AGP Executive Report

Albuquerque City Hall: The City Council approved a new city attorney, Joshua Boone, then overrode Mayor Tim Keller’s veto of an ordinance aimed at tightening how the top legal counsel supports council members. Federal courts & service programs: New Mexico AG Nick Brown joined a coalition settlement blocking the Trump administration from dismantling AmeriCorps again, preserving funding for FY 2026-27. Politics in the spotlight: New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District race drew national attention at the RNC midterm convention, with GOP challenger Greg Cunningham pitching crime and border security against Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Housing: Homewise opened its 72-unit, all-electric townhome community Sombra del Oeste in southwest Albuquerque, targeting lower costs amid the state’s housing crunch. Road safety: Albuquerque approved an amendment to its Complete Streets ordinance requiring “quick build” safety treatments during routine street work. Environment & land use: New Mexico environmental groups held a “people’s public hearing” opposing USDA’s proposed Roadless Rule rollback. Tech & privacy: New Mexico’s Facebook/Meta trial continued with Mark Zuckerberg’s deposition shown to jurors. Wildfire risk: A new study warns faster, more destructive wildfires could permanently shift North American forests.

Meta Privacy Trial: New Mexico and Facebook opened arguments in the state’s data privacy case, with prosecutors alleging Facebook misled users about third-party data sharing while the defense says it moved quickly to address abuse. Immigration Enforcement: Maryland joined a 22-state push to limit ICE warrantless arrests, arguing federal officers must follow statutory safeguards. Endangered Species Act Lawsuits: Twenty states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over rules they say weaken the Endangered Species Act, including changes to what counts as “harm” and how critical habitat protections work. Uranium Mining Fight: Catron County residents are rallying against a proposed uranium exploration project, after New Mexico’s land commissioner banned new uranium mining on state trust lands. Climate Reality Check: A New Mexico Tech expert says hotter temperatures, shrinking snowpack, and deeper drought match long-running Southwest projections. Local Business & Community: AFJ Vending is expanding in Albuquerque, and Aubrey is adding downtown parking ahead of the Oct. 3 peanut festival. Entertainment: Northern New Mexico’s Música del Aire will honor Antonia Apodaca with a free Sept. 15 concert.

New Mexico Courts & Tech: New Mexico’s trial against Facebook/Meta over the Cambridge Analytica data breach kicked off in Santa Fe, with state attorneys arguing Facebook misled users about data security and selling personal information to advertisers. Local Economy & Energy Jobs: ARRAY Technologies opened a new $50+ million Albuquerque manufacturing facility, a 216,000-square-foot expansion expected to support about 300 jobs as the solar market stays volatile. Wildlife Policy Fight: A coalition of attorneys general, including Colorado and joined by New Mexico, sued federal wildlife agencies to block Trump-era Endangered Species Act rollbacks that would weaken habitat protections. Water & Regional Politics: The U.S. and Mexico signed Colorado River operating guidelines for 2027-2028, cutting deliveries by 250,000 acre-feet a year under scarcity conditions. Culture & Satire: “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone renamed the show to “SOUTH AMERICA” in a jab at Trump’s “Lake America” and broader renaming spree. Defense Industry: U.S. AeroVironment landed its first international LOCUST laser counter-drone order worth over $50 million, following a major U.S. Army award.

Local Economy & Community: The 2026 New Mexico Harvest Wine Festival wrapped up at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds near Las Cruces, bringing wine tastings, a silent disco, mini golf, and family-friendly events over three days. Defense & Industry: AeroVironment says it landed its first international LOCUST laser weapon order, worth more than $50 million, and is expanding Albuquerque manufacturing to support directed-energy production. Energy & Data Centers: Oracle issued an RFP for 2GW of new renewables in New Mexico tied to Project Jupiter, while Grant County continues to face pushback over a proposed data center near Hachita. Courts & Tech: New Mexico’s trial against Facebook over the Cambridge Analytica data breach is set to begin with opening arguments expected Wednesday. Public Health & Safety: New Mexico sued FEMA to seek reimbursement of at least $61 million in wildfire costs tied to the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire. Food Security: SNAP cuts could ripple into school meal programs, putting free breakfast and lunch at risk for students nationwide. Culture & Politics: “South Park” is temporarily rebranding as “South America” in a satire jab at Trump’s “New America” renaming talk.

Trump “New America” Backlash: New Mexico residents and officials are pushing back hard after Donald Trump floated renaming the state “New America,” with Reuters reporting many see it as an attempt to erase history and culture. Global Ripples: The same map-making spree also triggered diplomatic anger in the North Atlantic, with Denmark and Iceland calling the posts inappropriate after Trump shared images showing U.S. control extending to Greenland and Iceland. Satire Hits Back: Comedy Central’s South Park announced it’s changing its name to “South America,” mocking Trump’s geographic rebrands and taking shots at Apple, Google, and Paramount. Wildfire Fight in Court: New Mexico sued FEMA for about $61 million to cover ongoing National Guard costs tied to the Hermit’s Peak–Calf Canyon burn scar, arguing FEMA denied reimbursement despite federal responsibility. Local Tech & Jobs: Oracle updated Doña Ana County commissioners on Project Jupiter progress, but air-permit steps are paused as the state Supreme Court reviews legal challenges. Surveillance Policy: Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office plans to roll out Axon’s license plate reader system by year’s end after ending a deal with Flock.

State Identity Clash: New Mexico leaders and Democrats are pushing back hard after President Trump floated renaming the state “New America” on Truth Social, with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham saying the name “isn’t up for debate” and lawmakers citing New Mexico’s history predating the U.S. Data Privacy in Court: Jury selection begins in Santa Fe in New Mexico’s lawsuit against Meta over alleged mishandling of Facebook user data tied to Cambridge Analytica. Tech and Schools: A new report highlights Big Tech’s push into public schools through industry-backed coding curricula, raising concerns about what students actually learn. Film Industry Momentum: New Mexico’s film and media conference in Albuquerque drew optimism about a possible national incentive, plus talk of a state loan fund and workforce training to keep productions coming. Local Tax Pressure: A CREDA poll finds most commercial real estate developers say New Mexico’s gross receipts tax makes business harder. Defense Tech: AeroVironment announces its first international order for its LOCUST counter-drone laser system. Wildfire Policy Debate: Opinion pieces warn that “more logging” won’t solve wildfire risk and argue for smarter public-land management.

State Identity Clash: New Mexico leaders are pushing back hard after Donald Trump posted maps and memes renaming the state “New America,” with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham saying the name “isn’t up for debate” and Democrats calling it an attack on New Mexico’s history and culture. Territory Talk Escalates: Trump also shared a separate AI-style map showing the U.S. flag over much of North America, including Canada, Greenland and Mexico, drawing fresh backlash. Local Economy & Culture: Ruidoso Downs says its major horse races will move to Texas in 2027, worrying New Mexico fans and businesses about losing a long-running tradition. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Transfer delayed its New Mexico Green Chile pipeline project to Feb. 2027, citing regulatory and land-rights issues tied to Project Jupiter fuel plans. Water Policy: Environmental groups urged action as Colorado River cutback plans loom, calling for more predictable reductions and deeper tribal involvement. Public Health: A new analysis finds alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the U.S. have doubled since 1990. Sports (NM angle): SMU vs. Florida State closes Week 1 Monday night, with New Mexico’s own college football spotlight also tied to broader regional matchups.

State Identity Clash: New Mexico leaders are pushing back hard after Donald Trump posted maps and memes renaming the state “New America,” with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham saying the name “isn’t up for debate” and Deb Haaland calling it a nonstarter. Territory Talk Escalates: Trump also shared a separate Truth Social map showing an expanded U.S. flag over parts of North America, renewing fears about territorial ambitions. Energy & Water Pressure: Energy Transfer delayed its New Mexico Green Chile pipeline project to Feb. 2027, citing regulatory and land-rights issues tied to Project Jupiter fuel plans, while environmental groups urged more proactive Colorado River cutback planning. Local Economy Shock: Ruidoso Downs says its Triple Crown races will move to Texas in 2027, raising concerns for New Mexico fans and businesses. Care Shortage: New Mexico’s free childcare program is drawing praise but still leaving parents stuck on waiting lists as demand outpaces centers.

Politics & Identity: President Donald Trump reignited his “name-changing” streak by posting a map that crosses out “Mexico” in New Mexico and replaces it with “America,” effectively pitching “New America.” State Pushback: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and other New Mexico leaders rejected the idea, saying the state’s name isn’t up for debate and has deep history. Legal Reality Check: Multiple reports note Trump has no clear legal path to rename a U.S. state through a social media post, unlike federal naming for some geographic features. Local Governance: In Datil, residents packed a meeting to oppose a proposed uranium exploration plan, citing fears for the aquifer and asking for more information before decisions move forward. Economy & Business: A CREDA poll highlights how New Mexico’s gross receipts tax is weighing on commercial real estate deal flow and development momentum. Climate & Health: Albuquerque logged its hottest August and summer on record, with officials warning prolonged heat stress can strain health systems and industries.

Trump’s “New America” Push: President Donald Trump posted a map on Truth Social showing “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America,” effectively floating a rename of New Mexico to “New America” after similar “Gulf of America” and “Lake America” moves. State Backlash: New Mexico Democrats and lawmakers fired back, saying the state’s name and history aren’t up for erasing, while the White House reposted the image without explaining any formal plan. Elections Fight: Separate coverage highlights New Mexico’s election-law landscape as Attorney General Aaron Ford secured a preliminary injunction blocking USPS mail-voting design and tracking requirements—part of a broader legal fight over vote-by-mail rules. Local Life & Health: Albuquerque firefighters described a high-priority overdose response that ended in a death, underscoring ongoing public health strain. Mining & Water: A public hearing is set for Sept. 17 on the Copper Flat Mine, with a proposed dry-stack tailings approach aimed at cutting freshwater use.

Project Jupiter Fight: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez backed emergency petitions at the NM Supreme Court, arguing state agencies skipped required notice and hearings in permitting for the Oracle-anchored AI data center in Doña Ana County. Utility Oversight: An opinion piece questions whether the Public Regulation Commission can truly protect consumers as private investors move toward buying New Mexico Gas and potentially PNM. Legislator Pay Vote: A Journal Poll finds 39% of likely voters support a constitutional amendment to pay lawmakers a salary, but 40% are still undecided. Mail Ballot “Plan B”: Reporting says New Mexico officials are talking with FedEx and UPS about delivering mail ballots if Postal Service rules get disrupted. Uranium Ban: State land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard signed an order ending uranium mining on state trust lands, citing contamination risks. Nursing Home Pressure: Coverage highlights staffing strain and high citation rates in New Mexico nursing homes as Genesis HealthCare moves through bankruptcy-related changes. Online Safety: A local column argues protecting kids online needs clearer, enforceable rules—not just telling families to put phones away.

Horse Racing: Ruidoso Downs remains unable to host events, and the state’s biggest quarter-horse races are set to move to Texas in 2027, with no clear return date for New Mexico. Military & Religion: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon will protect service members at Kirtland Air Force Base who deliver religious greetings, after a nonprofit challenged the practice. State Politics: A Las Cruces launch kicks off a statewide campaign for a legislator-pay constitutional amendment, arguing lawmakers need salaries to broaden who can serve. Nursing Homes: New Mexico nursing homes are under strain as staffing shortages drive poor performance, while one major operator’s bankruptcy raises fears about quality and accountability. Education & Food: New Mexico officials say federal reimbursement is secured through at least 2030, keeping the universal free school lunch program intact despite SNAP cuts. Data Centers & Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court and Attorney General actions keep Project Jupiter’s permits tied up, with emergency stays and water-permit challenges still in play. Wildlife Policy: Trump’s order starts a process to revisit protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves, setting up likely legal fights over Endangered Species Act rules. Public Safety: A 16-year-old was arrested in a transnational online extortion case tied to alleged abuse of minors, highlighting ongoing risks on youth platforms.

Native Language & Education: Sen. Martin Heinrich introduced new legislation to strengthen Native language presence in Tribal Head Start, even as the Trump administration pushes for English-only instruction. Zozobra & Pueblo Culture: Santa Fe’s Zozobra Fire Spirit torch passed to a new Native language era, with revelers celebrating the 102nd burning and the tradition’s emotional reset. Uranium on State Trust Lands: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued an executive order banning new uranium leasing on state trust lands, directing cleanup of legacy sites instead of new development. Cannabis Retail Disruption: Cannabis businesses say the new Seed to Sale tracking system is causing major sales losses after technical failures and BioTrack crashes. Farmworkers & Heat: A report highlights how extreme heat is pushing farmworkers into dangerous night work, with calls for stronger federal heat protections. Wildlife Policy: Trump’s order moves toward delisting or downlisting wolves, including Mexican gray wolves, drawing conservation backlash. Local Politics: A KOB-commissioned poll shows Rep. Gabe Vasquez leading in NM-2 by 3 points—statistically a tie. Sports: Ruidoso Downs plans to move major All American Futurity races to Texas in 2027, signaling shakeups for New Mexico horse racing.

Voting Rights Fight: New Mexico AG Nick Brown and a coalition of 25 states won a preliminary court order blocking USPS from forcing states to redesign mail-ballot envelopes and use a new USPS portal before the Nov. 3 midterms, with the administration expected to appeal. Uranium Policy: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued an executive order banning new uranium mining leases on state trust lands, citing thousands of legacy sites and health impacts on Indigenous and nearby communities. Wildlife & Ranching: A Trump order directs Interior to consider weakening protections for gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, setting a 90-day review clock and raising new pressure on ranchers and regulators. Local Law Enforcement Tech: Albuquerque Police Department detailed its use of about 19,000 camera views and license plate readers, saying they’re monitored for law enforcement purposes and not used for immigration enforcement. State Politics & Campaigns: A KOB-commissioned poll shows Rep. Gabe Vasquez leading in NM’s 2nd District by 3 points—effectively a virtual tie—while KOB announced the Oct. 8 gubernatorial debate date. Racing Economy: Ruidoso Downs says it’s moving its All American Triple Crown races to Dallas, signaling major shakeups for New Mexico’s horse racing industry. Court/Corruption: Former House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton pleaded guilty to four state charges tied to diverting public school funds.

Local Industry & Jobs: Curia Global opened an expanded Albuquerque campus after a $200 million investment, adding 70,000 square feet for aseptic fill-finish and lyophilization, including new isolated filling lines and high-speed vial filling. Public Safety: A Smart Start analysis of federal crash data says Labor Day has the highest average of fatal speeding-related crashes (133 per year, 2014–2023) and high DUI fatalities (90 per year). Culture & Film: Director Adam Wingard’s A24 thriller “Onslaught” is drawing on New Mexico desert locations, with the story’s Army-sniper plot staged near Moriarty and Los Alamos-area “ghosts.” Tech & Innovation: UNM’s Rainforest Innovations reports growth in invention disclosures and patent filings, but says a funding gap still limits private capital for startups. Health Policy: New Mexico health insurance officials approved a 24% premium increase, adding pressure as Medicaid coverage changes loom. Community & Arts: Albuquerque’s Mindfield Film Festival awarded multiple honors to “Ma Prison,” including Best Narrative Short and acting awards.

Project Jupiter Legal Fight: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez backed petitions at the state Supreme Court, arguing agencies “cut corners” on Project Jupiter’s water well and air-quality permit process for the Santa Teresa data center, as the court paused parts of the project. Surveillance Backlash: A Rio Rancho man was arrested after allegedly showing up to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office with a truck full of dismantled Flock cameras, days after the county ended contracts over privacy concerns. Wildfire Research: Experts say the biggest threat to homes isn’t just huge fires—it’s fast-moving ones, which can destroy structures before crews can respond. FEMA Recovery: FEMA approved more than $840,000 for New Mexico recovery and mitigation, including drainage repairs in Las Vegas and a high-water warning system in Ruidoso. Immigrant Workforce Push: Somos Un Pueblo Unido launched “Somos Futuro,” a platform connecting foreign-born residents to state job training and workforce programs amid federal threats. Horse Racing: Ruidoso Downs’ top Quarter Horse races are set to move to Texas in 2027, including the richest events in the series.