AGP Executive Report

Campaign Trail: Pete Buttigieg headlined a Las Cruces rally backing Deb Haaland for governor and Gabe Vasquez for a third House term, with the event also taking aim at Trump’s “New America” idea and emphasizing stakes like universal childcare and the Opportunity Scholarship. Courts & AI: A New Mexico Supreme Court ruling found defense attorney Stephen Aarons in direct contempt after he filed an AI-generated murder-appeal brief with fabricated “witness” testimony, sending him to a disciplinary board. Weather & Climate: A New Mexico Tech expert says intensifying heat, shrinking snowpack, and drought match long-running Southwest climate projections, with extremes getting worse even when individual seasons swing. Local Justice: A Rio Arriba County jury heard opening arguments in the 2024 trial of Leonel Andrade Garcia, accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and setting her Chimayo home on fire. Public Safety: An opinion piece highlights how a police foot-patrol pilot in business districts can lead to arrests and referrals, even if numbers remain low. Community & Culture: Tractor Brewing’s Halloween drag bingo fundraiser returns, benefiting the New Mexico Brewers Guild.

Midterm Watch: CBS News’ battleground tracker is back, flagging a handful of Senate and House races that could decide control of Congress as voters weigh the Iran war and cost-of-living pressure. FEMA Fight: New Mexico is suing FEMA after the agency denied at least $61 million in National Guard costs tied to the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, with more claims still pending. Utility Scrutiny: New Mexico’s AG office is pressing PNM over “unusually high” bills, including complaints about estimated charges instead of actual meter readings. Immigrant Rights: Teague González, new executive director of the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, is pushing a “movement lawyering” approach after years of advocacy. Public Safety Tech: Santa Fe Public Schools faces fallout after a probe found audio-capable surveillance gear installed in district facilities. Community & Culture: An Albuquerque boy with Down syndrome was featured on Times Square’s jumbotron in a National Down Syndrome Society presentation. Local Business: Santa Fe Brewing Co. is pursuing growth despite headwinds in the craft beer industry.

PNM Billing Scrutiny: New Mexico’s AG office hand-delivered a letter pressing Public Service Company of New Mexico over unusually high bills, including complaints that customers were billed using estimates instead of actual meter readings. Facebook Trial in Santa Fe: Testimony in New Mexico’s case against Facebook focused on how human review can delay takedowns of hate speech and violent content, keeping harmful posts up longer for users on cross-check lists. Local Energy & Water: A Questa hydrogen and solar plan is under renewed criticism after locals say key details shifted without public input, raising health, safety, and transparency concerns. Community Spotlight: An Albuquerque boy with Down syndrome, Bodhi Candelaria, was featured in a Times Square presentation for the National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk. Local Tech & Safety: Albuquerque’s speed-camera system is explained as using radar plus multiple cameras to identify the specific speeding vehicle in multi-lane traffic. Education & Workforce: Western New Mexico University’s new president told regents the school is focusing on student persistence and retention amid a graduate shortfall.

Energy & Utilities: PNM says its updated resource plan can’t ditch gas overnight—wind and solar cover daytime demand, but older gas plants still carry nighttime hours as the utility pushes toward 100% clean energy. Local Governance & Public Safety: Albuquerque approved a ban on crypto ATMs after scams cost New Mexicans about $2.2 million in 2025, and law enforcement debates continue over automated license plate readers as privacy concerns grow. Water & Community: Archbishop John Wester urged action to protect the Rio Grande, warning drought is turning it into “Rio Nada,” while acequia leaders call for fair water policy. Courts & Accountability: The New Mexico Supreme Court fined a Santa Fe lawyer $5,000 for filing a murder appeal with fabricated witnesses and police testimony generated by ChatGPT. Politics & Elections: Rep. Gabe Vasquez brushed off Trump’s promised $5,000 checks as a broken-promise gimmick in the tight 2nd District race. Remembering 9/11: Albuquerque firefighters marked the anniversary with their annual stair climb honoring fallen 9/11 responders.

Affordable Care Act Fight: New Mexico Attorney General Raoul is backing a coalition urging a federal appeals court to keep blocking a Trump-era rule that would make it harder to enroll in and keep ACA coverage, raising costs and leaving more people uninsured. Local Fraud Crackdown: Albuquerque approved an ordinance banning crypto ATMs after officials tied them to more than 100 scams statewide in 2025 and about $2.2 million in losses. 9/11 Remembrance: Albuquerque firefighters held their annual stair climb honoring the 343 firefighters lost on Sept. 11, and New Mexico’s first responders marked the 25th anniversary with climbs and ceremonies. Nuclear Safety Pressure: A clean-water coalition asked New Mexico’s congressional delegation to push for overdue DOE and NNSA reports tied to plutonium pit expansion at Los Alamos. Road Funding Reality Check: Transportation analysts told lawmakers 56% of major roads are in poor or mediocre condition and identified $7.5 billion in needed projects but said funding still isn’t there. Tech/Policy: FinCEN reissued its southwest border Geographic Targeting Order, extending enhanced cash-reporting rules for money services businesses through March 1, 2027.

AI in Courtroom: New Mexico Supreme Court held Santa Fe attorney Stephen Aarons in contempt after a murder-appeal brief included made-up police statements and witness accounts generated by ChatGPT, ordering him to pay $5,000 and sending the matter to an attorney discipline board. State Tech & Privacy: New Mexico Department of Justice continued its Facebook/Meta trial by playing a video deposition from Mark Zuckerberg, pressing questions on data practices and content moderation. Broadband Access: New Mexico’s broadband office awarded nearly $6 million to expand public Wi‑Fi statewide through ARPA Community Wi‑Fi grants. Energy & Industry: Array Technologies opened a new Albuquerque manufacturing facility, aiming to boost in-house solar tracker component production and add about 300 jobs. Water & Environment: Wildfires are getting faster and more severe, with new research warning they can push forests toward non-forest ecosystems. Public Safety & Memory: Multiple New Mexico stories marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, including local remembrances and archival looks at how the attacks reshaped the state. Culture & Media: Netflix canceled “Ransom Canyon” after two seasons, ending a ranch drama that employed New Mexico production workers.

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.