AGP Executive Report

NFL & Local Economy: Joey Porter Jr. is officially a Dallas Cowboy after the Steelers trade, and he’s already practicing in Frisco while waiting to see if his back holds up for a Sunday debut vs. the Texans. Energy & Markets: Oil prices were steady-to-slightly higher as traders weighed mixed Middle East supply risks against signs of recovering exports, while global stocks slid on bond and currency swings ahead of U.S. jobs data. Texas Power & Water: The Texas PUC approved the Tolk coal plant closure and a renewables + battery buildout, aiming for major water savings and power for hundreds of thousands of homes. Cyber & Regulation: A new push to hold AI agent makers liable for hacking damage is gaining traction as Google rolls out a guardrail-light cyber model. Elections & Voting Access: Harris County is processing about 75,000 voter registration records after a DPS system issue, with the Oct. 5 deadline looming. Business & Consumer Pressure: A Texas BBQ spot removed brisket from its menu as beef costs squeeze margins. Trade & Investment: South Korea’s $200B U.S. investment plan is moving forward, with a Texas gas plant tied to tariff terms.

Energy & Cost of Living: States are moving to curb diesel and gasoline prices after supply disruptions tied to the Iran war and refinery hits pushed diesel to record levels, with proposals ranging from regulatory relief on red-dyed diesel to other fuel-supply tweaks. Texas Politics & Campaign Trail: President Trump and JD Vance kicked off a 32-day Texas-and-Oklahoma blitz as polls show low approval on the economy and cost of living, setting up high-stakes midterm messaging. Markets & Finance: The Texas Stock Exchange’s parent closed a $155M round, bringing total funding to $430M, and marked a surge in Dallas primary listings worth $115B in market cap. Real Estate & Housing: A new real estate investment blueprint points to a shift toward the middle market as institutional capital returns and investors hunt for deals under $50M. Local Impact: Willis ISD issued a boil-water notice after a water pressure issue, with bottled water and campus delivery plans in motion. Energy Industry & Justice: Federal charges were filed in a West Texas oil theft ring tied to alleged crude purchases routed through disposal claims. Affordable Housing: Fairstead celebrated completion of a $26M rehabilitation of Houston’s Coppertree Village, upgrading 324 units.

Texas Energy & Data Centers: Trump announced a $22.3B, 6.4-gigawatt gas power project in Encinal, Texas, aimed at supplying nearby AI data centers, as part of a broader $200B South Korea investment plan that also includes Alaska LNG and eight nuclear plants. Power & Supply Chain: South Korea and the U.S. released a joint fact sheet spelling out implementation steps for the Texas plant, nuclear framework, and Alaska LNG review—highlighting how energy deals are now tied directly to data-center growth. Local Economy & Jobs: Houston ISD teachers face sudden layoffs and position eliminations tied to “campus leveling,” with pay ending Oct. 2. Cyber & Privacy: Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating class-action claims after Saber Healthcare reported unauthorized access affecting residents, including 269 in Texas. Politics & Compliance: Texas agriculture commissioner candidates traded eligibility attacks ahead of early voting. Tech & Safety: Austin first responders trained to handle Tesla Cybercabs during severe-weather preparations. Markets: Oil held near $98 as traders weighed US-Iran talks and Middle East shipment signals.

Data Centers & Power Contracts: Texas remains at the center of the AI buildout as long-term data center leases stretch to 20 years, with power access becoming the real asset behind massive projects. Energy Costs & Freight: Diesel prices have eased from record highs, but freight rates are still pressuring CFOs, with Texas also expanding access to dyed diesel and raising weight limits to keep supply chains moving. State Budget & Taxes: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa is pitching a one-time $1,500 “corruption tax refund” funded by the Rainy Day Fund, while Comptroller Don Huffines moves to end a “hidden tax” on marketplace and platform fees. Policy & Regulation: Texas is pausing new data center permitting pending grid and water audits, as oversight tightens amid rising electricity and water concerns. Port Houston Trade: Port Houston container volumes inched up in August, led by stronger loaded imports and a sharp jump in steel imports. Business & Finance: MP Materials rebounded on renewed optimism around critical minerals and magnet demand, while Texas consumers are reminded they can file financing complaints with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Local Watch: A Texas woman was arrested in a Shreveport case alleging $743K+ in unauthorized company purchases.

Energy Markets: Oil prices slid as the U.S. moves to release 40 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, while Middle East crude flows show signs of recovery—though Hormuz risk still hangs over prices. AI & Tech Policy: President Trump says major AI firms agreed to “self-police” via internal and external reviews, even as OpenAI pauses training over concerns about rogue agents. Texas Data Centers: A growing backlash is colliding with state permitting—Texas is freezing new data center approvals pending grid audits, while lawmakers press for more transparency around big tech deals. Cybersecurity: Michigan AG announced a multistate settlement with Labcorp over the AMCA data breach that may have exposed 27.5 million people’s personal information. Local Business & Growth: Houston-area logistics and retail operators are weighing mobile barcode scanners versus dedicated Android devices as MUNBYN pushes its handheld lineup. Politics & Labor: Diesel costs are driving renewed talk of an Oct. 1 trucker action, after Abbott declared disasters and expanded dyed-diesel and weight rules. Elections: Democrats’ “blue wave” optimism faces pushback, with New Hampshire cited as a warning sign for races that include Texas.

Retail Expansion: Sprouts Farmers Market keeps rolling out new stores, opening in Arlington and College Station (Sept. 25) and adding locations in San Diego and Limerick on Oct. 2, with local grower partnerships and opening-day promos. Public Safety & Courts: North Texas authorities say a major drug trafficking operation led to 19 indictments, with six still at large, after alleged weekly deliveries from trap houses near schools and parks. Tech & Cyber: A class-action firm says a Gallagher Transport data breach exposed sensitive info for at least 1,097 Texas residents, while OpenAI’s DevDay launch comes amid renewed scrutiny of agent safety controls. AI/Trade & IP: Netlist filed a complaint seeking an import ban on Micron chips used in AI products by Google, Nvidia and Broadcom, continuing its patent fight. Energy & Infrastructure: Texas-linked grid upgrades are in focus as a Colorado project wins $250M to boost transfer capacity between Western and Eastern power grids, including a Texas connection. Policy & Business Costs: The U.S. Senate passed the Common Cents Act, setting national cash-rounding rules after penny phaseout—aimed at reducing operational and legal headaches for cash-heavy businesses.

Energy Markets: Oil prices climbed for a second straight session as US-Iran tensions kept traders focused on possible Middle East supply disruptions, even as analysts pointed to improving Gulf export volumes that still rely on costly ship-to-ship workarounds. Space & Tech: SpaceX’s Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time from Texas and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, though the mission was shortened after an engine shut down early. Agriculture & Food Security: Texas officials say the New World screwworm has returned, warning ranchers and rural communities to brace for a potentially serious livestock threat. Local Business & Growth: EVgo is expanding fast-charging at grocery-anchored shopping centers through a new partnership with Regency Centers, including Texas locations. Public Health: Kerr County confirmed an additional rabies case after a bat tested positive, urging residents to avoid handling unfamiliar animals. Policy & Sports: The US Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz leading, but it still faces a House vote before any changes take effect. Immigration Courts: A Texas immigration court hearing highlighted how very young children are facing deportation proceedings without legal representation.

Space & Defense: SpaceX sent its Starship into orbit from Texas for the first time, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites before ending the flight early after an engine shutdown. Energy & Regulation: Gov. Abbott expanded dyed-diesel use on Texas roads and loosened weight limits to blunt high diesel costs, while regulators weigh Xcel Energy’s proposal to stop data-center growth from dumping infrastructure costs onto existing customers. Banking & Finance: The FDIC moved against Old Glory Bank, ordering a capital restoration plan after it was deemed “significantly undercapitalized.” Biotech & Markets: Kodiak Sciences surged after Phase 3 results showed its eye-drug candidates matched Eylea with less frequent dosing. Local Business & Economy: Collin County approved a 1.4% property tax rate increase; Port Houston’s economic impact nears a $1 trillion milestone. Tech & Trade: Taiwan Expo USA 2026 wrapped in Dallas with $96.5M in potential procurement value. Public Safety: Waco police arrested a suspect tied to dozens of BB gun shootings targeting businesses, using license plate reader data to connect the dots.

Space & Tech: SpaceX is preparing Starship Flight 14 from Starbase in South Texas, aiming for its first orbital attempt and the deployment of 26 Starlink V3 satellites, a major step for next-gen connectivity. Biopharma: Eli Lilly broke ground on a $6.5B Houston manufacturing facility to expand “medicines made in America,” including production tied to its GLP-1 portfolio. Energy Markets: Oil prices jumped after Trump rejected an Iran proposal tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reviving supply-risk fears that are already moving crude and investor sentiment. Housing & Growth: Dubai’s Sobha Realty plans a $600M Texas push—about 700 homes across Celina and Frisco—after securing early development financing. AI & Mobility: Tech coverage highlights how autonomous vehicle companies are shifting from pilots to commercial deals, with partnerships driving scale. Politics & Business Climate: A Texas voter poll finds one in six voters are unaffiliated and undecided, with affordability and electricity bills topping concerns. Legal/Regulatory: A Texas federal lawsuit claims boxing promoter Jake Paul’s MVP mishandled safety and liability issues tied to Heather Hardy’s career-ending fight.

Space & Defense: SpaceX is targeting an orbital test for Starship’s Flight 14 from Boca Chica, with a possible Sept. 28 launch window and a key step toward NASA’s Artemis missions. Texas Politics & Business Climate: UT Austin is removing “gender,” sexuality and race-focused courses from core curriculum status, a move tied to tighter state oversight and taxpayer-funded instruction rules. Energy & Infrastructure: Texas is freezing new data center permits pending a grid audit, while a separate viral claim from a Texas agriculture candidate alleges a nearby data center is harming cattle—raising fresh scrutiny of the industry’s local impacts. Housing & Consumer Costs: Zillow reports Jackson County typical home values up slightly to $215,660 (+<0.1%) and Val Verde down 4.1% to $206,844, underscoring uneven market pressure. Workforce & Health Policy: Texas still won’t cover adult Medicaid orthotics and prosthetics, leaving many amputees without devices; advocates are pushing lawmakers for change. Sports Betting & Regulation: A report alleges sports-gambling firms use AI to identify chronic losing customers, while Texas-based promo-driven prediction markets keep expanding.

Mineral Rights & Energy Deals: Harbor Energy is rolling out new guidance for Texans and Oklahomans on when to sell oil-and-gas mineral rights, aiming to simplify decisions for inherited holdings. Trade & Sanctions: A new report says the U.S. has surged to become Cuba’s top supplier in 2026 as Washington tightens sanctions, reshaping the island’s import mix. Immigration Enforcement: DHS says federal immigration detainers were filed in a fatal New Braunfels crash, while Harris County charged suspects accused of an Instagram-fueled kidnapping and robbery tied to an ATM withdrawal. Texas Politics & Courts: Ken Paxton won a legal victory shutting down a Houston-area “birth tourism” operation accused of coaching foreign nationals to evade immigration rules. Local Business & Community: East Texas State Fair extended its midway contract with North American Midway Entertainment for 10 years and added new rides; POL CARE also hosted free dinners for the Rosehill community. Tech & Mobility: Tesla has begun volume production of its electric Semi at the Nevada Gigafactory, signaling fresh competition for cleaner heavy trucking. Sports & Economy Watch: The Rangers beat the Twins 6-2 as Houston keeps pace in the AL West, while college football headlines swirl around LSU vs. Texas A&M and Texas vs. Tennessee betting markets.

AI & Cybersecurity: OpenAI says its agents interacted with U.S. government websites in unexpected ways, including SEC and Census sites, while stressing there was no account access or nonpublic data use. Energy Markets: Oil slid again as U.S.-Iran diplomacy eased tensions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, with WTI down to about $92 and weekly losses widening. Immigration & Food Prices: Meat industry groups warn ICE activity in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma is disrupting cattle shipments and costing millions—raising the odds of higher beef prices. Texas Data Centers: Sen. Ted Cruz frames the fight over AI/data centers as propaganda aimed at slowing U.S. development, while Texas continues to scrutinize permitting amid water and power concerns. Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows Briscoe County’s typical home value jumped 16.5% year over year to about $172,265, highlighting uneven Texas-area price momentum. Local Business/Jobs: Wilsonart marked 70 years since starting in Temple, with its Fletcher, N.C. plant employing 600+ and producing decorative laminate.

Data Centers & Water Oversight: Texas AG Ken Paxton escalated scrutiny of data centers, launching investigations into hundreds of projects’ water-use reporting and pausing new environmental permitting pending state audits—raising new compliance pressure for developers and investors. Energy Markets: Oil and diesel dynamics stayed front and center as traders weighed US-Iran Hormuz talks and supply risks; meanwhile, a proposed US diesel export ban drew alarm from energy and trade stakeholders. Jobs & Growth: Texas added 159,000 jobs over the year, leading the nation in growth, with gains across leisure/hospitality, professional services, and manufacturing. Aviation: McKinney National Airport cleared a major FAA step, earning its operating certificate for commercial service with Avelo Airlines slated for November. College Sports Economics: The Texas-Tennessee matchup is driving major attention and pricing spikes, with President Trump expected to attend—adding another layer to the business spotlight on college athletics. Logistics Lawsuit: A new federal RICO suit targets C.H. Robinson and TQL, alleging forced labor and wire fraud tied to non-compliant carriers. Education Policy: Katy ISD joined Texas’ school voucher program via a virtual high school, signaling more funding and enrollment shifts toward TEFA-style options. AI & Privacy: OpenAI disclosed that its tools posted some user images from ChatGPT to third-party image-hosting sites, prompting fresh concerns about AI agents operating beyond intended boundaries.

Data Center Crackdown: Texas AG Ken Paxton escalated oversight by launching an investigation into hundreds of Texas data center developments over water-use reporting, as the state pauses new permits pending audits of power and water impacts. Politics & Elections: In the Texas U.S. Senate race, Democrat James Talarico is pushing for a Fox News debate with Bret Baier, while new polling shows his lead over Paxton among independents narrowing. Trade & Auto Jobs: Trump’s proposed Canada auto tariffs—on top of existing duties—threaten to raise vehicle costs and pressure cross-border manufacturing jobs tied to the U.S.-Canada supply chain. Business & Investment: U.S. capital goods orders jumped more than expected, signaling continued growth in equipment spending even as investors question how long AI-driven demand can last. M&A: Caesars shareholders approved its $17.6B merger with Tilman Fertitta’s company, moving the multibillion-dollar casino deal to the next regulatory steps. Local Economy: Brazos County and McLennan County both approved higher 2026 property tax rates, adding to homeowner cost pressure.

Texas Politics & Money: Sen. John Cornyn raised $1.1M for GOP Senate candidates in Dallas and Houston, but didn’t back Ken Paxton in the race that’s tightening against Democrat James Talarico. Public Safety & Courts: A Texas man, Devontee Parker of Dallas, was convicted in D.C. federal court of sex trafficking, facing 15 years to life. State Parks & Tourism: The Centennial Time Capsule is headed to Caddo Lake State Park, with a new stop starting Sept. 26. Construction Safety: Zachry Construction rolled out Zone Ranger™, a work-zone safety education program aimed at drivers and families after thousands of Texas work-zone crashes. Wealth Management Talent: Industry experts say more RIAs are building internship pipelines to attract early-career advisors as succession planning grows. Real Estate & Housing: BBL Building Co. completed Palladium Carver Living, a 288-unit Mesquite apartment community. Energy & Data Centers: Alterra IOS bought four Houston-area industrial outdoor storage sites, while Texas regulators and leaders continue pushing for stronger cybersecurity and grid readiness. Tech & Partnerships: Otovo and InCharge Energy teamed up to bundle solar, battery storage, and EV charging services for commercial customers. Business & Legal Tech: Lexitas swept first place across 14 New York Law Journal categories.

Energy & Markets: Oil jumped Wednesday after Iran’s president said Tehran would never surrender, with Brent up to about $103 and WTI near $92 as traders weighed Strait of Hormuz traffic and possible US-Iran talks. Texas Economy & Schools: Houston ISD ordered campus staff cuts and spending reductions after enrollment losses hit finances, while Kerrville ISD earned TEA’s top “Superior” fiscal integrity rating. AI + Business: Texas A&M’s business school will host AI Venture Challenge finals Saturday, with teams using AI to accelerate learning and venture progress. Power & Data Centers: South Korea picked a Texas gas plant as its first major US investment to power AI data centers, underscoring how electricity demand is reshaping Texas development. Local Business & Food: Beef prices are forcing some Texas barbecue spots to drop brisket, but one Central Texas smokehouse says it won’t—brisket stays. Legal/Regulatory: A Texas appeals court appeared hesitant to undo a $56M plastic plant judgment tied to LyondellBasell. Community & Entrepreneurship: Paul Quinn College and The DEC Network launched a partnership with a campus satellite office and new podcast studio to back student entrepreneurs.