AGP Executive Report

Water & Wildfire Readiness: New Mexico is facing a dangerous, dry wildfire season as low snowpack and collapsing river flows strain the Rio Grande, and critics say state leaders are still backing high-demand projects like data centers and industrial expansion. Health Care Access: Even with legal protections, transgender New Mexicans say gender-affirming care can be hard to access due to provider shortages and long specialist waits, pushing some toward out-of-state travel or DIY hormones. State Courts & Rights: The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled on a defendant’s right to be present when a trial court responds to jury questions. Public Safety: Santa Fe police say a man killed his wife before turning the gun on himself, and the investigation remains active. Local Governance: The NMAA board voted to move toward a “one-time” transfer rule for high school athletes, with schools voting by June 19. Business Climate: An opinion column argues New Mexico can’t afford an unfriendly business climate, pointing to the attorney general’s Meta lawsuit as a deterrent to investment. Arts & Culture: Emily Seyl’s “Trinity” review highlights a photographic, document-based account of the first atomic test from New Mexico’s Los Alamos region. Consumer Scam Alert: Authorities warn scammers are using fake recall texts to steal passwords and money.

High Court Water Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a Rio Grande Compact settlement, requiring New Mexico to better manage groundwater pumping so Texas gets its delivery obligations. Public Safety: Cuba police arrested Carlos Sanjurjo, 66, after reports he pointed firearms and fired shots into the air; he was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon and resisting officers. Livestock Health Watch: Federal officials confirmed New World screwworm in Texas calves, prompting Navajo Nation agriculture leaders to review their emergency response plan as the threat could move north. Local Sports Governance: The New Mexico Activities Association board voted to advance a “one-time” transfer eligibility rule for student-athletes, sending it to a June 19 referendum by member schools. Health & Courts: A jury awarded Nichelle Nichols’ estate $13 million in a wrongful-death case against Gila Regional Medical Center, though the hospital’s share is capped at $400,000 under state law. Community & Culture: Santa Fe honored J.B. White’s legacy with an inaugural 3v3 tournament during Wear Orange weekend, supporting youth scholarships and anti-gun-violence awareness.

Gila Cattle Fight: A federal appeals court dismissed the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ lawsuit over aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the cows are mostly gone and the Forest Service is now focused on capturing stragglers. Water Relief: The USDA is offering up to $1 million to Mora and San Miguel counties for repairs or treatment after 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire flooding contaminated private wells. Rural Health Funding: New Mexico’s Health Care Authority announced $76.2 million in federal Healthy Horizons money to expand specialty, maternal, behavioral health and chronic care in rural and Tribal communities. SNAP Legal Setback: A federal judge blocked Trump administration SNAP funding restrictions, pausing new conditions while a lawsuit proceeds. Food Benefits Restart: SUN Bucks summer grocery benefits will reach about 293,000 children starting June 15 after a federal delay. Public Safety: U.S. District Court warned of scam texts claiming “traffic citations” and threatening arrest if recipients don’t click a link. Healthcare Watch: UNM researchers found self-harm history is often missing from diagnosis codes, meaning systems may underestimate mental health needs. Local Housing Enforcement: Albuquerque City Council moved to tighten rental habitability enforcement, with fines for repeat violations.

Local Community Funding: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández helped the El Valle Community Center and Library in Villanueva celebrate $562,500 in federal Community Project Funding, with renovations planned including roof work, accessibility upgrades, insulation, windows, and infrastructure repairs. Public Lands & Politics: U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act to stop lawmakers from tucking public-land selloffs into unrelated budget bills, requiring full Senate consideration. Colorado River: With states still deadlocked, the federal Bureau of Reclamation says it will impose a 10-year Colorado River operating framework by summer’s end, but Colorado and Nevada negotiators warn it could need major changes. New Mexico Elections: New Mexico’s primary is over pending canvassing and possible recounts, with turnout at 24.6% and about 37,000 independents casting ballots. Safety & Health: Three people were hospitalized after a small plane crash at the Doña Ana County International Jetport, and New Mexico’s credit unions are urging fraud vigilance as scam reports rise statewide.

New Mexico policy and courts: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, arguing the prediction-market platform is unlawfully offering online sports betting in the state. Public health and safety: New World screwworm was confirmed in a calf in South Texas, prompting New Mexico officials to urge vigilance and reporting, even though the pest has not been detected in New Mexico. State spending for kids: New Mexico announced $4.5 million for outdoor youth programs after demand for the Outdoor Equity Fund topped available funding by more than 90% last year. Local government and infrastructure: Los Alamos County is resuming installation of fast EV chargers at Mesa Public Library, with a June 8 reopening and paving work through June 30. Education and community: UNM Army ROTC commissioned nine new officers during a spring ceremony, expanding the pipeline into the Army and Army National Guard. Sports: The NMAA board approved a revamped eligibility bylaw, including a “one free transfer” rule, with schools voting on whether it takes effect for 2026-27.

New Mexico Politics: Deb Haaland secured the Democratic nomination for governor, campaigning from San Felipe Pueblo and setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull. Gaming & Consumer Protection: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi, alleging the platform is evading state sports-betting laws and undermining regulated gaming compacts. Courts & Public Safety: A Colorado appeals court ordered a retrial for paramedics convicted in the Elijah McClain case, citing jury-instruction errors. Wildlife & Land Use: A federal appeals court dismissed a New Mexico Cattle Growers’ challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the practice is unlikely to resume. Health & Agriculture: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, prompting renewed concern for livestock and food production. Environment & Wilderness: Environmental groups filed a lawsuit challenging federal predator-control tactics in wilderness areas across the Mountain West. Local Life: Santa Fe Animal Shelter highlights its “no-kill” approach and adoption matching as it takes in thousands of pets each year.

Local Politics & Water: Colfax County commissioners are weighing how data centers could drive long-term water demand, warning that “closed-loop” cooling claims may not tell the full story. Public Safety: Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias, missing since June 2025, was found dead in Carson National Forest; reports say her remains were skeletonized with a gunshot wound to the skull, renewing questions about how the case was handled. Statewide Health & Climate: A new USDA emergency drought declaration makes farmers in Colfax and two nearby counties eligible for disaster loans to cover losses and operating costs. Community Response to Heat: Food Not Bombs Roswell opened a cooling center at Westminster Presbyterian Church, offering air-conditioned relief, showers, meals, and referrals through Aug. 31. Everyday Survival Tips: A local guide urges New Mexicans to stay ahead of dehydration in hot, dry weather by watching for warning signs like dark urine and dizziness.

New Mexico Politics: The state’s truth commission is moving from talk to subpoenas, approving a slate of 14 requests aimed at private, state and federal institutions tied to the Epstein files, including the governor’s office, State Land Office, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, and major financial institutions. Education & Student Aid: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a rule that would narrow access to federal student loans for many professional degree programs—an issue that could ripple into New Mexico’s workforce pipeline. Public Safety & Justice: Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias, missing since June 26, 2025, has been identified from human remains found in Carson National Forest, with authorities noting a gun and a skull gunshot wound while the cause and manner of death remain under review. Community & Outdoors: The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will start its 2026 season June 9 after drought and wildfire risk delayed the original opening date. Health & Aging: A new study warns Social Security recipients in several states could lose more than $500 a month if the system’s trust fund runs out by 2032, with New Mexico among the hardest-hit. Local Funding: Federal USDA money—up to $1 million—has been offered to help Northern New Mexico households affected by post-fire drinking water contamination from the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire.

New Mexico Politics: Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday, taking about 72% of the vote and setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who won his party’s nomination. Election Process: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver called New Mexico’s first semi-open primary a success, citing higher turnout than 2024 and the participation of more than 37,600 independents. Public Health: New Mexico’s smoking rate is down, but health officials warn vaping is rising, especially among youth, as the state marks World No Tobacco Day. Missing Person: Authorities are asking the public to help find Brittany Starr Waconda, last seen May 18 in Laguna. Local Governance & Safety: New Mexico State Police plan sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide in June to reduce impaired-driving deaths. Nursing Homes Watch: CMS ratings spotlight a mixed picture across New Mexico, with some facilities scoring 4 stars while others fall to 1–2 stars.

Primary Election Day: New Mexico voters are heading to the polls Tuesday for governor, U.S. Senate, and other statewide races, with Sandoval County officials expecting a turnout record as ballots are processed and checked for voter intent. Rio Grande Water: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a Rio Grande compact settlement involving Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, setting delivery obligations and addressing groundwater pumping tied to the river. Local Energy & Industry: New Mexico Tech has paused a proposed massive data center project in Socorro after community backlash, while Urenco USA announced plans to expand uranium enrichment capacity at its Eunice facility. Politics & Federal Oversight: U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján pressed the Forest Service chief over a pending Canjilon uranium mine permit, calling out discrepancies in a company’s timeline. Public Safety & Health: A new federal investigation reports widespread medical neglect claims by ICE detainees across the U.S., and New Mexico’s primary turnout comes amid broader national election coverage. Community & Culture: Santa Fe-area Archbishop John Charles Wester urged nuclear disarmament efforts, saying there is no such thing as a “just” nuclear war.

New Mexico Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in New Mexico’s 2026 primary, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and early voting already underway; the governor race is drawing heavy attention as campaigns report nearly $20 million raised across contenders, led by Deb Haaland’s haul. Los Alamos Mystery Case: New Mexico State Police identified the remains of Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory worker, found in Carson National Forest nearly a year after she disappeared; a handgun was found nearby, but officials say the cause and manner of death are still under investigation. Public Access & Safety: An AG announcement follows the arrest of a Pecos River landowner accused of threatening fishermen with a firearm, reigniting long-running disputes over public access to waterways. Health & Weather Watch: A Super El Niño pattern could raise hantavirus risk later by boosting rodent populations, while New Mexico also faces a monsoon-like setup with rain chances. Community Notes: The state also marked local milestones and reminders, including election-day logistics and public safety alerts like “don’t leave kids in hot cars.”

New Mexico Primary Watch: With Tuesday’s June 2 vote looming, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver says more than 181,900 eligible voters have already cast ballots, including about 18,500 “decline to state” voters newly allowed to participate in major-party primaries. Public Safety & Health: Authorities say fentanyl and meth were found at a rural New Mexico home where three people died and several first responders were sickened after an overdose call; officials are still investigating how exposure happened. State Politics: Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman tells Source NM he’s “optimistic” he’ll win the Democratic gubernatorial primary despite trailing in fundraising and polling against Deb Haaland. Local Economy & Community: Albuquerque business coach Mark Tobiassen, 65, died after a monthslong illness tied to West Nile virus. Education Policy: New Mexico lawmakers are pushing for a statewide AI oversight body for schools, citing privacy, cheating, and overreliance concerns. Missing Person Update: Remains found in a Carson National Forest have been identified as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory worker missing since 2025.

New Mexico Politics: Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland faces Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman in Tuesday’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, with polls showing Haaland ahead but plenty of undecided voters. Crime & Courts: A New Mexico primary forum put juvenile crime and a possible CYFD overhaul front and center, as candidates argued over prevention, behavioral health, and public safety. Missing Person Update: The remains of Los Alamos National Laboratory staffer Melissa Casias were identified in Carson National Forest nearly a year after she vanished; authorities say a handgun was found nearby, and the cause of death is pending. Wildfire: The Seven Cabins Fire is now about 51% contained, with closures and evacuation statuses still shifting in the Capitan Mountains. Local Economy & Food Help: Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market will let families use Summer EBT/Sun Bucks for produce through a “Triple SNAP” incentive running into late August. Energy & Industry: New Mexico regulators have approved permits for drilling at the Rio Puerco uranium project in the Grants district, setting up an initial exploration program.

Public Safety: A man who cut off his ankle monitor and fled Colorado before sentencing for child sexual assault was captured in Chapparal, New Mexico, and received a 100-year prison term. Local Crime: Clovis police arrested a suspect in a deadly church parking-lot shooting, charging him with murder and related counts. Education Access: New Mexico opened applications for a new Native American Tuition Scholarship that covers full in-state tuition for tribal residents attending eligible out-of-state public colleges in neighboring states. School Equity: New Mexico will hold its first statewide listening session on Black student success June 11, inviting students, families, and community centers to share what schools need. State Politics: New Mexico’s contested legislative primaries could shape the chamber’s political tilt, with moderates and progressives battling in key House races. Economy & Health: Medicaid work requirements are straining state budgets nationwide, raising concerns about cuts to health care and education. Weather & Wildfire: Forecasts point to warmer conditions with scattered showers, while multiple wildfires continue to affect parts of the state.

Native Education: New Mexico Higher Education Department opened applications for a new Native American Tuition Scholarship covering full in-state tuition for tribal residents attending eligible public colleges in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas Tech; priority goes to New Mexico high school graduates, with applications due July 1 for the 2026-27 school year. Immigration Detention: Civil rights groups filed a lawsuit over alleged abuse at ICE’s Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss, citing medical neglect, solitary confinement, unsafe living conditions, and a measles outbreak; the case seeks class certification for detainees. Water & Borderland Life: Elephant Butte Dam began releasing water, starting at 600 cubic feet per second and ramping up to 2,800, with flows expected to reach the Rio Grande toward El Paso by Saturday evening. Courts & Schools: The New Mexico Supreme Court ordered release of a 2014 Albuquerque Public Schools investigation into former superintendent Winston Brooks, with some redactions. Public Safety: New Mexico State Police confirmed human remains found in Taos County near Rio Chiquito Road; investigators are working on a positive identification and have not said whether it’s connected to missing LANL scientist Melissa Casias. Health Policy: Gov. Tina Kotek is leading a multi-state pushback against a federal Medicaid mandate, warning states face unclear rules and major system changes that could disrupt coverage.

Supreme Court Water Deal: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a historic Rio Grande compact settlement, ending a 13-year fight over water rights and giving New Mexico a long-term framework to manage surface deliveries and groundwater below Elephant Butte. Eastern NM Conservation: Free help is available to restore playas in eastern New Mexico, improving aquifer recharge, water quality, erosion control, and drought resilience. Tech & Jobs: New Mexico won a national award for building a quantum technology sector, with Sandia and partners credited for attracting five companies in under two years. Local Politics: Chaves County GOP District 5 County Commission candidates made their case at a Republican women’s meeting ahead of the June 2 primary. Roswell Traffic Costs: A Roswell committee discussed proposed traffic violation cost hikes, aiming to reduce repeat violations by increasing penalties. Wildlife Reintroduction: Records show federal officials delayed the release of Mexican gray wolf Asha after public pressure, highlighting growing rural pushback. Agriculture Relief: USDA designated all of New Mexico a natural disaster area for drought, opening emergency loan assistance for farmers and ranchers.