AGP Executive Report

Public Lands & Energy: Sen. Elizabeth Warren unveiled a plan to halt new oil and gas drilling and mining on federal lands, framing it as a first-day moratorium move that would also roll back Trump-era rules. SNAP Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked new USDA conditions tied to gender ideology, immigration, and “fair athletic opportunities,” pausing enforcement of restrictions that states said were vague and unrelated to food aid. New Mexico Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Miyagishima sued over New Mexico’s steep signature rules for independents, arguing the system unfairly favors Democrats and Republicans. Governor Race: Coverage highlighted Deb Haaland’s Democratic primary win as both a political milestone and a deeply personal moment for many Native voters. Healthcare Access: Even with state protections, transgender New Mexicans say hormone care can be hard to get due to provider shortages and insurance hurdles. Local Accountability: A New Mexico Truth Commission investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch is drawing criticism over potential conflicts of interest. Culture & Tech: Santa Fe’s Currents New Media festival returns with immersive art and tech across multiple venues, including free experiences for youth.

Gender-Affirming Care Access: A young transgender New Mexican says legal protections don’t guarantee timely care—she faced months-long waits for specialists and had to find a doctor willing to keep her hormone regimen steady. Nursing Home Ownership: CMS data show LC Healthcare Holdings owned Las Cruces Wellness & Rehabilitation in Q1 2026, with a 3-star overall rating and no fines or penalties reported. Prep Sports Policy: The New Mexico Activities Association is pushing a “one-time” transfer eligibility bylaw to a June 19 vote, with schools weighing whether it will fuel recruiting and undermine participation rules. Livestock Health Threat: Federal officials confirmed New World screwworm in Texas calves, prompting Navajo Nation agriculture leaders to review emergency plans as ranchers brace for a possible spread. Food Aid Court Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from tying billions in funding—including food assistance—to broad gender and immigration conditions. Local Health Costs: Medicaid billing data show rising local spending patterns across New Mexico communities, including Mora and Las Cruces. Opinion: Nuclear industry concerns and wind power politics both drew fresh debate in New Mexico-focused commentary. Community & Culture: Albuquerque’s Polly’s Run for pancreatic cancer research hit new fundraising momentum, while Bernalillo County hosted its free “Evening in Paradise” family event.

Grand Canyon Mule Ride: Lisa “Tex” Parker, now a Grand Canyon mule wrangler, is spotlighted after guiding a stop for U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as America’s 250th anniversary road trip rolls on. Wildlife & Livestock: The New World screwworm is spreading near the U.S. border, prompting new monitoring and quarantine steps that ranchers in New Mexico and Texas are watching closely. Courts & Health Care: A Grant County jury awarded Nichelle Nichols’ estate $13 million in a wrongful-death case against Gila Regional Medical Center, but the hospital’s share is capped at $400,000 under state law. Water Policy: Federal officials say Colorado River management will shift to a 10-year framework with updated guidelines every two years as states remain stuck without a seven-state deal. Medicaid Dollars (NM): Mora Medicaid Evaluation & Management billing rose 11.1% in 2024; Belen’s E&M claims climbed 13.7%; Las Cruces saw Ambulance/Transport spending up 7.1%. Community Calendar: Bernalillo County’s free “Evening in Paradise” returns Saturday at Paradise Hills Park with music, games, and a Movies in the Park screening. Sports & Local Culture: Riley Green added fall 2026 dates, including a Sept. 11 Albuquerque stop at First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater. Scam Alert: The U.S. District Court in New Mexico warns of text-message scams impersonating “New Mexico District Court” to push people to click links and fear arrest.

Border Wall & Sacred Sites: A report from Sunland Park says the Trump administration’s plan to extend the border wall near Mount Cristo Rey is drawing backlash, with hikers calling the move a threat to a sacred landmark. Native Representation: The Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund hailed Deb Haaland’s Democratic gubernatorial primary win as a historic first for Native women in New Mexico politics. Health & Data: UNM researchers say diagnosis codes capture only about a quarter of clinically documented self-harm in Veterans Health Administration records, using machine learning to find more hidden histories. Courts & Scams: The U.S. District Court in New Mexico warned of a scam text campaign using “New Mexico District Court” to pressure people with fake arrest-warrant links. Elder Care Watch: Las Cruces Village Nursing & Rehabilitation (for-profit) received a 1-star CMS rating in Q1 2026 under 3025 NM Holdings. Energy & Water: Federal officials outlined a 10-year Colorado River management framework with updates every two years if states can’t agree. Local Safety: Bernalillo County fire investigators are still probing a second blaze at a South Valley recycling center that condemned two buildings. Culture & Community: A Route 66 centennial caravan will roll through New Mexico June 6–25, spotlighting preservation and local heritage.

Colorado River Talks: Colorado and Nevada negotiators say the federal Bureau of Reclamation’s draft 10-year Colorado River plan likely needs changes, as states argue over how water should be released from Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Water & Local Impact: In drought-stressed El Paso, opposition to Meta’s AI data center is intensifying, with residents questioning whether the project’s water use fits the city’s long-term water strategy. New Mexico Politics: New Mexico’s 2026 primary results put Deb Haaland on track for the November governor race after winning the Democratic nomination. NM Courts & Ranching: A federal appeals court dismissed a New Mexico Cattle Growers’ lawsuit over aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the dispute is now moot. Public Health & Costs: New billing codes set to take effect in January could make pregnancy care more “à la carte,” raising questions about patient costs and care coordination. NM Law Enforcement: The daughter of a Los Alamos lab worker found dead in Carson National Forest says false claims about her mother have been spread, as the case remains under investigation. Energy & Infrastructure: UNM broke ground on “Lobo Crossing,” a major retail and dining development on its South Campus slated for completion in fall 2027.

Screwworm Watch: New Mexico officials are urging vigilance after USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf in South Texas, stressing early reporting and monitoring for ranchers, vets, hunters, and pet owners. Healthcare Shake-Up: Presbyterian Healthcare Services says it will cut about 150 administrative jobs and discontinue most Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, while insisting current-year coverage won’t change. State Budget for Youth Outdoors: New Mexico is putting $4.5 million into outdoor youth programs after demand surged, with applications opening July 1. Gambling Fight: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi, arguing its sports-betting app violates state gambling laws, following a separate federal case by tribes. Local Health Data: CMS Q1 2026 records show Casa Del Sol Center in Las Cruces is owned by Peak Medical and carries a below-average rating, with no fines reported. Community & Food: Summer Food Service Program returns statewide to provide free meals for kids during summer break. Energy & Politics: Trump announced $700M for coal power upgrades and new plants, while New Mexico’s governor race heads into November after Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination.

Livestock & Health: The USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in a Texas calf, the first U.S. case in decades, raising alarms for New Mexico ranchers and beef prices as officials plan rapid response and urge vigilance for wound infestations. State Policy: New Mexico lawmakers and advocates are pushing for faster federal guidance and support, including steps to finish the sterile fly program and protect livestock and wildlife near the border. Courts & Land Use: A federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit by the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s past aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the practice is unlikely to resume and the dispute is now moot. Public Safety: The family of Los Alamos National Laboratory worker Melissa Casias, found dead in Carson National Forest with a handgun nearby, rejects suicide claims and suspects foul play as investigators determine cause and manner of death. Energy & Water: A new report warns New Mexico’s net-zero push could strain grid reliability and affordability without enough carbon-free power, while communities also weigh growing data center proposals amid concerns about electricity and water use.

Recount Trigger: New Mexico’s HD 66 GOP primary is headed for an automatic recount after Leanne Gandy edged Dan Lewis by just 10 votes (999 to 989), with the State Canvass Board set to certify results and order recounts if needed. Governor Race Set: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor, while Gregg Hull took the GOP nod—meaning a November showdown is now locked in. Primary Aftermath: Both nominees quickly pivoted to general-election messaging, with Haaland emphasizing issues and Hull promising a “real choice” for voters. Public Safety & Justice: The body of missing Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias was reportedly found in Carson National Forest, “skeletonized” with a gunshot wound to the skull, renewing calls for accountability. Local Governance: Albuquerque’s guaranteed income pilot tied to the cannabis tax is drawing national attention as city leaders push to make it permanent. Culture & Community: A proposed North Valley mosque drew heated resistance at a Bernalillo County meeting; the appeal hearing was deferred to July 1 over safety concerns. Energy & Industry: Urenco says it will expand uranium enrichment capacity at its Eunice facility to meet nuclear fuel demand. Agriculture Threat: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in a Texas calf, prompting containment and eradication efforts near the border.

New Mexico Politics: New Mexicans voted in a semi-open primary for governor, with former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland winning the Democratic nomination and former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull taking the GOP nod—setting up a November matchup. Water & Public Health: Federal USDA funding up to $1 million is headed to Mora and San Miguel counties for repairs and treatment systems tied to drinking-water contamination after the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire. Energy & Power: PNM is seeking approval for major new solar and storage in its resource plan, while the state land office is also recruiting developers for Albuquerque properties aimed at affordable housing. Utilities & Regulation: Lea Márquez Peterson was elected vice president of the Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners, highlighting ongoing regional focus on grid reliability and water infrastructure. Youth Outdoors: New Mexico announced a record $4.5 million for the Outdoor Equity Fund for FY27, with applications opening July 1. Housing & Schools: East Mountain is breaking ground on a middle school expansion as demand grows. Crime & Courts: A New Mexico man pleaded guilty in federal court after decades using a stolen identity tied to a University of Arkansas graduate to evade murder-related charges.

New Mexico Politics: Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday, beating Sam Bregman with about 72% of the vote, setting up a November showdown with Republican Gregg Hull, who clinched the GOP nomination in a three-way race. Election Administration: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver called New Mexico’s first-ever semi-open primary a success, citing higher turnout and more than 37,600 independent voters casting ballots without switching party registration. Public Safety: State Police announced June sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols across New Mexico counties, including registration, insurance, and driver’s license checks. Healthcare Watch: CMS data show mixed nursing-home performance across the state: Red Rocks Care Center (McKinley) and Belen Meadows (Valencia) earned 4-star overall ratings in Q1 2026, while Santa Fe Care Center (Santa Fe) scored 1 and Artesia Healthcare & Rehabilitation (Eddy) scored 1. Local Government & Infrastructure: Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority approved an $18.7 million budget adjustment to finish large-diameter pipe work, supported by a $77 million Bureau of Reclamation grant. Courts & Accountability: New Mexico Highlands University President Neil Woolf sued the university, alleging regents chair Frank Sanchez directed him to redirect $600,000 in state funds to a contractor friend.

New Mexico Primary Day: Polls open Tuesday, June 2, with 74 voting centers in Bernalillo County (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and the UNM Student Union Building as a voting site, plus same-day registration. Governor Race Watch: Early voting shows independents lagging behind party voters, with the Democratic primary tightening between Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman as turnout grows. Nuclear Fuel Push: Urenco USA plans a near-50% expansion of uranium enrichment capacity at its Eunice facility, adding 2.1 million separative work units and new plant construction tied to production starting in 2032. Energy Transition: PNM is seeking approval for major solar and battery storage additions as it plans for coal exit timing and future demand growth. PFAS Rules: New Mexico finalized a rule tightening restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, with phased limits starting July 1 and broader bans beginning in 2027. Public Safety & Environment: Santa Clara declared Stage 2 fire restrictions, and USDA unveiled a migratory big game conservation framework spanning New Mexico and 16 other states. Local Crime/Justice: New Mexico’s Epstein “Truth Commission” moves forward with its first wave of subpoenas tied to the Zorro Ranch investigation. Missing Scientist Update: The body of missing Los Alamos lab worker Melissa Casias was found in Carson National Forest, with authorities still working to determine cause and timing.

New Mexico Primary Day: Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday as voters choose Democratic and GOP nominees for governor and other statewide races, with early/absentee turnout topping 181,934 statewide and independents now able to request either party ballot under New Mexico’s semi-open primary. Governor race money: Campaign finance reports show nearly $20 million raised across the five governor contenders, led by Deb Haaland’s $12.77 million haul. Truth Commission: New Mexico’s Epstein “Truth Commission” has issued its first 14 subpoenas to institutions including the FBI, DOJ, state agencies, and the Santa Fe Institute, as lawmakers press for records tied to the ranch and agency handling. Public safety on the Pecos: The AG announced the arrest of a Pecos River landowner accused of threatening fishermen with a firearm, renewing focus on public access protections. Energy transition fight: PNM asked regulators to approve large renewable contracts while also seeking to extend natural-gas generation as it exits coal by 2031. Rural health policy: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch highlighted Senate passage to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years. National science update: State police identified missing Los Alamos-linked researcher Melissa Casias, found in Carson National Forest with a handgun nearby.

AI in Schools: New Mexico lawmakers are pushing for a statewide AI oversight body after concerns about student data privacy, cheating, and overreliance. Native Education Funding: A legislative question is raised over whether the Navajo Nation is getting its fair share from the Indian education fund, despite most money going to salaries and support roles. PFAS Reckoning: New Mexico remains at the center of the national PFAS fallout tied to military bases, with reporting highlighting how contamination can upend ranching and dairy operations. LANL Missing Worker: Human remains found in Carson National Forest have been identified as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee missing for nearly a year; investigators say cause and manner of death are still pending. Spaceport America: Virgin Galactic brings VSS Unity back to southern New Mexico for glide-flight training ahead of next-generation spacecraft tests. Local Business & Community: Albuquerque business coach Mark Tobiassen, co-owner of ActionCoach’s New Mexico franchise, dies at 65. Culture: Albuquerque Museum announces a Route 66 centennial exhibition opening June 6.

Uranium Watch: North Shore Uranium says it has received New Mexico and federal permits to start drilling up to 26 holes at its Rio Puerco project near Grants, aiming to validate decades-old Kerr-McGee data. Missing Persons: New Mexico State Police identified the remains of Los Alamos lab staffer Melissa Casias, found near Carson National Forest; officials say a handgun was recovered, and the cause of death is still pending. Education & Tech: State lawmakers are pushing for a statewide plan to govern AI use in schools, citing privacy, cheating, and overreliance concerns. Data Centers & Local Power: Reporting on the behind-the-scenes deals around Project Jupiter highlights how state, university, and county agreements helped move the data center forward amid rising public opposition. Election Focus: New Mexico’s gubernatorial primary is Tuesday, with candidates centering juvenile crime, behavioral health, and CYFD overhaul in their pitches. Native Education: New Mexico opened applications for a Native American Tuition Scholarship covering full in-state tuition for eligible tribal residents attending certain neighboring-state public colleges. Arts & Culture: The 2026 Whitney Biennial opens with themes of “American” power and empire, drawing on artists from multiple countries and conflict zones.

Native American Education: New Mexico opened applications for a new Native American Tuition Scholarship that covers full in-state tuition for tribal residents attending eligible public colleges in neighboring states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Texas Tech. Space & Defense Economy: Spaceport America activity underscores New Mexico’s growing space, aerospace, and defense push, with a recent chamber-backed report pointing to sectors like quantum, space, intelligent manufacturing, and advanced energy as key growth engines. Rio Grande Water: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a historic Rio Grande compact settlement, ending a long-running interstate dispute involving Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Livestock Health Threat: The New World screwworm is spreading across Mexico and Central America, and New Mexico livestock officials are warning about monitoring and quarantine as the parasite threatens meat supply and prices. Elections & Politics: New Mexico’s first semi-open primary is set to test turnout and reshape the Democratic House primary landscape, while state House primary contests could influence the chamber’s political tilt. UNM Leadership: UNM President Garnett Stokes announced her retirement in July after eight years at the helm.

Education & Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court ordered the release of a 2014 Albuquerque Public Schools investigation into former superintendent Winston Brooks, with redactions. Water & the Rio Grande: Elephant Butte Dam began releasing water to Caballo Reservoir and downstream toward El Paso, with managers warning people to avoid the riverbed as flows ramp up. Tech & Local Impact: Oracle’s “Project Jupiter” data center in Santa Teresa is at the center of a water-use fight, with the company saying it will use treated non-potable well water—not public drinking water—for cooling and fuel-cell power. Public Health & Access: A new New Mexico Higher Education Department scholarship will cover full in-state tuition for Native American students attending select out-of-state schools. Arts & Community: Albuquerque is set to host a major national arts conference, Americans for the Arts’ AFTACON, as leaders push back against uncertainty in federal arts funding. Wildlife & Land Use: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 95% of refuge lands could be open to hunting, including new sport-fishing access at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. Local Culture: Pint Glass Day returns June 17 with participating breweries statewide and a fundraiser for the New Mexico Brewers Guild.