AGP Executive Report

Texas Arts & Community: The Texas School for the Deaf is honoring student Kaylee Hottle, remembered for her kindness and her role in the Godzilla vs. Kong franchise, with a memorial service and plans to keep her legacy going. Christian Music Spotlight (Arlington): Forrest Frank’s Jesus Generation Tour wrapped up with 519,000 attendees across 29 cities, ending at Globe Life Field in Arlington with Tori Kelly, Cory Asbury and The Figs. Film & TV Buzz: Jane Schoenbrun explains how “Teenage Sex & Death at Camp Miasma” uses nostalgia and “safe” horror vibes to explore scary feelings and sexuality. Sports Entertainment (Texas): The San Antonio Spurs hosted a Back to School Bash for local families, handing out supplies and support services. Music Video Watch: North West dropped the eerie “Aishite” visuals, teasing her Dallas tour plans after canceling her first run. Public Safety (Lubbock): Texas DPS issued a Silver Alert for missing 78-year-old Louis Hines, last seen near 1102 N Memphis Ave.

Back-to-School Savings: A North Texas thrift shop is offering 10% off during the Texas tax-free weekend, with shoppers also supporting charities through its donation model. Local Community & Food: San Antonio’s Missions are kicking off the school year with a Back to School Weekend at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, plus themed concessions and giveaways. Texas Racing History: A look at Abilene’s Jim Hall and the Chaparral cars that pushed the limits—plus why the Chaparral 2E and 2J were banned. College Hoops Buzz: Who could be the best player in college basketball for 2026-27? Experts weigh in as top talent shifts and injuries shape the race. TV & Streaming: Taylor Sheridan’s “Marshals” is gearing up for Season 2, and a new “Cookie Queens” review calls out how the doc leans hard into present-day obsession. Music Spotlight: Fuerza Regida wrapped its Citi Field stadium tour with major New York guests, blending corridos bélicos and hip-hop. Health & Family Fun: Lubbock’s LifeGift is hosting HopeFest, celebrating donors with activities, vendors, and a community softball showdown.

Country Music Loss: Texas pedal steel legend Tommy Detamore has died at 70, with his wife Sandra calling him a “love of my life” and crediting his gift for shaping the genre through work with major country acts. Austin Comedy: Austin Sketch Fest returns with SNL’s Andrew Dismukes plus a lineup of Texas comics, including Mimi Meier, as the festival keeps spotlighting rising voices. Music Spotlight: Bailey Zimmerman’s Musikfest set in Bethlehem mixed big arena energy with a shorter-than-expected 70-minute run, showing both his hit power and room to sharpen live pacing. Pop Charts: Ariana Grande’s “Petal” debuts at No. 1 on Ireland’s albums chart, while Glen Hansard’s “Falling Slowly” climbs after his death. Local Weekend Picks (Katy): Katy’s Aug. 8–9 calendar includes free Tai Chi, a same-day pet adoption, a genealogy workshop, and a “Barbie” outdoor movie, plus a Cinco Ranch farmers market and back-to-school fair. Sports Watch: Women’s flag football is pushing toward NCAA championship status, with a potential national title game as early as spring 2028. Film/TV Buzz: A24’s “Primetime” teaser shows Robert Pattinson transforming into Chris Hansen for the thriller built around “To Catch a Predator.”

Country Music Loss: Tommy Detamore, the pedal steel guitarist and producer who helped shape generations of country and Americana, died at 70; his wife Sandra shared that the death was sudden and did not name a cause. Texas Music Charts: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps climbing, extending its Hot 100 lead while country dominates the Top 5, and Langley’s “I Can’t Love You Anymore” also tops Country Airplay with Morgan Wallen. Live Music & Community: The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Celebration Weekend kicks off in Carthage honoring Don Williams and Allen Frizzell, while the East Texas Sacred Harp Convention returns to Henderson for its 171st year. Food & Local Culture: Terry Black’s launches a behind-the-scenes $150 “Experience” that skips the usual brisket line, and Horn Barbecue closes its last location amid wage theft accusations and legal fallout. Arts & Homes: Dallas’ AIA Tour of Homes returns for its 20th year this October with tickets on sale Aug. 15.

Texas Arts & Community: Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid revealed a grant-backed plan to restore the historic Kleberg County Courthouse in Kingsville, aiming for a roughly $40M project that keeps operations running during construction. Music & Culture: San Benito’s Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced an inaugural two-day Conjunto festival in November (Nov. 20-21), with hopes of drawing 3,000–5,000 fans to the Azteca Building area. Film & TV Buzz: A24’s Primetime trailer has Robert Pattinson stepping into the role of Chris Hansen, the To Catch a Predator journalist, with a Sept. 25 cinema release. Live Entertainment: Denton is set to host the North Texas Irish Festival starting in 2027 after 40+ years in Dallas. Local Fun: Waco balloon business owner Sheena Stem Olenick turned grief into a thriving Dream Big Balloons operation, while Bryan’s Senior Splash Bash returns Aug. 21 for ages 55+ with pool access, music, and deals. Sports/Pop Culture: Ellar Coltrane says he’s “moved on” from Hollywood, now living “in the middle of nowhere” and working toward an EMT license.

Gaming & Local Culture: QuakeCon 2026 kicked off at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine with a major surprise for fans: MachineGames released a free, full-length Quake episode, “Quake: Dawn of the Machine,” built around 19 new maps and a new soundtrack. Arts & Community Fundraising: Prairie Experience 2026 returns Oct. 3 in Goldthwaite with Native-inspired cuisine, cultural performances, and a mission focused on conservation and Indigenous heritage. Music & Big-Ticket Texas Nights: Leon Bridges is set for an intimate Fort Worth show at Bowie House on Sept. 13, with tickets starting at $1,550 and proceeds benefiting The Big Good. Entertainment & Streaming: Apple TV’s fall lineup is rolling out, including “Mayday” (Sept. 4) and “Slow Horses” season 6 (Sept. 16). Pop Culture Buzz: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” stays on top of the Billboard Hot 100, while Ariana Grande’s new album “Petal” is poised to challenge next week. Family-Friendly Texas Events: Texarkana’s weekend guide spotlights the Hope Watermelon Festival plus Texas’ tax-free back-to-school weekend (Aug. 7–9).

Local Fair Spotlight: Brenham’s Washington County Fair has named five 2026 Fair Queen candidates—Monica Colanter, Brooke Mulder, Gentri Gutierrez, Lilly Baker and Barnes Koehl—competing for scholarships via ticket sales, an interview and an essay. Texas Theatre Buzz: Jubilee Theatre in Fort Worth is staging “Klook and Vinette,” a musical drama running July 31–Aug. 30, with opening night set for Aug. 7. Music & Pop Culture: Ruthie Foster’s new album is inspired by a daily self-care affirmation note in her Austin studio, while ZZ Top canceled a Hollywood Bowl show last-minute due to “insurmountable obstacles.” Texas Arts & Travel: Pacific Conservatory Theatre in Santa Maria announced a new artistic director, and film fans are flocking to IMAX 70MM screenings for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” Sports Entertainment: Texas QB Arch Manning gets a vote of confidence from Matt Leinart ahead of his second full season as starter. Big Screen/Big News: Powerball’s Aug. 5 jackpot hit an estimated $786M after winning numbers 14, 20, 59, 60, 61 (Powerball 25).

Texas Arts & Entertainment: Texas Ballet Theater is lining up a fashion-forward 2026/27 season with Dallas luxury retailer Stanley Korshak as a partner, plus the return of the Tutu Chic Fashion Show & Luncheon (Dec. 1) and Sugar Plum Fairy Tea (Dec. 19), both benefiting the company. Music Spotlight: Ella Langley and Koe Wetzel are reuniting for “Jaded,” dropping Aug. 7, following their earlier hit collab “That’s Why We Fight.” Local Culture: Grow Local South Texas is hosting a free Sunset to Stars Illuminated Market in Corpus Christi tonight (5–10 PM) with live DJ sets, family art activities, and local food vendors. Wellness Trend: WorldSprings in North Texas is expanding with Dallas’ first immersive Aufguss sauna experience—heat therapy with aromatherapy, music, and a guided steam ritual. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Fort Worth ISD held a big 2026 convocation at Dickies Arena as the district moves under state control, with music, lights, and performances kicking off the new school year. Texas Events: The Texas sales tax holiday starts Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 9, offering tax-free deals on qualifying school supplies, clothing, and backpacks.

Texas Country Crossover: Ella Langley and Shiner just teamed up for a limited-edition Dandelion Honey Kölsch, landing Aug. 13—plus a Texas stop at Austin’s Moody Center and a free “Dandelion and Denim” night at Otto’s Ice House in San Antonio. Local Sports Spotlight: The Texas Rangers snapped a six-game skid with a 5-4 walk-off win over the Giants, powered by Ezequiel Duran’s late heroics. Community & Culture: Logan, Texas cut the ribbon on an $8.5M Canadian River Recreational Complex, giving families new courts, trails, pickleball, and more. Arts & Entertainment: Boston Ballet announced its 2026–2027 roster, adding new dancers and promotions as it gears up for the next season. Sports (Youth): Ozark’s Reagan Miller and Myah Brewington won first place at the AVP Juniors Nationals Beach Volleyball event in the 14U division.

Texas Arts & Entertainment: North Texans are packing theaters again, with IMAX 70mm screenings of The Odyssey drawing big crowds and strong box-office momentum. Local Culture Spotlight: Dallas Observer keeps its neighborhood video guides rolling, turning North Texas areas into quick, social-media-friendly must-dos. Film & Streaming Buzz: Jamie Foxx is set to star in Prime Video’s action thriller Deadlocked, while The Housemaid’s Secret continues the Sydney Sweeney sequel wave. Music & Pop Culture: Country music dominates the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 5 for the first time ever, and BTS is credited with major economic lift tied to its U.S. tour. Community & Giving: A North Texas chef-turned-artist model is turning artwork into hope for children, and a McKinney restaurateur-turned-painter is donating proceeds from art sales to charity. Texas Outdoors: A Trinity River hike story highlights shaded trails and wildlife sightings as summer heat lingers.

Christian Music in Texas: Forrest Frank’s “The Jesus Generation Tour,” promoted by TPR., wrapped with a massive finale at Globe Life Field in Arlington, drawing 35,000+ and topping 519,000 fans across 29 sold-out stops. Texas Arts & Culture: The Texas Archive of the Moving Image launched “Game Film: Texas Football Culture in Motion,” a free interactive online exhibit tracing a century of Texas football through archival game footage and fan traditions. Local Community Spotlight: A viral GoFundMe campaign helped an 80-year-old Callisburg janitor after students said his rent hike forced him back to work—an example of how Texas communities rally through entertainment-era social media. Music & Pop Culture: Gillian Anderson opens up about why she’s wary of slasher films, while a new Hulu streaming wave brings Ti West’s “X” trilogy to horror fans. Sports Buzz: The MLB trade deadline fallout keeps rolling, with Angels’ rebuild moves and the Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal blockbuster dominating headlines. Family Fun in South Texas: SpaceX is backing a free “Blast Off Before School Starts” play day at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville on Aug. 8.

Downtown Edinburg Buzz: Las Almas Food Hall (225 E. Cano St.) is set to open in Fall 2026, bringing more than $1.6M in investment and over 30 jobs, with pizza, vegan options, tacos, barbecue, sushi, Mediterranean bites, coffee, charcuterie-to-go, and a full bar. Texas Music Charts: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps dominating, landing a 16th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as country takes over the top five for the first time. Live Music & Culture: Nacogdoches’ SFA “A Season in Harmony” series announces its 2026-27 lineup, from The Fabulous Thunderbirds to comedy and magic, with tickets on sale Aug. 17. Movie Night in Austin: Alamo Drafthouse Mueller will be renamed the Matthew McConaughey Cinema, with a ceremony Aug. 10. Classical Spotlight: Amarillo Symphony is selling tickets for its 2026-27 season, including Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Beethoven, and Verdi. Streaming Picks: Hulu adds Mia Goth and Jenna Ortega’s horror trilogy (X, Pearl, MaXXXine) starting Aug. 3. Local Sports Glam: The Dallas Wings are moving to the American Airlines Center for the 2027 season.

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame: Carthage’s Texas Country Music Hall of Fame is spotlighting the region’s country roots this week, with exhibits honoring legends like Tex Ritter and stars including Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Music & Film: Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller talks “Spinal Tap” style touring chaos as the band heads to the Teragram Ballroom, while a new comedy feature, The Floaters, lands in theaters Aug. 12 with a Jewish summer camp showdown. Local Live Music: Bryan debuts “Hometown Sessions,” a listening-room series built for close-up performances, with the next date set for Sept. 13. Food Festival Buzz: Big Sky Food & Wine Festival announces a star-studded chef lineup for Sept. 24–26, and a “Taste of the Fair” guide highlights how to build a four-course OC Fair meal for $20. Texas Arts in Motion: University Health moved the 14,000-pound “Flor de Esperanza” sculpture to its new South Side hospital site. Pop Culture & Celebrity: Matthew McConaughey and YETI team up for a “Dazed and Confused” inspired “A Lot Cooler” tequila cooler.

MLB Trade Shock: The Dodgers pulled off a blockbuster, trading for reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, sending Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith to the Tigers—fans are stunned by the price. Texas Arts & Community: Central Texas entrepreneur-backed nonprofit expands arts education access, while San Antonio’s Market Square dedicated a massive new mural, “The Spirit Within,” honoring women who shaped the area. Country Music (Texas ties): Willie Nelson again went after “water-thieving” data centers, calling them the “last thing we need” for rural Texas. Streaming & TV: Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness returns for Season 3 on Aug. 2, and Hulu’s August slate spotlights Mia Goth’s Pearl and MaXXXine. Local Events: Bell County Comic Con returns for its 10th year in Belton, and Ada’s 113th Farmers & Merchants Picnic lines up parade, live music and big prize drawings. Back-to-School Texas: Freestone County districts are rolling out new dress code/backpack rules and meet-the-teacher nights ahead of the 2026-27 year.

Texas Entertainment & Community: Bell County Comic Con returns for its 10th year in Belton, with Lou Ferrigno, Amy Jo Johnson, Steve Cardenas and Diedrich Bader on the guest list, plus 300+ vendors, 70 artists, panels and cosplay contests across the weekend. Music Spotlight: Alt-country trio Next of Kin drops “Dimestore Jesus,” a savior-complex country bop built for both catharsis and the line dance floor, with a Lollapalooza Aftershow appearance noted. Sports (Texas ties): The Little League Softball World Series kicks off in Greenville, with international teams joining the mix and families sharing what the tournament means beyond the field. Film/Arts: Liberty University alumnus Lincoln Edwards’ short film “Find Your Why” earns Best Student Film at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and screens at Mann’s Chinese Theater. Pop Culture: WWE SummerSlam 2026 results highlight Nick Aldis’ WWE debut and a big performance night for the show’s top matchups. Local Lifestyle: The Robot Studio in Dallas is offering robot “party hosts,” complete with custom outfits and event-ready choreography.

Local Fundraiser: A “Justice for Nikki” family benefit is set for Aug. 1 in Bryan, with live music, auctions, raffles, and family activities as the search continues and the family pushes for a reward. Texas Art Spotlight: El Paso artist Louie Salazar brings “Ideas from Cuartitos” to LUP Gallery through most of August, exploring how big visions grow from small spaces. Music & Culture: Austin-based singer-songwriter Paige Plaisance celebrates her album “Swampwater” with a Sept. 5 show at Antone’s. WWE in Texas: WWE SmackDown coverage highlights Nick Aldis putting Gunther in the Texas Cloverleaf amid major chaos before SummerSlam. Sports Eligibility Watch: A judge’s preliminary injunction could grant a fifth year of NCAA eligibility to certain 2022 high school grads, reshaping college recruiting plans. Streaming Picks: Horror fans get August updates across Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, and Tubi, with major titles landing throughout the month. Texas Food TV: “Texas Eats NOW” features local eats with stops including Fork & Spoon in New Braunfels and Piatti in San Antonio.