AGP Executive Report

Health & Science: Baylor and Texas Children’s researchers report in Nature Cancer that stroke can spur glioma growth, pointing to specific brain-cell changes that may help explain higher tumor risk after injury. Public Health: The CDC says U.S. measles cases rose to 3,659 as of Sept. 24, with most tied to outbreaks. Prisons & Civil Rights: A federal judge ordered Texas to air-condition state prisons by 2029, after finding extreme heat conditions unconstitutional. Local Education: Fort Worth’s Arka Montessori is sued after a substitute teacher allegedly encouraged a “fight club” among 4-year-olds, captured on video. Texas Politics: Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico challenges AG Ken Paxton to a Fox News debate with Bret Baier. Economy/Everyday Costs: The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is low, and Texas drivers keep feeling it as gas prices remain volatile. Culture & Community: Taiwan Expo USA 2026 opened in Dallas with an immersive “Galaxy Amusement Park” showcasing tech and AI. Business: Boll & Branch plans a Central Texas luxury retail expansion in Austin.

Courts & Civil Rights: Texas’ highest criminal court rejected Melissa Lucio’s bid for a new trial, despite a lower court’s recommendation that suppressed material could have changed the outcome. Public Safety & Health: A federal judge ordered Texas prisons to be air-conditioned by 2029, ruling extreme heat violates the Constitution. Local Politics & Community: Houston mourns former state Rep. Garnet Coleman, credited with major health wins including Children’s Medicaid and CHIP. Disability & Justice: A federal appeals court let a lawsuit proceed over alleged denial of opioid-use disorder medication to an incarcerated woman around childbirth. Texas Culture & Events: Nymphia Wind brings a sold-out Houston museum talk on identity and drag persona-making. Travel & Business: Avelo expands its McKinney base with new nonstop routes to Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans and Nashville. Community Calendar: The Houston Pumpkin Festival is canceled due to unsafe conditions from recent rain and flooding. Sports: Texas heads to Tennessee Saturday at noon in a high-stakes SEC matchup.

Immigration & Public Safety: ICE officer shot a Venezuelan DoorDash driver in Austin’s North Austin area, and protests followed as his attorney says he’s still being held with a bullet in his back and a shattered clavicle. Criminal Justice Reform: After an ACLU settlement, 99% of Travis County arrestees now get a lawyer at bail hearings, aiming to protect jobs, housing and healthcare. Local Schools: KISD earned TEA’s “Superior” rating under the FIRST financial integrity system, highlighting fiscal discipline as many districts struggle with deficits. Texas Sports: No. 1 Texas heads to Neyland Stadium for a huge matchup with No. 14 Tennessee, with College GameDay spotlighting Arch Manning’s early-season test. Health & Community: A Lubbock-area nurse credited infant CPR training for saving her 1-month-old, urging parents to learn CPR. Culture & Arts: Houston’s BIFA Film Festival returns Oct. 3-4 celebrating Black cinema, roots and community. Music: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps topping the Billboard Hot 100, now the longest-running No. 1 in chart history.

Local Public Safety: DNA confirms human remains are those of missing Texas State student Jason Landry, nearly six years after he vanished near Luling. Health & Food Access: TMF Health Quality Institute donated $145,000 to Meals on Wheels programs across Texas and four other states. Space: NASA and SpaceX target Oct. 1 for Crew-13’s launch to the ISS after an earlier Dragon oxidizer leak delay; crew is in quarantine at Johnson Space Center. Medical Tech & Transparency: A new push urges clearer patient disclosure when AI is used in care, with Texas among states adding requirements. Health Policy: Texas prisons must be air-conditioned by 2029 after a federal judge ruled extreme heat violates constitutional rights. Business & Jobs: Walmart opened a new Neighborhood Market in Mesquite, creating 150+ jobs. Sports: Kentucky coach Will Stein says the win over Texas A&M is “0-0 again” as the Wildcats focus on improvement.

Houston Rockets: Ime Udoka says the team “plateaued” last season after Kevin Durant’s first year didn’t meet expectations, with injuries to Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams part of the story. Austin Tech & Business: BrainTrust Partners launched AI tools aimed at proving ROI, while Carziqo rolled out 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing in Austin. El Paso Area Manufacturing: Wiwynn opened a new Socorro, Texas facility to expand server production tied to the AI boom. Energy & Markets: Oil slid after Trump said US-Iran talks at the UN were “very good,” shifting prices toward diplomacy. Healthcare & Local Growth: Nutex Health won approval to dual-list on Nasdaq Texas; Baylor Scott & White finished a $240M inpatient tower in Waxahachie. Public Safety: An escaped Caddo Parish inmate was captured in Marshall, Texas. Education Policy: UT-Austin cut four ethnic and gender studies majors amid a core curriculum overhaul. Sports: Astros beat Mariners 7-0 as Yordan Alvarez homered; Houston football heads to Georgia Southern with Willie Fritz back in town.

Texas Politics & Culture: A Texas state rep says he forced removal of an LGBTQ archives page at UNT, while critics argue it’s censorship of history rather than “indoctrination.” Public Safety: Texas DPS is reminding families during Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 20-26) to use the right car seat and buckle up every trip. Health & Education: Tyler ISD and UT Tyler are bringing medical professionals into classrooms, and CHRISTUS Health is reading to students in English and Spanish as part of a statewide school-university partnership. Local Governance: Pasadena ISD canceled a vote that would have doubled or quadrupled some employee healthcare premiums. Courts & Accountability: Five former coaches at Texas Leadership Charter Academy San Angelo were indicted on felony charges tied to alleged excessive discipline that left four student-athletes injured. Aviation/Trade: CBP at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport intercepted a plant pathogen never before detected in the U.S., raising concerns for eucalyptus trees. Business & Innovation: ASU was ranked No. 1 for innovation for the 12th straight year by U.S. News & World Report.

AI in Higher Ed: Austin Community College is testing a “digital twin” effort aimed at spotting students who need help earlier, as colleges shift AI use from cheating-detection to support, wellbeing, and post-graduation skills. Police Training: Fort Worth and UT Arlington are rolling out an AI-driven virtual reality de-escalation program funded by a DOJ grant, designed to give officers safer, repeatable practice under stress. Immigration Shooting Scrutiny: In Austin, a lawyer for a Venezuelan man shot by ICE disputes the agency’s account, saying video doesn’t show a foot chase before the officer fired; the man was returned to hospital with a bullet still lodged. Local School Costs: Pasadena ISD employees are pushing back on a proposed switch to TRS ActiveCare, warning premiums could jump by hundreds to more than $1,800 a month for some families. Health & Industry: Eli Lilly broke ground in Houston on a $6.5B plant to make active drug ingredients, including its synthetic oral GLP-1 Foundayo. Texas Sports & Culture: Desi Comedy Fest launches its first Texas tour with stops in Houston (Oct. 14) and Austin (Oct. 15).

Texas Nutrition Guidelines: Texas released its first statewide nutrition guidelines, urging practical changes like filling half your plate with fruits and veggies, eating 3+ servings of healthy protein daily, and drinking water regularly. Public Health & Privacy: Washington ordered Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center to send HIV/STI blood samples to a Texas federal lab in San Antonio, raising concerns about data handling and faster turnaround. Energy & Climate: At a G20 meeting in Houston, the Trump administration repealed pollution limits on fossil-fuel power plants, arguing it boosts “reliable and affordable” energy. Healthcare Workforce: Texas Southmost College awarded Occupational Skills Awards to early childhood and phlebotomy apprentices, moving them into on-the-job training toward U.S. Department of Labor certificates. Local Safety: A San Angelo motorcyclist died in a three-vehicle crash at U.S. 87 and FM 2105; investigators say the truck failed to yield. Politics: RealClearPolitics shifted the Texas governor’s race to a “toss-up” after polling showed Democrat Gina Hinojosa leading Greg Abbott.

ICE Shooting in Austin: An ICE officer shot and wounded a man during a brief foot pursuit Sunday; Austin police say the victim is in serious but stable condition, and Mayor Kirk Watson is pushing for local police and “third-party eyes” in the investigation. Public Health: The CDC says a pet-turtle Salmonella outbreak has more than doubled to 20 cases across 12 states, with five hospitalizations—warning families that the risk can last beyond early summer. Texas Politics: A new op-ed argues Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has shifted on trans rights, while the race against Ken Paxton remains a major focus. Local Sports: Texas State played Santa Clara to a 0-0 draw to finish non-conference play, and Angelo State fell to West Texas A&M 27-19 after penalties and turnovers. Tech & Business: Oracle layoffs reportedly reached Abilene’s Stargate campus, while Matica Bio partnered with Texas-based Bondwell to speed protein-material production. Community & Health: Peterson Health donated $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity Kerr County for flood recovery in the Doyle Community.

Texas Politics: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says his push to remove “dirty, filthy and vulgar” books from public schools was not meant to target Holocaust titles, even as he previously promoted purges that included “Night” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Texas Health & Safety: The CDC and FDA warn that contaminated injectable glutathione “detox” treatments have sickened dozens, including Texans, after endotoxin contamination concerns. Texas Courts & Reproductive Rights: Ken Paxton faces new legal pressure as lawsuits allege Texas’ abortion ban contributed to a pregnant woman’s death and seek accountability. Local Communities: A Georgetown women’s clinic is opening Oct. 19 to expand access to care in Williamson County. Sports (Texas): Texas stays No. 1 in the AP Top 25; Texas Tech climbs to No. 11 after beating Houston, while BYU and Utah also rise. Houston Football: Bengals QB Joe Burrow is cleared to start vs. the Texans, but both teams list key injuries and inactives ahead of kickoff. Tech & Jobs: A new analysis warns the U.S. semiconductor industry could face a shortage of up to 157,000 workers by 2030 as AI and software compete for the same talent.

NFL on TV: Titans vs. Eagles is Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. ET on Fox, with streaming available via DIRECTV or fubo. Texas football: Arch Manning threw two TD passes as No. 1 Texas beat UTSA 30-6, and the Longhorns turn to SEC play next week at Tennessee. SEC shakeup: Kentucky stunned No. 9 Texas A&M 31-21 at Kyle Field, handing the Aggies their first loss of the season and setting up a quick trip to LSU. Local schools: Liberty-Eylau ISD in Texarkana is seeking partners to improve student outcomes, including possible charter or nonprofit campus models. Health & safety: Houston’s Home Repair Program has run out of funding and stopped reviewing new applicants. Child care lawsuit: A Fort Worth daycare is facing allegations tied to a “Toddler Fight Club,” with state regulators citing violations. Immigration: A report says people held by ICE in Arkansas spent long stretches at a Louisiana detention site, including many with no criminal convictions. Community mental health: Denton’s Child & Adolescent Center is getting a new art-focused makeover through “Welcoming Spaces.”

NFL Sunday in Houston: The Bengals visit the Texans at Reliant Stadium for Week 2 (1 p.m. ET on CBS), with Houston trying to avoid an 0-2 start after a 36-31 loss to Buffalo and Cincinnati coming off a 33-27 win over Tampa Bay. Texans roster move: Houston is elevating special teams ace George Odum for the Bengals game after his Week 1 impact. Local child safety case: Hubbard daycare owner Jennifer Ann Garrett was arrested on allegations she forced one toddler to bite another, facing a third-degree felony injury-to-a-child charge. Immigration crackdown: Texas AG Ken Paxton says a Houston-area “birth tourism” center accused of helping Chinese nationals give birth and evade immigration rules agreed to close. Health watch: Florida confirmed a dengue death tied to a Hillsborough County outbreak. Travel note: Carnival is adding shorter four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston starting in 2028, with stops in Cozumel and Progreso. Science/health: Texas A&M researchers report excess RNA can drain cellular energy by impairing mitochondria.

Texans Injury Update: Nico Collins is ruled out for Houston’s Week 2 game vs. the Bengals after a hamstring tweak during practice, adding pressure to a receiving corps already missing Jayden Higgins. Border & Immigration: The Trump administration has begun building the border wall in west Texas’ Big Bend region, with panel installation underway in a 47-mile stretch of Hudspeth County. Public Safety: Authorities are seeking two missing adults via Texas DPS Silver Alerts—86-year-old Florentino Medellin in Dallas and 66-year-old Albert Arteaga in San Antonio. Education Culture War: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says his push to remove thousands of “vulgar” books was not meant to include Holocaust titles like “Night” and “Anne Frank,” after earlier confusion and funding threats. Local Traffic: TxDOT will close all northbound main lanes of US-59/I-69 in Sugar Land for bridge work from Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. to Sept. 21 at 5 a.m. Health/Legal: Texas AG Ken Paxton says he secured a permanent injunction shutting down a Houston-area “birth tourism” center accused of facilitating 1,000+ births for Chinese nationals. Sports: The Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 6-2 win over the Astros.

Medicaid Relief for Texas Hospitals: Federal approval clears nearly $12B in Medicaid directed payment programs for fiscal 2027, easing fears of major cuts that could have threatened ER access and rural care. Health & Safety Watch: FDA data show two food-and-cosmetics companies tied to Ellis County received inspections in August, both with “no action indicated.” Separately, FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps over possible bacterial contamination. Public Health in Motion: Corpus Christi water officials say temporary taste and odor issues are tied to higher organics in source water and should improve after the system cycles. Texas Courts & Rights: A wrongful-death lawsuit alleges Texas’ abortion ban contributed to the death of a San Antonio woman, with claims of “deliberate indifference” by officials and doctors. Local Crime & Crisis Response: Arlington police shot and killed a man during a mental health call after he allegedly advanced with a knife. Research Update: UT MD Anderson researchers report B cells may help predict and drive immunotherapy-related colitis, pointing to a possible blood-based risk marker. Military & Training: A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crash in Michigan led to chemical exposure concerns; six people were hospitalized.

Energy & Industry: Jupiter Power closed $1.4B in financing for 10 battery projects totaling 1,500 MW/3,600 MWh across Texas and Michigan, underscoring the state’s growing role in grid-scale storage. Health & Research: Texas Tech Health Sciences Center won a $24.5M NIH grant to move lab discoveries into patient care across 121 Texas service areas, while a Texas Tech study is testing whether daily pecans can support brain health. Local Health Access: A new Center for Pain Relief opened in Harlingen, offering treatments from injections to spinal cord stimulation, and San Jacinto College’s procurement team earned a 14th straight national excellence award. Public Safety: TxDOT reported night work closures on IH0010 in Katy, and Lubbock Health Department director Dr. Katherine Wells received an award for leading the measles response. Texas Politics & Courts: UT is reviewing whether more than 100 courses keep core designation starting spring 2027, and a defamation case involving former Gateway pastor Robert Morris is headed to the Texas Supreme Court. Community & Culture: Fort Worth is hosting a free farewell festival for its iconic “flying saucer” arena on Sept. 20.

Medicaid Relief for Texas Hospitals: Gov. Greg Abbott says nearly $12 billion in Medicaid funding will be restored after a long standoff with the federal government, averting major cuts that threatened rural care and emergency services. Local Government & Taxes: Harris County commissioners are set for a final vote on proposed property tax rate increases to close an estimated $181 million budget gap. Health & Care Access: A regional nonprofit is bringing back the Walk for Memory to help bridge the dementia caregiving support gap across the Coastal Bend, with free education and bilingual outreach. Public Health Innovation: CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital earned an autism-focused designation, becoming the first Texas hospital departments to receive the Certified Autism Center status. Energy Costs: AAA Texas reports Texas gas prices are climbing again, with the statewide average at $3.93 as crude oil volatility keeps pressure on pumps. Community & Safety: Hats Off For Veterans named a Kyle police sergeant to its advisory board, focusing on veterans’ mental health and peer support. Missing Person Alert: Texas DPS is asking the public to help find Cristobal Flores, 55, last seen in Pearland.