AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Flooding: A Gulf disturbance and tropical moisture are pushing heavy rain and flash-flood risk across Southeast Texas, with Houston facing 3–6 inches and dangerous downpours through midweek; TxDOT has already closed flooded I-2 frontage ramps in the Weslaco/Mercedes area, and officials are urging drivers to respect barricades and “turn around, don’t drown.” New World Screwworm: The flesh-eating parasite keeps spreading—USDA confirms 12 cases nationwide, with Texas counties now in infested zones and a new South Texas detection prompting Canada to temporarily restrict livestock imports from Texas. Livestock & Public Health Response: Senators are urging USDA to speed containment and response as ranchers and pet owners are told to watch for symptoms; Texas also expands screwworm inspector training and outreach. Water & Community: Corpus Christi Fair Water Amendment petitioners submit 12,000+ signatures to challenge a drought surcharge exemption that critics say favors large industrial users. Energy Reliability: Abbott announces a Texas Energy Fund grant for grid upgrades to protect Entergy Texas customers from severe weather and flooding. Tech & Safety: Texas Instruments rolls out a battery monitor aimed at detecting EV and storage thermal runaway by tracking many cells at once.

New World screwworm: USDA confirmed a second flesh-eating screwworm case in South Texas, pushing Texas and federal teams to expand surveillance, quarantine zones, and sterile-fly releases as pet owners and ranchers brace for more detections. Cross-border trade impact: Canada temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock after the detections, a move Texas officials criticized as precautionary but disruptive. Food safety probe: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into glyphosate residue in foods, sending Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged regulatory loopholes. Extreme weather: Central Texas faced flash-flood warnings with roads closed by flooding, while the Arklatex and parts of the region stayed under flood watches for heavy rain. Energy & climate tech: Texas Instruments unveiled a battery monitor aimed at detecting EV and storage thermal runaway, as the company expands semiconductor manufacturing in Texas. Policy & land: Reports say border-wall-related land seizure threats in far West Texas are raising alarm for families and landowners.

Flooding Watch: South Texas is under a Flood Watch through Tuesday as a moist tropical setup and stalled front could dump 8 inches or more in spots, with rain rates sometimes topping 2 inches per hour—officials warn “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Invasive Threat to Livestock: A second New World screwworm case has been confirmed in South Texas, prompting Canada to temporarily restrict livestock imports from Texas while containment ramps up; Texas officials say the outbreak could have been prevented earlier. Cattle Outbreak Escalates: The U.S. count of confirmed screwworm infestations is now 12 (11 in Texas, 1 in New Mexico), spreading beyond cattle to goats, sheep, and dogs—treatment is critical. Border Wall Pushback: CBP is accelerating new Texas-Mexico border barriers, with environmental and historic-preservation waivers drawing protests, property disputes, and lawsuits. Glyphosate Probe: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into glyphosate residue in food, issuing demands to Bayer and PepsiCo. Energy & Tech: Texas Instruments unveiled a battery monitor aimed at catching EV battery thermal runaway early, as the company expands semiconductor production in Texas.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: Houston’s FIFA Fan Fest saw more than 100 people treated for heat-related illness on opening day, with officials citing cooling and hydration efforts but still sending four people to hospitals. Severe Weather Disruptions: Kansas City tornado warnings and two confirmed tornadoes knocked out power to 68,000 homes and forced England camp to shelter indoors during World Cup-related events. Livestock Biosecurity: A second New World screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, prompting Canada to temporarily block certain Texas livestock imports; Texas also issued disaster declarations as ranchers brace for spread. Pesticide Scrutiny: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened investigations into glyphosate residue in foods, issuing demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged consumer-protection violations. Energy & Climate Policy: Louisiana joined other Republican states banning climate-change lawsuits against oil and gas companies in state court. Tech & Safety: Texas Instruments unveiled a new EV/battery monitor aimed at detecting thermal runaway by tracking up to 26 cells.

Livestock Health Crisis: Texas continues to battle the return of the New World screwworm, with officials reporting 10 cases in the state since June 3 and expanding quarantine zones after detections in multiple counties, including Tom Green and Edwards. State Response: Gov. Greg Abbott launched a free online training to rapidly certify more New World screwworm inspectors, aiming to speed up inspections and keep cattle moving. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada temporarily restricted livestock imports from Texas as a precaution, a move Texas officials criticized while the outbreak response ramps up. Public Safety & Water: Shallowater issued a boil-water notice after a contractor hit a main water line, urging residents to boil water for drinking and cooking. Extreme Weather Watch: Forecasters flagged soaking rains and flood risk across parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast, with severe storm threats shifting across the central U.S. Food & Chemicals: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into glyphosate residue in foods, sending demands to Bayer and PepsiCo.

New World Screwworm: A second flesh-eating screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, prompting Canada to temporarily halt imports of certain Texas livestock while officials work to contain the outbreak. State & Federal Response: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued disaster coverage for affected counties as USDA and state agencies ramp up monitoring and animal movement rules. Public Health & Food Safety: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced an investigation into glyphosate residue in food products, sending Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo. Heat & Rain Watch: Houston and North Texas are bracing for steamy conditions with spotty downpours this weekend, with a better rain shot Monday through Tuesday that could bring brief street flooding. Local Environment & Water: A lawsuit alleges disaster-debris contractors “overzealously” cleared land after Hurricane Ida, causing environmental harm and seeking reimbursement. Wildlife & Energy Debate: Residents raised concerns at a conference over Dow’s proposed small molecular reactors at the Seadrift plant, focusing on water impacts and nuclear waste risk.

New World screwworm containment ramps up in Texas: Federal and state officials say the outbreak is shifting into full stop-the-spread mode after a second South Texas case, with Canada temporarily halting entry of certain Texas livestock while quarantines and restrictions expand. Heat hits Houston World Cup crowds fast: On day one of the FIFA Fan Festival, 22 people were treated for heat-related illness and four were hospitalized, with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo saying more shade and better hydration access were needed. Data center backlash grows into a grassroots fight: Residents in multiple Texas communities are pushing back on AI data center plans over water, power, and environmental impacts, while other states like Arizona move toward incentive moratoriums. Water pollution fraud in Houston-area wastewater testing: Two local residents pleaded guilty to falsifying wastewater lab results tied to illegal ammonia, E. coli, and phosphorus levels. AG targets glyphosate residues: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into glyphosate residue in foods, issuing demands to Bayer and PepsiCo. EV battery safety gets a Texas boost: Texas Instruments rolled out a new battery monitor aimed at detecting thermal runaway risks in EV and storage systems.

Livestock Emergency: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited a Texas ranch as the New World screwworm response ramps up, with sterile fly releases and calls for ranchers to watch wounds and treat fast—while the warming climate makes the pest spread easier. South Texas Containment: A second screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, and Canada temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock, prompting Texas officials to push back as quarantines expand. Animal Shelter Impact: Austin Wildlife Rescue says it can’t accept animals from quarantined counties tied to the outbreak, underscoring how quickly the crisis is reshaping local wildlife operations. Water & Pollution Policy: Texas regulators are drafting rules that could allow treated fracking wastewater on farmland, a move supporters say could stretch supplies but critics warn could expose communities to contaminants. Courtroom Win for Residents: An El Paso environmental franchise fee was ruled an illegal tax, potentially opening the door to refunds for residents. Severe Weather Preparedness: Gov. Abbott activated state emergency resources ahead of multi-day storms and flash-flood threats across Texas. Border Wall Fight in Big Bend: A bid to block border wall construction in Big Bend National Park failed in a House committee, keeping pressure on environmental protections.

Livestock & Wildlife Health: A second New World screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, triggering fresh concern for ranchers and prompting Canada to temporarily halt imports of certain Texas livestock while officials work to contain the parasite. Local Preparedness: Goliad County approved a disaster declaration tied to the screwworm threat, aiming to unlock state and federal help if conditions worsen. Food & Consumer Safety: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into alleged glyphosate residue in food, issuing Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over claims manufacturers may have misled consumers. Energy & Climate Risk: Reuters reports wet weather and a power outage at a major oil sands producer are tightening crude export supply, with potential knock-on effects for inventories at Cushing and U.S. refineries. Community Resilience Planning: Nacogdoches officials set a public meeting to update the county’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, inviting residents to weigh in on natural and man-made disaster risks.

Livestock Health Crisis: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in South Texas, and Canada’s CFIA moved to temporarily halt entry of certain Texas cattle, horses and other livestock while officials contain the parasite. Texas leaders have issued disaster declarations and are urging ranchers and pet owners to watch for signs on animals. Policy & Accountability: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced a glyphosate residue investigation, issuing civil investigative demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged consumer-protection violations tied to Roundup’s active ingredient. Extreme Heat Reality Check: With the 2026 World Cup starting Thursday, reports warn that heat and humidity could affect performance in most matches, pushing FIFA to require hydration breaks and prompting cooling upgrades at venues. Local Infrastructure Watch: East Texans voiced safety concerns as Toll 49 expansion plans adjust routes farther from schools, with the project still moving through an environmental review. Energy & Tech Pressure: Coverage highlights how AI data centers are driving power demand and raising heat concerns, while Texas lawmakers push new rules amid grid strain.

Screwworm Alert: A second New World screwworm case has been confirmed in South Texas, triggering tighter containment efforts and renewed worries for ranchers and wildlife; the USDA says mobile response teams and expanded surveillance are underway, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has pushed disaster declarations and sterile-fly work to speed the response. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada has temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock after the detections, citing precaution—an economic hit for producers already facing rising beef prices. Big Bend Border Build: The Trump administration is again waiving environmental laws to speed border barriers and road upgrades across more than 100 miles, including areas tied to Big Bend National Park. Wildlife Refuge Fight: Environmental groups sued to block a SpaceX land exchange involving the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, arguing the deal won’t deliver net conservation benefits. Data Center Backlash: Texas Gov. Abbott is urging regulators to require data centers to fund their own infrastructure and strip sales tax exemptions, as other states debate pauses and oversight. Chemicals in Food: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into glyphosate residue in food products, sending Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo.

Invasive Species & Livestock Health: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in South Texas, and the latest detections are widening the threat to cattle, pets, and wildlife—prompting Texas emergency actions and pushing Canada to temporarily halt imports of certain Texas livestock while officials contain the parasite. Public Health & Agriculture Response: Federal and state agencies are accelerating testing and quarantine steps as more cases appear across counties, with ranchers bracing for impacts on animal movement and costs. Chemicals & Food Safety: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced a glyphosate residue investigation targeting Bayer and PepsiCo, alleging manufacturers may have misled consumers about herbicide levels in food. Energy & Resilience: Gov. Abbott announced $166 million in energy assistance to help low-income Texans buy cooling and heating systems ahead of extreme temperatures. Weather: North Texas is forecast to stay hot and humid with weekend rain chances.

Livestock Health Crisis: New World screwworm keeps spreading. A second case was confirmed in South Texas, and Canada temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock while officials work to contain the parasite. State Response: Texas has issued disaster declarations for affected counties as USDA ramps up efforts, including sterile-fly releases, and officials warn ranchers and pet owners to watch for open wounds. Public Guidance: Iowa agriculture officials urged routine wound checks and immediate reporting if maggots are found, while advising isolation and import-rule checks for animals coming from infested zones. Consumer/Regulatory Watch: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced an investigation into glyphosate residue in food, sending Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo. Local Environment & Safety: A group of Presidio County officials is demanding CBP remove razor wire in the Rio Grande floodplain before seasonal flooding moves it downstream. Energy/Climate Tech: ExxonMobil’s carbon capture education program is reaching middle schoolers, while TIME named General Fusion the top GreenTech company of 2026.

Livestock & Food Prices: USDA confirmed more New World screwworm detections, including a second South Texas case, as Canada temporarily restricts Texas livestock imports—raising fresh alarm for ranchers and adding pressure to already record beef prices. Cross-Border Response: The latest Canada rules target animals from affected Texas areas in the prior 21 days, while Texas officials push back and expand emergency measures. Statewide Guidance: Texas A&M AgriLife released a swine-focused screwworm fact sheet urging daily inspections, wound management, biosecurity, and clear reporting steps. Energy & Climate: A new report says utility-scale solar plus storage now leads U.S. clean power capacity growth, with Texas near 100 GW—another reminder that heat and grid stress are shaping what gets built. Local Land Use: Residents in Taylor are protesting a plan to turn donated parkland into a large data center, spotlighting noise and community impacts as Texas’ data boom accelerates. Policy Watch: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened a glyphosate residue investigation into major food companies, targeting how herbicide levels are handled and disclosed.

New World screwworm: USDA confirmed more flesh-eating screwworm detections, bringing Texas to five cases and marking the first New Mexico case in a dog after travel—prompting expanded quarantines, surveillance, and sterile-fly efforts as officials warn ranchers and pet owners to watch for worsening wounds. Federal-State Response: In Kerrville, federal and Texas leaders backed the “War on Screwworm” push, including sterile insect technology and new preparedness coordination, while Gov. Abbott escalated county disaster declarations. Cross-border fallout: Canada temporarily restricted Texas livestock imports, though Canadian cattle officials say the impact may be limited for now—while urging vigilance and wound monitoring. Public health risk in Texas: A Rio Grande Valley report highlights how pesticide exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease, putting farmworkers and nearby communities at heightened risk. Water + development: Google says it’s funding wetlands restoration and water stewardship projects, including in Texas, as data centers expand. Grid strain: ERCOT warned summer demand could hit new highs as AI-driven data centers add load on top of extreme heat. Coastal conservation: Nueces County advanced a fully grant-funded Packery Channel boardwalk expansion with native plantings to boost bird habitat and access.

Screwworm Crisis in South Texas: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, reviving fears among ranchers and wildlife advocates. Ranchers say the response is too slow or too limited, while officials push quarantine and emergency measures as the pest threatens livestock wounds and the beef supply. Flooding & Heat Stress: A new report links wetland loss to higher residential flood insurance payouts, with Houston among the hardest-hit metro areas. Meanwhile, South Texas weather is swinging between brief downpours and a return to hot, humid conditions—exactly the kind of climate stress that raises health risks for Texans. Data Centers vs. Water and Power: Across the country, communities are pressuring lawmakers over data center development, citing electricity strain and water use; the backlash is now shaping policy debates that could spill into Texas. Carbon Capture in the Classroom: Louisiana students learned about carbon capture with Exxon’s help, but critics question whether industry-funded lessons are shaping public opinion.