dust push heat index values above 100 ahead of the Fourth of July. World Cup (Houston): Brazil rallied past Japan 2-1 with goals from Casemiro and Martinelli, setting up a Round of 16 matchup vs Norway or Ivory Coast.

Houston Air Quality & Weather: UC San Diego researchers say Houston’s W.A. Parish coal plant is the main source of cloud-forming aerosols, with plumes reaching downtown and stretching 65 miles downwind. Workplace Safety: OSHA’s Labor Department is proposing $3.5M+ in fines after a sulfuric acid spill near the Houston Ship Channel, citing dangerous cleanup and worker-safety violations. Health Care Fraud: Texas will receive nearly $34M from AstraZeneca to settle Medicaid kickback allegations tied to influencing prescriptions. Immigration Legal Aid: Texas Supreme Court paused Harris County’s immigrant legal services funding, citing serious doubt about the county’s authority. Public Schools & Religion: Texas Education Board approved required Bible readings for public school students, reigniting church-state debate. World Cup in Houston: Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32 on Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner; Japan is eliminated. Crime & Safety: FBI Houston is investigating online threats tied to Houston Stadium, saying there’s no credibility but urging vigilance. Local Tragedy: A Mabank fire chief was killed directing traffic at a rodeo; two officers died in traffic incidents in a 24-hour span. Animals & Outdoors: Gracie the giraffe is back home after escaping; TPWD warns Texans about extreme heat and hydration needs for people and pets.

Texas Supreme Court: The court tossed an appeal by Uvalde shooting survivors, upholding dismissal of a lawsuit against state and local police over the 2022 response. Fourth of July in Houston: Freedom Over Texas returns to Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston parks with major fireworks and headliners including Keith Urban, plus big weekend events across the region. World Cup logistics: Brazil and Japan meet in Houston’s Round of 32 Monday at noon, with road closures around Houston Stadium starting early morning. Renewable energy deal: Meta signed a long-term PPA with Sabanci Renewables for 220MWac of solar power from two Texas projects, with completion targeted for late 2027. Local weather: North Texas faces hot, windy conditions this week, with triple-digit heat possible and only a small shower chance around July 4. Education fight: Texas moves forward with required Bible reading in public schools, drawing fresh backlash from opponents. Public safety: A construction worker was killed in a Gulf Freeway work-zone crash after a work vehicle backed up and struck him. Crime: Del Rio police arrested three people after a daylight stabbing death of a mother of five. Sports: Texas A&M added 5-star WR Eric McFarland to its 2027 recruiting class, continuing a fast-rising haul.

Texas Senate Race: A new UT Austin/ Texas Politics Project poll finds Ken Paxton up 1 point over James Talarico (43% to 42%), keeping the U.S. Senate fight razor-thin heading into November. Local Politics: Two GOP state lawmakers who previously backed John Cornyn now say they’re backing Paxton. Recruiting Buzz: Texas A&M keeps stacking talent, landing five-star WR Eric McFarland III for its 2027 class. Houston Crime: A man was shot and killed by his roommate in University Place; in the Heights, police hunt a suspect after a man was killed outside a bar. World Cup in Houston: Canada is set for Houston’s Round of 16 match, and Brazil-Japan looms as Neymar’s availability remains a key question. Public Safety: A Montgomery County deputy, Erika Serrato, died after being struck by a commercial truck while directing traffic at a suspected drunk-driving crash. Weather: Heat advisories hit the Texas Panhandle with temps near 105+.

Weather Watch: Hot, humid and windy conditions are set to keep building across North Texas into the end of the month, with heat indexes in the triple digits and gusts up to 35 mph at times. Houston Public Safety: A woman died early Sunday in northeast Houston after a sedan crossed a median and was hit by an oncoming truck; police also are investigating a deadly Heights shooting tied to an “altercation,” plus another fatal South Central shooting where a man was killed by his roommate. Texas Politics: The Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked Harris County from spending about $1.3 million on immigrant legal aid during a constitutional fight. GOP Power Moves: Two House Republicans who backed Ken Paxton in the past are now backing him again in the Senate race, while newly elected Texas GOP chair D’rinda Randall says she has a plan to unify the party ahead of November. Education Culture War: Texas is moving forward as the first state to require Bible passages in public school reading. World Cup in Houston: Brazil arrived in Houston ahead of its Round of 32 clash with Japan, with Japan leaning into an “underdog mentality” for the matchup. Local Life: Houston’s Pride Bigger Than Texas parade drew thousands, and a Fourth of July lineup is already rolling out across the metro.

Education & Religion: The Texas State Board of Education approved a required K-12 reading list that includes Bible stories and passages, a 9-5 vote that could affect millions of students statewide. Houston Power Reliability: New outage data shows Houston led the U.S. in May power outages, with some neighborhoods hitting interruption rates up to about nine times the national average. Public Safety (Houston): A fatal shooting erupted after a dispute between brothers in southeast Houston; police also reported a woman died after crashing into a stalled 18-wheeler on the South Loop, and a man was left in critical condition after a Sunnyside corner-store shooting. Public Safety (Central Texas): Texas Rangers are investigating an officer-involved shooting in San Marcos after a suspect lunged with a knife during an attempted felony arrest. East Texas Violence: A multi-agency probe is underway after four people were shot in a Whataburger parking lot in Marshall. Agriculture & Health: Texas issued emergency quarantines as New World screwworm cases spread, expanding movement restrictions in border-region counties. Politics (Texas Democrats): Bernie Sanders headlined the Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi with an anti-oligarchy message, while party delegates elected Kendall Scudder to lead the Texas Democratic Party into the midterms. Sports (Recruiting): Texas landed 4-star cornerback Montre Jackson in the 2027 class.

Education & Religion: The Texas State Board of Education approved a required K-12 reading list that includes Bible passages for more than 5.5 million public school students, with rollout staggered starting in 2030; critics call it unconstitutional church-state mixing while supporters say it reflects American history. Houston & Public Safety: Texas DPS says an automated license plate reader helped recover two children after a statewide AMBER Alert, locating them safe in Houston. Health & Community: A Houston woman with Alzheimer’s is urging early testing after sharing her diagnosis and treatment journey. Agriculture & Animal Health: Texas confirmed New World screwworm cases in livestock and is urging ranchers and pet owners to check animals and report quickly as officials race to stop spread. Local Life & Weather: Saharan dust is expected to bring hazy skies and reduced air quality to Texas over the next couple of days. Business & Texas Economy: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s legal home from Delaware to Texas, days after Abbott’s “Welcome Home” message. Sports & Culture: FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Jordan’s training camp in Dallas ahead of the World Cup’s final group-stage match vs. Argentina.

Texas Education Policy: The Texas State Board of Education approved a statewide K-12 required reading list that includes Bible stories and passages, with rollout beginning in 2030–31; the vote was 9-5 and critics warn it blurs church-state lines while supporters say it reflects Judeo-Christian history. Houston & East Texas Community: Houston renamed Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Joe E. Ramirez Boulevard after sexual assault allegations surfaced against the labor leader, marking a major East Side identity shift. Public Safety & Weather: North Texas is bracing for a hot stretch toward the first 100-degree day, with strong winds and dry conditions, while Houston-area skies are hazy again as Saharan dust returns. Agriculture & Animal Health: Texas continues ramping New World screwworm inspections as cases spread, and Gracie the giraffe was found safe after days on the loose in the Hill Country. Food Security: Fewer Texans qualify for SNAP benefits, adding pressure to local food banks and pantries. Aviation Watch: FAA is investigating a video of a Boeing 777 making an extremely low pass over a Central Texas airfield. Houston Crime: A man was killed in a drive-by shooting in north Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, and investigators are seeking tips.

Heat & Wind Watch: North Texas heads into the weekend with rising temperatures, afternoon feel-likes in the triple digits, and gusts that could hit 40 mph, with Saharan dust possibly dimming skies early next week. Education & Religion in Schools: Texas State Board of Education members are poised to vote on a mandatory Bible reading list for more than 5 million students, while Houston ISD’s state-appointed board of managers approved a Bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for elementary grades. AI in the Classroom: A Houston state rep is pushing stricter limits on AI use in schools, arguing it’s weakening students’ critical thinking and problem-solving. Public Safety: A Houston Fifth Ward trash-related argument turned into gunfire, injuring four people; police say possible suspects were detained. Wildlife Alert: A giraffe named Gracie has been missing since June 12 from a Hill Country ranch, with a $5,000 reward and sporadic sightings. Business/Markets: Waypoint Trading Solutions says it’s connecting to the Texas Stock Exchange from day one. Texas Tech & A&M Sports: Texas A&M finished No. 12 in the Directors’ Cup, and multiple Aggies earned national honors across track, golf, volleyball, and baseball.

Corporate & Courts: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s legal home from Delaware to Texas, a move CEO Michael Dell says strengthens the firm’s future. Transportation Safety: The NTSB opened a probe into a deadly June 19 Tesla crash near Houston, after the driver cited automated driver-assistance systems. Education Watch: Texas data show Brown County ranked 99th statewide for at-risk student enrollment in 2024-25, with 2,498 students flagged by TEA. Local Government: S&P Global revised Houston’s financial outlook from negative to stable, citing progress on budgeting and management. Energy & Tech: Chevron and Microsoft signed a 20-year power deal for a West Texas data center project in Reeves County. Public Health/Weather: East Texas haze is linked to wildfire smoke from Utah and Colorado, with irritation possible even if air quality impacts are limited. Sports: 2028 four-star QB Neimann Lawrence committed to Texas, highlighting coaching and development. Crime & Justice: A San Angelo woman confessed to killing and dismembering a man, with remains found at a landfill. Immigration: The Supreme Court ruled TPS can be revoked, putting about 147,000 people in Texas at risk.

Hill Country Animal Alert: A giraffe named Gracie escaped Cedar Hollow Ranch near Leakey and has been missing for nearly two weeks, with a $5,000 reward and search efforts complicated by rugged, private lands. Public Safety & Crime: Texas City police say a 21-year-old is in custody after a deadly double shooting; one victim died and charges include murder and aggravated assault. Livestock Health: New World screwworm cases climbed to 19 nationwide, with most in Texas and new detections in Terrell County prompting expanded quarantines. Energy & Growth: Texas Energy Fund approved loans for two new West Texas power plants, adding 860 MW, as data centers keep driving demand. Weather Watch: A Saharan dust plume is forecast to move into Texas late Sunday or early Monday, bringing hazy skies and possible air-quality impacts. Education Policy: The Texas State Board of Education gave preliminary approval to a Bible reading list for public schools, with debate over costs and religious content. Politics: Texas Democrats head to their convention with optimism, but questions remain ahead of November. Health Policy: The Pentagon restored mandatory flu shots for recruits after an outbreak sickened nearly 300 at Lackland. Courts & Religion: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing Gateway Church and former pastor Robert Morris of misusing tithes, citing religious liberty protections.

NHL Expansion Talk: The league has agreed to explore a Texas franchise with billionaire Dan Friedkin’s family, with Houston or Austin on the table and a reported $3.5 billion price tag tied to a new arena. Power Grid & Data Centers: The Public Utility Commission approved ERCOT’s “Batch Zero” framework to handle the surge of 75+ MW load requests, including AI and data center demand. Public Safety: A Harris County deputy was shot during a rifle incident; the suspect was arrested and booked on aggravated assault of a public servant. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife may be linked to New World screwworm spread, as the origin of the first cases remains under investigation. Health Access: A rural maternal care push highlights “deserts” where many women lack nearby obstetrics services, forcing long drives for care. Courts & Accountability: A federal judge tossed a lawsuit against Gateway Church over alleged misuse of tithes, citing limits on courts ruling on internal church matters. Hill Country Oddity: A giraffe named Gracie remains missing after escaping a ranch, with a $5,000 reward and a remote search underway. Disaster Aftermath: Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy nearly a year after deadly floods killed 28.