AGP Executive Report

Monsoon Readiness: PNM is urging New Mexicans to pack emergency supplies and make a family plan as storms and flash-flood risk ramp up this week. Road Work: NMDOT crews are chip-sealing U.S. 64 between Taos and Tres Piedras, with reduced speeds and loose gravel possible for 24 to 48 hours. Public Health & Safety: The Environment Department launched an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Map, with several lakes under “Watch” or “Warning” levels and guidance to keep pets away and avoid untreated water. Healthcare Expansion: New Mexico Cancer Center will offer estrogen-receptor targeted PET imaging for recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, aiming to reduce the need for out-of-state travel. Education Funding: Applications are open for the Higher Education Major Projects Fund, with a July 17 deadline for capital improvement requests. Local Legal Fight: Lindy’s Diner owners sued Albuquerque over the city’s demolition of the historic Bliss Building. Regional Transit Milestone: The Rail Runner marked 20 years of service, touting more than 16 million riders since launch. Wildlife Watch: New World screwworm has reappeared in the U.S., with Texas and New Mexico among areas being monitored. Big Legal Battle: New Mexico is part of a 12-state antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block planned cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the Education Department is moving to end funding despite a prior court order. Media Merger Lawsuit: California AG Rob Bonta is leading a 12-state challenge to Paramount Skydance’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, with New Mexico among the plaintiffs, warning the deal would “extinguish competition” and raise prices. Local Public Safety: Sandoval County is taking over emergency services in Cuba after Cuba EMS shut down, expanding to 24/7 fire suppression, wildland response, hazmat, and technical rescue. Behavioral Health Rollout: New Mexico’s region-based behavioral health system is still uneven more than a year after lawmakers approved the overhaul, with concerns about funding flow, tribal input, and how plans connect statewide. Education Discipline Disparities: A New Mexico DOJ report finds Gallup-McKinley County Schools relies heavily on out-of-school suspensions, with Native American and Hispanic students disciplined at higher rates. Monsoon Watch: Forecasters warn monsoon storms and flood threats are ramping up across New Mexico, with spotty showers and lightning possible.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the department plans to end funding despite a court order. Public Lands Grazing: The federal government is drafting the first major overhaul of public lands grazing rules in decades, with critics saying it would expand grazing and shrink public input. New Mexico Addiction Support: A New Mexico nonprofit plans a pilot next spring to help pregnant women battling addiction, offering clean-screen incentives plus prenatal and family stabilization services aimed at reducing foster-care fallout. School Compliance: New Mexico’s period-product mandate is being undermined by weak oversight, leaving some students without supplies. Opioid Settlement Tracking: Reporting finds opioid settlement money is hard to track and unevenly spent, raising concerns about whether it’s improving outcomes. Wildlife & Health: New World screwworm risk is being monitored after cases in the region, with guidance for pet owners. Local Weather & Safety: Monsoon storm chances are returning after a heat break, while a deadly shooting and a fatal crash were reported in Albuquerque.

UNM Leadership: UNM Provost Barbara Rodriguez reappointed School of Law Dean Camille Carey for a second term, running July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2030, after controversy over admissions, enrollment demographics, faculty retention, and how student grievances were handled. State Politics: New Mexico lawmakers reacted to the sudden death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, with Sen. Martin Heinrich praising Graham’s willingness to work across the aisle despite sharp disagreements. Public Safety: Court documents say a “prank” in Sunland Park led to charges for a registered sex offender and his son after juveniles allegedly dingdong ditched the home, then a chase and alleged assault followed. Health & Community: A new mental health app, Navi, is rolling out across New Mexico to support teens ages 13–18 with local partnerships and community input. Weather: Forecasters expect average summertime heat with daily storm chances, including possible strong winds and flash flooding risk in parts of the region.

Fentanyl Accountability: New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the DEA repeatedly allowed fentanyl shipments to reach communities while building cases, and she’s weighing civil damages while pushing for federal reforms. Courts & Local Land Use: A judge upheld Montezuma County’s denial of a Dollar General permit, saying the developer got due process and the county code was applied correctly. Public Safety: New Mexico State Police arrested a man accused of sending threatening videos to a Lea County district judge, and he’s awaiting extradition. Education Policy: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program tied to post-Parkland funding. Health & Animals: Experts warn the New World screwworm could spread further in the U.S., with new difficulties keeping it contained. Weather: Monsoon showers and storms continue, with some heavy rain and gusty winds possible across New Mexico. Community & Culture: The New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta drew hundreds of artists to Albuquerque, honoring the late co-founder John “Bale” Sisneros.

Nuclear Policy & Accountability: Environmental groups are pressing the federal government to release a key “Jason” study on plutonium pit lifespans, arguing it could undercut claims that South Carolina and Los Alamos must build new nuclear weapons factories. Disaster Relief: FEMA says it has distributed $3.51 billion for New Mexico’s Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire, but nearly 8,000 pending claims still await payment, leaving about $1.5 billion on the table. Education Equity: New Mexico’s attorney general released findings that Gallup-McKinley County Schools discipline Native and Hispanic students more harshly, costing them far more instructional time than white peers. Public Safety: Santa Fe court ordered a competency evaluation for Anthony Dault, arrested after allegedly fleeing a fire at St. Catherine’s Indian School. Health & Weather: State health officials warn New Mexicans to prepare for dangerous heat, citing hundreds of heat-related emergency visits since April 1. Local Economy: Oracle’s Project Jupiter data center in Doña Ana County is moving forward with an updated air permit push, promising thousands of construction jobs and ongoing work. Tech & Consumer Protection: New Mexico AG Anne Lopez joined a push for stronger FCC rules to block robocallers from using legitimate phone numbers. Community & Culture: Silver City mourns its first poet laureate, Bonnie Buckley Maldonado, who died June 23 at 95.

Consumer Protection: New Mexico will receive more than $388,000 from a multistate settlement with Block, Inc. over deceptive Cash App practices, as Attorney General Raúl Torrez says the company failed to protect users from fraud. Public Safety & Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the November 2024 conviction of Dominic De La O for the fatal shooting of Alamogordo police officer Anthony Ferguson, leaving him with a life sentence without parole. Health: New World screwworm isn’t just a livestock threat—pets can be hit too, and officials point to higher risk areas including Lea County, plus Texas counties, urging prevention steps for cats and dogs. Justice & Federal Records: New Mexico AG Torrez says the U.S. DOJ is withholding unredacted Jeffrey Epstein Zorro Ranch files, warning delays could weaken the state’s criminal case. Weather: Forecasters warn a dangerous heat wave could bring triple-digit temperatures across the interior West this weekend into early next week. Tech & Regulation: The EU is targeting Meta’s Facebook and Instagram engagement features, arguing design choices like infinite scroll and autoplay can harm users’ wellbeing.

Santa Fe Fire Aftermath: Demolition has started at the former Saint Catherine’s Indian School after a fire last week damaged dormitories and a chapel, with a security perimeter in place while investigators work to determine the cause. Heat Safety: New Mexico health officials warned residents ahead of a hot weekend, citing 453 heat-related emergency visits since April 1 and urging hydration, cooling, and extra care for kids, seniors, and outdoor workers. Local Government: Elephant Butte named David “Smitty” Smith as its new city manager, with priorities including expanding outdoor recreation for children. Courts & Mental Health Funding: A coalition of 15 states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to school-based mental health grants, arguing the move violates a court order. New Mexico Ethics: The State Ethics Commission is suing Corrections Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero over alleged probation officer coordination with federal immigration authorities. Meta Appeal: Meta filed an appeal after a landmark jury verdict found its platforms contributed to social media addiction harms for young users.

Heat & Safety: Albuquerque is under an expanded heat advisory as triple-digit temperatures push an increased risk of heat illness; officials urged residents to stay hydrated, seek shade, and watch for heat stress. LGBTQ+ Community: Verse Bar is set to open in Nob Hill, adding a new permanent space for Albuquerque’s queer community after organizers say demand grew from community mixers. Family Health: A baby expo in Albuquerque on Saturday will offer car seat help, CPR education, vaccinations, and giveaways for expecting parents and families. Wildfire Update: The Sacaton Fire is about 35% contained and has grown to nearly 9,700 acres; the Willow Creek subdivision remains under a GO! evacuation order. Local Transportation: NMDOT is reminding drivers that free Courtesy Patrol roadside assistance is available on Albuquerque-area interstates. Public Health Policy: New Mexico families are also organizing Walk for Lives events this weekend to honor loved ones lost to fentanyl and connect people with grief and recovery resources.

New Mexico Pet Health: Veterinarians and humane groups are warning that New World screwworm—already confirmed in more than 30 cases across Texas and New Mexico, including two in dogs—can infest any mammal, especially animals with open wounds or recent surgery, so owners should keep wounds clean and covered and seek prompt vet care. Weather & Fire Risk: Heat and storms are building across New Mexico, with Albuquerque near 100 and heat advisories returning Friday in the Four Corners; daily thunderstorms keep a low-to-flash-flood risk over burn scars. Courts & Public Safety: Alec Baldwin is asking a federal judge to strip immunity for Santa Fe prosecutors and law enforcement in his “Rust” civil case, arguing evidence was mishandled and testimony shaped to target him. State vs. Federal Accountability: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez says the U.S. Justice Department is withholding unredacted Epstein files, delaying the state’s reopened Zorro Ranch investigation. Wildfire Recovery: FEMA is set to pay more than $3.5 billion to survivors of the Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, as New Mexico officials press for full compliance.

Public Health: New Mexico health officials confirmed three cyclosporiasis cases but say there’s no outbreak, urging careful hand-washing and produce prep. Animal Health: The New World screwworm is spreading—NM and Texas have confirmed cases in dogs—prompting urgent pet-safety guidance to watch for wounds and seek vet care fast. Weather & Safety: A multi-day heat wave is underway with Heat Advisories in parts of the 4-Corners and triple-digit highs possible, with fewer storm chances. Local Environment: Bernalillo County removed nearly 2,800 illegally dumped tires from Pajarito Mesa, citing wildfire risk and pollution concerns. State Policy & Utilities: New Mexico Gas Company expanded energy-efficiency rebates and programs for homes, businesses, and farms. Community & Culture: Soundwave NM returns to the New Mexico State Fair on Sept. 19, featuring six New Mexico acts at the Chevron Pavilion. Justice & Accountability: New Mexico’s Highlands University faces a criminal investigation into alleged hiring-related fraud and civil rights violations.

Public Health: New Mexico officials warned residents after a wild rat in Santa Fe County tested positive for plague, the state’s first confirmed wildlife case this year, urging caution for people and pets as the disease can spread via fleas. Animal Health: The New World screwworm is spreading in Texas and New Mexico, with veterinarians and humane groups pushing pet owners to watch for non-healing wounds and seek prompt care. State & Federal Accountability: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham renewed calls for federal accountability after a DEA whistleblower allegation that agents let fentanyl pills reach New Mexicans, pointing to changes in a 2019-to-2024 enforcement protocol. Courts & Crime: A judge sentenced Alberto Carpio-Villanueva to 69 years for bringing a 15-year-old girl to New Mexico and sexually assaulting her for three months. Weather: Scattered thunderstorms continue across parts of New Mexico, with brief heavy downpours possible near Taos/Red River/Angel Fire and a low flash-flood threat. Energy & Growth: New Mexico regulators say 16 community solar projects are now online, and Titan Development broke ground on a new Mesa del Sol subdivision with 185 lots.

Meta Teen Safety Lawsuit: Meta warned a federal court it could face up to $1.4 trillion in penalties in an August trial over claims Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict young users and that internal research was suppressed. New Mexico Public Health: The state Department of Health reported a bat in Sandoval County tested positive for rabies, urging people not to touch bats and to get post-exposure vaccines if contact is possible. Local Politics/Cost of Living: New Mexico House Republicans asked Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to call a special session to repeal the state personal income tax for permanent tax relief. Water Rights: A major Colorado River tribal water settlement is stalled as four Upper Basin states oppose codifying the deal, leaving some families without running water. Agriculture: The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association received a Rural Roots Grant to support its work advancing the cattle industry and rural leadership. Wildlife/Outdoors: The state also reported additional rabies-related alerts as the 2026 animal cases continue.

Meta Youth Lawsuit: Four states, including New Mexico, are seeking about $1.4 trillion in penalties from Meta over claims Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to kids, with a trial set to begin next month in Oakland; Meta calls the figure “outlandish” and says it has no basis in law. Local Water Woes: In Albuquerque, residents and water officials say the Rio Grande is essentially dry in places, with farmers reporting long gaps since last irrigation and calls for solutions like storing water. Project Jupiter Permit: New Mexico’s Environment Department will hold a public hearing on the air quality permit for Oracle/OpenAI’s Project Jupiter data center after complaints that residents’ names were used without consent. Homelessness Funding Fight: Colorado and other states sued HUD again to block changes that would cap funding for permanent supportive housing, warning tens of thousands could lose homes. State Tax Debate: New Mexico House Republicans urged Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to call a special session to eliminate the state income tax, arguing it’s better than a one-time rebate. Wildfire Update: The Sacaton Fire grew to 9,349 acres and reached 11% containment, with Willow Creek residents in GO! status to leave.

FEMA Funding: FEMA approved more than $349 million in post-disaster aid for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, including Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects. Weather & Smoke: Hazy, smoky skies are expected to linger in New Mexico Tuesday as monsoon showers and storms develop late morning into the afternoon, with most rain staying light except in thunderstorms; gusty winds are possible. Public Health: New Mexico health officials reported a rabid bat in Sandoval County, urging caution around bats and reminding residents to seek vaccines after any exposure. Youth & Community: A free, seven-week summer jazz camp in Albuquerque is teaching young musicians improvisation and listening skills through the Youth Jazz Collaborative. Big Legal Fight: Meta disclosed that four states are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties over claims Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict young users and misled the public; Meta calls the demand unsupported and says it has no precedent. Water Watch: Upper-basin states reiterated that they can’t rely on big upstream reservoirs as the Colorado River crisis worsens, warning conditions are dire. Sports & Local Interest: New Mexico State’s conference future remains a focus as Conference USA realignment continues, with NMSU prioritizing staying in Conference USA.

Immigration Fight in Southern New Mexico: The Diocese of Las Cruces says the federal government is trying to seize land by eminent domain for a major border wall near Mount Cristo Rey, even as the diocese argues its current security setup is “adequate.” Public Safety: Two people died at Ute Lake over the weekend, including a reported drowning after a man fell from a boat; names weren’t released. Earthquakes: New Mexico Tech seismologist Urbi Basu links early Monday quakes near Raton to induced seismicity tied to coal bed methane extraction and wastewater disposal. State Politics: Deb Haaland holds a major cash advantage over Gregg Hull in New Mexico’s open governor race, with about $2.3 million on hand versus about $298,000. Health: A rabid bat in Sandoval County marks New Mexico’s ninth confirmed animal rabies case of 2026, and officials say exposed people and pets are receiving vaccinations. Local Culture: The New Mexico State Fair is accepting applications for its Original Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge, set for Sept. 14.