AGP Executive Report

CMA Awards Buzz: Ella Langley leads the 2026 Country Music Association Awards nominations with nine nods for “Choosin’ Texas,” followed by Miranda Lambert (six) and big hitters like Kacey Musgraves and Ben West (five each). Music Heritage in Texas: Lulu became the first artist honored on Glasgow’s Music Heritage Trail with a blue plaque—an international reminder of how local scenes shape global stars. Texas Screen News: Netflix canceled “Ransom Canyon” after two seasons, and Minka Kelly shared an emotional farewell to the Texas-set romance. Legal Drama in Music: Mastodon issued a statement over a lawsuit from Brent Hinds’ estate, disputing business separation and alleging misuse of Hinds’ image. Tech Meets Entertainment: Joby Aviation launched FAA-supervised electric air taxi flights in DFW, aiming to shape new U.S. rules for commercial service. Sports & Texas Fans: The Rays clinched a playoff berth with a walk-off homer from Junior Caminero, while Texas sports coverage also kept rolling with local matchups and rivalry talk.

CMA Awards Buzz: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” is driving the 2026 Country Music Association Awards nominations, leading with nine nods, while mentor Miranda Lambert follows with six; Langley also lands entertainer of the year and two single-of-the-year entries (“Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas”), with the CMA broadcast set for Nov. 18 in Nashville. Texas Sports & Community: North Texas soccer honored legendary coach John Hedlund by officially naming the field “John Hedlund Field,” then rolled to a 10-0 win over NAIA Nelson. Local Arts & Entertainment: Marshall’s downtown Oktoberfest-style Rüeggenfest returns Saturday, Sept. 12 with craft beer, live music, German-inspired games, and family activities. Film & Streaming: Netflix has canceled the Texas-set romantic drama “Ransom Canyon” after two seasons. Music Charts: “Choosin’ Texas” keeps stacking milestones, holding No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a 21st week. Weekend Picks (Austin): For Ohio State fans heading to Austin for the Texas matchup, local outlets recommend game-day food and drink spots like Crown & Anchor Pub and Dai Due.

Texas Politics & Pop Culture: JD Vance hit Dallas with a prime-time GOP convention speech calling Democrats the “party of hatred,” while Trump closed out the event urging supporters to “go out and vote.” Election Media Fight: Jimmy Kimmel posted his full James Talarico interview online after saying FCC pressure kept it off TV, as Talarico reversed course to oppose trans athletes in girls’ sports. Music & Fashion: Charli XCX announced a UK/Europe leg of her Music, Fashion, Film tour for February, with tickets going on sale Sept. 18. Country Spotlight: CMA Awards 2026 nominations are out, led by Ella Langley with nine nods, and Taylor Swift confirmed she’s returning after a decade away. Streaming Shock: Netflix canceled Texas romance drama Ransom Canyon after two seasons. Local Arts: The Taiwan Academy in Houston plans fall film and cultural events, including a talk by drag star Nymphia Wind. Gaming Industry: Saber Interactive’s creative chief says the company has “no real development in North America any more.”

CMA Awards Buzz: Ella Langley leads the 60th Country Music Association Awards nominations with nine nods for “Choosin’ Texas,” followed by Miranda Lambert with seven, as Lainey Wilson and Taylor Swift also land major recognition ahead of the Nov. 18 show in Nashville. Pop-Culture Crossover: Taylor Swift confirmed she’ll attend after her first CMA nomination in four years, while “Landman” fans went wild as “Lioness” star Michael Kelly joins Season 3. Texas Entertainment & Travel: Carnival Tropicale bookings opened for the Galveston-based ship debuting in 2028, and Epic Fit Fest 2026 returns to The Star in Frisco with Meagan Good and a big wellness lineup. Media & Politics: Jimmy Kimmel says his James Talarico interview won’t air on ABC and will go to YouTube after FCC pressure—sparking fresh debate over political airtime rules. Local Arts & Community: The Sons of the Republic of Texas marks Texian Navy Day Sept. 19 at the San Jacinto Monument with a musical prelude and keynote.

Texas Food & Fun: Maximo’s $50 five-course San Luis Potosí-inspired tasting menu is back for fall, with $5 from each meal going to Caritas. Local Dining & Community: Camaraderie’s “Better Together” fall series adds a New Orleans Brunch (Sept. 13) and an Oktoberfest Sunday Supper (Sept. 27), while Kin Dee Thai launches “Kitchen Social” Saturdays starting Sept. 12. Music & Culture: Jacklen Ro (Jackie Giroux and Caelen Perkins) is set for Boomjam, and BBC Radio 2’s In The Park returns Sept. 11–13 with Chaka Khan and Simple Minds headlining. Streaming/TV: Netflix is adapting Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove as a drama series with Zoe Kazan and Jeb Stuart. Texas Pride: Texas Latino Pride Festival hits Reverchon Park Sept. 12 with drag, live music, and food—free to attend. Sports Spotlight: Trump’s Dallas “Trumpapalooza” is driving major buzz, while Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps climbing with a 21-week Hot 100 No. 1 run.

Silent Film Live Scores: Austin’s Invincible Czars bring fresh, live music to silent horror classics Nosferatu and Faust at the Garland and Kenworthy. Cultural Debate: Beyoncé’s Selena tribute (“Irreemplazable”) keeps sparking arguments over cultural appreciation, even with Selena’s estate backing the collaboration. Film Buzz: A24’s You Can See Everything trailer spotlights Elizabeth Holmes with Nathan Fielder, setting up a wild doc release. Texas TV/Streaming: Netflix orders a new Lonesome Dove series from East of Eden showrunners Zoe Kazan and Jeb Stuart. Local Arts & Community: San Antonio’s Esperanza Center launches a free weekend performance series linking UTSA and Lerma’s, mixing music, art, and talks. Immersive Fun: Meow Wolf Houston turns 2 with The Cosmic Howl Halloween party. Entertainment Events: Red Door Escape Room’s Southlake location debuts a live “Game Show Studio” experience. Music & Pop Culture: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps climbing as Halloween mashups go viral. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: FanExpo Dallas runs Sept. 11–13 with big celebrity meet-and-greets.

Netflix Western News: Netflix has ordered a straight-to-series adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove,” with “East of Eden” co-showrunners Zoe Kazan and Jeb Stuart teaming up again, bringing Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call’s final cattle-drive story to a new TV era. Texas Arts & Community: Fort Worth’s Art Worth Festival revealed its 2026 artist lineup for Oct. 23–25 at Clearfork, spotlighting top Texas and multi-state makers across sculpture, glass, metal, clay, fiber and 2-D work. Music Scene (Texas): Uptown Music Collective in Dallas is shifting leadership—founder Dave Brumbaugh steps into music director, while Jared Mondell becomes executive director. Local Service Spotlight: Houston’s KFUMC Emergency Response Team shared how volunteers “muck out” and clean up after disasters, including mold remediation and dehumidifying. Pop Culture & Fandom: Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker says he’ll stop signing autographs at hotels/airports due to “aggressive autograph hounds,” including concerns about kids. Sports (Texas-linked): El Paso designated BTS weekend dates as “El Paso BTS Weekend,” celebrating the band’s tourism boost during its North American run.

Metal Mayhem in New Orleans: Pantera’s Phil Anselmo brings “The Great NOLA Trendkill” to LSU New Orleans’ Lakefront Arena on Nov. 20-21 with Down, Black Label Society, Power Trip and more. Local Culture Calendar: San Antonio’s Muertos Fest returns Oct. 23-25 at Hemisfair with giant ofrendas, processions, music and altar-builder applications now open. Community & Service Spotlight: UT Health East Texas EMS honored 3-year-old Noemi “Emi” Vatavuk for calmly helping guide crews during her mom’s seizure. Texas Music & Radio: KWBU and The Waco Bridge are evolving their partnership, plus KWBU launches the Texas Music Café Radio Hour. Big Ticket Buzz: Ye adds Houston (Oct. 31) and Arlington (Nov. 7) stadium dates, with presales starting today and general sales Sept. 10. Arts for Families: Agarita brings Buster Keaton’s silent film “Seven Chances” with live music on Sept. 11 at the Carver Community Cultural Center. Music Charts: Karol G, Judeline & rusowsky’s “BbY WOW” hits No. 1 on Billboard Global charts.

Texas Arts & Community: Lagers & Literature returns to Austin’s Meanwhile Brewing Co., pairing book shopping with live poetry and book-themed art (plus a Typewriter Rodeo). Music & Live Shows: Hayley Williams’ UK/Europe tour tickets go on sale at 10am today, with dates across Milan, London and more. Film & Festivals: Can’t make TIFF? Several festival picks are headed to theaters or streaming soon, including a Texas-set thriller starring Mahershala Ali. Texas Country Spotlight: A Jimmie Rodgers Tribute hits the Heart of the Hills Heritage Center on Sept. 12 with Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines. Pop Culture Buzz: Macklemore pushed back after a “Free Palestine” call sparked demands he be removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour. Documentary Hype: A24’s Elizabeth Holmes doc “You Can See Everything” is drawing stunned early reactions ahead of its Oct. 16 debut.

Texas Nightlife Incident: A 19-year-old was charged after a gun went off inside College Station’s Northgate nightclub One15, with police saying Trey Wheeler was found carrying two firearms and no one was hurt. Streaming & TV Buzz: “Lioness” Season 3, Episode 6 finally flips the mystery, revealing the Iranian hand behind Joe’s kidnapping. Film Spotlight: Nathan Fielder’s A24 documentary “You Can See Everything” teases Elizabeth Holmes’ final 34 days before prison, with reviews calling it increasingly strange as the line between doc and performance blurs. Music & Local Culture: Robert Earl Keen headlines Longhorn City Limits in Austin ahead of Texas vs Ohio State, with Shinyribs and other local acts warming up the LBJ Lawn. Tech Meets Entertainment: Tesla’s Cybercab push in Austin lets riders control climate and media by talking to Grok, turning the robotaxi cabin into a lounge. Sports Talk: Big 12 power rankings keep BYU, Utah, Texas Tech and Arizona near the top as conference matchups shape CFP chatter.

High School Sports Spotlight: Big Country’s Athlete of the Week voting is open, with standout nominees from across Texas as the new school-year seasons kick off. Film Buzz (Texas ties): Telluride’s buzz is all about “You Can See Everything,” Nathan Fielder’s Elizabeth Holmes documentary—shot with unusually close access ahead of Holmes’ prison reporting in Bryan, Texas. Documentary Spotlight: “Chronically Yours” is out globally, following a Missoula family’s Multiple Sclerosis journey and aiming to spark a wider series of chronic-illness love stories. Local Arts & Community: Hill Country Arts Foundation is gathering input to rebuild after two flood years, with Lake Flato architects helping shape the campus comeback. Music & Culture: Downtown Bryan’s Fiestas Mexicanas returned with live music, food trucks, vendors, and scholarships for students. Sports (Big Stage): Missouri’s Wrigley Field match ended early after humidity made the court too slick, while Ole Miss edged Louisville 41-38 in a Week 1 ranked thriller. Entertainment/Pop Culture: A leaked Steam find points to an unreleased “Scream” multiplayer game that predates Dead by Daylight by years.

Texas TV & streaming: Taylor Sheridan’s espionage hit “Lioness” lands season 3, episode 6, “Sugar Land,” with a Texas-set rescue push and CIA fallout—now available free on demand. Big Texas sports moment: Louisville volleyball swept No. 9 Texas in Nashville, winning 25-12, 28-26, 25-16 in a nationally televised matchup. Arts & culture: German director Wim Wenders doubled down on his take that filmmakers aren’t “politicians,” saying movies are driven by empathy and change. Local arts spotlight: Huffman-based artist Delita Martin brings her mixed-media work “Sometimes My Blues Change Color” to Clara M. Eagle Gallery. Live entertainment in Texas: Country radio personality Dallas Wayne headlines a speaker session at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. Comedy tour: Killers of Kill Tony stops at Fantasy Springs on Sept. 19 with comics who rose via the Austin-born podcast. Community events: East Texas Women’s March & Expo returns Sept. 19 in Tyler.

Music & Pop Culture: Dolly Parton has died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, with tributes highlighting her 50+ year catalog and philanthropy. Texas Entertainment & Theater: Texarkana Repertory Co. opens “Come From Away,” a 9/11-era musical about diverted flights and unexpected kindness, running as part of its 35th season. Sports (Texas): Texas’ opener vs. Texas State turned into a heat-safety scare for fans as temperatures hit near 100°F and medical calls reportedly started early; the Longhorns still won 59-7. College Football (Big Storylines): LSU’s Week 1 decision to leave two former NFL players off the roster avoided an SEC showdown, while Week 1 also delivered chaos, including a controversial last-second Michigan finish. Local Arts & Community: Westfest marks 50 years of Czech heritage in West with a parade, live music, and food through Sunday. Tech/AI Debate: Texas-linked podcasters and commentators keep arguing AI optimism vs anxiety as data-center growth and job fears collide.

Austin Tech & Entertainment: Tesla has launched its steering-wheel-free Cybercab robotaxi service in Austin, letting riders hail via the Robotaxi app in a small initial fleet—two seats, no pedals, and a big touchscreen for music and entertainment. Anime & Gaming Culture: San Japan returns for its 17th year in San Antonio, aiming to top last year’s 35,000 attendance with cosplay, panels, meet-and-greets, and arcade action. Music Spotlight: Tanya Nolan drops the official “Reckless” music video, pairing soulful R&B storytelling with a Willie Clayton-produced sound. Film & TV Buzz: “Primetime” (starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen) lands in theaters Sept. 25, with reviews calling it a sleazy, razor-wire drama about reality TV’s rise. Arts With a Texas Tie: A Dolly Parton movie tribute is set for Labor Day week in Jackson, Tennessee, with $5 tickets benefiting her Imagination Library. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: “College GameDay” kicks off the season from Baton Rouge ahead of LSU vs. Clemson, spotlighting the Lane Kiffin era.

Dolly Parton buzz in Texas: After Parton’s death, her classic hits surged back onto the Billboard Hot 100, and Regal Cinemas is bringing two of her movies back to theaters for Labor Day weekend. Chart-topper spotlight: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps ruling—now a historic 20th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with fans singing along across venues from Austin to Nashville. Big-screen Texas ties: Robert Pattinson is in Venice promoting A24’s “Primetime,” a drama tied to the controversial “To Catch a Predator” era and a Texas sting case. Music + film festival energy: Oasis also hit Venice with a reunion documentary premiere, while Waco’s Thriving Waco Independent Film Fest turns 10 and spotlights local filmmakers. Local arts on the move: Josephine Sculpture Park is rolling out new fall exhibits, including an insect-eye interactive residency.

Panhandle Fashion: Sheppard Denim Co. is launching a new homegrown denim line this November, built from Panhandle cotton that’s ginned in Pampa, woven by Cone Denim, then cut and finished in Los Angeles. Dallas Film: The Dallas Film Commission’s Screen Dallas run for “The Last Critic” kicks off Sept. 11-17 at Studio Movie Grill Spring Valley, giving the SXSW jury-prize doc an Oscar-qualifying theatrical spotlight. Music Power (Texas ties): Beyoncé’s “B’Day” 20th anniversary edition leans hard into Latin legends, sampling Selena and Celia Cruz—plus a fresh track that nods to her Texas upbringing. Local Arts: Beeville Art Museum’s “Reflections in Nature” spotlights Ele Chew and Frank Klein with a free opening reception Sept. 19. El Paso Movie Night: UTEP brings back “Glory Road” for Movies on the Lawn on Sept. 8, celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary right on campus. Corpus Christi Community: Art Walk and Music Walk keep growing—now a 12-block first-Friday production with hundreds of vendors and food trucks. Awards/Global Sound: Isolirium Entertainment (Austin + Ghana) submitted five recordings for GRAMMY consideration, blending Gurene, Pidgin, and English.