AGP Executive Report

Politics & Elections: New Mexico Democrats are still scrambling to replace Lt. Gov. nominee Maggie Toulouse Oliver after she quit for health reasons; only party chair Sara Attleson can call the vote, and a decision is at least a month away. Childcare Lawsuit: Three Republicans are asking the New Mexico Supreme Court to weigh in on whether universal childcare was launched without proper legislative approval, after a judge dismissed parts of their case. Public Safety & Health: A federal complaint alleges Texas emergency rooms refused full miscarriage care, with patients saying they were denied abortion-related treatment even after clarification—raising new pressure on how states handle miscarriage medicine. Agriculture: The New World screwworm is back in the U.S.; USDA reports new Texas cases, and New Mexico has confirmed one, prompting ongoing quarantine and movement restrictions. Business & Jobs: New Mexico and Albuquerque are backing BlackVe’s Albuquerque expansion with $1.5M in incentives tied to benchmarks, aiming for 152 jobs. Local Economy & Industry: Paladin Envirotech expands processing capacity in the Southwest after buying a Phoenix facility, adding reach for New Mexico and nearby states. Education & Sports: The NMAA approved a one-time, penalty-free high school transfer rule starting 2026-27. Consumer Culture: Aldi’s free “Blind Boxes” reportedly sold out online in under a minute each day. Justice & Drugs: A whistleblower complaint says DEA agents monitored fentanyl pills in New Mexico but failed to seize thousands, drawing fresh outrage over overdose risk.

New World screwworm: New Mexico remains on alert after the parasite’s return to the U.S., with officials stressing the risk to the Shenandoah Valley and beyond is extremely low while ranchers and agencies ramp up monitoring and outreach. Public safety: A new Associated Press report says the DEA allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach New Mexico streets from 2023 to 2025, drawing sharp criticism from agents who call it a gamble that “poisoned our community.” Local environment & emergency response: Crews are still working to contain the Rio Fire in the Santa Fe National Forest as hot, dry weather drives flare-ups; a temporary flight restriction is in place and officials ask people to avoid the area. Community & culture: Albuquerque’s Route 66 exhibit spotlights the road’s layered history through local art. Business & daily life: Mango Automotive issued a seasonal A/C airflow advisory for downtown drivers, while Brew Lab 101 opened a lakeside taproom at Elephant Butte Lake. Higher ed transparency: A new U.S. Education dashboard tracks foreign gifts and contracts to colleges, but critics say it may be misleading without key context.

Border Wall Fight: A Las Cruces diocese is fighting DHS in court to stop eminent domain that would seize land for Trump’s border wall at Mount Cristo Rey, arguing the barrier would desecrate a sacred landmark and violate religious freedom. Screwworm Alert: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, prompting new guidance and a federal push for faster reporting and protection for livestock and wildlife. Clean Water Rules: New Mexico is drafting new surface-water protections after a Supreme Court ruling narrowed Clean Water Act coverage, with acequias at the center of the state’s rulemaking. Child Welfare Clash: An ACLU challenge targets a Grisham directive that would require the child welfare department to seek custody of drug- or alcohol-exposed newborns, raising concerns about tribal sovereignty and safeguards. Local Economy & Space: BlackVe plans to expand Albuquerque satellite manufacturing, backed by state and city incentives, aiming to create 152 jobs over 10 years. Energy Milestone: SunZia’s huge wind project and transmission line are now fully operational, delivering power from central New Mexico to Arizona and onward to California. Health Care Access: A column argues New Mexico’s medical malpractice law debate is driving doctors out and worsening access to care, pushing back on claims that the problem is just “litigation.”

New Mexico Politics: The New Mexico Supreme Court denied an appeal tied to Amy Barela, keeping her ouster as chair of the state GOP in place after a district court order. Health & Environment: A new study links higher microplastics in artery plaque with higher risk of stroke, heart attack, or sudden death—while regulation still lags. Space & Tech: An Arizona startup is racing to rescue NASA’s Swift space telescope as atmospheric drag worsens, and a Nevada desert project is set to build the world’s most sensitive radio telescope array. Local Economy & Community: Albuquerque’s Flying Star and related brands were sold to longtime employees, with the new owners promising to keep the cafes as community gathering spots. Scam Watch: Albuquerque residents are being targeted by fake “party invitation” texts and emails that can steal email accounts. Rural/Ag: The Trump administration is reopening the door for M-44 cyanide bomb use on public lands nationwide, including Utah. Sports: Rodeo de Santa Fe returns to Santa Fe after hard travel, and the Rockies face outfield roster crunch as players near returns.

Democratic Politics: New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver suspended her lieutenant governor campaign, prompting RPNM to frame it as a major shift and raising questions about who fills the vacancy. Local Governance: Bayard will hold a June 24 special meeting on whether to carry out an emergency demolition order or grant an extension for a fire-damaged Grant Street home. Public Safety & Health: New Mexico’s Medicaid spending continues to climb in multiple communities, including big jumps in dental services and other categories, underscoring how local billing changes move public dollars. Consumer Safety: Scam Watch warns Albuquerque residents about fake “party” invitations that can steal email access or reset accounts. State Courts & Policy: A new look at major assisted-suicide court cases highlights how state bans and future lawsuits keep the debate alive. Community & Culture: Fort Stanton Live returns July 11 with reenactments, food, and Mescalero Apache performances.

Screwworm Watch: New World screwworm continues to spread fast after Texas detections, with officials urging residents to report suspicious wounds and not move animals; Wyoming says it has no outbreaks yet but is ramping outreach. Border Wall Court Fight: The Diocese of Las Cruces is asking a federal judge to block the government from immediately taking land at Mount Cristo Rey for border wall construction, arguing religious liberty and timing issues. Space & Business: NM FAST is launching a free space-sector SBIR/STTR accelerator for New Mexico startups, while BlackVe expands Albuquerque satellite manufacturing with state and city incentives. Energy & Jobs: SunZia’s transmission line is now fully operational, moving up to 3,000 MW of wind power from New Mexico across the Southwest. Community & Culture: Albuquerque’s Juneteenth celebration draws crowds and boosts Black businesses, and the American Indian College Fund received a $2.4M grant to expand Native arts programming. Education: UNM-Gallup names Joe Kee interim dean of instruction starting July 1.

New World Screwworm: New Mexico is on high alert after the flesh-eating parasite was confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, with Wyoming officials saying there are no outbreaks beyond those cases but urging strict wound-checking and safety protocols for pets, livestock, campers, and rodeo animals. Congressional Action: U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernández announced the Protecting America’s Herds Act to curb spread after New Mexico’s first case was found in a Lea County dog. State & Local Economy: New Mexico and Albuquerque are backing BlackVe’s Albuquerque expansion with more than $1.5 million in incentives tied to benchmarks, aiming to create 152 high-paying jobs. Higher Ed Leadership: UNM-Gallup named Joe Kee interim dean of instruction effective July 1 as the campus enters another leadership transition. Health Policy: New Mexico lawmakers pressed Presbyterian Health Plan over its plan to discontinue most Medicare Advantage options and adjust therapy reimbursement policies. Tech & Kids Online: Meta is lobbying Congress for immunity from child-harm lawsuits tied to social media, as youth-safety litigation grows.

Forever chemicals (PFAS): Arizona’s PFAS contamination is expected to take “generations” to manage, with nearly 2 million people affected and some utilities shutting wells or paying millions for treatment—New Mexico’s readers get a clear warning on long-term public health costs. Child care funding: New Mexico Higher Education Department announced $10 million for campus child care upgrades, including $4.71M for UNM and $2.54M for San Juan College, as the state pushes toward universal child care. Screwworm response: New World screwworm remains a fast-moving threat after detections tied to Texas and New Mexico, prompting new animal inspection rules and a bipartisan federal bill (the Protecting America’s Herd Act) to fund training and surveillance. Politics: New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver suspended her lieutenant governor campaign for health reasons, setting up a scramble for a replacement nominee. Energy: SunZia, a major New Mexico wind and transmission project, is now fully operational after nearly two decades.

GPS Crash Probe: Federal investigators say military GPS jamming likely caused a May 14 medical plane crash near Ruidoso, with NTSB noting pilots were warned and comparing ADS-B and onboard tracking data. Clean-Energy Financing: New Mexico is moving to bolster its C-PACE energy-efficiency loan program by letting projects backed by industrial revenue bonds qualify, aiming to speed upgrades without public money. Energy Grid Milestone: SunZia’s massive wind project is now powering California, sending electricity from New Mexico via a 550-mile transmission line. Epstein Truth Commission: New Mexico’s Epstein commission announced nine more subpoenas to federal and state agencies as the state AG seeks additional records tied to the investigation. Screwworm Alert: New World screwworm remains a growing concern after confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico, prompting new guidance for livestock owners and animal inspections. Local Infrastructure: I-25 in Albuquerque will close nightly for five nights starting June 28 for a bridge demolition, with detours posted. Space & Defense: The 27th Special Operations Wing welcomed a new commander at Cannon AFB, while the Navy ordered 50 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles with production centered in New Mexico.

Screwworm Alert: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins toured Texas ranches and said the New World screwworm can be contained if ranchers stay vigilant, watch wounds, and quickly treat cases as sterile-fly releases ramp up. State & Livestock Response: Virginia issued guidance after detections in calves and a dog in New Mexico, while Michigan tightened animal-movement rules to keep the parasite out. Local Governance & Courts: New Mexico Highlands regents accuse fired president Neil Woolf of improper hiring, retaliation, and unauthorized contracts, as the Board’s fight continues. Water & Regional Policy: Arizona warned it could face up to a 77% Colorado River cut if Upper and Lower Basin states can’t reach a deal. Energy & Data: New Mexico Tech helped launch DETECT, a one-stop energy data platform, and the state also moved to reimburse ag businesses up to $15,000 to hire interns. Business & Permitting: Laramide Resources says New Mexico advanced its Churchrock-Crownpoint discharge permit application to the public notice phase. Entertainment: Netflix canceled “The Boroughs,” its Stranger Things creators’ New Mexico-set sci-fi series, after one season despite Top 10 performance.

New World screwworm response: USDA says it’s mobilizing a $105M “challenge” with 40 research projects as the flesh-eating parasite spreads beyond Texas and into New Mexico, where 12 infected animals have been reported; officials stress sterile-fly releases and fast treatment while CDC says public risk remains low because the parasite can’t spread person-to-person. State animal safeguards: Michigan and Arkansas moved to tighten livestock and pet entry rules based on USDA guidance, requiring inspections and documentation for animals coming from infested areas. NM legal fight over youth social media harms: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez asks a judge to order Meta to pay $953M, arguing Instagram/Facebook/WhatsApp design features have worsened depression, eating disorders, and suicide risk for tens of thousands of NM youth. Epstein probe widens in NM: The state orders major firms like JPMorgan Chase and Google to preserve records tied to the Zorro Ranch investigation as subpoenas are prepared. Local culture & community: Santa Fe Mayor Garcia proclaimed June 16 “Biscochito Day,” spotlighting the cookie’s 400-year roots. Tech & defense: Castellion won a $23.4M Navy contract to expand production of Rio Rancho-based Blackbeard hypersonic missiles.

Screwworm Response: The New World screwworm is spreading in Texas and has reached New Mexico, with Eunice described as “ground zero” as officials set quarantine zones, inspect livestock, and ramp up trapping to stop the flesh-eating parasite. SNAP Fallout: A New Mexico legislative report says the state’s SNAP payment error rate is about 17%, putting more than $100 million a year at risk and raising pressure for tighter oversight. Roundhouse Power Shift: Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth says he won’t seek reelection in 2028, setting up a leadership scramble in Santa Fe. Prediction Markets Fight: The CFTC is backing its push against New Mexico’s efforts to rein in Kalshi, escalating a federal-state clash over sports-betting rules. Energy & Jobs: SunZia’s wind project has begun operating, making New Mexico home to the nation’s largest wind farm and touting major local economic impact. Agriculture Workforce: New Mexico’s Department of Agriculture opened applications for a program reimbursing up to 50% of internship costs (up to $15,000 per intern) to grow the next ag workforce.

New World Screwworm: The outbreak is still climbing, with USDA reporting 12 infected animals across Texas and New Mexico and officials urging ranchers and pet owners to watch wounds closely and act fast; states are tightening livestock and pet import rules, including New York’s new entry requirements and broader regional restrictions as the parasite spreads. Water & Environment: New Mexico is drafting new water protection rules after a Supreme Court narrowing of Clean Water Act coverage, with hearings in Santa Fe through June 18 and acequias at the center of the debate. State Politics: Sen. Peter Wirth says he won’t seek Senate leadership again and won’t run for re-election in 2028, setting up a new majority floor leader for 2027. Ethics & Elections: The New Mexico State Ethics Commission moves against New Chapter New Mexico over campaign reporting compliance, seeking enforcement action. Outdoor Economy: Applications open July 1 for the $12 million Trails+ Grant to expand community trail access and outdoor recreation. Energy Policy: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings touts a court win ending a Trump-era federal wind permitting freeze.

New World screwworm: The USDA says 12 cases are confirmed nationwide, including a pet dog in Lea County, New Mexico, as Texas quarantines expand and officials push rapid wound checks and treatment while sterile-fly releases ramp up. State response: Pennsylvania and other states are tightening animal movement rules to prevent spread, even with no confirmed cases yet. Water stress: Federal models project Lake Mead could fall back to its record-low level by July and stay there for years, with negotiations among Colorado River states still stalled. Energy: The SunZia Wind Project began commercial operations in New Mexico, becoming the largest wind farm in the U.S. and feeding power to about one million homes. Local politics: Albuquerque council published a bill amending its police oversight ordinance to clarify the Civilian Police Oversight Agency’s investigative authority. Economy/business: A New Mexico Medicaid campaign contractor is recruiting influencers to promote Project Jupiter, the controversial Doña Ana County data center.

New World Screwworm: USDA and FDA are tracking a fast-growing outbreak that now totals 12 confirmed cases across Texas and New Mexico, including a dog case in Lea County, with quarantine and animal-movement rules expanding as ranchers and pet owners are urged to report wounds and larvae quickly. Policy Pressure: Sen. Tammy Baldwin and other lawmakers are pushing USDA for immediate, stronger containment steps, while the federal government is also preparing a broader response plan. Local Politics: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a ruling removing Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela as GOP chair, and she says she’ll seek the job again. Legal Fight: The U.S. DOJ sued the New Mexico Supreme Court over licensing rules for spouses of military members, arguing the state failed to follow federal law. Markets & Tech: The CFTC is in a widening dispute with New Mexico over prediction-market oversight, and it also named an SEC crypto adviser to a new data innovation role. Public Health & Safety: Florida expanded restrictions on importing rescue pets from screwworm-affected states. Food Recall: An Alfredo sauce recall tied to Salmonella risk now covers 41 states, including New Mexico.

Livestock Health Crisis: The New World screwworm is now confirmed in the U.S. with 12 cases total—11 in Texas and one in New Mexico—prompting USDA sterile-fly releases, quarantines, and emergency pet treatments as officials warn ranchers to watch for wounds and treat fast. State vs. Federal Rules: The CFTC escalated its prediction-market fight by suing New Mexico over Kalshi, arguing the state can’t apply gaming laws to CFTC-regulated contracts. Energy Costs Push: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland unveiled a renewable-energy plan aimed at lowering utility bills and requiring high-demand industries to help build needed power and storage. Local Accountability: A state audit says the Village of Cuba, N.M. had a sustained breakdown in oversight of public funds, including water-utility deficits and questionable spending. Sports & Community: UFC Freedom 250 at the White House featured Justin Gaethje’s shock win over Ilia Topuria, while UNM’s accounting team advanced to national finals.