AGP Executive Report

Drugs & Prisons: Two Chinese nationals, Lisa Xing and Zhanwen Song, were indicted in the Eastern District of Texas on federal drug trafficking and money-laundering charges tied to synthetic drugs allegedly destined for U.S. prisons. Politics in Dallas: Texas leaders are lining up for the GOP’s first-ever midterm convention at American Airlines Center, with President Trump and VP JD Vance set to headline key nights. Houston Crime: A Houston man, Jeremiah Bernard Ellis, is wanted after allegedly exposing himself in the women’s section at a Walmart; he’s charged with indecent exposure and has prior convictions. Education Update: Pershing Elementary in San Antonio jumped from an F to a B in Texas Education Agency ratings, narrowly missing an A. Weather & Wildfire: Firefighters are still battling the Ross Fire in North Texas, now about 57% contained after burning roughly 90,400 acres. Tech & Housing: Amazon and WiWynn plan to expand a server rack/data center manufacturing push in Socorro, Texas, with investment projected to top $1.6 billion. Sports Spotlight: Ohio State and Texas meet again in Austin in a top-5 showdown featuring Arch Manning and Julian Sayin. Community & Culture: Ballet Texas will stage an underground “Dracula” at Natural Bridge Caverns on Oct. 3 to kick off Cavern Bat Fest.

UIL Heat Rules: North Texas schools are reshaping football practices under new UIL safety limits as extreme heat forces postponements and earlier breaks. Public Safety: A CBS News Texas investigation found 704 railroad crossings used by school buses without safety gates, including dozens with crash histories. Houston Crime: Houston police say a 14-year-old was shot during an attempted robbery at Tidwell Park; three possible suspects were detained. Education Policy: The Texas Education Board approved controversial new social studies curriculum changes tied to religion, sparking a statewide firestorm over church-state lines. State Politics: Texas is preparing for a high-stakes midterm push as Republicans gather in Dallas for a major convention featuring Trump and Vance. Local Government: Harris County commissioners tentatively advanced a 9.6% property tax rate increase, with a public hearing set for Sept. 17. Space & Tech: SpaceX says Starship 40’s return to Boca Chica will take months. Sports: The Houston Astros opened their Phillies series with a 6-5 road win, while Texas Tech and UTRGV notched early-season wins.

GOP Midterm Convention: Republicans are set to hold their first-ever midterm convention in Dallas this week, with JD Vance and Donald Trump closing out both nights and Texas heavyweights like Ken Paxton, Dan Patrick, Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott also scheduled to speak. Houston Water: Houston is resuming water shutoffs for customers with unpaid bills—about 15,000 accounts are targeted, with the city saying it’s owed $30 million. Hemp/THC Fight: Trump delayed a federal hemp-derived THC crackdown, but Texas’ ban still stands after a judge refused to block it, keeping many products illegal under state law. AI/Power in Texas: Enphase says its solid-state transformer power modules are now being built in Arlington for AI data centers, lifting solar stocks in sympathy. Local Crime: A Houston man was charged with murder after his mother’s body was allegedly found in a duffel bag. Politics & Crime of Note: Texas Gov. Abbott unveiled an affordability plan in Lubbock focused on cutting property taxes and other costs. Arts & Culture: Houston Cinema Arts Festival returns Oct. 1–11 with a strong LGBTQ lineup. Sports: North Texas volleyball fell to No. 17 Florida in front of a program-record crowd.

Big 12 vs. Texas Tech: The conference has withdrawn its federal lawsuit over quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility, saying the matter is handled internally and moving forward. Public Safety & Crime: Houston police are investigating a shooting at Memorial Hermann after a knife-wielding patient was tasered and then shot by security; in New Braunfels, two Houston-area men face aggravated robbery charges after a “bank jugging” chase involving K-9 and drone units. Power & Utilities: Sharpstown residents at a Parkfront Drive apartment complex say they’ve been without power for days; firefighters set up cooling help, while Houston Public Works targets about 15,000 customers for past-due water bills. Health & Environment: Texas Parks and Wildlife released 700+ million sterile, UV-glowing flies to curb the New World screwworm. Politics: Republicans are holding a first-ever midterm convention in Dallas with national stakes and Texas-focused momentum. Education: Harmony Science Academy-Houston reports 68% of students not on “college track” based on STAAR results. Sports: Texans open Week 1 vs. Buffalo as DeMeco Ryans warns it’s a “new” Bills team; Texas volleyball heads to a Moody Center rematch with Wisconsin.

Miss America: Houston native Regan Hutsell won Miss America 2027, ending Texas’ 50-year wait and bringing the crown home after a week of pageant competition. Texas Politics: Elon Musk’s America PAC is spending nearly $250,000 so far to back GOP Sen. Ken Paxton and attack Democrat James Talarico, with Texas getting the biggest share of the group’s early spending. Energy & Growth: Texas regulators froze data-center hookups while ERCOT audits key details, adding uncertainty to the AI power buildout. Conservation: A coastal “Down Below” ranch near Freeport was permanently protected, adding 2,500 acres to a wildlife refuge and expanding conserved habitat across Brazoria County. Public Safety: Garland police shot and killed a machete-wielding man at a bus stop after repeated commands to drop the weapon. Health Care: Texas hospitals face a Medicaid funding shortfall of about $27 million per day tied to delayed federal approvals. Sports: Texas A&M reported 41 former Aggies on NFL rosters as the 2026 season begins, including a record-tying 10-player draft class.

Workplace Safety: A contractor died at an Applied Materials facility in Austin after a medical emergency in Building 34; coworkers reported a loud “pop or bang,” and the company said the event was non-work-related. Public Safety: A stray bullet pierced a Houston-area fire station ceiling, narrowly missing a firefighter, while Houston police also investigated a body found in a trash can and a separate armed shooting outside a restaurant. Crime & Schools: A 19-year-old was charged in Harris County for secretly recording a student through a bathroom stall; meanwhile, Texas law enforcement warned families about the viral “Cat in the Hat” trend using AI-altered threats aimed at schools. Politics: A federal judge struck down a 1930s Texas firearm suppressor law, and the Texas Senate race heats up as Trump’s MAGA Inc. pours $10M into Ken Paxton’s campaign. Heat & Power: Southwest Houston residents at Westbury Square Townhomes were without power nearly 40 hours during triple-digit heat before power was restored. College Sports: Texas opened with a 59-7 win over Texas State and jumped to No. 1 in ESPN’s FPI; Texas A&M shut out Missouri State 50-0, while Houston beat Oregon State 33-20.

Federal Courts: A Hewitt man, Thomas James Hurtt, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for supplying fentanyl-laced pills tied to an Eastern District of Texas overdose case. Federal Courts: In the same district, Beaumont’s Joskin Love received 10 years for meth and fentanyl-laced pill trafficking after a traffic stop led to the drugs. Houston Crime: Police are investigating a homicide after a body was found inside an overturned trash can at a Third Ward apartment complex; investigators say blood trails led to a nearby unit and two people are being questioned. Houston Public Safety: A security sergeant shot a knife-wielding man inside Memorial Hermann Memorial City ER after Tasers failed to stop him, according to Houston Police. Houston Violence: Southwest Houston police are probing a restaurant shooting after an argument; a bystander was hit in the torso and leg and is expected to survive. Politics: Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. filed to spend $10 million on TV and digital ads in the Texas Senate race, targeting Ken Paxton’s Democratic opponent James Talarico. Weather: North Texas remains under relentless heat and drought through Labor Day, with heat index values around 101–108 degrees. Education Data: UT Dallas reported a 72.3% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black students entering in 2018. Sports: Texas opened with a 59-7 win over Texas State, with transfers making an early impact as the Longhorns turn to Ohio State next.

Texas Senate Race: Trump’s super PAC MAGA Inc. is pouring $10 million into Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate bid, a major new ad push as Paxton trails Democrat James Talarico in fundraising and the GOP tries to defend narrow majorities. College Football—Texas A&M: Marcel Reed threw for 233 yards and two TDs as No. 8 Texas A&M shut out Missouri State 50-0, with Isaiah Horton scoring on a 15-yard catch and the Aggies outgaining the Bears 505-67. College Football—Texas: Arch Manning passed for 305 yards and four TDs as No. 5 Texas routed Texas State 59-7 in the Longhorns’ opener. College Football—Texas Tech: Will Hammond returned from a knee injury to throw for 298 yards and Texas Tech beat Abilene Christian 33-10, though the offense settled for field goals in the red zone. Local Safety: A multi-vehicle crash on FM-51 near Boyd sent one person to the hospital in critical condition and injured others, with multiple agencies responding. Houston Environment: Texas Parks and Wildlife says Houston-area dead fish reports are likely tied to natural low-oxygen conditions after heavy rainfall, while one kill is still under investigation.

College Football Spotlight: No. 6 Indiana kicked off its 2026 title defense with a hype-filled home opener against North Texas in Bloomington, with FOX carrying the noon ET game and TCU transfer Josh Hoover expected to lead Indiana at quarterback. Texas Sports & Weather: North Texas fans are also looking at a hot Labor Day weekend in North Texas, with highs near 99 and heat index around 106, plus a heat advisory through 7 p.m. Houston Public Safety: Houston police arrested Derrick Duane Jackson, 48, and charged him with capital murder after two people were found shot dead inside a west Houston apartment management office. Health Policy: Texas AG Ken Paxton is facing scrutiny for not challenging the Trump administration over Texas’ $10 billion Medicaid cut, even though he previously sued over similar CHIRP funding issues. Community Funding: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas awarded $754,250 through its Partnership Grant Program to 24 Texas community organizations. Local Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Devine tied for 139th in Texas for July scam reports, with two reports and $249 in losses.

Education & Culture: Texas education leaders approved controversial high school social studies curriculum changes, including how early Islam and Christianity are taught, with Muslim advocates criticizing wording and the board voting largely along party lines. Public Safety: A suspect identified as Pedro Gonzales, 50, is accused of a shooting spree across Pasadena, New Caney, and Houston before being found dead in Houston in what authorities say was self-inflicted. Health Care: Texas hospitals face an estimated $27M daily hit as federal Medicaid reimbursements are withheld, raising alarms for rural facilities on thin margins. Energy & Water: Texas’ data-center boom is reigniting a key question: will there be enough water for residents as facilities need cooling and state officials scrutinize usage. Politics: Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is pitching data centers and energy policy ahead of the GOP midterm convention in Dallas. Sports (Texas): The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Texas Rangers 7-5 in Arlington, snapping a skid; meanwhile, Indiana opens vs North Texas with two starting defensive linemen cleared by court order. Weather: Labor Day weekend in Houston stays hot and humid with scattered storms and brief heavy rain possible.

Cybercab Rollout: Tesla began paid robotaxi rides in Austin with its driverless two-seater Cybercab, using the Robotaxi app and a touchscreen-focused in-car experience. Politics & Campaign Trail: Ken Paxton brushed off Donald Trump’s wardrobe jab, saying “Texas is casual,” as Trump also renewed attacks on Paxton’s opponent, James Talarico. Houston Crime Update: Houston police are investigating a shooting at a Burger King in northeast Houston; one person was taken to a hospital. Texans Contract Moves: Houston reworked WR Tank Dell’s final-year deal, lowering his salary-cap number while keeping him on injured reserve designated for return. AFC South Buzz: Sports coverage asks whether the Texans can reclaim the division as the Jaguars, Colts, and Titans reshape their outlooks. Statewide Safety: Texas troopers are launching a Labor Day traffic crackdown under Operation CARE, targeting speeding, intoxication, and move-over violations. Wildfire & Weather Watch: The Ross Fire remains a major North Texas blaze, while Tropical Storm Edouard’s remnants keep flood risk alive across parts of the state. Education & Religion Policy: Texas education leaders advanced a new “Literary Works List” tied to grade-level reading requirements, drawing fresh debate over religion in public schools.

Education & Politics: Gov. Greg Abbott named 21 teachers to a new Texas Classroom Commission to advise lawmakers on improving instruction and supporting educators. Schools Funding: Texas comptroller is asking lawmakers to double school voucher funding to $2 billion over the next two years, citing strong demand from families. Public Safety & Courts: A Galveston County jury sentenced James Dolphs Elmore Jr. to 20 years for the death of 16-year-old Laura Miller in the “Texas Killing Fields” case, the first conviction tied to one of the four women found at the Calder Road site. Tech & Business: BASF sued Apple in Texas over Face ID, alleging Apple infringed BASF spin-off TrinamiX patents. Autonomous Vehicles: Tesla says it has registered hundreds of robotaxis in Texas, with a “slow launch” expected for its Cybercab service. Weather & Recovery: Tropical Storm Edouard’s aftermath continues across East Texas, with record rain reports and ongoing flood concerns. Sports (Texas): Texas State opens a new era in the Pac-12 and visits Austin for the Longhorns’ season opener; meanwhile, the Texas Rangers shut out the Rays 6-0.

Texas Politics & Voting: Tarrant County Republicans voted to cut polling sites by nearly a third for the November midterms, leaving 1.3 million voters with just 224 locations—critics say it will hit voters of color hardest. Hurricane Aftermath: Tropical Depression Edouard’s remnants keep dumping heavy rain and causing power outages across eastern Texas, with flood watches and flash flood warnings in place. Public Safety & Courts: James Elmore Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in the decades-old “Texas Killing Fields” case tied to the death of 16-year-old Laura Miller. Wildfire Cause: Investigators say the Ross Fire was sparked by a blown tire, after the blaze burned over 90,000 acres. Houston Sports: Amen Thompson agreed to a five-year, $208 million extension with the Rockets. Healthcare Costs: Texas hospitals say they’re losing about $27 million a day as Medicaid funding remains frozen/withheld. Local Business: Save-On-Foods opened a new Houston location with weekend promotions and donations.

Tropical Storm Edouard: A rare “high risk” flood zone is set just northwest of Beaumont, with meteorologists warning of locally catastrophic flash flooding as more rain pushes into eastern Texas. Energy & AI demand: OCI Holdings’ U.S. arm, OCI Energy, broke ground on the 260-megawatt SunRoper solar project in Wharton County, aiming to start operations in 2027 as data centers keep cranking up power needs. Local impact: East Texas Symphony Orchestra received a $150,000 grant ahead of its “Symphony in the Park” event, expanding music access for rural schools. Politics—Texas Senate: President Trump mocked Ken Paxton’s appearance but vowed to campaign for him against James Talarico in a tight race. Public safety: Texas DPS is ramping up Labor Day highway patrols, targeting speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, seat belts, and Move Over laws. Sports—Houston: The Astros beat the White Sox 2-0, and Houston cashed in after Chicago missed chances late. Crime & courts: A family is suing Houston’s Galleria mall and security firms over a 2025 fatal parking-garage shooting, alleging banned suspects were allowed back in.

Tropical Storm Edouard: Southeast Texas is dealing with gusty winds and heavy rain after the storm made landfall and weakened to a tropical depression, triggering flash-flood emergencies in parts of the region and leaving more than 77,000 customers without power. Elections & voting access: Tarrant County voted to cut polling locations by 92 for the 2026 midterms, drawing sharp backlash from residents who say it suppresses voting. Immigration enforcement: ICE data shows Texas holds a major share of Trump-era detainees, underscoring how central the state is to the administration’s mass detention approach. Religion in schools: Families are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their challenge to Texas’ Ten Commandments classroom mandate. Local government finance: Houston approved an anti-annexation deal with The Woodlands, a move critics call a “bad deal” that trades future revenue for a short-term payment. Insurance & housing costs: Texas regulators warned insurers against “price optimization,” and hospitals say Medicaid funding freezes could cost them $27 million a day. Community & culture: SMU canceled a CAIR-Texas youth conference tied to the state’s “foreign terrorist” designation, while a new Ghanaian national Catholic parish was established in Arlington.

Texans Contract Deadline: Texans GM Nick Caserio set a Week 1 deadline for negotiating a C.J. Stroud extension, saying if it isn’t figured out before the season starts, it’ll be handled in the offseason. Tropical Storm Edouard: The storm made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border, bringing heavy rain and flash-flood risk; outages hit tens of thousands of customers, with crews working to restore power. Data Center Water Scrutiny: Texas regulators say most data centers failed to respond to water-usage inquiries, raising the prospect of criminal investigations and more pressure on transparency. Right-to-Repair & New Consumer Rules: New Texas laws taking effect Sept. 1 expand right-to-repair protections, add residential solar requirements, and change parts of public-school funding and manufactured-housing rules. Flock ALPR Privacy Fight: State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst called for an automated license plate reader ban, arguing mass surveillance concerns under the Fourth Amendment. Grand Canyon Tragedy: The National Park Service recovered two Texas hikers’ bodies and continues searching for a third missing person. Local Sports & Community: Texarkana hosts the Pat Daniels Invitational, while Sam Houston opens its season on the road at Troy.