AGP Executive Report

West Texas Mass Shooting: Midland police say Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, shot at officers and bystanders, killing 1 and injuring 10 before a long standoff ended with the suspect dead inside an abandoned veterinary clinic; officials also confirmed he’d fired at police during a chase days earlier, and Midland Memorial Hospital treated nine patients. College Sports Legal Fight: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond urged the Big 12 to sanction Texas Tech over quarterback Brendan Sorsby after a court order restored his eligibility following an NCAA gambling ban; Texas AG Ken Paxton has warned of legal action. Texas Tech/Big 12 Fallout: The Sorsby saga keeps escalating as the conference weighs options and both sides trade threats and responses. Energy & Tech in Texas: Meta signed a 298MW solar PPA with RWE for the Rabbit’s Foot project in Bowie County, while Texas Instruments unveiled a new battery monitor aimed at detecting thermal runaway in EV and storage systems. Agriculture Health Alert: New World screwworm containment efforts expanded after cases rose in South Texas, with quarantines, sterile fly releases, and wildlife intake restrictions. Houston World Cup Heat: Houston’s FIFA Fan Festival saw 22 treated for heat illness, with officials urging more shade and better cooling. Local Business/Community: Houston picked a new official city logo, and Texas A&M Forest Service launched Wood Flow South to track global timber trade.

College Sports Fallout: Texas Tech doubled down on its support for QB Brendan Sorsby in a 21-minute podcast after a judge’s injunction let him play this season, even as the Texas AG warned the Big 12 could face legal action if it sanctions Tech. Election Oversight: Texas took administrative oversight of voter registration in Val Verde County, using a 2021 law aimed at election problems in smaller counties. Public Health & Agriculture: New World screwworm fears are driving emergency actions, including sterile fly releases in Zavala County and Florida’s ban on shelter pet imports from Texas and New Mexico. Energy & Water Policy: Texas regulators moved toward rules for using treated fracking wastewater on farmland, with supporters citing drought relief and critics warning about contamination risks. Local Crime & Safety: Houston police investigated an officer-involved shooting after reports a suspect pointed a gun at a man and child; the suspect was taken to the hospital. Food & Community: Mrs. Baird’s plans to donate 11,000 loaves to the East Texas Food Bank, part of a larger statewide effort. Tech & Regulation: The FCC warned a Texas FM station it could lose its license over unpaid regulatory fees.

Big 12 vs. Texas Tech: Texas AG Ken Paxton warned the Big 12 that sanctioning Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby after a court restored his eligibility would violate federal and state law, exposing the league to antitrust liability potentially exceeding $200 million. Local Public Health: Texarkana issued a boil-water notice for specific neighborhoods after low water pressure and a temporary loss of supply. Energy & Jobs: RWE and Meta expanded a long-term deal for the 298-MW Rabbit’s Foot Solar project in Bowie County, targeting clean power for Meta’s operations. Severe Crime & Safety: An alleged street-racing crash in Duncanville killed three people, including a 12-year-old, with another child left critically injured. World Cup Watch Parties: Fair Park kicked off FIFA Fan Fest in North Texas as bars and restaurants face licensing fees to legally host match watch parties. Agriculture Threat: New World screwworm concerns continue as Florida blocks shelter pet imports from Texas and New Mexico, while USDA confirms additional cases. Weather & Cost of Living: Texas gas prices dipped to a statewide average of $3.58/gal, and North Texas heat peaks before rain later this weekend.

New World Screwworm: USDA confirmed 5 cases in Texas as of June 10, with detections in La Salle, Gillespie, Zavala and other counties; officials say it’s “not a time to panic” but ranchers and pet owners should watch for wounds and symptoms as containment ramps up. Houston Budget & Animal Services: Residents packed City Hall urging more funding for BARC animal welfare, flood mitigation and infrastructure during the FY 2027 budget debate. GOP Unity Push: Texas Republicans head into the Houston state convention after divisive runoffs, aiming to cool infighting and rally behind conservative priorities for November. Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby: Tech leaders defended the decision to let Sorsby play while he treats a gambling addiction, arguing they’re supporting recovery—not “engineering eligibility”—as NCAA backlash continues. World Cup in Houston: Security and clear-bag rules are set for Houston Stadium, and the city unveiled a 230-foot FIFA World Cup mural, “The Eastern Gateway Mural,” ahead of kickoff. Public Safety & Health: Gov. Abbott announced $2.5 million for mobile stroke units to expand rapid care statewide. Cold Case Update: DPS increased a reward to $6,000 for tips identifying a woman found dead near Refugio in 1992.

College Sports Fallout: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play in 2026 despite an NCAA gambling ban, and the NCAA says it will appeal—while Tech leaders insist they’re supporting treatment, not “engineering” eligibility. Public Health & Agriculture: New World screwworm detections keep spreading in South Texas, prompting disaster declarations and new livestock import restrictions, including Canada pausing certain Texas animal imports. State Policy: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered more oversight of Texas data centers, pushing regulators to ensure developers cover infrastructure costs and don’t drive up bills. Education: Texas Education Freedom Accounts hit 102,000+ student awards for 2026-27, with thousands more added from the waitlist. Crime & Courts: A Frisco couple was sentenced to 40 years each for a $30M pandemic pyramid scheme; in federal cases, a Dallas-area man got 30 years for meth trafficking and an illegal resident in Dallas received 14 years for cocaine trafficking. Local Crime: Houston police are investigating a woman found dead near downtown.

College Sports Legal Shock: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction letting him play this fall despite an NCAA ineligibility ruling tied to sports betting, with the NCAA saying it will appeal and warning of “far-reaching” damage. Criminal Justice: In Frisco, a jury convicted Karmelo Anthony of murder in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and sentenced him to 35 years. Livestock Health Alert: New World screwworm is spreading—USDA confirmed new Texas detections (including calves and a goat) and a New Mexico dog case, while Canada temporarily restricts some Texas livestock imports. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: A federal report says a Texas ICE detention hub opened too fast, missed safety/security standards, and wasted millions. Education Watch: Texas charter schools saw their smallest enrollment growth bump on record, raising fears the charter boom could slow as demographics shift. Consumer/Health Probe: Texas AG Ken Paxton launched an investigation into glyphosate residue in food, sending Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo. Arts & Culture: Houston’s Museum of African American Culture says an artwork was intentionally damaged by visitors and is filing a police report. Local Business/Tech: GSL Energy says it installed dual battery storage at a Texas sports facility to support near off-grid solar power.

College Sports Legal Shock: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play in 2026 despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility ruling, setting up a fast appeal fight and reshuffling Big 12 title odds. Screwworm Outbreak: USDA confirmed multiple new New World screwworm cases across Texas, including animals far from the first hotspot, while Canada temporarily halted certain Texas livestock imports as officials push “Inspect, Report, and Protect.” Public Safety & Health: A Houston study says the fire department needs tens of millions more to meet emergency response goals, and Houston ISD is launching an optional “Kinder Bridge” reading program for students behind in literacy. Courts & Accountability: A state judicial conduct order requires a Hays County judge to get extra education after he promoted local businesses on social media tied to his office. Crime: A jury convicted Karmelo Anthony of murder in the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet, rejecting self-defense. Energy: Rayburn Electric broke ground on a new 570-MW natural gas plant in Sherman aimed at boosting dispatchable power for ERCOT.

Livestock Emergency: A second New World screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, and Canada temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock while officials work to contain the parasite. Sports Court Fight: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play in 2026 despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, with the NCAA filing an accelerated appeal. Energy Watch: ERCOT projects record summer electricity demand, with peak demand forecast to top last year’s record as heat and evening air-conditioning strain the grid. Local Growth & Housing: Taylor, Texas residents are protesting a deal to sell 87 acres of donated parkland to a data center developer for $10 million. Business & Jobs: KBR won a $95 million digital engineering contract for the U.S. Space Force. Public Safety & Health: Houston Pets Alive says vandals damaged power equipment, forcing an emergency animal relocation and destroying refrigerated vaccines. Crime & Courts: Closing arguments are set in the track-meet stabbing trial of Texas teen Karmelo Anthony. Weather/Travel: Houston officials warn World Cup traffic could bring more congestion and recommend drivers plan ahead.

New World screwworm surge: Texas and USDA confirmed more New World screwworm detections, bringing the U.S. total to four, with cases tied to a Zavala County calf and additional animals in La Salle and Andrews counties, as officials expand quarantines and sterile-fly efforts. State response: Gov. Abbott escalated the response to Level II and pushed faster sterile fly production, while USDA named cattle executive John Bellinger as a senior advisor for screwworm preparedness. Agriculture ripple effects: Ranchers and pet owners are being urged to watch for open wounds and movement restrictions as Canada tightens livestock import rules tied to the outbreak. College sports/legal fight: A Lubbock judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play in 2026 despite NCAA gambling ineligibility; the NCAA says it will appeal. Local courts & rights: A Texas judge ruled doctors can report parents to CPS based on a perception of autism, a decision tied to a civil rights lawsuit. Business & growth: CyrusOne broke ground on a new Freestone County data center campus tied to 1GW-scale power deals. Energy watch: ERCOT projected record-beating summer demand as AI data centers add load. Houston health access: West Village ER opened 24/7 emergency care in 77041.

Data Centers & Power: Texas Tribune reports a data center boom with hundreds of new projects planned, but the state grid doesn’t publicly list where proposals are—so reporters built a map to help communities track what’s coming. Agriculture & Trade: New World screwworm is back in Texas after cases in Zavala County, triggering emergency response and prompting Canada to temporarily restrict livestock imports from Texas. State Elections: Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson is stepping down July 17, raising concerns among local election officials about guidance and staffing ahead of the November midterms. Houston Climate Resilience: A Houston community network is sharing flood and heat survival supplies—like insulin coolers and propane—showing how neighbors are preparing for the next climate-driven crisis. Houston Media: KPRC 2 promoted Jason Nguyen to Early Evening Executive Reporter, expanding leadership for a more field-focused newsroom. Sports (Texas Baseball): Texas swept Oregon in the Austin Super Regional and is headed to the College World Series. Sports (A&M): Caden Sorrell earned co-District VII Player of the Year honors, and Texas A&M women’s basketball will play Cal in the SEC-ACC Challenge. World Cup Prep: Houston is in the final stretch of FIFA World Cup execution, with road, transit, and security upgrades ramping up.

World Cup Prep in Houston: Local restaurants, bars, hotels and retailers are gearing up for a visitor surge ahead of Houston’s first FIFA match June 14, with seven games running through July 4 and crowds expected to spread beyond the stadium area into downtown, Midtown, EaDo, Montrose and the Galleria. Public Safety—Houston Homicide Case: A woman is charged with murder after a deadly stabbing in southeast Houston; court records say Ariyanna Cooper allegedly stabbed Travis Jerome Powell during an argument at Wesley Square Apartments, with three children inside. Crime Update—More Shootings: Police are investigating a deadly double shooting during a northeast Houston family gathering, and another west Houston apartment shooting after an argument left a man hospitalized. Livestock Crisis—Screwworm Fallout: Texas confirmed a second New World screwworm case in a Zavala County calf, prompting quarantine steps and Canada to restrict U.S. livestock imports from affected areas; Gov. Abbott called Canada’s move an overreaction. Texas Sports: Texas baseball’s Adrian Rodriguez powered a big early rally vs. Oregon in the Austin Super Regional, while the Athletics beat the Astros 5-0 behind Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker homers. Weather & Travel: Storm chances continue across parts of Texas, and Houston is bracing for hotter conditions leading into the World Cup kickoff.

Texas Politics: In the Texas Senate race, Ken Paxton and James Talarico kept trading attacks as Paxton courted GOP leaders in Washington and met President Trump, while Cornyn said the story isn’t over despite Paxton’s win. Houston & Public Safety: Houston police are investigating a deadly hit-and-run involving a man in a wheelchair, and a separate case where a man allegedly used a fake United boarding pass to board a flight. World Cup Prep: Sweden arrived in North Texas and will train in Frisco at Toyota Stadium (Frisco Stadium for the tournament), as Houston and other Texas cities gear up for FIFA crowds. Weather: Heavy rain hit Houston Saturday, flooding roads and leading to the postponement of the Houston Pride Parade; storms ease Sunday with heat returning. Health: Two Texas residents monitored after possible hantavirus exposure from the MV Hondius have completed their 42-day observation with no symptoms. Sports (College Baseball): Texas beat Oregon 11-3 in Game 1 of the Austin Super Regional, taking a big step toward the College World Series. Agriculture: New World screwworm concerns continue to ripple through Texas livestock rules and cross-border trade.

Severe Weather Disrupts Houston Pride: Pride Houston 365 canceled Saturday’s Pride parade and will reschedule after storms and flooding concerns, keeping the festival open at Houston City Hall through 7 p.m. Flooding Traffic Update: Eastbound lanes on the Katy Freeway at Houston Avenue reopened after flooding shut down main lanes earlier Saturday. Livestock Alarm Grows: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in a Zavala County calf, prompting stepped-up surveillance and emergency response. Canada Moves to Protect Its Herds: Canada temporarily banned Texas livestock imports tied to the screwworm outbreak, affecting animals from Texas within the prior 21 days. Food Supply Worry: Texas A&M AgriLife warns last winter’s lack of “chill hours” could reduce peach and berry yields this summer. Data Centers vs. Water Debate: Google announced a multimillion-dollar water fund tied to expanding Texas data centers, as residents raise water-use concerns. Texas Children’s Hospital Clarifies: Texas Children’s Hospital issued a statement on its care for a 2-year-old near-drowning patient, addressing misinformation and noting a June 11 hearing. World Cup Prep in North Texas: Transit and security agencies say they’re ready for early-arriving fans ahead of FIFA matches.

Livestock Emergency: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, found in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County about 5.6 miles from the first detection, prompting expanded surveillance, quarantine zones, and sterile fly releases. State Response: Gov. Greg Abbott signed an updated statewide disaster declaration to mobilize “all available resources,” including speeding sterile fly production and construction of a South Texas facility. Cross-Border Impact: Canada’s food inspection agency announced a temporary ban on livestock entering Canada from Texas after the detections. Local Health & Safety: Houston-area weather remains unsettled with storms and flooding risk easing into Sunday and Monday, while Texas Children’s Hospital says it has exhausted medically viable options for a toddler after a near-drowning, with a court fight over next steps. Sports & Courts: Texas Tech’s appeal to restore QB Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility was denied by the NCAA, separate from his lawsuit. Community & Travel: FIFA Fan Festival Houston road closures are underway around East Downtown as North Texas braces for World Cup crowds.

New World Screwworm: Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for Uvalde and Zavala counties after the first Texas case in decades, warning the sterile-fly factory won’t be ready for more than a year and urging producers to step up quarantines and inspections. Public Safety/World Cup: Texas DPS launched “Operation Safe Summer” with enhanced patrols across Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth as World Cup crowds roll in. Local Crime: A Brazos County district clerk was arrested after a Texas Rangers investigation, charged with possession of a controlled substance. Politics: Sen. John Cornyn backed off a plan to rename a Texas highway for Trump after Trump endorsed his primary opponent, Ken Paxton. Sports: Texas won back-to-back Women’s College World Series titles over Texas Tech, and Robinson Rockets captured the 2026 Texas 4A state baseball championship. Health/Community: A 16-year-old in Trinidad, Texas, was hospitalized after alleged chemical burns from shower water, as parents cite test results.

Education Policy: Texas’ State Board of Education is set to vote this month on revised social studies standards and a required reading list that would expand Christianity’s presence in classrooms, including biblical figures and passages. Public Works: East Texas State Fair’s Park of East Texas in Tyler won a $300,000 Recreational Trails grant for a new 1-mile loop trail plus trailhead, parking, signage and an entry gate. Workforce & Licensing: Texas and Ohio agreed to electrician reciprocity, letting qualified master electricians and contractors work across state lines with a streamlined process. Energy & Growth: ERCOT warns Texas summer power demand could jump nearly 10% as hotter weather and rising industrial load push toward a potential new peak. Consumer Protection: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Celsius/Alani Nu, alleging youth-focused marketing of high-caffeine drinks may violate state consumer laws. Livestock Health: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm fly in a Zavala County calf, triggering containment and raising alarms for Texas ranchers. Sports: Texas softball capped a back-to-back Women’s College World Series title, sweeping Texas Tech 4-1 in Game 2.