Wildfire Air Quality: A&M researcher Yunyao Li says smoke from the Ross Fire is clearly transporting into the DFW area, and she’s pushing for better alerts so residents can prep with filters, AC, and N95s. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Robinson City Council voted to end its Flock license-plate reader contract after residents raised privacy concerns, even as officials noted the cameras can help with crime. Data Centers Under Scrutiny: CEOs from major operators testified before a Texas Senate committee on AI infrastructure, focusing on misinformation and water use, with claims of relatively limited daily consumption and infrastructure spending. Storm Watch: Tropical Depression Edouard made landfall near Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, and is expected to bring 3–7 inches of rain (up to 12) into parts of east-central Texas, raising flash-flood risk. UTHealth Houston Leadership: UTHealth Houston named Kevin A. Morano, PhD, provost, elevating him to chief academic officer as the university expands education, research, and clinical care. Antibiotic-Resistant Research: UT Arlington received $4.6M in federal grants to study how pathogens like Listeria and Staph survive stress and antibiotics, aiming at new treatment strategies. Space & Engineering: Texas A&M University System is bidding to manage NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, building on its existing JPL partnership and space institute work. Local Tech/Policy: Victoria’s municipal court will pause in-person services for Sept. 10 staff training, while online services stay open.