AGP Executive Report

Data-center politics in Texas Senate race: New FEC filings say Texas AG Ken Paxton took nearly $500,000 from people tied to the fast-growing data center industry, including Tyler Winklevoss (Crusoe/Stargate Data Center). Paxton’s opponent James Talarico calls it proof of “corruption,” while Paxton’s camp didn’t respond. AI surveillance fight: Abbott ordered a statewide facial-recognition camera network, but Texas also froze state funding for Flock-style cameras after backlash—raising questions about privacy and how the system keeps running. Energy shock from Iran: Oil prices jumped after U.S. strikes on Iran-linked sites near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating; analysts warn the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is now low, making market calm harder. Health care pressure: Proposed Medicaid payment cuts could cost Texas hospitals and children’s services billions, with advocates warning rural and pediatric care would take the hit. Local growth and housing: Brownsville home values surged after major employers like SpaceX, pushing property tax bills higher and sparking debate over local tax rates.

Energy & Markets: Oil jumped at the week’s open after U.S. strikes hit Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent above $90 and WTI near $86. Elections & Tech Backlash: Texas is at the center of a growing fight over AI data centers and surveillance tech—Abbott has halted about 1,800 projects and blocked state funding for Flock cameras, while polling shows the issue could swing 2026 midterms. Politics (Texas Senate): Attorney General Ken Paxton says the Texas Senate race is close and competitive as he faces Rep. James Talarico, with observers calling it a toss-up. Workforce & Finance: Dallas Fed announced major bank-funding and international-economics conferences in Houston, focusing on stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and digital finance. Health Research: UT San Antonio researchers are testing MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD with a $5M DoD grant, alongside growing ketamine clinic activity in North Texas. Local Culture: The Texas Vignette art fair returns in October with nine Tarrant County artists selected.

Data Center Backlash in Texas: A UT Austin Texas Politics Project poll finds 57% of Texans oppose new data centers, citing worries about water, energy bills, and quality of life, while approval for state leaders’ handling of the issue is low (24%). Gubernatorial Race Focus Shift: Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa says voters are done with culture wars and want “kitchen table” issues as new polling shows her trailing Gov. Greg Abbott by about five points. Drag Ban Ruling: A federal judge struck down Texas’ drag show ban again, telling people offended to “just don’t go,” and citing Dolly Parton in the reasoning. Public Safety Tech Scrutiny: Gov. Abbott froze state funding for Flock Safety cameras amid growing backlash over surveillance concerns. Houston Renters’ Relief: Eligible renters can start filing claims for compensation from a proposed $360M settlement tied to alleged rent-fixing using RealPage software. Wildfire Watch: The Ross Fire continues to drive smoke and disruption across North Texas, with hunters also urged to watch for screwworm as fall season approaches. Crypto Buzz: Helium (HNT) surged 88% after Celina adopted Helium Network coverage.

Retail Expansion: SCHEELS opened its 35th store and second Texas location in Cedar Park, drawing thousands to a 300,000+ square-foot flagship packed with sports and outdoor shops plus big attractions like a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel and a 16,000-gallon aquarium. Politics & Elections: Jesse Kelly warned Texas about “radical” Democrat James Talarico’s Senate bid, while Rep. Jasmine Crockett said she’ll focus on campaigning down-ballot instead of trying to outshine the top race. Public Safety Tech: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock license-plate camera purchases after reporting tied Texas grants and fees to a growing surveillance network. Wildlife & Outdoors: Texas dove season moves to a statewide Sept. 1 opener for the first time, with South Texas no longer delayed under a three-year experimental change. Health & Science: A study on RNA droplets suggests a tiny chemical difference could help explain how early life’s molecules survived harsh conditions. Business Growth: Two Houston-area companies—Sterling Staffing Solutions and White Orchid Hospice—earned spots on the Inc. 5000 list for fast growth.

Healthcare Expansion: UT Health East Texas is rolling advanced outpatient specialty and imaging services into the new UT Tyler School of Medicine building, including a breast imaging center with 3D mammography plus MRI and cardiac imaging upgrades. Public Safety & Local Finance: Galveston is moving ahead with a $9.44 million loan for Fire Station No. 2 after strong bond ratings, aiming to bolster disaster readiness in a hurricane-prone area. Energy & Grid Politics: Texas AG Ken Paxton is asking for a pause on a roughly $33 billion ERCOT 765-kV transmission project, arguing it’s grown beyond what lawmakers authorized and needs fresh review. Elections & Voter Access: About 1.2 million Texans are on the state’s voter “suspense” list due to outdated registration info; officials say it’s fixable by Oct. 5. Legal/Justice: A 1981 Texas cold case murder has a new suspect after DNA testing, with extradition expected to Texas. Business/Tech: MSU Texas is getting $2.76M worth of PE Limited MOVE software licenses to boost geosciences and energy-related teaching and research. Sports: The Texans’ roster cutdown looms after the preseason finale vs. Carolina, with bubble players fighting for the 53-man team.

South Texas Politics: A Texas Southern University poll finds Democrats with an edge in three key South Texas House districts, with Bobby Pulido leading Monica De La Cruz in TX-15 and TX-34 and Henry Cuellar holding support in TX-28. Voter Access: About 1.2 million Texans are on the state’s “suspense” list for early voting, mostly due to outdated addresses; voters can check status at VoteTexas.gov and update by Oct. 5. Energy & Regulation: Texas AG Ken Paxton asks for a pause on ERCOT’s roughly $33B 765-kilovolt transmission line buildout, arguing the scope has outgrown what lawmakers authorized. Space & Defense: Gov. Greg Abbott backs faster degree pathways, while Trump signs an order creating a U.S. Space Academy planning commission, with NASA leading. Local Watch: Hillsboro’s I-35 outlet mall site keeps filling in with new fast-food chains, and DFW wildlife crews removed about 20 rattlesnakes from beneath a North Texas home. Immigration: A San Antonio student and her father were released from Dilley after a month-plus detention.

Data Centers & Power Politics: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas higher education leaders to study three-year bachelor’s pathways, but the bigger fight in Texas right now is still power for AI data centers—EPA guidance on “islanded” plants undercuts the idea that facilities can avoid grid and pollution impacts. Higher Ed & Workforce: Abbott’s push would speed graduation by cutting semesters, aiming to lower costs and get students into jobs sooner. Transportation Spending: Texas approved a 10-year, $138B transportation plan, including major Houston-area highway work. Energy & LNG: Sapphire Gas Solutions acquired Texas-based EDGE LNG, adding about 200,000 gal.d of modular liquefaction capacity. Public Safety at AI Sites: Galaxy added 24/7 fire, rescue and EMS coverage at its Helios data center campus in Dickens County. Food Safety: USDA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef sold in Texas and Florida after a missed import reinspection. Local Governance: Corpus Christi mayor Paulette Guajardo was suspended 30 days after a removal hearing, with water policy now a flashpoint. Elections & Legal Battles: Texas drag show restrictions were struck down again, with judges citing Dolly Parton.

Data Center Backlash & Texas Politics: A new wave of scrutiny is hitting Texas data centers as Gov. Abbott orders a “pause” on approvals and voters weigh electricity, water, and local control concerns in the run-up to the Senate fight. Healthcare Cost Push: Democratic nominee James Talarico and Mark Cuban are set to campaign in Fort Worth on lowering prescription drug prices by breaking up “Big Medicine” monopolies. Property Tax Pressure: Texas Comptroller Don Huffines urged property tax reform, arguing local governments have room to cut rates as sales tax collections rise. Drag Show Legal Battle: A federal judge in Houston again struck down Texas drag show restrictions, saying the law is unconstitutional and too vague. Sports Eligibility Court Fight: A Texas judge granted a restraining order tied to the NCAA/SEC former-pro athlete return-to-college rule, keeping the dispute alive. Veterans Grants: Abbott announced $6.3M in grants for 27 veteran support organizations across Southeast Texas and the Coastal Bend. Local Business Growth: Denison is converting a former Trailblazer building into space for up to 16 small businesses.

Higher Ed Affordability: Gov. Greg Abbott directed Texas colleges to build statewide pathways for students to earn a bachelor’s degree in three years, aiming to cut tuition and time-to-workforce. Local Transit: Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City is secured through 2027, after Texas funding ended uncertainty; Sen. Tan Parker called it a long-term mobility and economic tool. Politics & Campaigns: Republicans are privately worried Trump’s Dallas midterm convention won’t energize voters enough—especially with high costs and candidates pulled from districts. Courts & Culture: A federal judge again struck down Texas’s drag show ban, citing Dolly Parton and warning the wording could criminalize tributes. Housing & Health: Houston renters got a new push for stronger air-conditioning requirements after the city passed an ordinance targeting landlords who leave units without working AC. Business & Jobs: Port Houston’s latest study puts its economic impact near $1 trillion and highlights millions of jobs tied to the ship channel.

Drag Show Ruling: A federal judge again blocked Texas’ drag performance law, striking down Senate Bill 12 and warning its vague wording could even sweep in tribute-style performances—keeping enforcement off the table for now. Higher Ed Affordability: Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to build a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways, aiming to cut costs and speed up entry into high-demand jobs. Wildfire Watch: The Ross Fire west of Fort Worth has burned about 80,000 acres, with evacuations underway and containment still limited as winds and dry conditions drive rapid spread. Housing Policy: Austin’s South Austin affordable housing push cleared a key hurdle after a new state law made it harder for neighborhood groups to block projects. Public Safety & Scams: The BBB warned Coastal Bend residents about phone scams where callers spoof banks to steal debit and account info. Energy & Industry: Enbridge agreed to buy Salt Creek Midstream’s crude gathering business for $600 million, expanding its footprint in the Permian area near Texas and New Mexico. Local Health: A San Antonio nonprofit urged free teen heart screenings after recent athlete deaths tied to symptomless conditions.

Texas Business & Deals: Calian says it will sell its Houston-based U.S. commercial IT business to Trace3 for about CAD $43M upfront, with additional liability assumptions, as it refocuses on defense, space and healthcare. AI & Semiconductors: SpaceX and Tesla broke ground on Terafab, a $16.8B chip megafactory in Grimes County, with Texas touting job creation and incentives. Healthcare & Cybersecurity: Nutex Health confirmed a data breach after unauthorized access and removal of sensitive records, with patient and employee information potentially involved. Energy & Commodities: Gunvor is in early talks to buy Texas/Louisiana Haynesville shale gas assets from Silver Hill for up to $1.5B, reflecting renewed LNG-linked interest. Politics & Courts: A federal judge struck down Texas’ drag ban law, telling people “just don’t go,” while the Texas Senate race heats up with James Talarico seeking Paxton depositions. Local Impact: City Electric Supply’s CES Cares topped $2.5M raised for Make-A-Wish across North America. Sports: Houston Rockets’ contract strategy could extend their title window, with Tari Eason’s deal highlighted. Weather: Fast-moving North Texas wildfires forced evacuations and spread rapidly.

Astros Front Office: Houston Astros owner Jim Crane says manager Joe Espada will finish the season after the team parted ways with GM Dana Brown, with Jeff Bagwell and other senior execs taking over Brown’s duties during the transition. Texas Courts & Public Safety: A federal trial for Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr. and ex-assistant chief Alejandro Gutierrez was pushed to February 2027 after new discovery and Gutierrez’s injuries. Politics & Elections: Trump and JD Vance will headline nights of Republicans’ midterm convention in Texas, while a new Texas Senate poll flags warning signs for Ken Paxton against James Talarico. Civil Rights: A federal judge again struck down Texas’ drag-show ban as unconstitutional, issuing a permanent injunction. Economy & Food: Rising grocery prices are deepening hunger in San Antonio and across Texas, with millions facing food insecurity. Business & Jobs: UFP Industries plans a $6M Walker County expansion and 10 new jobs under a Texas enterprise zone program. Space & Industry: SpaceX announced a $100B Starship spaceport in Louisiana, expanding beyond Texas Starbase. Health & Care: CHRISTUS awarded $300,000 in grants to East Texas nonprofits supporting food, healthcare, and housing. Sports Betting/Tech Promo: Polymarket is offering a $20 bonus referral code “CUSE” for Astros-Yankees trading.

Texas Tech & Jobs: Dallas-Fort Worth jumped to No. 5 in North America for tech job growth, beating Los Angeles in CBRE’s talent ranking. Border & Agriculture: USDA began a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to Mexican cattle imports, but Texas ports won’t reopen soon, as screwworm risk remains a concern. Big Bend Backlash: Federal border barrier work was halted on state park property in far West Texas after public outcry, with officials trying to limit damage to parks and ecosystems. Election Watch: A Texas appeals court let Central Health keep paying Dell Medical School, rejecting a taxpayer challenge over how the funds are used. Data Centers Politics: Texas’ data-center fight keeps spreading, with more scrutiny on power and water demands and new political pressure building around the industry. Business Moves: Sun Communities named a new CFO, and Targa Resources reshuffled leadership to support long-term growth.

Data Centers, Politics & Power: Austin City Council is moving to update its code to regulate data centers, citing gaps in tracking noise, vibration, light, and resource impacts, while Texas leaders keep trading barbs over the AI boom’s power and water demands. Election Integrity & Access: The 5th Circuit reversed a lower ruling and revived parts of Texas’ mail-in ballot ID law under the Election Integrity Act, as more than 1.2 million Texans sit on the state’s Voter Suspense list ahead of November. Houston Mail Theft Case: Federal prosecutors say a Houston check-theft ring involving three USPS carriers and two residents stole about $24 million in checks, and one carrier pleaded not guilty in federal court. Iran Sanctions & Energy: The U.S. announced sweeping “economic D-Day” sanctions targeting Iran’s revenue streams, with oil dipping as traders weigh the impact on global markets. Public Health: Dartmouth researchers report alpha-gal syndrome may add risk for some patients receiving blood plasma or platelets. Community & Safety: A Victoria-area food bank launched the Hunger Heroes Challenge to fight food insecurity, while Houston residents keep questioning how Flock cameras are used and accessed.

AI + Power Grid Politics: Texas is again at the center of the AI-data-center fight, with Gov. Greg Abbott defending a pause on new hookups while Sen. Ken Paxton and challenger James Talarico trade barbs over rising power and water costs. Local Tech Backlash: Harris County residents rallied against Flock Safety-style AI cameras, arguing they enable warrantless-style tracking and privacy abuse, as counties weigh contract breakups. Water Planning: Longview says it’s set for 50 years, while the state pushes major funding for new water strategies to avoid drought shortfalls. Business + Jobs: A new report shows Texas led the nation in new business formations in July, and LoopNet ranks multiple Texas cities among top industrial investment markets. Education Equity: Austin ISD’s latest ratings keep tracing the city’s historic east-side divide, with most low-rated campuses serving high-need students. Court + Politics: Texas appeals cut Alex Jones’ Sandy Hook penalty to $1.5M, while the Texas Senate race tightens in polls. Energy + Deals: Shell’s U.S. chemicals unit draws suitors, and nVent is set to buy Maverick Power to expand data-center power infrastructure.

Data Centers Clash: Gov. Greg Abbott says AI data center developers “dug their own grave” after backlash, pointing to power, water, and community impacts; Texas has paused approvals while statewide standards roll out. Energy & Markets: New U.S. Iran sanctions target oil trade partners as tanker traffic stays restricted through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up Brent and WTI. Texas Politics: Cook Political Report shifts the Texas Senate race toward a toss-up, citing voter frustration over the economy, tariffs, and rural data center expansion. Workforce Housing: Fort Worth’s Vic Centre secured $36.5M in construction credit for a 268-unit workforce complex with amenities including pickleball and a business center. Local Fraud Watch: Decatur ranked among Texas cities tied for 139th in July scam reports, with two incidents totaling about $607. Small Business Spotlight: Fort Worth’s Point Blank Tequila won multiple golds at the 2026 Agavos Awards. Community Health: EMPATHRA launched a postpartum mental health referral initiative linking therapists and OB-GYNs to psychiatric care. Scam & Safety Tips: Texas SNAP enrollment fell faster than expected as policy changes take hold, while BBB Scam Tracker highlights ongoing online purchase losses.