AGP Executive Report

Business Spending: Texas sales-tax revenue rose 11.5% in September, a sign of stronger business activity. Banking: Houston-based Third Coast Bancshares agreed to buy Oklahoma’s Great Plains Bancshares for about $240 million in stock. The deal would create a $9 billion bank with 43 branches and deepen its reach in Texas and Oklahoma. Power and Data Centers: A Texas Energy Fund loan will support a 450-megawatt natural-gas plant in Reeves County, expected to start supplying the grid in 2027. Separately, a planned 1.5-million-square-foot West Texas data center adds to a regional AI investment push valued at $12 billion. Workforce: Rio Grande Valley builders say tougher immigration enforcement is worsening labor shortages, slowing construction and hurting local businesses.

Energy & Markets: Oil prices were little changed as Middle East export flows rose but Hormuz risk and stepped-up vessel attacks kept traders cautious; diesel tightness remains a key inflation worry. Texas Economy: Texas comptroller says September sales tax revenue jumped 11.5% year over year to $4.4B, driven by business spending in sectors like construction, manufacturing and real estate. AI & Data Centers: Finland ordered Google to halt work on two planned data centers after forest clearing without a required environmental impact assessment, adding to a growing “permits” bottleneck narrative for AI buildouts. Chips & Manufacturing: AMD CEO Lisa Su said AI chip demand will run for years and the company is securing manufacturing capacity 3–5 years out; Intel also plans to stay involved in Musk’s Terafab Texas chip venture. Local Business & Growth: Houston’s Atlas Property Management expanded full-service property management across Greater Houston; The Joint Chiropractic reacquired Texas development territories to accelerate clinic growth. Community & Public Safety: Abbott held a San Antonio roundtable on law enforcement and fentanyl strategy; Houston and Bellmead marked National Night Out with local partners and first responders. Sports & Culture: Dawn Chaney donated $10M to TWU for a new athletics complex; Plano residents met to oppose a proposed Dallas Stars arena funding plan.

Texas Business & Economy: Texas Comptroller Don Huffines signed an order to abolish the sales tax on medical records and the systems doctors use to access them, aiming to cut a “hidden tax” on healthcare. Energy & Markets: Oil prices were steady as Middle East export gains and planned G7 diesel/crude releases were weighed against supply risks from Houthi-related concerns. Finance & Tech: Robinhood is pushing “Robinhood Agents,” letting users connect AI models to accounts that can analyze markets and execute trades, with the company saying hundreds of thousands of customers have already opened agent-enabled accounts. Local Growth & Jobs: A Louisiana forecast projects 55,000 new jobs over two years, driven by data centers, LNG and SpaceX. Community & Capital: Urban Strategies won a $1.5M Truist Foundation grant to expand its CDFI small-business lending in Fort Worth and Houston, among other cities. Infrastructure: Port Lavaca finished a shoreline protection project using a breakwater designed to reduce erosion and support marsh and oyster habitats. Business & Policy: Texas regulators cleared a nuclear waste startup to drill near Cameron, while Texas lawmakers also expanded electrician reciprocity with Tennessee to ease workforce shortages. Sports & Culture: Chess star Nemo Zhou is set to visit North Texas for a three-day chess-and-poker activation.

Energy & Markets: Oil prices edged up as Middle East shipping risks kept a geopolitical premium in crude, even with G7 plans to release emergency diesel and crude supplies; Gulf flows excluding Iran reportedly rebounded, but tanker attacks and insurance/routing costs stayed elevated. Texas Power & Investment: South Korea transferred $2.4B to Washington for Texas’ “Project Star” gas plant tied to AI data centers, underscoring how global capital is lining up behind Texas energy demand. Robotics & Growth: German robotics firm RobCo hit a $1B valuation and is expanding assembly for the U.S. market in Austin. Real Estate: NineFive95 Holdings’ Mo Karney scaled distressed multifamily investing, including a new acquisition of a 236-unit Lubbock property. Cybersecurity & Health Tech: Texas AG disclosure says Oracle’s healthcare breach compromised data tied to nearly 20M people, including about 3M Texans. Public Safety: Gilmer issued a boil-water notice after water pressure loss during system repairs. Sports Betting Culture: Spurs star Victor Wembanyama rejected sports-betting endorsements, calling it “very sad.” Healthcare Fraud: A Magnolia woman pleaded guilty to Medicaid billing for therapy never provided and misuse of a nurse practitioner’s identity.

Texas Business & Economy: Disney bought Yamaha’s longtime Southern California headquarters for about $115M as Yamaha shifts its U.S. HQ operations to Georgia, signaling more corporate real-estate reshuffling. Energy & Markets: Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser warned rebuilding depleted oil and fuel stockpiles could take up to two years, as global supply cushions thin amid Strait of Hormuz disruption and renewed shipping risks. Healthcare & Regulation: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into UnitedHealth over alleged deceptive practices that denied or delayed medically necessary care, including prior-authorization disputes. Business & Investment: Shionogi agreed to buy Austin rare-disease biotech IntraBio for $2B, adding an FDA-approved drug and pipeline. Tech & Manufacturing: NVIDIA and Foxconn disclosed quantified robot assembly yield data at Foxconn’s Houston factory, with production success rates now exceeding 95% on key steps. Local Texas Watch: Waco Mayor Jim Holmes pitched a $3B infrastructure backlog alongside $4B in investment and new parks, while Texas voters weigh skepticism toward Trump’s check promises ahead of midterms.

Medicare Advantage Shake-Up: CHRISTUS Health Plan will withdraw from Medicare Advantage, forcing thousands of East Texas seniors to switch coverage by Dec. 7. AI in Healthcare: Inferenz launched a Risk Analyzer and Next Best Action agent that explains what’s driving patient risk scores and recommends next steps for care teams. Texas Data Centers & Power: Texas regulators cleared a nuclear waste startup to drill near Cameron, while the state continues debating how to balance data-center growth with water and power demands. Trade Hits Texas Restaurants: Trump’s tomato tariffs could push Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants to cut back on free chips and salsa as tomato costs climb. Local Business Moves: McLane Group bought Fort Worth’s O.B. Macaroni, aiming to preserve historic Texas pasta brands. Fraud & Courts: A Stephensville businessman was sentenced to 13+ years for a $2M fraud scheme and must sell 90 collector vehicles to repay victims. Public Safety: Texas DPS is asking for help locating missing 21-year-old Damani Parker in Corpus Christi.

Energy & Markets: A new push in Texas energy policy is colliding with the AI boom, as Gov. Greg Abbott orders TCEQ to halt permits for data centers—going beyond earlier pauses and potentially slowing even “bring your own power” projects. Housing & Cost of Living: In Gray County, typical home values slipped 0.3% to $103,890 in August 2026, while Houston-area homeowners report efficiency upgrades still leaving electric bills painfully high. Politics & Redistricting: Texas’ redrawn 35th District is set for a high-stakes fight shaped by affordability and Latino turnout, while the CD-15 race tests whether Republicans can hold Latino gains. Tech & Telecom: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon formed a joint venture to standardize satellite direct-to-device connectivity, aiming to reduce dead zones. Business & Finance: The Texas Stock Exchange is pitching Texas as the next financial powerhouse as capital shifts away from New York and California. Public Safety: Texas DPS issued a missing-person alert for 62-year-old James Ricks, last seen in San Antonio. Sports Business: The Cowboys-Texans Week 4 matchup headlines Sunday in Houston, with major betting and promo-market activity around the game.

Texas Supreme Court: The court rejected recognition of a “secret” Pakistan Sharia talaq divorce for a Houston businessman, focusing on due process and lack of meaningful notice to the wife in a case involving more than $100M in marital assets. Border Security & Trade: Mexico and the U.S. deployed forces in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley under “mirror operations,” underscoring how cartel pressure and trade talks are colliding. Data Centers & Power/Water Pressure: Opposition to AI data centers is spreading internationally, with residents in Australia, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia challenging permits over siting, cooling impacts, and local disruption. Texas Business & Local Gov: Kerrville’s Economic Improvement Corporation approved an extra $20K for a traffic signal at James Avery’s facility, while residents in Fort Bend say HOA dues aren’t matching months of dead streetlights. Energy/Trade Politics: Trump threatened tariffs up to 300% for companies that don’t build in the U.S., adding uncertainty for auto and broader investment plans.

Texas Politics: A New York Times/Siena poll shows Democrats gaining ground in Texas Senate and governor races, with James Talarico up over Ken Paxton and Gina Hinojosa leading Greg Abbott—though critics question the poll’s methodology and sample. Economy & Jobs: President Trump argues the economy is strong but says the real problem is “public relations,” as hiring cools and wages lag prices—fueling a disconnect between market headlines and household costs. Tech & Mobility: Elon Musk says Tesla is expanding robotaxi operating hours in Austin and working to avoid running over pets at night, as regulators continue to scrutinize self-driving safety. Big Tech Data Centers: Regulators have approved Amazon’s 3,000-acre data center in Wharton County, drawing local water-rights concerns from rural residents. Housing & Rates: Mortgage rates jumped to 7.28%, the highest since late 2023, tightening affordability and pushing more sellers to cut prices. Health & Consumer Safety: A Tomball compounding pharmacy recalls glutathione injections after reports of patients needing emergency care, raising questions about correct use and vial quality. Education & Community: Texas Southern University broke ground on a $1.7B campus overhaul in Houston, with new buildings slated for 2027.

Health Reminder: CHRISTUS Health is urging Southeast Texas women to prioritize mammograms this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stressing early detection and routine screening. Entertainment & Local Economy: Cotaland opened at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, adding a new theme-park draw with major coasters and family attractions. Texas Markets & Tech: Tesla shares jumped after Q3 deliveries beat forecasts, with Europe demand helping offset tougher competition and fading US incentives. Energy & Cost Pressure: Oil prices slipped as markets weighed weaker-than-expected US jobs data and shifting rate-hike odds. Cyber & Finance: DOJ says a former Texas Southern adjunct professor was sentenced to 6.5 years for nearly $1M in student aid fraud. Legal & Public Safety: A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s Big Bend border wall work, a win for landowners and opponents. Houston Crime Watch: Thieves are targeting CPC modules inside Houston semi-trucks, leaving costly damage and downtime. AI & Education: Rice University announced a dedicated Master of Artificial Intelligence program launching next fall. Business & Infrastructure: Texas Railroad Commission approved a permit for a deep borehole nuclear waste disposal demonstration near Cameron using non-radioactive materials. Local Community: Houston’s 33rd Annual Stand Down is bringing housing, healthcare, and job resources to veterans in one day.

Data Centers & Water: Amazon cleared a key step for its nearly $10B, 3,000-acre Wharton County data center campus after regulators approved groundwater permits, reigniting debate over how much water AI infrastructure really uses. AI Governance: A Houston Microsoft consulting firm published a GCC High checklist for defense contractors adopting Microsoft Fabric as the CMMC Phase 2 transition stays paused. Public-Private Conservation: Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation secured 650 acres on Lake Palestine for more than $10M, setting up a future state park pending state purchase in late 2027. Local Business Growth: The Flying Biscuit Café signed a Katy lease for its first location there, targeting a late-November opening. Retail & Consumer Shock: Cookie chain Chip City abruptly shut all 24 locations, blaming macro-economic headwinds. Politics & Business Climate: President Trump returned to Texas to boost AG Ken Paxton, while a Fox News poll shows Paxton narrowly trailing Democrat James Talarico. Rural Health Funding: Texas is distributing $51M in rural health grants to tackle chronic illness through the Rural Texas Strong program.

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.