AGP Executive Report

Immigration Enforcement: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin highlighted ICE arrests of “worst of the worst” criminal illegal aliens, including murder and kidnapping cases, as part of the administration’s push to deport more people. Border & Public Lands: Bulldozers reportedly began clearing land in Big Bend National Park for border barriers after pleas to halt the plan failed, reigniting fights over access and environmental damage. Data Centers & Grid Oversight: Gov. Abbott secured commitments from major data center firms (Skybox, Digital Realty, Mara) to follow new statewide standards, while the state continues pausing/pausing approvals pending audits and grid review. Courts & Culture Wars: Three Houston-area mothers sued to block Texas’ Ten Commandments requirement in public schools, arguing it violates religious freedom and parental rights. Elections Watch: New polls show Democrat James Talarico leading Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race, and Abbott’s lead over Gina Hinojosa in the governor’s race tightening. Local Governance: NCTCOG’s executive board approved a settlement to end a Denton County transportation governance lawsuit, and Rockport will hold a Nov. 3 special election after a Ward 1 councilmember resigned. Energy/Markets: Oil prices rose on hopes for Iran-Oman transit arrangements affecting Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Data Center Politics: Gov. Abbott ordered audits and paused new grid interconnections for data centers, warning projects must protect the electric grid, conserve water, and not shift costs to Texans—while QTS says it will comply with the state’s standards. Tech & Jobs: Abbott confirmed SpaceX and Tesla’s $16.8B “Terafab” AI chip factory in Grimes County, with 3,000 projected jobs, even as the state tightens grid approvals. DOJ Confirmation Fight: Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she’ll oppose Todd Blanche for attorney general, narrowing the path for Senate confirmation amid concerns about DOJ actions and a proposed anti-weaponization fund. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrests at Philadelphia airport drew backlash from advocates, and Texas-related coverage also highlights detention conditions and legal aid disruptions for migrant children. Courts & Gun Policy: Texas appeals court upheld the State Fair of Texas gun ban, rejecting AG Ken Paxton’s challenge. Local Governance & Public Safety: Dallas’ Back to School Fair expands health services; Houston’s credit rating got a Moody’s upgrade; and East Texas counties issued burn bans as wildfire risk rises. Business & Legal: A federal judge recommended dismissing part of an Austin law firm’s $10M fee lawsuit, while Buc-ee’s sued an Ohio mini mart over a beaver mascot.

Space & Industry: Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $16.8B SpaceX “Terafab” semiconductor plant in Grimes County, touting 3,000 jobs and a major Texas manufacturing push. Power Grid & Data Centers: Abbott also ordered a statewide audit and paused new data-center interconnections pending verification by PUCT and ERCOT, raising concerns about delays and costs. Immigration Enforcement: A Houston businessman says ICE “swarmed” and arrested his Venezuelan-born Spanish-citizen fiancée at Bush Intercontinental, while Harris County commissioners approved $2.5M for an independent local investigation into a prior deadly ICE shooting. Migrant Kids Legal Aid: A $150M federal contract for unaccompanied migrant children’s legal services went to a Trump-tied Houston firm, after a long-running network’s funding lapsed. Courts & Guns: A Texas appeals court upheld the State Fair of Texas handgun ban, rejecting AG Ken Paxton’s challenge. Schools & Food: Houston ISD says new SNAP eligibility rules will force 33 campuses to end automatic free lunches, pushing families to reapply. Health Policy: Texas Children’s Hospital has 90 days to open a “detransition clinic” under a settlement with the AG. Local Governance: Corpus Christi’s mayoral removal hearing hit a tense third day with no ruling yet. Public Safety: The NTSB tied a Houston Ship Channel crash to distracted phone use by a pilot and poor lookout by the tug captain.

Texas Data Centers: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a pause on new data center interconnections and approvals pending a statewide grid audit, escalating a fight over power reliability and water demand as developers and residents clash over projects moving near homes. Election Administration: Tarrant County’s plan to cut Election Day polling sites sparked a chaotic public meeting and arrests, fueling distrust about how the county runs elections. Immigration Enforcement: ICE detention and deportation plans are drawing fresh scrutiny after reports that dozens of military spouses and parents have been held, including a Texas case tied to a Houston airport arrest. AG & Health Policy: Ken Paxton says his landmark $10M settlement with Texas Children’s Hospital is fully executed, including a required “detransition clinic.” Court & Gun Policy: A federal appeals fight continues over Texas’ age-check rules for app downloads, while a separate court ruling blocks enforcement of parts of Texas’ suppressor/gun law. Culture & Schools: Texas’ Bible-in-ELA curriculum cleared the State Board of Education, with opt-out limits for parents. Economy & Campaigns: AG Paxton touts a tax-and-health plan at a Houston rally as the Senate race heats up.

Texas THC crackdown hits stores and courts: A new state ban on several hemp-derived synthetic THC products took effect, with some gummies and vapes potentially treated as Schedule I—while retailers and distributors sued the state, arguing the Farm Bill already legalized compliant hemp. Immigrant kids’ legal fight: Attorneys for nearly 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children are back in court seeking about $65 million in unpaid fees, as a $150M contract for the work went to a small Trump-linked Texas firm. Gun rules thrown out in federal court: A Texas judge struck down 1930s National Firearms Act rules for suppressors and certain “untaxed” firearms after taxes were cut to $0, potentially easing registration and background-check requirements. Data-center power audit sparks backlash: Abbott ordered audits and a pause on new data center grid connections amid fears of overwhelming Texas’ electricity and water planning. Local governance pressure in Grimes County: Nearly 900 residents delivered a petition demanding stronger protections before Terafab tax incentives, including water, road, and emergency-services safeguards. Kids online safety advances in the Senate: The Commerce Committee moved multiple bipartisan bills forward, including the CHATBOT Act and Kids Online Safety Act. Public safety tech dispute: Panola County temporarily relocated some Flock Safety cameras after permit issues, saying the tools are for investigations, not traffic enforcement. Higher-ed expansion: Texas A&M opened a new downtown Fort Worth law and education campus, adding major facilities for students and training.

Data Center Power Crunch: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a pause on new Texas data-center grid connections, directing ERCOT and regulators to audit the queue after requests reportedly hit about 474 gigawatts—far above peak demand—raising grid reliability and water-use questions. Immigration & Courts: The Trump administration plans a $150M contract for unaccompanied migrant children’s legal services to a Houston firm with no immigration-law attorneys listed, while an AP investigation says more than 50 military spouses and parents have been detained as immigration protections are rolled back. Election Integrity Fight: Texas AG Ken Paxton sued proxy adviser Glass Lewis over claims its voting recommendations aren’t truly objective, continuing his push to reshape how proxy voting advice is disclosed. Texas Politics, Up Close: In the James Talarico vs. Ken Paxton Senate race, Talarico faces scrutiny over his own voting address history after accusing Paxton of voter fraud. School Safety + AI: Temple ISD will phase in AI in classrooms while rolling out new campus security upgrades, including cameras, fencing, and police officers at elementary schools. Energy & Industry: Entergy, Holtec, and Hyundai will evaluate potential SMR-300 deployments for large-load customers across the Gulf South.

Texas A&M Free-Speech Fight: Professors and the AAUP sued the Texas A&M System in federal court to block its policy limiting how race, gender, and LGBTQ topics can be taught, arguing it violates the First Amendment and academic freedom. Data Center Moratorium: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered regulators to audit and potentially deny new data center grid connections, citing electricity and water strain as Texans’ bills rise; the move is already sparking calls for a special legislative session. AG Confirmation Turmoil: Sen. Susan Collins said she’ll vote against Todd Blanche for attorney general, citing a politicized DOJ and his handling of the “anti-weaponization” fund, as the Senate Judiciary Committee advances his nomination. Election Access Clash: Tarrant County tabled a plan to cut polling locations by 40% after backlash that critics say would depress turnout in communities of color. Local Land-Use Fight: Killeen city council approved a contentious cell tower proposal on church property in a 6-1 vote, despite neighbor opposition. Crime & Courts: A California man was sentenced to life in federal prison for trafficking a missing Texas teen across states; in El Paso, robbery suspects were arrested after a pursuit ended in a crash.

AG Confirmation Watch: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination is set for a Senate Judiciary Committee vote after GOP holdouts John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis demanded written assurances—Blanche rescinded the proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and clarified limits on Trump-family tax audit immunity. Grid & Data Centers: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the PUCT and ERCOT to audit all data-center projects seeking grid connections, with failures denied access, as ERCOT weighs hundreds of gigawatts of new requests largely tied to data centers. Texas Courts: A Texas appeals court decision in Zafar v. Saghier reduced damages tied to attorney-fee and mental-anguish awards, adjusting exemplary damages under statutory limits. Public Safety: Texas Game Wardens say K-9 Lola helped track down an escaped Erath County inmate across streets and the Bosque River before he was taken back into custody. Tech/Industry: A trial on Quantum Corridor’s live network showcased 1.6 Tb/s quantum-safe optical encryption using Ciena and Toshiba tech. Community & Culture: A Texas summer camp for queer and trans kids, Color Splash Out, is drawing attention for creating a safer space away from misgendering and fear.

Data Center Grid Fight: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered PUCT and ERCOT to pause new data center grid connections until a comprehensive audit of power and water use is completed, warning noncompliant projects will be denied interconnection as ERCOT weighs massive demand requests largely driven by data centers. Hemp/THC Crackdown: Texas’ new ban on delta-8, delta-10 and other hemp-derived THC products is taking effect with felony exposure for possession, while hemp businesses and a retired officer sued in federal court to block the state’s Schedule I reclassification rule. AG Confirmation Drama: GOP senators are pushing back on Acting AG Todd Blanche’s nomination after disputes over Trump ally funding, with Blanche rescinding the “anti-weaponization” fund to clear a key hurdle. Election 2026 Watch: Texas Senate race politics are heating up as GOP strategists and polling narratives point to potential vulnerabilities heading into the midterms. Courts & Rights: Three Houston mothers sued over Texas’ Ten Commandments classroom display law, arguing it violates state protections. Public Safety: Parents of Deputy Erika Serrato filed a wrongful death lawsuit after an I-45 crash; TEA is investigating Richland Springs coaches after a student-athlete death.

AG Confirmation Fight: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinded President Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund after GOP senators John Cornyn (TX) and Thom Tillis demanded written changes, clearing a key hurdle for a Tuesday Senate Judiciary vote. Texas Politics & Leadership Loss: Trailblazing Texas Republican Kay Granger—Fort Worth’s first female mayor and the first GOP woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House—died at 83. State Policy—Heat Safety: UIL’s new wet-bulb globe temperature rules kick in for Texas outdoor practices, forcing breaks, shortening workouts, or canceling sessions based on heat readings. Economy & Growth: Apollo Global Management announced an Austin hub focused on innovation and technology, while Texas regulators face scrutiny over major transmission plans. Public Health: A surge of measles “titer” tests among Texans and other older adults reflects ongoing outbreak anxiety. Business/Tech: Houston-area NASA space outreach at the FIFA Fan Festival drew hundreds of thousands, and WM is testing autonomous landfill equipment with Caterpillar.

Texas Politics & Government: Former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, Fort Worth’s first female mayor and the first Republican woman from Texas to lead House Appropriations, has died at 83. State Courts & Policy: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick directed senators to expand religious liberty protections, including reviewing school excusals for off-campus religious instruction. Immigration & Legal Aid: More than 24,000 unaccompanied immigrant children could lose legal representation as a federal contract expires, with nonprofits warning of a deportation crisis. Federal Confirmation Fight: Trump says the “anti-weaponization” fund could return if acting AG Todd Blanche isn’t confirmed; Cornyn and Tillis are stalling over a settlement tied to IRS audit immunity. Public Safety & Health: Texas’ delta-8 and other hemp-derived THC bans take effect, tightening what retailers can sell. Local Texas: Bryan’s former mayor Lloyd Joyce died at 92. Texas Community: A Royse City FFA grad was elected Texas FFA state vice president.

Texas Senate Race: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told a Sherman crowd that James Talarico’s social-issue record matters even as affordability stays voters’ top concern, framing the contest as a high-stakes November test. Immigration & Voting Law: Rep. Brandon Gill filed a federal bill targeting “birth tourism,” seeking to label illegal entrants and would-be “birth tourists” as “invaders” and deny birthright citizenship—despite the Supreme Court upholding the doctrine. AG Confirmation Fight: President Trump says he’ll revive a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and keep Todd Blanche as acting attorney general if GOP senators block his confirmation, escalating pressure on Sen. John Cornyn. Public Safety Tech: Texas Cyber Command Chief TJ White briefed lawmakers after cyberattacks hit municipal water systems nationwide, warning hackers can potentially manipulate control systems. Education Funding: Texas Comptroller Don Huffines says Education Freedom Accounts are funded for 85,344 students after record demand. Energy & Property Rights: Landowners are pushing back on transmission-line projects tied to eminent domain, arguing the fight is about property and power. Hemp THC Crackdown: Texas’ delta-8 and most hemp-derived THC bans took effect, with shops reporting empty shelves and felony exposure for possession.

Hemp THC Crackdown: Texas’ ban on most hemp-derived THC products took effect Friday, pushing delta-8, delta-10, THCA flower and similar items off shelves and raising felony exposure for possession or sale, while low-dose delta-9 under 0.3% THC by dry weight stays legal. Criminal Justice: In Tarrant County, Tanner Horner’s bid for a new trial in his capital murder case was denied, with the judge declining to sign the order. Border & Immigration: Texas DPS highlighted a high-speed pursuit tied to smuggling eight illegal aliens, including three “special interest” cases from China, as enforcement efforts continue. Federal Power Struggle: Trump escalated his fight with GOP senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis over stalled AG nominee Todd Blanche, threatening to keep him acting and revive an “anti-weaponization” fund. College Sports: The Big Ten and SEC backed the Protect College Sports Act, giving the Cruz-Cantwell bill new momentum toward a Senate vote before August recess. Local Government: Buckholts Police lost authority after TCOLE action, with Milam County Sheriff’s Office taking over full-time services. Energy Prices: Exxon and Chevron warned diesel and refined fuel supplies will stay tight, keeping prices elevated into the second half of the year.

Attorney General fight: President Trump says Todd Blanche stays acting AG if the Senate won’t confirm him, while he pushes Congress to pass a controversial “anti-weaponization” fund—despite GOP Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanding written assurances it’s dead. College sports: The SEC and Big Ten reversed course and backed the Protect College Sports Act, reviving its Senate odds after last-minute language tweaks. Texas elections logistics: Absentee voting is open Saturday at the county clerk’s office for a Tuesday primary with contested races and constitutional amendments. Immigration legal aid crunch: A federal contract expiring Friday could leave about 24,000 unaccompanied immigrant children without lawyers in immigration court. Texas transit: Texas Transportation Commission approved $154M in public transit funding statewide. THC crackdown: Texas bans several hemp-derived THC products (including delta-8/delta-10), tightening what’s legal for shoppers and shops. ICE and faith community: Catholic Charities leader Norma Pimentel says a detained Texas nun left her “overwhelmed with fear,” underscoring ongoing ICE enforcement concerns.

Texas Politics & Courts: Trump is appealing a judge’s ruling over his $10B IRS lawsuit and the resulting $1.8B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund, while GOP senators keep pressing for changes tied to attorney general nominee Todd Blanche. Immigration Enforcement: DHS/ICE asked Texas not to release a Houston murder suspect, and a separate case in Idaho involves allegations of repeated child sexual abuse. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Houston is rolling out a high-risk apartment inspection program targeting repeat fire and health violations, and ICE witness release fights continue after a judge ordered a Houston ICE shooting witness freed. State Policy: Texas’ new THC crackdown starts tightening access to hemp-derived products (delta-8/delta-10 and more), with retailers scrambling to comply. Energy & Growth: Lawmakers and regulators are debating who pays for the transmission buildout as AI data centers surge, while Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham issues cease-and-desist letters over alleged unauthorized federal border land clearing. Elections & Governance: Tarrant County may cut polling sites for November, and Whitney residents raised questions about public comment rules at city council. Texas Economy/Space: Gov. Abbott touts the Texas Stock Exchange’s full trading launch and met with the U.S. Air Force on a new 10-year partnership agreement.

AG Confirmation Standoff: President Trump escalated his fight with GOP senators over acting AG Todd Blanche, threatening to temporarily withdraw the nomination unless Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis get written changes to the IRS settlement and the proposed “anti-weaponization” fund. Texas Senate Race: A new Fox News poll shows Democratic Rep. James Talarico narrowly leading Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race, with the gap inside the margin of error and sharp differences between MAGA and non-MAGA Republicans. Immigration & Faith: Brownsville Bishop Daniel Flores said a detained Nigerian nun, Sister Leticia Ugbaoja, can remain in the U.S. while her case proceeds, though deportation risk remains. Prisons Heat & AC: A federal lawsuit over Texas prison air conditioning spotlights how the state’s heat-sensitivity scoring can leave medically vulnerable inmates without cooling. Energy & Economy: Oil giants reported big profits as U.S.-Iran conflict disrupted shipping and pushed fuel prices higher, while Texas gas prices dipped slightly amid ongoing market uncertainty. Consumer Protection: Texas lawmakers are moving toward tougher action on crypto kiosks after Texans lost about $57M to scams, with a push to ban the machines outright. Military Impact: A Texas Comptroller report puts Fort Hood’s 2025 economic contribution at nearly $38B, underscoring the base’s reach across jobs and spending.