AGP Executive Report

THC Fight: Texas lawmakers are reviving a push to ban THC products statewide, arguing regulation has failed and citing testimony from parents and law enforcement ahead of the 90th Legislative Session. Houston Public Safety: A teacher in Houston is charged with improper relationship with a student, while investigators also continue after a fatal convenience store shooting in north Harris County. Court/Politics: Dallas education and policy leader Tom Luce has died at 86, a loss marked by former President George W. Bush. Water Watch: The Edwards Aquifer Authority eased pumping restrictions after recent rains, moving some permit holders to less restrictive stages. School News: Back-to-school start dates are rolling out across the San Antonio area, and new enrollment figures show sharp demographic shifts in several small Texas districts. Sports (Texas): The Texas Rangers released outfielder Jarred Kelenic, and the White Sox routed the Astros 12-3 behind Munetaka Murakami’s two homers. Road/Transit: TxDOT announced multiple Loop 1604 and I-10 lane closures in San Antonio.

Food Safety: The FDA linked a Texas egg recall to a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak, reporting 98 illnesses across 17 states (26 hospitalizations) and calling Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs a “likely source,” urging shoppers to check cartons for specific codes. Local Infrastructure: Houston’s Midtown intersection of Hamilton St. and Tuam St. will close from 9 a.m. July 27 until mid-August for storm sewage work tied to the I-45 expansion, with posted detours. Public Health/Environment: A new Texas study found microplastics in nearly every North Texas waterway tested, including the Trinity River, White Rock Lake and Mountain Creek Lake, pushing for action. Politics: Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton again dodged questions about property and voting residence, while Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico boosted outreach with a $25 million pledge aimed at Black voters. Heat & Weather: North Texas remains under heat advisories with triple-digit temperatures expected, and more hot days likely next week. Houston Community: Families held a procession and vigil after an ICE shooting killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, demanding a transparent investigation.

Heat & Safety: North Texas is bracing for dangerously hot days, with heat advisories expected to linger into mid-week, while Texas State Park staff urged visitors to use simple heat-safety steps as park heat incidents rise. Courts & Kids Online: A divided federal appeals court blocked Texas from enforcing a key part of the SCOPE Act, ruling that federal law bars the state from forcing social media platforms to monitor and filter harmful content for minors. Houston Crime & Public Safety: Deerbrook Mall in Humble was placed under a lockdown after reports of an active shooter; officials said one victim was shot and another person was detained, with the investigation ongoing. Immigration & Accountability: In the Houston ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, prosecutors said lab testing found the white substance in his van was not drugs, contradicting earlier claims; his family and advocates are pushing for accountability. Drugs Bust: Galveston County authorities announced a multi-location operation that seized large quantities of meth and other drugs, with a 22-year-old arrested. Local Growth & Infrastructure: New monitoring shows parts of the Katy area are sinking, with subsidence measured over years. Sports: Houston Dynamo beat Austin FC 3-0, and the Houston–Austin matchup headlines continued alongside Texas college and pro sports coverage.

Data Centers & Texas Agriculture: Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed his push for a special legislative session, warning unchecked data center growth threatens water, rural communities, and the electric grid—after Gov. Abbott pointed to a withdrawn East Texas project as proof his approach is working. School Finance: Midland ISD’s lawsuit over Texas’ “Robin Hood” school funding recapture system is headed to court, challenging how local boards can levy property taxes. Immigration Tragedy on the Rails: Federal prosecutors announced 11 indictments tied to the deaths of seven migrants found in a sealed train container in South Texas, with heat blamed for the fatalities. Houston ICE Shooting Update: Harris County DA says the “crystal-like” substance found in the van of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo tested negative for drugs, after earlier federal claims. Flood Aftermath: Gov. Abbott confirmed a third death in South Texas flooding as rivers continue to isolate communities and damage infrastructure. Heat & Safety: A heat advisory remains in effect for parts of the Texas Panhandle, with heat index values near 107–109. Back-to-School Savings: Texas’ tax-free weekend runs Aug. 7–9, covering many school supplies and clothing under $100. Food Safety: FDA reports nearly 100 salmonella cases across 17 states linked in part to recalled eggs produced in Texas. Local Business: Restoration Roofing & Remodeling expanded emergency and residential roof repair services across Houston.

Immigration Accountability: Two sons of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, killed in a July ICE traffic stop, demanded a transparent probe at a Houston hearing, saying they learned of his death via Facebook. ICE Case Update: The Harris County DA says a substance found in the van tested negative for narcotics, after earlier claims circulated online. Human Smuggling Charges: Federal prosecutors indicted 11 people tied to deaths of seven migrants found in a sealed rail container in Texas, including a 14-year-old, with charges tied to heatstroke deaths. Flood Response: Gov. Abbott surveyed Cotulla flood damage and said a third death was confirmed as Nueces River levels decline but downstream areas may still rise. Wildfire Safety: Texas A&M Forest Service commissioned a new law enforcement investigator for the Panhandle, expanding wildfire origin-and-cause investigations. Space & Tech: SpaceX launched Starship from Texas for Flight 13, deploying 20 upgraded Starlink satellites before a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Sports & Schools: Texas early-graduation rules helped elite CB John Meredith III reclassify to join UT a year early; Texas Tech named Brendan Sorsby’s replacement at QB1. Health & Community: A viral TikTok kidney plea helped secure a life-saving transplant donor in the Dallas area. Local Business & Data: Eyemart Express confirmed a cyberattack that exposed customer data, while a proposed Henderson County data center plan was withdrawn after talks and community concerns.

Heat Rules for Schools: UIL made Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) a requirement for outdoor athletics starting Aug. 1, aiming to curb heat-stress risks for Texas students. Human Smuggling Case: A federal indictment charges 11 people in the deaths of six migrants found in a sealed rail cargo container in Texas, with prosecutors citing hyperthermia/heat stroke. Wildfire Response Upgrade: Texas A&M Forest Service is adding three multi-mission aircraft to expand early detection and coordination as the state builds a dedicated wildfire aviation fleet. Data Center Backlash in Politics: Texas election coverage spotlights data centers as a water-and-electricity pressure point, with Gov. Abbott directing regulators to keep residential ratepayers from footing the bill. Storm Update: Tropical Storm Bertha moved inland near the Texas-Louisiana border and is weakening, though heavy rain and flash-flood risk lingered in parts of the Houston area. Legal Fight Over Schools: Midland ISD renewed the “Robin Hood” school finance challenge, arguing the system still leaves low-income districts short. Houston Crime Probe: Police raided a Houston funeral home and reportedly found a bucket of organs amid an investigation tied to alleged document forgery and licensing issues.

Heat Safety Push: A North Texas USPS letter carrier, Umeshkumar Thakkar, died after collapsing on his route during triple-digit temperatures, and the union is calling for stronger extreme-heat protections. Tropical Storm Bertha: Bertha weakened to a tropical depression near Houston but heavy rain and localized flooding risks remain, with coastal warnings lifted while hazards continue inland. Earthquakes in the Panhandle: A magnitude 5.0 quake hit the northeastern Texas Panhandle near Spearman, followed by a smaller 3.9 quake in West Texas; residents across the region reported shaking. Courts & Reproductive Rights: A Texas appeals court reversed an injunction against Houston-area midwife Maria Rojas, saying the state didn’t provide enough evidence to support the shutdown. College Football Recruiting: Texas is preparing for a fast-track arrival from 5-star CB John Meredith III, while Steve Sarkisian addressed “salary cap” realities behind transfer decisions. Local Community: Texas Roadhouse hosted Tip-A-Cop in Corpus Christi, pairing officers and Special Olympics athletes to raise funds for local competitors. Public Works Tragedy: A contractor died after ground collapsed during work on a wastewater project in Liberty.

Tropical Storm Bertha: The National Hurricane Center says Bertha is skirting Louisiana and is expected to move into Texas later today, with tropical-storm-force winds spreading up to 160 miles and rain/flood risk building along the Gulf Coast. Extreme Heat: A heat advisory remains in effect for the Texas/Oklahoma Panhandle through 9 p.m., with heat index values near 108. Earthquakes: A magnitude 5.1 quake hit 37 km NW of Miami, Texas, and a separate report says a 5.0 quake struck near Spearman/Miami in the Panhandle; no damage reported. Food Safety: About 1.59 million dozen eggs are recalled in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana over possible Salmonella contamination. Houston Public Safety: Authorities found an explosive device during a search warrant in southeast Houston. Local Politics/Education: Midland ISD voted to sue Texas over the “Robin Hood” school finance system. Sports/Recruiting: Four-star guard Oneal Delancy committed to Houston, and Texas Tech men’s basketball season tickets sold out again. Business/Tech: Democrats are leaning into AI data center backlash in Texas politics as rural opposition grows. Space: SpaceX’s Starship flight 13 is targeted from South Texas, with Bertha-related weather a possible factor.

Houston Heat Response: Houston opened 100+ cooling centers as extreme heat pushes feels-like temps near 115, with officials urging breaks and hydration. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and is expected to weaken while moving toward the Texas coast, bringing a few inches of rain mainly near the shoreline. Public Safety—Roadway: A vehicle fell from the HOV lane onto Southwest Freeway near Beltway 8, closing northbound lanes and sending three people to hospitals. Public Safety—Rail: East Houston residents report malfunctioning railroad crossing signals that activate without trains, raising concerns that drivers and pedestrians may start ignoring warnings. Health Equity: Black Maternal Mental Health Week spotlights care gaps, noting Black mothers face much higher rates of pregnancy-related mental health conditions and often lack treatment. Crime Update: Houston police arrested a man tied to four rapes across decades. Legal/Immigration: A federal judge barred deportation of a passenger tied to the ICE shooting that killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, while court fights continue. Business/Policy: Texas terminated its contract with EMPOWER, the state’s primary foster care provider, citing child safety failures and staffing issues. Sports: Four-star recruit Oneal Delancy committed to Houston, and Astros beat the Marlins 5-2 with back-to-back homers by Alvarez and Paredes.

AI & Space Infrastructure: SpaceX and xAI are moving big AI compute into orbit with a new 11-million-square-foot satellite factory in Bastrop, while The Information reports SpaceX is also weighing additional Texas data-center expansion. State Politics & Courts: Texas Comptroller-elect Don Huffines faces a legal warning over alleged plans to fire staff he deems “not sufficiently Christian,” and Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign is under fresh scrutiny after reports suggest major donors aren’t rallying. Public Safety & Health: Montgomery County reported three measles cases in an unvaccinated family, and North Texas is under extreme heat alerts with feels-like temps near 116. Weather & Recovery: Gov. Abbott surveyed Kerr County flood damage by helicopter as cleanup and rebuilding ramp up, and Tropical Storm Bertha continues toward Louisiana with watches extending into the Houston area. Local Governance & Services: Texas is canceling a Dallas-area foster care contract with Empower, and lawmakers are calling for an audit of broadband grant spending. Crime & Justice: A man who impregnated his teen daughter was sentenced to life in prison in Collin County.

AI & Chips: Wistron, a Nvidia supplier, opened a $700 million Fort Worth plant to build Nvidia’s latest AI systems, aiming to scale production this year and add 500+ jobs. Public Safety & Justice: A federal judge blocked ICE from quickly deporting a witness in Houston’s fatal ICE shooting case, as attorneys dispute the agency’s account. Immigration Tensions: Community groups gathered outside Houston City Hall demanding accountability after the ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, calling for a citywide “Day of Action” shutdown. Health Watch: Montgomery County confirmed three measles cases tied to an unvaccinated family exposed by an out-of-state traveler. Flood Recovery: Gov. Greg Abbott surveyed Kerrville-area damage and said about 490 homes were affected, urging residents to document losses and file claims. Law & Order at the Border: CBP seized 22.4 kilograms of fentanyl hidden in a spare tire at the Presidio Port of Entry; the driver was arrested. Texas Politics: Abbott signed an executive order directing state agencies to investigate and crack down on “birth tourism” schemes. Local Life: A Magnolia woman says an Aqua Texas bill showed 97,200 gallons used—far above her normal usage—prompting an investigation.

Tropical Storm Bertha: The second named storm of the Atlantic is forming in the Gulf and tracking northwest, with southeast Texas expected to feel impacts later this week; the main concern for Houston-area residents is heavy rain and gusty conditions. Extreme Heat: North Texas remains under Heat Advisory/Excessive Heat Warning with highs around 105 and feels-like near 112, and forecasters say little relief is in sight. Flood Relief: The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is collecting donations and volunteers through July 22 to support South Texas flood-affected families. Jobs & Economy: Texas posted a June jobs surge, adding 43,400 nonfarm jobs for the month and 177,900 over the year, according to state labor data. Business & Energy: Houston-based West Texas Resources announced an expansion of technical and land management capabilities; Houston’s Liberty Additive opened a larger Katy distribution facility to speed deliveries. Local Safety: A small plane crash in Fulshear sent the pilot to the hospital after landing attempts near a private airstrip. Sports: The Astros made a roster move ahead of a series vs. the Marlins, and Houston’s Tank Dell is nearing a return timeline after a long injury absence.

Flood Recovery Watch: Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas is shifting from rescue to recovery after last week’s Hill Country floods, but danger is still moving downstream—especially along the Nueces River, where evacuations continue in parts of Uvalde County and the river crested at a record 28.01 feet. Storm Threat: Tropical Depression Two has strengthened into Tropical Storm Bertha, and forecasters warn it could bring heavy rain to the Gulf Coast later this week, with Texas bracing for possible impacts. Power Grid Stress: ERCOT is preparing for triple-digit heat plus Bertha’s pressure on the system, with demand forecast near record levels. Public Safety—Speed Campaign: TxDOT is rolling out “Drive Like a Texan” to curb speeding, citing speed as a major factor in deadly crashes. Agriculture Alert: Commissioner Sid Miller and Texas A&M AgriLife confirmed pasture mealybug in 70 counties, urging early detection to slow spread. Animal Relief: Flood-displaced pets and wild animals are being sheltered and relocated, including a rescue flight bringing adoptable animals from Texas to shelters in Delaware/New Jersey. Crime & Courts: An Austin man faces murder charges in a Southeast apartment shooting; federal prison sentences were handed down in Texas fentanyl and firearms cases. Health & Community: Texas’ Rural Hospital Officers Academy begins planning for a 2027 launch, and East Texas Safe Haven Baby Boxes continue helping families surrender newborns safely.

North Texas Heat & Gulf Storm Watch: A heat advisory is in effect for North Texas as temperatures climb into the upper 90s to low 100s, with “feels-like” readings pushing higher through midweek while Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha and bring heavy rain risk along the Gulf. Storm Damage Funding: Houston County leaders declared a state of emergency tied to July 2 storms, with early estimates putting highway damage alone at about $500,000 and outlining what it would take to qualify for state or federal help. ICE Accountability Push: U.S. Sen. Angus King and other senators are calling for more body cameras, clearer officer identification, and independent reviews after fatal ICE shootings in Texas and Maine. Iran Conflict Hits Texas Families: The U.S. military identified two service members killed in Jordan—one from Carrollton, Texas—underscoring how the Iran conflict is spreading lethal risk across the region. AI Data Center Deals: Hut 8 fully commercialized its Beacon Point campus with a second 15-year, $9.8B lease, expanding contracted capacity to 704 MW. Houston Fire: A deadly multi-alarm apartment fire in northwest Houston killed one resident and displaced dozens; the cause is under investigation. Texas Roadhouse Wage Fight: A $15 minimum-wage rule in Nebraska was paused by a judge, putting Texas Roadhouse in the spotlight as the legal battle continues. Business & Jobs: Samsung announced major U.S. job cuts tied to shifting its consumer electronics HQ to Texas, as AI investment reshapes hiring.

Flood Response & Safety: Texas officials and partners keep pushing flood recovery and readiness after last week’s severe storms, with FEMA disaster assistance approved for dozens of counties and the Texas Division of Emergency Management urging residents to report storm damage online for possible additional help. Missing Child Alert: Fort Bend County issued an Amber Alert for 5-year-old Edward Hall, last seen in Katy; officials say there’s no sign of foul play and ask anyone with info to call 911. Tragic Crash in Brazos County: Pro boxer Hannah Rapp, 26, was killed after a driver passed her on FM 159, stopped, shifted into reverse, and struck her; Charles Medina faces manslaughter charges. Local Crime: Northwest Houston fire killed one person and sent two others to the hospital; in north Harris County, a 19-year-old was arrested after a shooting killed an 18-year-old and injured another. Public Safety Enforcement: TxDOT’s Operation Slowdown ramps up speed patrols across East Texas through Aug. 2, targeting speeding ahead of holiday travel. Weather Watch: North Texas stays mostly dry but hot, with highs near 98 and heat index triple digits, while a tropical depression is being tracked for possible impacts later this week. Business & Jobs: Samsung’s U.S. operations shake up as it cuts hundreds of roles tied to a Texas HQ move, even as the company expects strong chip demand from AI.

Flood Response & Recovery: Texas Game Wardens report 153 rescues and 92 evacuations as severe weather and flooding hit counties across the Hill Country and South Texas, with aviation and drones helping assess roads and infrastructure. Weather Watch: North Texas stays mostly dry Sunday before a hotter, drier stretch pushes highs above 100 midweek, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits. ICE & Accountability: A Houston ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo has sparked nightly vigils and renewed scrutiny after critics say federal prosecutors unsealed details in a way that could smear the dead man. Tech & Jobs: Samsung is cutting hundreds of U.S. consumer electronics roles tied to relocating its headquarters to Texas, including 739 positions in New Jersey and about 100 in Plano. Public Safety: A Waco-area teen’s flea-borne typhus hospitalization highlights a growing Texas health scare, while pet owners are urged to protect animals as new world screwworm cases rise. Sports Tragedy: Boxer Hannah “Hanarchy” Rapp, 26, died after a bicycle crash in Brazos County; the driver was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Local Life: Houston’s East End community continues rallying after an ICE killing, and Bellaire residents are supporting a student detained at Hobby Airport.