AGP Executive Report

Public Health: The FDA upgraded a Texas-linked egg recall to its highest-risk Class I after a Salmonella enteritidis outbreak, covering nearly 19 million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services farms in Texas and sold under major brands in multiple states. Food Safety: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 tomato soup kits due to possible listeria contamination, with kits sold in 29 states including Illinois. Local Health Access: University Health and Bexar County are bringing back free drive-thru flu shots in San Antonio (Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 10), open to adults and kids 6 months and older with registration required. Education & Health: Irving ISD will offer tuberculosis testing after a possible exposure at MacArthur High School, with officials saying the public risk is low. Sports & Community: Abilene Christian named Luke Roaten and Dillon Williams preseason FCS All-Americans, while a Houston Bulls hire Ben Canvasser as team broadcaster ahead of the NAHL season.

Space & Defense: Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace won a U.S. Department of Defense contract to design a satellite deorbit system using its Elytra spacecraft, aiming to speed “deorbit-as-a-service” for low-Earth orbit debris. Local Health & Food Security: The Texas Veterans Network is expanding monthly veteran food assistance with a new Fort Bend County distribution site in Richmond, partnering with CHRISTUS Health and the DeBakey VA. Texas Politics & Travel: Dallas-Fort Worth Airport dropped proposed Islamic foot-washing facilities after Gov. Greg Abbott called the plan “illegal” and threatened grant reviews. Public Safety & Privacy: Hood County shut down and covered Flock automated license plate reader cameras over privacy and mass-surveillance concerns. Higher Ed Disruption: A weekend fire at Texas A&M’s Student Services Building triggered a multi-week closure of affected areas and department relocations. Austin Sports: Austin FC hosts FC Dallas in the Texas Derby at Q2 Stadium, with both sides chasing momentum in MLS league play. NFL News: The Cowboys agreed to terms with hometown hero Von Miller on a one-year deal.

NFL Preseason Recap: Week 1 is done, and the early buzz is about rookies and position battles—plus standout performances like Bills WR DJ Moore’s strong start and Rams QB Ty Simpson’s preseason showing. Local Education: Fort Worth ISD rolled out its earned autonomy plan, sorting campuses into Elevate, Emerge, or Exemplar, with more district control for lower-rated schools. Texas AI & Data Centers: A new debate is heating up over Texas embracing the AI boom while regulators and communities play catch-up on long-term impacts. Airport Policy Clash: Dallas-Fort Worth International has dropped plans for extra Islamic foot-washing stations after Gov. Abbott pushed a review of funding. Health & Science: UT Health San Antonio’s fungus lab is on the front line of drug-resistant infections, while MD Anderson research links some cancer immunotherapy to repeat arthritis flares. Weather & Safety: Hurricane Lala left more than 100,000 Hawaii customers without power as it weakened to a tropical storm. Community Notes: Victoria County commissioners set a meeting to review tax rates and election plans.

Houston Aviation: Houston police investigated a bomb threat call tied to a Southwest Airlines flight at William P. Hobby Airport Saturday night, triggering brief ground holds and extra security screening; officials later said nothing was found and operations resumed. Health & Community: A 2-year-old boy with a rare congenital heart condition is seeking a “miracle” at Texas Children’s Hospital after needing a rare combination of heart and double-lung transplant, with a GoFundMe aimed at covering medical and living costs. Local Culture: The Indian diaspora in Houston marked India’s 80th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General, featuring patriotic music, speeches, and community events despite the heat. Travel Watch: Southwest is adding Saturday-only nonstop service from Nashville to Aruba starting March 13, 2027, as airlines expand Caribbean routes. Sports: Texas A&M landed Cass Tech QB Donald Tabron II as the Aggies continue building top recruiting classes.

Public Safety & Training: Harris County broke ground on a new Swiftwater Rescue Training Facility so deputies, firefighters and other responders can practice flood rescues locally instead of traveling out of state, a lesson officials say was driven home during Hurricane Harvey. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a salmonella-linked egg recall affecting about 19 million eggs to its highest risk level, with nearly 100 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations reported across multiple states. Health & Kids: A new map ranks Texas among the worst states for children’s dental health, citing high rates of tooth decay and untreated problems. Local Politics & Religion: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pushed DFW Airport to scrap planned Islamic foot-washing stations, calling the move illegal and directing reviews of state grants. Sports: Houston’s Astros beat Seattle 10-7 in 10 innings and look to keep momentum in the series opener as they host the Mariners again Saturday.

Food Safety: H-E-B removed select fresh-prepared items after a voluntary Salmonella recall tied to jalapeño peppers, as federal and state investigators track a multistate outbreak. Public Health: The FDA upgraded an egg recall to its highest risk level after salmonella sickened dozens across 17 states, with Texas accounting for most cases. Hospital Nutrition: HHS says Houston Methodist joined a “Make Hospital Food Healthier” pledge, aiming to align inpatient meals with dietary guidelines and improve nutrition support for recovery and discharge. Missing Person: Texas DPS issued an active Silver Alert for 77-year-old Joseph Pate, last seen in Joaquin. Airport Policy: Gov. Greg Abbott launched a review of state grants for DFW and Houston airports over Islamic foot-washing facilities, after DFW said it won’t proceed with the plan. Local Water: Daingerfield issued a boil-water notice after a contractor struck a water main, urging residents in listed areas to boil water before use.

Mail-in Voting: A federal appeals court reinstated stricter Texas rules for mail ballots, requiring voters to provide an ID or Social Security number that matches state records or risk rejection. Homelessness Funding: HUD’s planned overhaul of a homelessness response program has some North Texas communities worried about shifting resources and what happens when funding types change. Public Safety & Health: The FDA upgraded a multistate Salmonella egg recall to its highest risk level, with Texas among confirmed distribution states; Whole Foods also issued a jalapeño-prepared-food recall that includes Texas. Local Tech & Privacy: A Houston-area credit union partnership aims to modernize digital banking through a new platform deal. Surrogacy Legal Fight: A baby born in Texas in a surrogacy dispute over a serious heart defect has been handed to parents for custody and treatment, after Texas AG Ken Paxton intervened. Border: CBP seized more than $600,000 in cocaine at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility. Weather: Heat advisories remain in effect for parts of the Texas Panhandle.

Surrogacy Fight in Texas: A newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome born Aug. 12 in Texas is now in the custody of the intended California parents after a court order, while the surrogate’s attorney says she plans to keep pursuing custody. Healthcare Access & Regulation: Texas officials and courts continue pushing for life-saving treatment in the surrogacy case, while HHS warns Texas hospitals against denying care to newborns with disabilities. Public Health in Schools: Irving ISD is dealing with a possible tuberculosis exposure at MacArthur High School; Dallas County recommends returning students get tested. Texas Business & Jobs: Apple opened an Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston offering free training for small and medium businesses, with production of Mac mini planned. Local Safety: Fort Worth police say a woman was killed in an apparent road rage shooting on I-20; a suspect has been identified and charged with murder. Sports & Health: Rangers ace Jacob deGrom left a start vs. the Angels with right triceps fatigue. Community & Cancer Support: Amarillo’s Barrio Bash returns with free food, haircuts, and a school supply drive tied to the American Cancer Society’s “Ride for Life” style fundraising.

Stolen Ambulance Chaos: A Fort Worth Fire/EMS ambulance was stolen and led to a high-speed chase on I-35 in Austin, where a trooper fatally shot the driver after the ambulance rammed multiple vehicles; the I-35 upper deck was closed for hours as Texas Rangers investigated. Public Safety Tech: Flock, a major license-plate reader provider, says it will require case numbers for searches, automatically flag “abnormal activity,” and shorten default data storage from 30 days to seven after reports of police misuse. Health Funding: Function Health secured $450 million to expand its testing and imaging platform, aiming to broaden access to lab tests and MR/CT exams nationwide. Child Welfare Tech: HHS’s ACF awarded $6 million to pilot predictive analytics in Texas and other jurisdictions to help caseworkers make faster decisions. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Texas-involved egg recall to the highest risk level after Salmonella Enteritidis concerns, warning shoppers not to eat affected cartons. Local Infrastructure: TxDOT is seeking public input on I-35 improvements between Georgetown and Round Rock, including added lanes and reconstructed crossings.

Surrogacy Fight in Dallas: Texas AG Ken Paxton secured an emergency order requiring life-saving care for “Baby Gabriel,” diagnosed before birth with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, directing hospitals to notify the court and limiting any discharge or transfer while the case plays out. Public Health & Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled dozens of dips, salsas, guac and prepared foods tied to a Mexico jalapeño Salmonella recall; no illnesses reported in the affected items. Healthcare Innovation: Houston Methodist is testing an experimental Lynch syndrome vaccine aimed at preventing certain cancers, with clinical trial participants including a local OB/GYN. Immigration Enforcement Pressure: Federal and state lawmakers urged six Bexar County cities to reconsider ICE 287(g) agreements, arguing local police shouldn’t take on federal immigration roles. Texas Environment Watch: A new study finds microplastics are stressing Texas Gulf Coast oysters at the tissue level, raising concerns beyond just water contamination. Local Pets: Houston Humane Society opened a stand-alone clinic to expand lower-cost vet care for the public.

Court Fight Over Baby’s Care: Texas AG Ken Paxton won an emergency ruling requiring lifesaving treatment for “Baby Gabriel,” a fetus with hypoplastic left heart syndrome carried by an Alaska surrogate, after the intended parents sought an abortion and later refused consent for surgery. Local Schools & Students: Houston ISD’s first day under state oversight brought major changes, including a controversial special education restructuring and a new “Future 2” AI-focused program at select elementary schools, while Harts Bluff ISD staff spent summer prepping classrooms for students. Tech & Privacy: Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are facing fresh bans and lawsuits as hospitals and courts weigh patient privacy concerns over camera-equipped wearables. Elections Deadline: The last day to file for some local offices set the stage for November races, with multiple qualified candidates listed for city council and school board contests. Business Growth: Several Texas-area companies landed on the Inc. 5000 list, including healthcare and youth enrichment firms, signaling continued fast growth. Prediction Markets Scrutiny: New York City is investigating prediction market platforms over alleged deceptive advertising, including Texas-based Coinbase.

Business & Growth: Houston-area law firm Oliva Gibbs earned a spot on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list for a third straight year, ranking No. 1,560 overall. Healthcare Access: Texas AG Ken Paxton won an emergency Dallas County court order to ensure “baby Gabriel” gets life-saving treatment after a parentage dispute over surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Mental Health: Discovery Texas Interventional Psychiatry launched a new DFW website explaining FDA-cleared TMS therapy for major depression and treatment-resistant depression. Public Health: Dallas County reported its first human West Nile virus case of the season. Education: Katy ISD is launching a statewide Legacy Virtual High School for eligible 9th–11th graders, taught by Katy ISD teachers. Local Safety & Policy: City Council funding in another Texas city targets encampment removal efforts amid ongoing debate over how to handle homelessness. Tech & Industry: ABS issued a positive product design assessment for Fleetzero’s Leviathan marine battery system, clearing it for future class-verified projects. Arts & Community: Workforce Solutions Alamo opened submissions for its 2027 Fiesta Medal and mascot design contests, with deadlines set for Sept. 30.

Local Economy & Education: Texas A&M opened a new downtown Fort Worth campus, including an 8-story Law & Education Building, and broke ground on a next phase research and innovation center tied to the Switchyard Innovation District. Public Safety: Fort Worth Fire Chief Raymond Hill announced he’ll retire Sept. 1 after more than 30 years, including leading the shift to fire-based EMS and reporting faster average response times. Healthcare & Tech: University of Houston launched UH Health to tackle Texas’ healthcare workforce shortage by combining education, research, and clinical partnerships. Food Safety: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak is expanding, with downstream recalls affecting products sold in Texas and other states. Diabetes Innovation: Novo Nordisk rolled out Awiqli, the first once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. Business & Growth: Several Texas-area companies landed on the Inc. 5000, including Houston-based Bristol Myers Squibb’s major manufacturing expansion and Austin’s Zilker Media. International: Russia released U.S. Marine Robert Gilman after 1,666 days, and he’s headed to a Texas hospital for evaluation.

Public Health: The U.S. tightened Ebola travel rules for people coming from DR Congo, adding flight bans and screening at select airports including Houston. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas and prepared items sold at Walmart, Target and Trader Joe’s after a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported peppers sickened hundreds. Texas Energy & Economy: Oil prices jumped as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to its lowest level since 1983, with West Texas Intermediate rising above $80. Local Governance & Health Access: Texas Children’s Hospital is tied to a new detransition clinic plan under a settlement, while Texas also faces vaccine-policy fights that keep state requirements in place. Tech & Industry: SpaceX shares rebounded after a Texas semiconductor investment with Tesla, and Boeing is selling key aviation units to Archer, including a Texas-based air-traffic system. Aviation/Travel: NOAA cut its Atlantic storm outlook but warned the riskiest weeks are still ahead for travelers.

Bristol Myers Squibb Expansion: Gov. Greg Abbott announced BMS will build a $2.3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Houston’s Generation Park, creating nearly 500 jobs, with a $4.89 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant and eligibility under the JETI program. Public Health Watch: Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus, is spreading in parts of the U.S.; Texas is listed among states with high case counts, underscoring the risk in healthcare and long-term care settings. Local Pride Event: Pride Houston’s 365 Parade returns Saturday, Aug. 15 after weather forced a reschedule, with route and street-closure details for the downtown City Hall area. Tech & Business Launches: A new Houston-area consulting model, Dylan Mazzei Consulting, is launching with a fixed-fee “Business Diagnostic” audit and roadmap before any further work. Community & Culture: A Texas goth scene story highlights how the subculture has endured for decades, including Austin’s alternative community events. Sports: NFL preseason Super Bowl odds put the Rams at +500, while Texans are listed at 16/1.

Food Safety: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak has triggered a new wave of recalls, with Target, Walmart and Whole Foods among retailers pulling Taylor Fresh Foods prepared items sold across dozens of states, including Texas. Public Health: Federal health officials also say multiple outbreaks are spreading across the country, including cyclospora tied to iceberg lettuce, as NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya urged consumers to stay alert while agencies trace sources and issue recalls. Texas Infrastructure: I-35 in Waco reopened after crews demolished the Valley Mills flyover bridge ahead of schedule, but drivers still saw major disruption during the closure. Texas Politics/Policy: Texas Republicans are pushing an early blueprint to “stop Islam,” while a separate Texas-related debate continues over data centers and power and water impacts. Local Community: Sherman held a back-to-school bash with free backpacks, haircuts and physicals for families. Sports (Texas connection): Hezly Rivera, a Texas gymnast, won back-to-back U.S. all-around titles, cementing her as a leading figure heading toward the 2028 Olympics.