AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: New Mexico State Police are investigating a fatal vehicle-train collision near Bosque that closed Highway 346 in both directions. In Albuquerque, investigators say a natural-gas blast may have injured two people and damaged apartments; the cause remains under investigation. Weather: Albuquerque logged 4.49 inches of rain in September, its wettest on record and nearly four times the monthly norm, after repeated surges of tropical moisture. Legal: A New Mexico jury found Facebook violated the state’s Unfair Practices Act nearly 43.9 million times; potential penalties could top $219 billion, but the judge will set any final amount. Federal Lands: Interior canceled or downgraded projects at New Mexico parks, including work at Valles Caldera, Petroglyph National Monument and Aztec Ruins. Politics: A Journal poll shows Deb Haaland leading Greg Hull in the governor’s race as Election Day nears. Local Economy: Las Cruces’ minimum wage will rise to $13.47 an hour on Jan. 1. Community: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta wrapped up after nine days, though shifting winds grounded balloons on the final morning; Indigenous Peoples’ Day events across the state celebrated Native culture and community.

Wildlife Policy: Attorney General Raúl Torrez says New Mexico’s outfitter set-aside for hunting licenses is unconstitutional. The program reserves about 10% of public draw licenses for hunters using outfitters, and the opinion could force a rethink of how licenses are allocated. Election 2026: A recent Journal poll shows Deb Haaland leading Republican Gregg Hull in the governor’s race as Election Day nears. Education: The Legislative Education Study Committee meets in Rio Rancho Oct. 14–16, with teacher workload, bilingual programs and early budget planning on the agenda. Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Santa Fe marked the holiday with events at the Plaza, including a powwow, while Albuquerque hosted celebrations at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Lobos Basketball: New Mexico beat Oklahoma State 99-89 in an exhibition, ending the Cowboys’ 57-game preseason home winning streak; Jake Hall scored 31. Weather: A cold front is bringing gusty winds and a cooldown, with fall-like temperatures expected later this week.

Albuquerque: An explosion at an apartment complex in northeast Albuquerque injured two people; officials have not released further details. Governor’s Race: A Journal poll shows Deb Haaland leading Gregg Hull as the contest enters its final stretch. New Mexico has also surpassed 77,000 early ballots, with voters weighing a $351 million higher-education bond and other key races. Border Dispute: New Mexico is challenging the Trump administration’s creation of a “national defense area” and its use of disputed wells for border construction, which state officials say overrides New Mexico water law. Research Investment: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a deal with Japanese technology company Fujitsu to establish a quantum-computing research center in the state. Balloon Fiesta: Breezy weather could disrupt Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta launches, though the final weekend forecast is mostly favorable with a slight chance of showers.

Albuquerque Explosion: Two people were injured and several apartments evacuated after an explosion on Central Avenue NE. Investigators are working to determine the cause. Weather: Remnants of Hurricane Simon could bring rain to New Mexico Tuesday and Wednesday, with 1 to 3 inches possible in some areas and flood risks. Election 2026: Republican secretary of state nominee Ramona Goolsby, who has repeatedly questioned New Mexico’s election system, is seeking to oversee it. Water Crisis: Rio Grande flows in New Mexico were about 31% of median levels this water year, with more than 112 miles of river reported dry this summer. Data Centers: Residents in Santa Teresa are pushing back against proposed data center growth, citing concerns over water, power costs and limited public input. Rural Health Care: UNM’s preliminary plan to acquire Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas has expired, leaving questions about the state’s plans for health care investment in San Miguel County.

Balloon Fiesta: The final weekend is off to a dry, warm start in Albuquerque, though breezy conditions could affect balloon launches and rain is possible in parts of New Mexico next week. Campus Upkeep: NMSU students and staff report persistent leaks and storm damage in campus buildings, with some repairs still awaiting work orders. Public Safety: Santa Fe police arrested a suspect in the shooting of a teen. Election 2026: More than 77,000 New Mexicans had voted early as the November election approaches, with candidates clashing over crime, education and the state’s income tax. Pipelines and Public Lands: A pipeline rupture near the Colorado-New Mexico border sent flames high into the air and sparked a wildfire; separately, New Mexico’s attorney general says federal review of the proposed Project Jupiter gas pipeline is inadequate. Research: Fujitsu plans to establish a quantum-computing research center in New Mexico.

Pipeline Safety: A New Mexico gas pipeline explosion sent flames about 100 feet into the air and sparked a wildfire, as pipeline incidents rise and federal methane safeguards face possible rollbacks. Election 2026: Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 election. Voters will decide education-related constitutional amendments, while the governor’s race and attorney general contest put schools, crime and technology policy in focus. Families & Immigration: Delays in DACA renewals are leaving some New Mexicans at risk of losing work authorization and deportation protections. Co-pays are also coming for roughly 10% of families in the state’s universal childcare program, though no start date is set. Wildlife: Researchers warn warming temperatures could help nonnative gemsbok spread farther across New Mexico, raising concerns for native species and ranchers. Research & Jobs: New Mexico and Fujitsu plan a quantum-computing research center in the state; an Albuquerque firm was also chosen to plan the State Fairgrounds redevelopment. On the Field: Eldorado rallied from a 21-0 deficit to beat Carlsbad 22-21, blocking a late field-goal attempt for its fourth straight win.

Public Health: Santa Fe County has launched a new phase of its fentanyl awareness campaign, promoting overdose prevention, recovery support and the message “Never Use Alone.” Research and Jobs: New Mexico and Fujitsu signed an agreement to establish a quantum computing research center, with plans to advance research and train specialists. Storm Recovery: NMDOT crews reopened the damaged U.S. 60 bridge after three days of repairs, ending a 284-mile detour; work continues on storm damage statewide. Energy Safety: Pipeline incidents are rising in New Mexico as the EPA prepares to roll back oil and gas rules. Two people died in a Lea County pipeline explosion, while another blast in San Juan County caused power outages. Health Costs: State regulators approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health insurance premiums for 2027. Election Watch: Early voting is underway. Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull appeared alone at a KOB debate after Democrat Deb Haaland cited a scheduling conflict.

Pipeline Safety: Two New Mexico gas pipelines ruptured Tuesday, killing two people in Lea County and sparking a wildfire near La Boca. State failures rose 84% from 2022 to 2025, as the EPA announced plans in Santa Fe to roll back oil and gas pollution rules. AI Campus: Oracle is considering trucking in natural gas to keep its planned New Mexico data center moving while a pipeline project is delayed. The company has cited the delay in a force majeure notice to the developer. Governor’s Race: Republican Gregg Hull appeared alone on KOB-TV after Democrat Deb Haaland skipped the scheduled debate, saying she had prior commitments with farmers and ranchers in southern New Mexico. Haaland’s campaign said it had offered other dates. Quantum Research: New Mexico has partnered with Japan’s Fujitsu to establish a quantum computing research center in the state. State Parks: Residents can get free standard entry at 33 state parks this fall, with family events scheduled through October. Food Recall: Nature’s Own Hawaiian bread sold in New Mexico and four other states was recalled because its label omitted milk; people with milk allergies should not eat it.

College and Careers: New Mexico has joined the Census Bureau’s employment-outcomes tool, giving students and families data on graduates’ jobs and earnings by school and major. Disaster Recovery: FEMA aid is now available to Zuni Pueblo residents and public facilities damaged in July’s floods, including help with housing, repairs and uninsured losses. Campus Safety: UNM students, faculty and officials marched to demand accountability on sexual assault; the university reported more than 87 cases of rape, fondling and domestic violence last year. Health Care: Gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland toured Presbyterian Española Hospital and warned that Medicaid cuts could threaten rural services, including addiction treatment. Election 2026: Early voting has passed 77,000 ballots statewide, as Haaland and Republican Gregg Hull offer sharply different approaches to regulating data centers. Federal Policy: New Mexico is opposing proposed cuts to Head Start standards, while EPA chief Lee Zeldin announced plans in Santa Fe to roll back oil and gas rules.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway across New Mexico, with more than 77,000 ballots already cast. Sen. Ben Ray Luján faces Republican Larry Marker, a long-shot challenger who qualified through write-in votes; Barack Obama has endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland. Energy and Environment: In Santa Fe, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to roll back Biden-era oil and gas emissions rules, without detailing the changes. Public advocacy staff are also urging a formal probe of PNM over high bills. Border and Water: New Mexico’s state engineer condemned a federal waiver of state water laws for wells tied to border-wall construction. Flood Recovery: Doña Ana County declared a disaster after widespread flooding and is seeking state aid. Courts and Accountability: A federal appeals court reversed kidnapping convictions in the Taos County compound case, clearing the way for two defendants to be freed. Disputes among state truth commissioners have also raised concerns about whether their Zorro Ranch investigation report will be released on time. College Sports: New Mexico State fell 22-3 to FIU, turning the ball over three times.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway in New Mexico for a Nov. 3 ballot featuring statewide offices, legislative races and bond measures. Separately, government documents show ICE shared voter records from New Mexico and five other states with Palantir for a surveillance tool; how the data may be used remains unclear. Court Ruling: The 10th Circuit overturned convictions in the Taos County compound case tied to the 2017 death of a 3-year-old boy, finding errors in jury instructions. The family cannot be retried on the kidnapping charges. Flood Response: Doña Ana County declared a flood disaster and is weighing next steps after widespread flooding. Water Dispute: New Mexico’s state engineer denounced a federal waiver of state water laws for border-wall construction. Food Safety: A new USDA-state agreement expands meat and poultry inspections, with New Mexico State University’s lab providing testing for smaller processors.

Food Safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas after undeclared milk was found; people with milk allergies should not eat affected 20-ounce loaves and 40-ounce two-packs. Public Health: New Mexico’s Department of Health is marking Safe Sleep Awareness Month, offering free portable cribs and urging parents to place infants on their backs on a firm, flat surface. Local Justice: Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman unveiled a dashboard tracking how judges rule on pretrial detention motions, arguing the public should see who gets jailed before trial. State Politics: Sen. Ben Ray Luján says inflation is the top issue for voters heading into the 2026 election, pointing to rising fuel and costs squeezing families and rural workers. Environment & Community: Male tarantulas are roaming across New Mexico as monsoon-linked breeding season begins, with scientists describing the annual mating surge. Sports: The Lobos routed UTEP 61-7 as Toa Fa’avae threw three TDs and the defense dominated.

UNM Campus Safety: UNM President Steve Goldstein addressed sexual violence and campus security in his first post-appointment press conference, stressing that student safety comes first. Courtroom Update: A federal appeals court tossed convictions tied to a remote northern New Mexico compound case after a 2017 death, reversing kidnapping convictions and blocking a retrial. Santa Fe Fire Safety: Santa Fe County lifted its open-burning permit ban after recent rain and cooler, wetter conditions reduced wildfire risk. Energy & Environment: Activists are appealing a Trump-era decision to expand a Navajo Nation coal mine, arguing the environmental review was rushed and could threaten groundwater and communities. Elections: Early voting begins statewide, with New Mexico voters heading to the polls amid Gov. candidate Gregg Hull’s plan to phase out the state income tax. Food Recall: Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread was recalled in New Mexico and other states due to undeclared milk. Local Weather/Travel: Albuquerque firefighters say two survived an eight-foot fall into a basement fire after a floor collapsed during a vacant-home search.

Congress & Women’s Representation: Democrats are projecting a major House milestone—100 women, possibly 113—after a campaign that puts female candidates front and center. New Mexico Politics & Voting: Early voting is set to start statewide, with Bernalillo County clerks expecting high turnout and warning poll workers about electioneering and intimidation. Housing in Albuquerque: A new “missing middle” apartment project in West Old Town aims to serve households too high for subsidies but not ready to buy, adding 70 units in phase one. State Economy & Taxes: Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull unveiled a plan to gradually phase out New Mexico’s personal income tax, while Democrats warn it would be disastrous. Data Centers Debate: A KOB 4 poll finds 55% of New Mexicans oppose new data centers, with Oracle’s Project Jupiter still driving concern. Public Safety: Albuquerque mother Leigh Cleveland faces charges under Bennie’s Law after her unsecured gun was accessed by her 14-year-old son and accidentally shot a friend. Cannabis Enforcement: New Mexico regulators have opened more than two dozen criminal cases tied to cannabis and hemp violations, including concerns about unsafe THC products. Local Life: El Pan Bakery and Farm is opening in Nob Hill, and UNM students held a Depop pop-up market featuring sustainable, secondhand fashion.

Traffic Safety: A wrong-way commercial truck crash on I-40 near Gallup killed four people and injured a second truck driver who is expected to survive, according to New Mexico State Police. Public Health: The CDC reminded southwestern clinicians about pneumonic plague after a 2025 Arizona case involving exposure to sick cats, urging vigilance while noting the overall risk remains low. Consumer Safety: PepsiCo is voluntarily recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade sold in 37 states, including New Mexico, because Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 were not declared on labels; the FDA classifies it as Class II. State Politics: New Mexico Senate Democrats selected new chamber leaders ahead of the 2027 session, including Sen. Linda Trujillo as majority leader and Sen. Cindy Nava as majority whip. Energy & Environment: New Mexico joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of fuel economy standards, arguing it will raise gas demand and costs. Wildlife Policy: Trump ordered a review of Mexican gray wolf recovery to decide whether protections could be reduced or removed, a move that could reshape management in Arizona and nearby states.

Flood Relief & Public Safety: Flooding continues to disrupt New Mexico communities, including Rio Puerco overflow that isolated 12 homes in San Francisco, and officials are urging residents to document damage as disaster declarations are considered. Local Politics & Elections: New Mexico Senate Democrats picked Sen. Linda Trujillo as majority leader and Sen. Cindy Nava as whip, signaling a focus on affordability in the January session. State Government & Policy: A KOB 4 poll finds Deb Haaland leading Gregg Hull 47% to 41% in the governor race, with independents and favorability numbers shaping the race. Energy & Tribes: The Jicarilla Apache Nation is launching a nine-month geothermal feasibility study with a $2.5 million state grant, exploring electricity and direct heating options. Education Costs: A new national analysis says only about one in three public four-year colleges are affordable for students, highlighting a persistent gap even with grants and aid. Business & Jobs: New Mexico employers filed 356 H-1B petitions in 2025 in the Educational Services industry, with a 97.8% approval rate. Sports: UNM routed UTEP 61-7, with Toa Fa’avae’s passing and the defense driving the blowout.