AGP Executive Report

Road & Rail Updates: TxDOT broke ground on the final phase of San Antonio’s Loop 1604 expansion and is pushing ahead on I-35 NEX elevated express lanes, with federal highway chief Sean McMaster touring the work. Travel Disruptions: Drivers heading to Galveston face new I-45 lane closures and a longer detour starting Aug. 7 as TxDOT widens the freeway. Public Health for Travelers: Texas DSHS issued a measles alert after four Montgomery County residents in one family tested positive, urging vigilance—especially for unvaccinated people. Local Tourism & Community: McKinney Community Development Corporation awarded $125,470 in grants to events and programs that draw visitors and spotlight local culture. Family Fun: Fort Worth’s 35-year-old Tornado Terry’s Arcade is closing, citing road construction that kept customers away. School-Supply Planning: Texas tax-free weekend for school supplies runs Aug. 7–9, including backpacks under $100. Hospitality Tech: Texas A&M’s Digital Transformation Lab is using AI and biometric tools to study how guests experience hospitality services. Wildfire Readiness: Texas A&M Forest Service added three new aircraft to expand wildfire response.

Texas Travel & Tourism: East Texas child food insecurity is rising, with Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap showing 83,090 food-insecure children in the region served by the East Texas Food Bank in 2024—about 3,000 more than 2023—highlighting ongoing need for summer feeding and backpack programs. Local Events: The 171st Anniversary East Texas Sacred Harp Convention returns Aug. 8–9 at the Henderson Civic Center, featuring community shape-note singing and a public dinner-on-the-ground. Travel Safety & Disruption: A major American Airlines tech outage triggered a nationwide FAA ground stop, stranding aircraft at Dallas/Fort Worth and causing widespread delays. Cross-Border Travel Watch: Canadian spending on U.S. trips fell sharply in 2025 as cross-border travel dropped 25%, with tariffs and tougher enforcement cited. Family Travel Story: A Sugar Land teen is recovering after a rare barracuda attack in Turks and Caicos, with tendon repair surgery ahead. Outdoor & Community: A Back-to-School Health Fair in Bellville distributed 198 backpacks and connected families to screenings and local resources despite rainy weather.

Border Wall & Environment: Activists are camped by a century-old cottonwood tree in Arizona that remains standing in the path of Trump’s border wall, after DHS contractors tore down nearby trees—sparking fresh outrage over habitat loss. Texas Travel Spotlight: John Oliver took aim at Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuits on “Last Week Tonight,” while the brand’s legal fight keeps spilling into mainstream debate. Cross-Border Mobility: A Texas A&M Transportation Institute project with UTEP tested a portable, lower-cost way to collect turning-movement traffic data at 150 intersections in Ciudad Juárez to improve planning at the international border. Air Travel Disruption: American Airlines diverted a flight after six crew members reported a mysterious odor onboard, with hotel accommodations provided and travelers rebooked. Houston Dining Tragedy: A wrongful death lawsuit alleges a Montrose restaurateur planned the murder-suicide that killed his wife and two children. Road Trip Picks: WalletHub ranks Texas among the best states for summer road trips, citing affordability and driving fun. World Cup Legacy: North Texas officials say hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Arlington boosted regional planning and hospitality, with partnerships driving results.

Texas Travel & Tourism: Dallas Zoo shared a first look at “African Shorelines,” the next phase of its Safari Trail expansion, with construction set for October and an opening target of 2028—featuring immersive habitats for critically endangered African penguins and lesser flamingos, plus new education areas and a wildlife-view café. Family Travel & Deals: El Paso-area families can plan around Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend, running Aug. 7–9, 2026, with sales tax exemptions on many school essentials priced under $100 (including backpacks and lots of supplies). Outdoor & Road Trip Planning: With summer heat and storm season in full swing, travelers are being reminded to plan for weather disruptions and safer wildlife viewing—stay back from animals, don’t feed them, and use zoom lenses for photos. Local Community Events: Lubbock’s Citywide Back-2-School Bash is Aug. 1 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, offering free backpacks and supplies plus a community resource fair. Tech & Travel Infrastructure: USDA’s plan to relocate staff into regional hubs nationwide could affect how quickly some services are delivered—worth watching for any downstream impacts on travel-related agriculture and food safety operations.

Air Travel & Tourism: United Airlines is adding year-round nonstop service to Cartagena, launching from Houston and Washington Dulles starting Dec. 17—an easy new link for Texans chasing Caribbean getaways. Local Travel & Visitor Economy: Traveler’s Cart in Houston’s Montrose is closing after its final service July 31, with its menu and team moving to sister spot Traveler’s Table. Back-to-School Budgeting: Houston families are adjusting shopping habits as the new school year ramps up—more deal-hunting, price comparisons, and reusing supplies. Heat & Comfort Plans: El Paso residents get practical monsoon-season heat tips, while East Texas cooling centers (including Tyler libraries and shelters) are open for people without reliable A/C. Community & Safety: Katy ISD hosted a regional emergency responder forum to strengthen school safety coordination. Family News: An Amber Alert for an 11-month-old boy last seen near Houston has been discontinued after he was found. Culture & Texas Travel Mood: Blue Zones Project is coming to Tyler, aiming to improve everyday community design that supports healthier living.

Back-to-School Cost Pressure: Rising bank swipe fees are expected to push up prices for school and college supplies, adding another hit for families already squeezed by everyday costs. Houston Immigration & School Community: A Houston ISD student from Russia was detained by ICE after a legal dispute over his status, sparking arguments from a congresswoman and attorney about how he entered the U.S. Wildfire Aviation Boost: Texas A&M Forest Service is getting new wildfire aircraft support via a $58 million Bridger Aerospace contract to build and deliver King Air 360 planes, with modifications done in Texas. Texas Storm Aftermath: Severe July flooding left a rural Uvalde County community stranded for more than a week as debris and blocked crossings cut off the only route. Space & Travel Tech: SpaceX successfully launched Starship on its 13th test flight from South Texas after delays, deploying Starlink satellites and advancing NASA moon-mission readiness. Road Work Disruptions: TxDOT released Highway 6 overnight closure schedules for the Big 6 project, with multiple lane shutdowns running through July 31. Community Backpacks: Sherman ISD’s Back to School Bash will hand out 1,000 free backpacks and supplies in partnership with Cook Children’s.

Texas Travel Wire Roundup: Lottery Buzz: Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto Texas are rolling toward a combined $1.45 billion, with a reported $633M Powerball and $800M Mega Millions jackpot—plus a $1M ticket sold in Sugar Land. Health & Safety: The FDA issued a voluntary recall of more than 1.5 million dozen shell eggs from Midwest Poultry Services in Texas due to possible Salmonella exposure, with distribution across several Southern states. Heat Advisory: A dangerous “heat dome” is pushing temperatures above 100°F from Texas north toward the Dakotas, with warnings affecting tens of millions—plan outdoor time carefully. Air Travel Costs: Jet fuel prices are spiking again as Middle East tensions tighten global supply, raising the odds of higher fares. Community Travel Perk: Zavalla’s small-town park got a community-funded renovation at no cost to the city after a Home Depot partnership helped expand volunteer efforts. Outdoors Watch: Bertha’s lingering impacts include rip currents threatening Texas beaches through Friday.

Space & Travel Tech: NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts returned safely to Earth after 241 days aboard the ISS, landing in Kazakhstan—another reminder that Texas is tied into the space economy. Road Safety: A Beaumont man died after a crash near Sea Rim State Park when his car hit the back of a dump truck on SH 87; the truck driver was unhurt. Food Safety for Texans: The FDA linked 98 Salmonella illnesses in 17 states to a recalled Texas egg product from Midwest Poultry Services, urging anyone with recent GI symptoms to mention eggs. Public Health: CDC data show U.S. measles cases hit 2,318 in 2026, with seven states driving most of the total—important as school travel ramps up. Outdoor Travel Tips: Baja pet owners are warned about heat stroke risks for dogs and cats, which can develop in minutes. Local Travel/Weather: A heat dome has put about 80 million people under heat alerts across the central U.S., including Texas—plan outdoor time carefully.

Back-to-School Help in Texas: Waco police handed out 1,500 free backpacks at a Back to School Bash, aiming to ease rising back-to-school costs for families. Community Giveback: Duncanville NBA forward Ron Holland II returned home for the Ready for Greatness DFW Back-To-School Experience, teaming up with schools and the city to distribute backpacks and resources to about 1,000 students. Local Sports & Travel Buzz: A Houston-area camp led by Klein Forest teammates Chris Hines and Toure’ Murry is bringing basketball dreams to kids, with a focus on giving back to the grassroots. STEM on the Road: The American Solar Challenge kicked off at the University of Minnesota with a 1,500-mile solar car race heading down to Amarillo, Texas, spotlighting hands-on STEM travel. Space Tourism Watch: SpaceX says its next Starship test flight may try catching the spacecraft with tower arms after a successful splashdown. Safety & Costs: A new report highlights Americans changing grocery habits amid the biggest price jump in 50 years.

Texas Travel & Tourism Watch: SpaceX’s Starship just made another big leap from Starbase in South Texas, launching on its 13th test flight and deploying 20 advanced Starlink satellites—NASA is tracking the mission as it gears up for future lunar work. Outdoor & Wildlife Health: A Texas-detected New World screwworm is pushing researchers to study what the parasite “smells” in wounds, with the goal of better traps and faster detection to stop it spreading north. Travel Safety & Disruption: Tropical Storm Bertha’s Gulf-to-Texas impacts are still in the mix, with forecasts and advisories urging travelers to re-check plans as flooding risk lingers. Food & Budget Travel: With grocery prices surging nationwide, more Texans (and visitors) are likely to plan meals around deals—good news for travelers hunting value stops and local specials. Local Community Tourism: Buc-ee’s continues expanding, with new store plans and construction updates keeping the road-trip favorite on the growth track.

Public Health & Travel Safety: Measles cases in the U.S. have now surpassed 2025 levels, with outbreaks reported across multiple states and Texas still cited among the hardest-hit areas—an issue for anyone flying or visiting crowded venues. Major Texas Crash: Authorities identified Sheldon Gutierrez‑Rangel, 25, of Dallas, as the passenger killed when a FedEx van was struck by a Union Pacific train north of Itasca; the FedEx driver remains in critical condition. Texas Flood Relief: East Texas ministry leader Patrick Johnson is heading to Crystal City with supplies and cleanup gear to support South Texas flood recovery. Space & Tourism Buzz (Texas): SpaceX’s Starship test flight launched from Starbase, Texas, carrying advanced Starlinks and drawing attention from nearby residents and visitors. Wildfire Readiness: Texas A&M Forest Service added three multi-mission aircraft to expand wildfire detection and response statewide. Border & Human Smuggling Case: Federal prosecutors in San Antonio announced indictments tied to deaths of migrants trapped in a sealed shipping container on a Union Pacific train. Cattle Trade Update: Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller praised a limited resumption of cattle imports from Mexico while warning the New World screwworm disruption is still hurting ranchers. Local Mobility Planning: A Lufkin-area bicycle safety plan is moving forward, with public input focused on gaps in safer routes across nine East Texas counties.

Space & Weather: Tropical Storm Bertha scrubbed SpaceX’s Starship flight 13 from South Texas, pushing the next attempt to the following day—another reminder that Gulf Coast storms can ripple into travel plans. Holiday Travel: Gaylord Texan in Grapevine announced ice!™ featuring Harry Potter™ for its 22nd annual Lone Star Christmas, running Nov. 13, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027, with ticket sales and early packages now open. Gas Prices: AAA reports Texas regular gas up again, with the state average at $3.71 and the national average at $4.09 as crude oil stays volatile. Public Health & Travel: Dengue cases in the U.S. have topped 500 in 2026, with the mosquito spreading farther north—an issue for summer travelers and outdoor plans. Airport Experience: TSA Gold+ would let some airports use private contractors for screening, with Houston not selected first but the program could still shape future airport wait times. Wildlife & Nature: A new study suggests some southern right whale moms float upside-down to take a break from nursing—an unexpected “vacation” behavior for marine moms.

Hotel & Travel Stays: Texarkana just added more extended-stay options with a new Home2 Suites by Hilton opening June 26, plus the family’s acquisition of a Residence Inn by Marriott (renovations set to finish this fall). Road-Trip & Dining: Cracker Barrel is winding down its Maple Street Biscuit Company brand—selling the concept and closing 16 locations—an update that could reshape breakfast stops for Texas road trippers. Family Travel & Events: Winona ISD is covering school supplies for every student again, easing back-to-school costs for families. Weather Watch: South Texas is seeing lingering river flooding near Cotulla and Tilden after Tropical Storm Bertha, with travel impacts most likely around the Nueces and Frio rivers through the weekend. Local Tourism & Learning: The Traveling Culinary School is bringing French cooking classes to Nacogdoches (July 31–Aug. 12) and Lufkin (Aug. 14). Nature & Outdoors: Arlington reported its first oak wilt case in years—good to know for homeowners planning landscaping or tree trimming.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Bertha has already battered Louisiana and is now targeting Texas, with tropical storm conditions, coastal flood advisories, and beach closures as Gulf Coast travelers brace for rain and possible flash flooding. Back-to-school savings: Texas shoppers get a tax-free weekend Aug. 7–9 (with Oklahoma and Arkansas), covering qualifying clothing, footwear, backpacks under $100, and most school supplies under $100. Road-trip food & stops: Amarillo’s Route 66 icon The Big Texan is leaning into its steak-challenge legacy with fun history and attractions beyond the 72-oz contest. Family travel support: J-Star Ministries is asking for donations to fund a disaster-relief trip to Crystal City, Texas, to deliver supplies to families in need. Tech-meets-travel buzz: A new “Circadian Cove Rx” wellness offering is launching for event attendees in Austin, aiming to time recovery and alertness around natural energy cycles. Local heat prep: Houston is gearing up for dangerously high temperatures and is also weighing whether the World Cup delivered the hotel and rental boost many expected. Travel health watch: Measles cases continue climbing nationally, a reminder for travelers to check vaccination status before summer trips.

Aviation & Travel Disruption: Detroit Metro Airport is moving ahead with plans to take over a Spirit Airlines hangar lease for $18 million after the airline shut down, with a final court decision expected after Aug. 4. Texas Road & Commute Watch: TxDOT reports left-lane and shoulder closures on IH-10 east and westbound near Cane Island Rd to Igloo Rd in Katy-area bridge repairs—expect delays and check DriveTexas. Sports Tourism: Meridian’s Mid America League playoffs are headed to Scaggs Field, bringing teams and visitors from across Texas for games Aug. 1–2. Family Travel & School Prep: Houston’s Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair returns Aug. 1 at the George R. Brown Convention Center with free backpacks and health screenings for about 20,000 students. Outdoor Safety: San Antonio hit 100° as Tropical Storm Bertha weakens—minimal Texas impacts expected, but heat and flooding risks remain a concern for travelers. Local Giving: LiftFund is offering up to $10,000 in Hill Country flood relief grants for small businesses and nonprofits across 16 counties. Tech & Mobility: Tesla says its robotaxi fleet logged 380,000 unsupervised miles with “zero notable incidents,” a reminder that driverless travel is accelerating. Back-to-School Shopping: Primark Katy Mills is drawing fresh attention ahead of the Texas tax-free weekend, with store location and hours highlighted for families.

Tropical Storm Bertha Watch: Gulf Coast communities from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana are closing beaches and handing out sandbags as Bertha nears landfall, with storm surge up to 4 feet possible in parts of Louisiana and heavy rain threats that could trigger flash flooding. Texas Travel Weather: San Antonio is poised for its first 100-degree day of 2026, with extreme heat advisories across much of the state—plan outdoor trips early and stay hydrated. DFW Airport Upgrade: American Airlines is expanding at Dallas-Fort Worth with a new, massive Admirals Club in Terminal C plus a grab-and-go lounge concept in Terminal F, signaling more premium options for travelers. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $76.3 million in post-disaster support for projects across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, including debris removal and infrastructure repairs. Hill Country Weekend Idea: A “Wild West” getaway to Bandera highlights river time, Main Street shopping, and classic honky-tonk nights. Public Safety: Texas DPS issued an Amber Alert for 1-year-old Taelin Calloway-Sorrells last seen in Austin.