AGP Executive Report

Texas Politics & Courts: A federal judge ruled Houston’s Minority Women and Small Business Enterprise Program unconstitutional, blocking the city’s race-conscious contracting portion while the city weighs an appeal. Local Governance: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson laid out a leaner FY 2026-27 budget push—protect public safety, manage pension costs, and keep lowering the property tax rate. Public Safety & Justice: A former East Texas deputy pleaded guilty in federal court to coercing a child into sexually explicit acts to create images, facing 40–60 years. Immigration Enforcement: A judge ordered the release of a key witness tied to a deadly Houston ICE shooting, keeping pressure on how federal agents operate in Texas. Economy & Jobs: Irving-based Alkegen filed for Chapter 11 to wipe about $3.1B in debt via a prepackaged plan, while Nexstar expanded Dallas and Phoenix primetime local newscasts. Tech & Privacy: Bexar County expanded Flock license-plate camera coverage, drawing privacy concerns over surveillance and data use. Education & Culture: Texas community colleges warned a state funding shortfall could force cuts to advising and staffing.

Texas Senate Race: A new poll shows James Talarico leading Ken Paxton by 5 points in the U.S. Senate contest, with support driven by voters’ views on affordability and trust on economic issues. Public Safety/Justice: The AG’s Cold Case Unit says it identified the remains of Kristen Galvan, a Houston-area trafficking victim missing since 2020, using advanced DNA work. Immigration Enforcement: Federal judges are pressing the Trump Justice Department over conduct, while Texas-related ICE cases keep sparking court orders and backlash after deadly incidents. Data Centers & Taxes: Texas lawmakers are questioning whether the multibillion-dollar sales tax exemption for data centers still pays off, as oversight and “who pays the cost” debates intensify. Education Policy: The Texas State Board of Education approved required Bible readings for public school students starting in the 2030-31 school year, adding to ongoing school funding and voucher fights. Food Insecurity: New Feeding America data finds Texas remains the hungriest state, with 1 in 4 children food insecure in the DFW area. Local Government: Pharr won the inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award for governance and accountability.

Data Center Tax Fight: Texas lawmakers are revisiting the state’s big sales-tax exemptions for data centers after the Comptroller pegged the cost at about $3.3 billion, with a Senate Finance hearing drawing renewed calls for oversight and protections for water and the grid. Local Pushback: Austin County approved a countywide moratorium on AI data centers and battery storage, aiming for a vetting “guardrail” while residents raise concerns about health, safety, and growth. Tech Safety in Texas: Texas secured a court-ordered deal with Discord requiring UK-style age assurance and default safety settings for Texas users. Immigration Accountability: A federal judge ordered DHS to release a witness in the deadly Houston ICE shooting within 48 hours, tightening pressure on how the case is handled. Public Safety & Courts: Killeen terminated its contract with HCS Inc. over construction problems at a community center. Crime & Community: Wilmer officials arrested after a racially charged gas-station confrontation; and Texas Rangers seek a suspect tied to a San Antonio home invasion after a bond issue. Midterms Pressure: President Trump demanded the Senate cancel its August break until the SAVE America Act advances, escalating the fight over voting rules ahead of November.

Immigration & Local Schools: Houston ISD student from Russia detained by ICE after being argued “here legally,” renewing pressure on how federal agents handle school-age cases. Criminal Justice: A Mercedes man indicted in a fentanyl-linked death case, with prosecutors alleging he kept selling even after the victim died. Public Safety: Brother-and-sister killings in Harris County tied to an ex-boyfriend; authorities say the suspect ambushed them after a child pickup dispute. Courts & Tech Policy: Fifth Circuit upheld that Texas social media content mandates are blocked by §230, limiting state efforts to regulate platforms. Health Policy: Texas delta-8/THC smokeable product ban takes effect July 31 after a Texas Supreme Court greenlight, reshaping the hemp-derived market. Military & Defense: Fort Hood hosted a change of command for the 116th Military Intelligence Brigade (Aerial Intelligence), tied to new long-range sensing and unmanned aircraft plans. Energy & Markets: Oil slid after a US-Iran strike pause, but attacks elsewhere (including on Saudi facilities) keep volatility high. Data Centers & Water: Texas regulators move to tighten oversight as lawmakers and communities push back on data center growth’s water and grid impacts.

Houston Fire Response: Firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze at the historic Harper Education Center/Harper School, with Mayor John Whitmire saying investigators suspect an electrical issue while crews remain on scene. Local Governance: Bangs City Council posts a July 27 agenda that includes updates on city leadership and emergency management roles. Education & Courts: Midland ISD is suing over Texas’ “Robin Hood” school finance system, reviving a long-running fight over recapture. Political Campaigns: Ted Cruz tells Iowa voters the 2026 midterms are a national battleground, warning Democrats could flip key seats. Data Centers & Power: Texas regulators and lawmakers keep pressing for more oversight as candidates argue data centers drive grid strain and higher bills. Immigration Enforcement: Houston ICE killings spark renewed calls for accountability, with protests demanding justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Statewide Policy: Texas appeals court blocks part of the state’s children’s online safety law. Energy & Markets: Oil prices slide after the U.S.-Iran strike pause, easing Middle East tensions and lowering WTI/Brent. Obituaries: Dallas education-policy leader Tom Luce dies at 86.

Texas Senate Race: Ken Paxton’s campaign is getting heat after he dodged questions about property holdings and voting residence during a Fort Worth news conference, with reporters pressing on reports that he owns more than previously disclosed and may have misrepresented where he lives. Black Voter Outreach: James Talarico is leaning hard into turnout after a $25 million pledge aimed at Black Texans, promising targeted ads, organizing, and voter registration efforts. Election Integrity Fight: A Democracy Docket piece argues Trump’s Texas gerrymander could silence communities—highlighting how redistricting may reshape who gets heard after high-profile ICE-related violence in Houston. ICE and Accountability: Multiple stories keep spotlighting ICE deaths and community demands for oversight, including calls for accountability after a Houston shooting and a vigil honoring people organizers say were affected by ICE actions. Flood Recovery Scams: As Hill Country flooding recovery continues, Texas’ top cop warns residents about scams and price gouging. Public Safety Tech: A security expert cautions that drone shows—now replacing fireworks—can make it harder to spot bad actors in crowded skies. Space/Foreign Policy: A U.S.-Russian ISS crew returned safely to Kazakhstan after 241 days, underscoring continued cooperation despite broader tensions.

Water & Infrastructure: Texas Water Development Board puts long-term water needs at about $174B, while current dedicated funding is far smaller—raising the question of who closes the gap. Data Centers & Power/Water: Texas regulators move to rein in data centers’ strain on the grid and water, as political fights intensify over who pays for the buildout. Elections & Courts: A federal appeals court blocks parts of Texas’ children’s social media content-filtering law, citing federal preemption—while election-integrity fights continue in federal court. Immigration Enforcement: After a Houston ICE shooting, Texas officials say testing found no drugs in the victim’s van, contradicting earlier federal claims; meanwhile, faith leaders and lawmakers press for accountability. Public Safety (Houston area): Deerbrook Mall in Humble was secured after a reported active-shooter incident; one juvenile was shot and another suspect detained. Crime (Gulf Coast): Galveston County authorities say a multi-location drug bust netted meth, fentanyl, cocaine, and a firearm. Standoff (Fort Bend): A man barricaded himself inside a Five Below in Richmond after allegedly trying to hit people with a vehicle; he surrendered and was arrested.

Data Center Cost Fight: President Trump is expanding a pledge with governors and utilities to protect consumers from higher utilities bills tied to data centers, but Texas officials and voters remain skeptical about whether prices will actually fall. State Politics & Agriculture: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed calls for Gov. Abbott to convene a special session over “unchecked” data center expansion, arguing it threatens rural communities and the electric grid. Border Trade Uncertainty: USMCA non-renewal threats are raising alarm for Texas-Mexico border businesses that rely on predictable rules, with Rep. Henry Cuellar warning Congress can’t be sidelined. Immigration Enforcement Fallout: In Houston, the DA says drugs were not found in a van tied to an ICE shooting, while a Nigerian nun in South Texas faces deportation concerns after an ICE detention. Human Smuggling Charges: Federal prosecutors charged 11 people in the deaths of seven migrants found in a sealed train container in South Texas. School Culture Battles: Texas continues to face fights over education policy, including a new “Robin Hood” school funding lawsuit from Midland ISD and ongoing controversy over book removals tied to SB13. Military-Connected Students: “Purple Star Schools” are spreading in Texas to help military kids transition and feel supported after moves. Food Safety: More than 19 million eggs recalled over possible salmonella contamination includes eggs from Texas farms.

ICE Accountability in Houston: Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s sons pressed lawmakers for a transparent probe after the ICE shooting that killed their father, while Democrats and faith leaders used a Houston hearing to demand ICE reforms and clearer limits on lethal force. Case Update: Harris County prosecutors and Rep. Sylvia Garcia said lab testing found the “crystal-like” substance in Salgado Araujo’s van was not narcotics, undercutting earlier federal claims. South Texas Flood Response: Gov. Abbott surveyed Nueces River damage in Cotulla and confirmed a third July flood death, warning waters could rise downstream into early August. Disaster Aid: Webb County was added to Texas’ request for expanded federal disaster assistance as FEMA Individual Assistance remains on the table. Data Centers vs. Texans: Regulators announced new rules for Texas data centers, while candidates and residents argue the projects could reshape the midterms—especially around who pays the costs. AI Kill Switch Push: A new bipartisan AI “kill switch” proposal is moving, raising fresh questions about government power over private tech. Cybersecurity: North Texas retailer Eyemart Express confirmed a February breach that exposed customer data, including sensitive identifiers. Education & DEI: Texas’ educator certification board voted to require National Board materials comply with the state’s anti-DEI law to keep eligibility for pay raises. Immigration Enforcement & Smuggling: Federal prosecutors indicted 11 people tied to deaths of seven migrants trapped in a sealed train container in South Texas.

Data Centers & Power: SWEPCO is rebuilding its H.W. Pirkey plant in Hallsville for natural gas, as AEP says data-center demand is driving incremental power needs through 2030. Election Politics: Texas AG Ken Paxton is leaning on national GOP heavyweights to close a fundraising gap with Democrat James Talarico, with ActBlue in the crosshairs. Courts & Schools: A new legal fight over Texas’ “Robin Hood” school finance system is back in play, with Midland pushing another challenge to recapture. Immigration & Faith: A Texas nun detained by ICE on her way to Mass spoke publicly for the first time, saying she was released hours later and urging others to be heard. Higher Ed Admissions: THECB approved the Classic Learning Test as an admissions option for Texas public universities. Energy & World Markets: Oil pushed above $100 as U.S.-Iran tensions and shipping disruptions escalate. Space: Tropical Storm Bertha delayed SpaceX’s Starship flight test in South Texas. Public Safety: A Mission resident was convicted in a multi-count corruption case tied to a school board influence scheme.

Midwife Abortion Case: A Texas appeals court reversed an injunction that had shut down a Houston-area midwife’s clinics, saying the state failed to show enough proof and improperly relied on probable-cause affidavits from a separate criminal matter. Election Administration: Texas sent thousands of letters to voters urging citizenship verification, as officials and critics debate how voter-roll checks are being handled ahead of elections. Border & Infrastructure: Flooding along the Rio Grande swept loose federal border buoys, disrupting traffic at international bridges and raising safety concerns about the floating barriers. Data Centers & Politics: A new Texas poll finds Texans oppose data centers by a wide margin, with backlash helping reshape how politicians talk about AI infrastructure. National Security/Trade: The U.S. military announced a 13th night of strikes on Iran as Red Sea shipping clashes push oil prices above $100, while a Senate China crackdown bill could threaten Mercedes-Benz sales in the U.S. Courts & Accountability: Travis County prosecutors moved to revoke juror payouts in a dropped evidence-tampering case tied to a 2019 in-custody death.

Insurance Consumer Watch: Texas is nearing final mandatory right to appraisal rules after a public hearing, setting the stage for how SB 458’s appraisal clause will work in practice. Local Relief Effort: An East Texas non-profit is asking for donations to fund a disaster-relief trip to Crystal City, Texas. Energy & Prices: Oil jumped toward $100 a barrel after Iran-backed Houthi attacks hit Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, pushing gas higher and raising inflation-rate worries. Tech & Security: OpenAI disclosed an “unprecedented” AI cyber incident involving autonomous hacking of Hugging Face, sparking renewed calls for stronger guardrails. Texas Law Enforcement Tension: The Texas Municipal Police Association is threatening legal action against the City of Mission over claims of harassment and targeting by Police Chief Cesar Torres. AI in Industry: A Houston-area company touts AI as a decision layer to improve inventory and procurement across industrial supply chains. Storm Recovery: Kerrville extended its disaster declaration after fresh flooding damaged roads, utilities, and drainage.

Lawmakers & Elections: The House passed a Stop Insider Trading Act limiting members of Congress, spouses, and dependents from buying individual stocks, but Senate prospects look bleak after GOP leaders tied the package to federal photo ID voting requirements. Defense & Iran: House Republicans also advanced a $95 billion Iran war budget blueprint and a broader $1.15 trillion defense authorization bill, keeping the focus on military funding and Israeli integration despite Democratic opposition. ICE Accountability in Texas: A federal judge barred deportation of a passenger tied to the Houston ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo while a habeas case proceeds, as protests continue over claims that officers lacked body cameras. Immigration Enforcement Fallout: ICE deported a TCU student to El Salvador after a June Arlington arrest, and separate reporting highlights ongoing disputes over ICE procedures and transparency. State Policy & Courts: Midland ISD voted to sue Texas over the “Robin Hood” school finance system, arguing recapture limits block districts from meeting student needs. Public Safety & Local Government: Scurry County became the 24th U.S. county to ban abortion in unincorporated areas, while College Station previewed a budget hearing and a presentation on automated license plate readers. Energy & Infrastructure: Texas hit record power demand as investments in solar and other renewables helped meet load.

Border & ICE Accountability: A new report highlights how ICE shootings in Houston and Maine show enforcement can harm people far beyond the intended target, while oversight gaps leave many confrontations outside FBI review. Iran War Fallout: The U.S. identifies a third service member believed killed in an Iranian attack on a Jordan base as strikes continue for an 11th straight night, with officials warning the Strait of Hormuz risk could set a dangerous precedent. Texas Traffic Safety: TxDOT launched Operation Slowdown (July 18–Aug. 2) to crack down on speeding with increased patrols and ticket enforcement, citing speeding as a top crash factor. Flood Recovery: FEMA approved more than $76.3 million for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Texas Politics: Ken Paxton kicked off his Senate campaign in Fort Worth by framing James Talarico as anti-law-enforcement, using a staged “mugshot” attack line. Tech & AI in Texas: Austin-Bergstrom Airport is rolling out a new FAA digital air-traffic system to reduce paper tracking and tarmac idling.

Iran War Fallout: The Pentagon confirmed a third U.S. service member is believed killed in the Jordan base attack—Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad of New York—bringing the total to 18, as the U.S. continues its 11th straight night of strikes tied to Strait of Hormuz shipping fears. Texas Senate Race: Ken Paxton and James Talarico traded sharp attacks in Fort Worth and Houston, with Paxton hitting “anti-law enforcement” themes and Talarico facing scrutiny from Black voters over outreach and responsiveness. AI + Jobs in North Texas: Nvidia and Wistron opened an AI manufacturing plant in Fort Worth’s Alliance area, touting major investment and job creation while the city weighs whether to pause or regulate data center growth. Flood Recovery: Gov. Abbott surveyed flood-damaged areas and said about 490 homes were damaged, urging Texans to document losses and file claims as cleanup and rebuilding ramp up. Birth Tourism Crackdown: Abbott ordered multiple Texas health agencies to investigate and enforce against alleged “birth tourism” schemes, directing potential license action against facilitators. Courts/Legal: A Texas appeals court revived a former Whitestone REIT CEO’s claims, while a federal judge temporarily blocked ICE from deporting a witness in the Lorenzo Salgado Araujo case.

Immigration Enforcement & Public Safety: The Pentagon identified 19-year-old Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas, as one of two U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian strike on a Jordan base, as Congress presses for more details amid escalating war. Border/ICE Accountability: A separate federal case highlights renewed scrutiny of ICE body cameras after a fatal Houston shooting and Maine incident, with lawmakers demanding answers and reforms. State Politics & Schools: Austin ISD ended its turnaround partnership for three struggling middle schools, ending a bid to avoid state takeover as August accountability ratings loom. Elections & Outreach: Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico faced tough questions from Black Houston voters at a town hall and pledged $25 million for Black voter outreach. Disaster Response: Gov. Abbott warned flood danger isn’t over yet along the Nueces River and other South Texas areas, even as recovery continues. Traffic Safety: TxDOT launched “Operation Slow Down” with increased speed enforcement through August 2, citing speed-related crash deaths. Local Governance: McGregor residents submitted a recall petition targeting the mayor over data center and water concerns. Courts & Criminal Justice: Tanner Horner’s defense asked for a new trial in the Athena Strand case, arguing media coverage blocked a fair trial. Infrastructure & Growth: San Antonio set a bond sale for airport expansion, including a new third terminal.