Data Center Crackdown: Gov. Abbott paused new Texas data center interconnections statewide and ordered audits after ERCOT flagged massive demand growth tied to AI loads, with lawmakers and residents pushing back over power, water, and local impacts. Local Control vs. AI Buildout: In Grimes County, nearly 900 residents urged tighter rules for big incentive deals tied to Elon Musk’s Terafab and other projects, demanding oversight, hiring commitments, and pollution controls. Energy Policy Fight: Republican lawmakers questioned whether ERCOT should require a minimum share of dispatchable gas generation as solar and batteries dominate the queue. Education Watch: Austin ISD’s next accountability ratings could trigger state intervention if three middle schools hit a fifth straight failing grade, with TEA set to release A-F results Aug. 14. Texas Economy & Costs: A new report says food insecurity keeps rising across Texas, with nearly 1 in 5 residents struggling to access enough nutritious food. Business Briefs: DNOW reported Q2 results with record operating cash flow; Targa posted record Q2 adjusted EBITDA; and an award-winning Pflugerville BBQ spot plans to close at month’s end citing high beef prices.