AGP Executive Report

Data Centers in Texas Panhandle: Google and Intersect broke ground on the Meitner Energy Center in Gray and Roberts counties, pairing a new data center with 1+ GW of wind/solar/storage plus on-site gas for reliability. Local Governance & Tech Backlash: Hill County rescinded a data-center moratorium after a lawsuit, while Grimes County approved SpaceX tax breaks for a Terafab chip plant despite resident pushback. SpaceX IPO Watch: SpaceX launched its investor roadshow with a fixed $135 share price, targeting a record $75B raise and a $1.75T valuation ahead of a Nasdaq debut. Public Health Threat: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a South Texas calf, prompting quarantine steps and sterile-fly releases to protect livestock. Open Science in Texas: HETDEX released its massive cosmic dataset to the public via Texas Advanced Computing Center, aiming to help scientists, students, and AI use early-universe observations. Biotech/Privacy: Amazon faces a class-action over Ring “Familiar Faces” facial data collection, with Texas cited in the privacy-law context.

Space & Chips: SpaceX is pushing ahead with a record $75B IPO, targeting a $1.8T valuation and pricing 555,555,555 shares at $135, while also securing Texas tax incentives for its Terafab semiconductor plant in Grimes County. Local Governance: Grimes County approved a Terafab reinvestment zone and tax abatements after a packed hearing, despite residents’ worries about water, power, wildlife, and rural impacts. Public Health & Privacy: HHS is seeking federal access to state medical records, raising alarms among privacy advocates and public health leaders about safeguards and identifiable data use. Agriculture & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, the first since 1966, prompting quarantine and renewed pressure on cattle protection efforts. STEM & Industry: USDA opened a new livestock insects research lab in Kerrville to tackle invasive fly and tick threats, and Siemens unveiled a 3D electrical design workflow to better connect wiring and mechanical engineering. Infrastructure & Water: Colfax County commissioners discussed how data centers’ long-term cooling needs could drive stricter water-demand scrutiny. Climate & Safety: NPR reports over a third of World Cup matches face dangerous heat risk, with players and officials at higher overheating danger.

Quantum & IT Leadership: Texas Tech CIO Lin Zhou was appointed to Gov. Abbott’s Texas Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, aiming to boost quantum research, commercialization, workforce, and infrastructure. Medical Devices: Xenix Medical won FDA 510(k) clearance for its Riva Posterior Fixation System, moving into full commercial rollout for modular spinal fixation. Energy Storage Tech: Affordable Wire Management expanded its Strata BESS wire management suite at ACP CLEANPOWER 2026, targeting safer, faster installs for solar-plus-storage and grid-reliability projects. Autonomous Mobility in Austin: Tesla expanded unsupervised robotaxi service to the entire Austin metro area, continuing its push to scale rides without in-vehicle human monitors. Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline: PSJA ISD students were recognized after completing a Methodist Healthcare Ministries cybersecurity internship program with city tech support. Public Safety & Tech: Arlington police outlined World Cup security plans using drones and street cameras, with heavy staffing for match days. Water & Climate Resilience: Corpus Christi’s inner harbor desalination delay drew sharp criticism from Gov. Abbott’s office, while a South Texas company showcased atmospheric water generation for local drinking-water needs. Global Health: CEPI backed three investigational Ebola vaccine candidates targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus, including an Oxford program manufactured by Serum Institute of India. Markets & Geopolitics: Stocks slid as renewed Middle East tensions lifted oil prices, with WTI up sharply and investors watching the Strait of Hormuz fallout.

Public Health Funding: The CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System faces steep cuts in the Trump budget plan, raising alarms that the U.S. could lose a key early-warning tool as a newer COVID “cicada” variant spreads. Texas Animal Health: Vets warn Texas cat owners about “bobcat fever” (cytauxzoonosis), carried by Lone Star ticks, as the tick season ramps up. Energy Costs: A Texas lawmaker points to supply shortfalls and rising demand (including data centers) as a major driver behind soaring summer electric bills. Space & Tech: SpaceX schedules its first West Coast June launch from Vandenberg, sending 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Local Water Infrastructure: Corpus Christi delays a decision on its Inner Harbor desalination plant, tabling the vote to September after long debate over environmental impacts. Healthcare Realities: CMS nursing-home star ratings keep rolling in across Texas counties, showing a wide spread between top performers and facilities with fines and penalties. STEM & Education Partnerships: Qatar Foundation announces new study-abroad partnerships with U.S. universities including Prairie View A&M in Texas.

Border Biosecurity: USDA says the New World screwworm fly is now detected about 25 miles from the Texas-Mexico border—its closest approach since monitoring began—while officials push a tech-heavy response including closing livestock ports tied to a new sterile fly facility. Public Health & Access: Georgetown University reports Texas has the highest uninsured rate for children under 6, with nearly 11% lacking coverage in 2024 after pandemic-era Medicaid protections ended. AI in the Real World: Reuters reports Tesla Full Self Driving developers and labelers describe frequent failures on basic driving tasks, raising new questions about readiness for autonomy. Texas Tech & Industry: Texas Instruments names long-time insider Julie Knecht as finance chief as AI data-center demand boosts analog chip growth. Energy & Climate: Heat pumps are gaining share, but experts warn upfront costs and electrical upgrades can be dealbreakers. Space & Defense: Blue Origin says key New Glenn launch-pad parts survived last week’s explosion and it plans to fly again before year’s end. Life Sciences: UT San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio win new CPRIT awards to expand cancer research and prevention across South Texas.

Houston Life Sciences & Policy: A former FDA commissioner discussed what’s driving (and holding back) Houston’s life sciences competitiveness as global biotech growth accelerates. AI in Texas Business: A Dallas Fed survey finds most Texas firms are using AI, with many reporting productivity gains—though about 10% say it’s reducing their need for human workers. Public Safety Tech: Texas border agents seized 1,600 pounds of meth hidden as lettuce at the Pharr International Bridge, using scanning tech to stop the shipment. Healthcare Access: Houston ISD says 33 schools will lose automatic free-meal eligibility, forcing families to apply for benefits. Coastal Resilience: Rockport and Aransas County are using water-level sensors with Texas A&M–Corpus Christi to improve flood monitoring and planning. Energy & Power: Texas adds another huge solar farm as ERCOT demand rises, while the grid’s readiness remains a recurring concern. Space/Launch Updates: Blue Origin got a closer look at damage after a New Glenn explosion at Cape Canaveral, with investigations and pad recovery underway. STEM & Academia: Texas Tech faculty reported changing course content due to race and gender instruction restrictions, raising concerns about academic freedom.

Semiconductor Supply Chain Pressure: A new CHIPS-driven buildout is boosting chip fabs in places like Texas, but speciality chemical suppliers face a major “no domestic playbook” gap as qualification cycles and capacity ramp up. Space Training in Texas Ties: NASA’s Artemis landing training philosophy is rooted in Apollo-style problem-solving, with new high-altitude mountain training approaches that echo Houston-era flight prep. Solar Manufacturing in Houston: SEG Solar announced a third Greater Houston factory (4.6 GW), targeting 10.6 GW total U.S. module capacity and next-gen HJT production. Hurricane Season Watch for Texas: With June 1 kickoff, forecasts point to a somewhat below-normal Atlantic season, but Gulf Coast risk remains meaningful—especially for Texas. Grid Resilience After Beryl: Houston’s CenterPoint says it’s readying the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, including tree trimming, automation, and more underground power lines. Electricity Data Access: A consumer-right push argues Texans and other Americans can’t manage rising power costs without real-time usage tools. Local Tech & STEM: Texas Tech highlighted in CWUR global rankings, while North Texas esports and education design showcase winners underscore STEM momentum. Transportation Update: TxDOT scheduled I-30 westbound ramp changes near Texarkana for the widening project.

Semiconductor & AI Infrastructure: Siemens and Samsung Foundry are deepening their collaboration to certify Siemens EDA tools for Samsung’s next-gen 2nm process and to support advanced packaging for complex 2.5D/3D designs. Corporate Tech Moves: Samsung Electronics plans to shift its U.S. headquarters from New Jersey to Plano, Texas, moving about 1,000 employees to boost U.S. business synergies. Energy & Industry: The EIA says most new U.S. natural gas pipeline capacity coming online in 2026-27 is tied to Texas, aimed at easing Permian bottlenecks and feeding LNG exports. Healthcare Tech in Texas: Neuro Rehab VR is expanding in Austin, onboarding the Texas NeuroRehab Center’s Post-Acute Brain Injury program with immersive, gamified therapy meant to streamline clinician workflows. Public Safety & Weather: A new look at storm patterns says tornado risk is shifting east into “Dixie Alley,” with Tennessee seeing more destructive nocturnal tornadoes. Cyber/Border Enforcement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested a traveler at Laredo after seizing cocaine and ketamine packages worth about $455,000. Clean Energy Jobs: A new report finds clean energy manufacturing is supporting major employment impacts nationwide, with Texas highlighted for new solar module capacity.

AI in Fleet Ops: Motive rolled out AI Dashcam Plus and AI Omnicam Plus, pairing telematics with on-camera AI processing to push toward more automated fleet management. Humanoid Robotics & Design: A Seoul runway show paired humanoids with human models in matching outfits, with Galaxy Corp pitching the idea that robots “need clothes” and planning a branded launch. Cybersecurity (Texas Impact): Carnival disclosed an April social-engineering breach that may have exposed passport and driver’s license data for Texans, with notifications now underway. Space Tech in Texas: Space Center Houston hosted the “Steel Across America” 9/11 remembrance stop, spotlighting first-responder legacy tied to the WTC steel tour. Medical Breakthrough (Pancreatic Cancer): ASCO coverage highlights daraxonrasib, a second-line pancreatic cancer pill reporting more than double median survival versus chemotherapy in a phase 3 trial. Texas Energy Policy: Reports say DoD permit reviews have stalled dozens of Texas wind projects, raising concerns about grid and consumer impacts. Semiconductor Manufacturing: Samsung’s Taylor fab in Texas signaled a clearer path to production next year, with public confirmation of customer readiness.

Cancer Care Breakthrough in Houston: MD Anderson researchers helped present late-breaking ASCO results showing GammaTile®—radioactive collagen tiles placed during brain metastasis surgery—cut surgical-site recurrence to about 1.3% at one year and more than doubled median overall survival versus standard postoperative stereotactic radiation. Cybersecurity: Multiple healthcare breaches exposed Social Security numbers and medical records, including a major incident tied to Texas provider Integrated Pain Associates, underscoring how patient data remains a top target. AI Training for Doctors: Sam Houston State University’s osteopathic medical school won an AACOM grant to roll out “AI Across Residency,” building formal training so residents can evaluate and use AI safely in clinical practice. STEM Education + Tech: UHCL received a $500,000 grant to expand autism services via parent-directed treatment, aiming to reduce waitlists for evidence-based support. Permian Basin Health Warning: Texas Tech Health clinicians warn “nicotine biohacking” oral pouches can deliver nicotine fast and may accelerate dependence—despite influencer marketing as a clean nootropic. Space/Business Watch: SpaceX is reportedly targeting an IPO valuation of at least $1.8T as it pivots toward AI services and infrastructure. Local Tech Safety: Galveston’s Pleasure Pier roller coaster malfunction left students stranded about 100 feet up for hours before rescue.

Space & Defense: NASA is boosting its moon-base push with a $75M subcontract to Cedar Park’s Firefly Aerospace to deliver four drones to the lunar South Pole for the MoonFall mission. Health & Biotech: The WHO is urging clinical-trial-only use of vaccines and treatments as the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreads in Congo, with Texas A&M’s Tom Ksiazek noting the virus has caused past outbreaks. Local Tech & Safety: Galveston’s Pleasure Pier says firefighters rescued eight riders after the Iron Shark roller coaster malfunction left students dangling about 100 feet for hours. Energy & Infrastructure: Corpus Christi leaders are seeking a drought waiver to hold more water locally before environmental releases, aiming to raise the trigger threshold from 30% to 50%. Tech Industry & Markets: Wall Street closed higher as Dell’s strong results fueled renewed AI-infrastructure optimism, lifting tech shares. Public Health: A Yale-led study links living near factory farms with higher cancer risk, including lung and bronchus cancer signals in Texas.

Texas A&M AgriLife & Peanuts: Researchers are pushing peanut breeding for nutrition, longer shelf life, and drought resilience, with growers and processors partnering on high-oleic varieties that help Texas producers stay competitive. Markets & Tech Stocks: U.S. equities climbed to fresh highs as tech led the month’s gains, with Dell surging after results and guidance. Texas Senate Race Poll: A new survey shows James Talarico slightly ahead of Ken Paxton heading into November, with moderates and independents key. Cyber & Defense Policy: A House FY27 NDAA draft would tighten Pentagon rules for AI and autonomous systems, add an AI model deployment framework, and improve AI incident tracking. AI Child Exploitation Case (Texas DPS): DPS says it arrested a man accused of generating hundreds of AI-made child sexual abuse images involving South Texas children. Workforce Training Grant: Tyler Junior College received a $325,293 Texas Workforce Commission grant to expand veterinary tech training and equipment. Rio Grande Water Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement to curb groundwater pumping and stabilize Rio Grande deliveries to Texas. Data Centers & Water Pressure: Coverage highlights how AI data centers are increasingly constrained by water needs, not just power.

Space & Rockets: NASA is lining up three uncrewed lunar missions starting late 2026 to scout Shackleton Crater for a future Moon base, including Blue Origin’s MK-1 lander “Endurance.” Aerospace Setback: Blue Origin’s New Glenn suffered a major engine-test explosion in Florida, with no injuries reported. AI Infrastructure & Chips: Nvidia’s push to replace copper with photonics is accelerating, with billions in new deals aimed at boosting AI data-center bandwidth. Texas Crypto Policy: Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock named members to a new Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve advisory committee to guide valuation, risk, and custody policies. Clean Energy Tech: SunHydrogen installed updated hydrogen modules at UT Austin’s Hydrogen ProtoHub, extending the Austin pilot and reporting early field performance consistent with lab-validated designs. Health Tech Research: UT Arlington won an NIH grant (~$1.7M) to develop advanced ultrasound imaging that could produce higher-resolution 3D views of deep blood vessels. Public Safety Tech: Texas Comptroller/CBP and other updates aside, CBP Laredo issued a public awareness push about the New World screwworm threat near the border. STEM in Action: Houston-area students were rescued after a Pleasure Pier roller coaster malfunction left riders stranded for hours.

Texas Grid & Energy Storage: Goshe Energy Storage secured a $40M strategic debt facility from S2G Investments and says its first 100 MW ERCOT battery is now fully operational, with more projects nearing construction and startup. AI in Robotics: NVIDIA Research highlighted eight new papers at ICRA showing robots moving from simulation-trained demos toward more reliable real-world autonomy. Texas Tech & Semiconductors: Texas Instruments CEO commentary at Bernstein’s conference pointed to the end of a multi-year capacity expansion cycle and a path back to cash flow, with AI demand as a key backdrop. Public Works & Water: Phoenix planners discussed an Advanced Water Purification facility tied to growth near major chip development, framing recycling as the answer to rising water demand. Aviation Workforce: FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative is expanding to Angelo State University in Texas, offering a fast track for future controllers. Health & Affordability: A new survey says physician concern has shifted toward patient affordability as ACA premium credits expire, reshaping clinical priorities. Texas Public Safety Tech: Texas DPS bought its first Bell 407 helicopter since the 1980s to modernize airborne law enforcement support. Climate & Heat: A Climate Central analysis finds summer temperatures are rising across nearly all major U.S. cities, with hotter extremes becoming more common. Policy & Politics: A bipartisan college sports compensation bill was unveiled by Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, aiming to “restore order” amid NIL and transfer-portal chaos.

Space & AI: SpaceX says it’s nearly finished an in-house AI training stack written in C, built to run on a massive Nvidia GPU cluster and aimed at big speed gains for future xAI models. Health & Research: Theolytics will present its Phase 1 OCTOPOD-IP ovarian cancer trial of THEO-260 at ASCO, with UT MD Anderson leading the study. Energy & Water: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement to rein in Rio Grande groundwater pumping, setting up reductions and water-right retirements to stabilize flows from New Mexico to Texas. Manufacturing Tech: Quanta Computer is adopting Siemens Xcelerator software to cut product development timelines and tighten the design-to-factory digital link. Public Safety (DFW): A new study flags the most crash-prone school zones across Dallas-Fort Worth, using state crash data from 2022–2024. Local Tech Policy: Lockhart moves to regulate future data centers and crypto mining, aiming to define where they can operate and how they’re classified. Biotech/De-extinction Buzz: Texas-based Colossal Biosciences reports hatching chicks from artificial eggs, renewing debate over de-extinction claims.

AI for finance: Eltropy rolled out “Safe AI,” a 46-page governance guide for credit unions and community banks, laying out a five-layer framework for guardrails, fairness, privacy, security, and transparency. Space industry watch: The FAA put SpaceX’s Starship launches on hold after a booster mishap during a Texas test flight; the spacecraft still released mock satellites before ending in the Indian Ocean. Public health: The Ebola outbreak in the DRC is accelerating, with Uganda reporting spread and vaccines/treatments limited by strain; the White House says it’s building a Kenya quarantine and treatment center for exposed Americans. Texas courts & elections: The Supreme Court is set to issue more election rulings that could affect mailed ballots and money-in-politics rules, with immediate election fallout possible. Texas tech & data centers: Digital Realty published its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting renewable energy coverage and reduced cooling impacts across its Texas-linked footprint. Energy bills: ElectricityPlans.com projects summer electricity costs near $1,000 for Dallas and Houston households. Legal tech in schools: UC Berkeley Law adopted a stricter AI policy banning AI drafting/editing and uploading course materials. Crime solved with DNA: Dallas police say new DNA tech linked a life-sentenced inmate to a 1986 Dallas murder.