AGP Executive Report

Texans Football: Houston agreed to a two-year, $16 million extension with LB Henry To’oTo’o, keeping the Alabama product in the fold through 2028 as he continues as a key defensive starter. NFL Moves: The Raiders signed former Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale, adding depth behind Ashton Jeanty after four seasons in Houston. Texas Tech Football: Senior center Sheridan Wilson was named to the 2026 Rimington Trophy preseason watch list, highlighting Texas Tech’s strong offensive line. Back-to-School Savings: Texas’ tax-free weekend runs Aug. 7-9, with the Comptroller projecting $142.5 million in state and local tax savings for families. Big Tech/Jobs: Tesla and SpaceX announced “Terafab,” a Grimes County chip factory outside Houston, with an initial $16.8 billion investment and at least 3,000 jobs. Water Funding: The Texas Water Development Board approved major aid across the state, including $60M for Amarillo wastewater planning/design and $612,245 (with principal forgiveness) for lead service line work in Alice. Health & Safety: Killeen Fire Department says it’s the first Central Texas EMS agency to carry whole blood on emergency units.

Data Center Crackdown: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered PUCT and ERCOT to pause new data center approvals and verify power, water, ownership, and community impacts before any projects get grid access, as Texas faces 474+ gigawatts of interconnection requests tied largely to data centers. University Speech Fight: The AAUP sued Texas A&M’s system over a policy limiting professors from teaching or advocating “race and gender ideology,” calling it vague and unconstitutional; the dispute follows earlier campus controversy over course removals. DEI Funding Dispute: A North Texas journalism professor says UNT is misreading Texas DEI rules after the school denied funding for an academic membership tied to tenure research. Gun Law Ruling: A federal judge struck down a 1930s Texas law regulating firearm suppressors and certain guns, potentially easing purchase and registration requirements. Criminal Justice: Houston police released new video from a Highland Village stolen-car standoff where officers opened fire; separate reports describe an arsonist linked to multiple Upper Kirby rooftop fires. Local Life: Texarkana issued a boil-water notice for some residents after low pressure and outages. Sports & Culture: Texas A&M opened 2026 preseason camp; Houston Public Media named Tessa Barrera co-host of “Hello Houston.”

DMV Modernization: Texas DMV says it’s replacing its decades-old statewide Registration and Title System, with a $125M, multi-biennium rollout starting with Phase Two. NFL Update: Texans WR Tank Dell returned to full-pad practice for the first time in nearly two years, a key step after his 2024 knee injury. Public Health: Texas leads the U.S. in Candida auris cases, with the drug-resistant fungus now confirmed in 23 states. Heat & Safety: North Texas starts Wednesday warm and muggy, while Houston faces upper-90s heat index values around 103–105; officials also reported a fatal electrocution while cutting a tree in northwest Harris County. Healthcare Access: Texas Tech Physicians reached a new in-network agreement with UnitedHealthcare, retroactive to April 1, 2026, avoiding a coverage gap for patients. Data Centers & Power: Gov. Abbott directed audits and paused new data-center grid connections pending verification, as ERCOT weighs massive proposed load requests. Education & Community: H-E-B opened nominations for its $1M Texas educator awards, and Texas A&M professors sued over limits on teaching race and gender. Sports Schedule Pressure: Coaches polls put Texas near the top and highlight a brutal slate with multiple top-25 opponents.

Data Center Freeze: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a pause on new Texas data center approvals through the grid interconnection process, directing PUCT and ERCOT to audit projects before they can connect—amid warnings that proposed demand dwarfs record peak load and could strain power and water. Politics & Cost of Living: Abbott also pitched “Keep Texas Affordable,” including pushing retail electricity competition in cities that currently limit customer choice, while Democrat Gina Hinojosa launched a new statewide ad buy aimed at DFW voters to challenge Abbott’s record. Legal Fight at Texas A&M: Professors and the AAUP sued the Texas A&M System in federal court to block a policy restricting how race, gender, and LGBTQ topics can be taught, arguing it violates the First Amendment and academic freedom. Houston Immigration Enforcement: A report says ICE arrests at airports are rising, with a Houston-area case involving an 18-year-old detained at Hobby Airport before being released after three days. Sports—Houston & Texas: The Astros acquired Daulton Varsho from Toronto for Spencer Arrighetti; and Texas A&M’s Red, White and Blue Game returns Sept. 12 at Kyle Field. Public Safety: Irving Police earned reaccreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association, and Texas wildfire resources were boosted as conditions heat up across the Panhandle and North Texas.

Data Center Crackdown: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered audits and paused new Texas data center approvals seeking grid connections, citing ERCOT/PUCT review needs as demand surges and communities raise concerns about power and water use. Politics: In the Texas U.S. Senate race, polls show Democrat James Talarico closing in on or leading AG Ken Paxton, with multiple surveys putting the race within a few points. Houston Sports: The Astros made a deadline move for outfield help, acquiring Daulton Varsho from the Blue Jays to bolster center field and the middle of the lineup. Public Safety: A juvenile was hospitalized after a vehicle struck them in Marlin; authorities urged drivers to slow down in residential areas. Health Watch: Mosquito traps in Buda and San Marcos tested positive for West Nile Virus, with no human cases reported in Hays County so far. Courts & Crime: A federal jury convicted the final “103” gang leaders tied to a deadly Houston drive-by, and a Houston-area appeals court affirmed a $250,000 verdict against former MLB pitcher Clayton Hensley. Back-to-School: TxDOT and AAA Texas pushed safety reminders as school zones fill up, while Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced the Aug. 7-9 sales tax holiday with an estimated $142.5 million in savings.

Ten Commandments Lawsuit: Three Houston-area mothers sued Texas to block a state law requiring Ten Commandments posters in every public classroom, arguing it violates the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the state’s Parental Rights Amendment, with a hearing set for Aug. 7. Border Wall Fight: A federal judge let DHS keep moving with a border wall through a small Texas town’s levee system for now, rejecting claims it could worsen flooding. Houston Crime: Police say four suspects are on the run after a shooting on Houston’s southside during an apparent robbery attempt left a 19-year-old in critical condition. Rangers Deadline Drama: Jacob deGrom told reporters he wants to stay with the Texas Rangers despite trade chatter, citing his no-trade clause and belief the team can win. Astros Trade Impact: Daulton Varsho made his Astros debut hours after being traded from Toronto, and Houston’s outfield defense got a boost even as the Blue Jays snapped the Astros’ six-game winning streak. Sports & Community: Texas A&M football looks ahead to South Carolina after a historic comeback game, while volunteers continue flood recovery work across South Texas.

Texas Politics & Courts: A federal judge let DHS move forward with a border wall through a small Texas town’s levee system, rejecting flooding claims from Presidio. Labor Law: A Texas court split with another Texas court on whether unconstitutional NLRB removal protections can be severed, affecting whether an unfair labor practice case can proceed. Public Safety: An AMBER Alert for a 2-year-old in San Antonio ended with the child found dead; authorities say the cause is under investigation. Business & Jobs: The Texas Stock Exchange launched full trading in Dallas, while Texas Workforce Solutions posted a slate of upcoming hiring events. Sports: Dallas Wings confirmed a move to the American Airlines Center for the 2027 season; Houston Cougars previewed their opener vs. Oregon State; and Tyler Legacy’s baseball players earned TSWA Class 6A all-state honors. Health & Consumer: Chick-fil-A One account data breach is prompting a class-action review by a Texas law firm. Education & Community: Brownsville held its annual back-to-school fair with free backpacks and resources. Remembering Kay Granger: Former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, first GOP woman elected to Congress from Texas, died at 83.

Texas Politics: Former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, Fort Worth’s first female mayor and the first Republican woman from Texas to chair the House Appropriations Committee, died at 83; Speaker Mike Johnson called her a barrier-breaker, and no cause of death was immediately given. Public Safety: An Amber Alert is active for 2-year-old Aryana Trevino Martinez, last seen in San Antonio; authorities ask the public to call 911 with any info. Health & Community: Harker Heights police hosted “Cuts with Cops,” giving kids free haircuts and school support before classes start, while a Taylor man with cancer continues a back-to-school shoe drive that has provided hundreds of pairs. Sports (Houston/Texas): The Astros swept the Rangers, winning 7-3, and the Texans reportedly re-signed pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year deal. Local Events: Texas Exes chapters plan a UT Austin “send off” party Aug. 6 in Kerrville, and a new live music series, “Hometown Sessions,” debuted in Bryan.

Houston Crime: HPD says a man was found shot to death in a northwest Houston apartment courtyard on Sunday morning, after investigators believe he went to confront someone; police are still not saying whether it’s connected to nearby shootings. Traffic Safety: A driver died after crashing at over 100 mph into a pole on Westpark Drive; ABC13 crews reported standing water and asked whether a water main break played a role. Defense & Jobs: Rep. Ronny Jackson announced Bell Textron in Amarillo won a contract tied to modernization for Marine Corps AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters, supporting local manufacturing and engineering work. Business & Manufacturing: Toyota will invest $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio plant, adding a second assembly line and shifting Tacoma production from Baja California to Texas over about four years. Texas Back-to-School: The state’s sales tax holiday runs Aug. 7–9, with qualifying items under $100 exempt from state and local sales tax. Sports (Texas): The Astros kept rolling with a win over the Rangers and are set to host Sunday’s matchup as the MLB trade deadline nears. Policy (Immigration): A new federal bill targets “birth tourism,” aiming to revoke birthright citizenship for children of parents who entered illegally. Weather: North Texas gets a brief break from triple-digit heat before hotter, muggier conditions return midweek.

Hemp THC Crackdown: Texas’ ban on several hemp-derived THC products took effect Friday, forcing smoke shops to pull items like delta-8 and delta-10; possession or sale can bring felony penalties, while low-dose delta-9 remains legal. Houston Sports: Guilherme Santos and Agustín Bouzat scored as the Houston Dynamo beat Sporting KC 2-0, extending their unbeaten run to five games. Recruiting: Texas landed five-star RB Landen Williams-Callis, the nation’s No. 3 at the position, keeping a major in-state talent in the Longhorns’ 2027 class. Public Safety: An AMBER Alert was issued for missing San Antonio sisters Fidely and Neidy Alvarez-Mauricio, believed to be in grave danger. Local Crime: A Texas man was charged after allegedly buying 77 head of cattle with bad checks totaling about $159,604, according to the Leon County sheriff. Weather: A cold front brought a break from oppressive heat in North Texas, with lower humidity and highs still in the upper 90s. Business/Energy: Exxon and Chevron warned diesel and refined fuel prices could stay high into the third quarter as global supplies remain tight.

Houston Closings: Houston’s Barbecue Inn in Independence Heights will serve its final meals Saturday after nearly 80 years, with rising costs and pandemic-era pressure cited. Flood Response: Rescues continued across storm-hit Texas as heavy rain widened flooding, including spillover onto I-10 near Ozona and a bridge collapse over the Nueces River. Public Safety: Texas law enforcement is running a speeding crackdown through Sunday as part of Operation Slowdown. Crime Watch (Houston): Two men were shot while walking and eating ice cream in NW Houston; police say the incident appears isolated and may have been random. Local Politics: Reproductive rights groups are gearing up for the next legislative session after Senate Committee testimony tied election security to abortion-drug restrictions. Agriculture & Health: USDA confirmed new world screwworm cases in southwest Texas, triggering movement controls and surveillance. Statewide Policy: New “Skip the Stuff” style rules hit restaurants in Texas’s orbit, and Texas’s THC product bans continue to reshape what shops can sell. Transportation: Texas approved $154M in public transit funding to expand rides for seniors, people with disabilities, and rural and urban communities.

THC Crackdown: Texas’ new ban starts July 31 on most synthetic hemp-derived THC products, including delta-8, delta-10, THCP and THCA flower, with possession or sale treated as a state jail felony (up to 2 years and a $10,000 fine). What’s still legal: products with delta-9 THC at or under 0.3% by dry weight remain allowed. Public Safety: Houston police say a 62-year-old man, Phillip Cerf, has been arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault tied to attacks spanning 1997, 2009, 2013 and 2016; investigators say more victims may come forward. Courts & Tech: A Texas court orders Discord to add stronger child-safety and age-assurance protections for Texas users within 90 days. Local Impact: Harris County is investigating a suspected murder-suicide in Cypress where an elderly couple was found dead. Business & Growth: Texas Tech is seeking an AG opinion on what parts of a Galaxy stadium contract can be released under open-records rules.

Microplastics Watch: A new statewide survey found microplastics in 76 of 77 Texas waterways tested, with fibers showing up in 96% of samples—proof that water can look clean while still carrying pollution. Houston Courts: A federal judge permanently blocked Houston from enforcing race-based parts of its minority contracting program, saying it violates equal protection. THC Crackdown: Texas’ new “total THC” rules take effect Friday, tightening limits on hemp-derived products like delta-8 and raising compliance pressure for retailers. Power Grid & Data Centers: ERCOT warns demand could nearly double by 2032 as AI data centers grow, and lawmakers question whether tax breaks for data centers should continue. Immigration Enforcement: After years of ICE check-ins, a Houston woman with no criminal history was detained, highlighting how non-criminal cases are rising in Texas. Local Schools: Houston ISD announced 2026-27 changes for parents, including campus closures and curriculum updates. Sports & Community: Texas Tech looks to Will Hammond at QB after the Brendan Sorsby eligibility saga; Houston Rockets’ Tari Eason filed for a restraining order amid allegations involving bleach and threats.

Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Texas over its new redistricting maps, saying they dilute Latino and Black voting strength and violate the Voting Rights Act, while Attorney General Ken Paxton vowed the legislature’s maps will be upheld. Immigration & Courts: A federal judge ordered Houston to release a key witness in a deadly ICE shooting case, as the city weighs next steps and prosecutors argue DHS is withholding material. Local Justice & Safety: Harris County is exploring AI-equipped surveillance cameras for jail monitoring after years of scrutiny over inmate deaths and staffing issues. Energy & Industry: Texas regulators say geothermal is gaining ground under RRC leadership, issuing new permits for deep geopressured wells for energy storage. Public Health & Research: Texas A&M researchers built AI tools to speed tuberculosis drug discovery, aiming to narrow thousands of drug candidates faster. Weather & Daily Life: AAA Texas reports gas prices back down in most areas, while North Texas heat advisories continue with triple-digit heat indices. Education & Workforce: Abbott announced $2.5M in rural school grants to expand college and career pathways through shared district partnerships. Statewide Alerts: Texas DPS recovered a decades-old cesium-137 source buried near Midland, prompting a radiation response.

Energy & Housing Costs: ROAM Roof & Solar in Belton rolled out a radiant barrier attic service, pointing to ERCOT’s record-demand forecast and saying reflective insulation can cut attic heat and ease AC strain. Public Health: North Texas doctors urged parents to double-check measles vaccine records as the U.S. sees its worst outbreak in 30+ years, with four Texas cases confirmed this week. Crime & Safety: An 18-year-old charged in a deadly Midtown Houston shooting is now facing a new murder accusation after an earlier Harris County arrest; meanwhile, rescuers in Huffman say a dog was trapped under McKay Bridge while at least nine abandoned cats were also recovered. Legal/Consumer Watch: Texas begins resuming enforcement of Delta-8 and other hemp-THC limits on July 31, with Delta-9 products under 0.3% still treated differently. Local Community: Girl Scouts of Central Texas will close Camp Howdy in Bryan after a member survey, with activities shifting to Camp Bluebonnet Shores. Politics: Gov. Abbott says lawmakers will hold hearings this week on data centers, including sales-tax exemptions and financing. Sports: The Angels traded Logan O’Hoppe and Chase Silseth to the Rangers; Houston’s C.J. Stroud contract talks remain a hot topic.

Back-to-School Savings: Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas are rolling out tax-free weekends in August, with Texas running Aug. 7–9 and offering breaks on qualifying clothing, footwear and school supplies (with exclusions for accessories, special athletic wear, protective gear and rentals). Consumer Watch: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Lone Star Pups, alleging misleading claims about puppy origins and veterinary care. Education Policy: Gov. Abbott appointed 21 educators to the new Texas Classroom Commission, a teacher-led effort aimed at improving student outcomes. Health & Hunger: A new Feeding America report says Texas is the nation’s most food-insecure state, with hunger affecting about 19.4% of Texans. Local Public Safety: Houston police reported three women injured after a suspect fired dozens of shots at a southeast convenience store. Energy & Tech Tension: Willie Nelson renewed his fight against AI data centers near his hometown of Abbott, calling them “water thieving” and “light polluting.” Sports Business: Texans GM Nick Caserio said contract talks with QB C.J. Stroud have been “productive,” with a possible extension still on the table.