AGP Executive Report

Energy & Politics: The DOE acknowledged in court filings that it cut 284 energy grants to “blue states” based on political identity, including $135 million withheld from New Mexico recipients. Border & Agriculture: USDA says the U.S. will resume Mexican cattle imports in phases starting Aug. 24, with New Mexico crossings expected to follow if screwworm controls hold; the agency also announced $25 million for a sterile fly dispersal facility in Douglas, Arizona. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis is now reported in 45 states, with 6,707 lab-confirmed cases since May 1 and thousands more pending confirmation as investigators track multiple outbreaks. Local Courts: A civil dispute involving Chaves County officials and a Roswell police officer could move from state court to federal court. Community & Culture: A New Mexico State University art professor and student returned from an Italy residency using robots to carve ancient marble. Tech & Safety: Attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls.

Chaco Canyon Fight: Diné leaders and New Mexico residents protested outside the BLM Santa Fe office as the agency faces a final public comment push over proposals that could weaken a 20-year oil-and-gas buffer around Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Border Livestock & Screwworm: USDA announced a $25M sterile fly dispersal facility in Douglas, Arizona, and said the Douglas cattle port could reopen in about 30 days, with New Mexico’s Santa Teresa crossing potentially following within 60 days if all goes smoothly. Health Care: New Mexico is the only state where Obamacare enrollment rose after federal subsidies expired, with the state using its own funds to replace the lost aid. Child Welfare Politics: Deb Haaland renewed her pledge to overhaul CYFD, pointing to a DOJ lawsuit alleging the agency sent a teen to the U.S.-Mexico border to cross alone. Local Economy & Housing: Albuquerque-area homebuilders say it’s a “crucial time” for new development as local leaders warn the state isn’t closing its housing gap fast enough. Tech & Courts: Meta disclosed a major $2.4B legal hit tied to youth safety lawsuits and warned more trials could follow. Culture: Acclaimed Chicano author Benjamin Alire Sáenz died at 71. Science & Infrastructure: The VLA’s new sky survey boosts radio astronomy with a higher-resolution map of 80% of the sky.

Data Centers & Local Politics: Doña Ana County’s Project Jupiter update turned into a scuffle and arrests as residents and workers packed the room, with questions still swirling around jobs, local hiring, and oversight. Child Welfare Lawsuit: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD over claims the agency left a 15-year-old boy at the U.S.-Mexico border and directed him to cross alone, seeking a restraining order and the child’s return. Screwworm Watch: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas goat, keeping the national response tight; Pennsylvania also moved to restrict animal and pet movement from affected areas. Cattle Trade: USDA says phased reopening of Mexican cattle imports will start Aug. 24, with Santa Teresa and Columbus, N.M. next, as inspections ramp up. Health Policy: KFF reports New Mexico is the only state where Obamacare enrollment didn’t fall after enhanced federal subsidies expired. Courts & Governance: Cibola County Assessor Dolores Vallejos sued Grants after her removal over the city charter’s dual-office rule. Business & Tech: ARRAY Technologies announced ARRAY Atlas, a new foundation-to-tracker suite built for smoother solar installations.

CYFD Lawsuit: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued CYFD after reports the agency sent a 15-year-old to the U.S.-Mexico border and told him to cross alone to reunite with his estranged mother, arguing the move violated due process and put the child’s safety at risk. Gubernatorial Stakes: Both governor candidates weighed in, with Torrez and the contenders signaling CYFD needs major change, not minor fixes. Utility Merger Hearing: New Mexicans packed a Public Regulation Commission hearing on Blackstone’s proposed $11.5 billion acquisition of TXNM Energy (PNM), with opponents warning of rate hikes and profit-driven control, and supporters citing jobs and grid investment. Local Governance & Transparency: Las Cruces voted to remove certain committees after secrecy claims tied to alleged Open Meetings Act violations. Data Center Backlash: Sierra County adopted an 18-month data center moratorium as residents and officials push back on water and environmental impacts, while Doña Ana County saw arrests during a heated Project Jupiter presentation. Consumer Protection: New Mexico AGs joined a push for stronger federal “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and scams. Education Funding: Rep. Melanie Stansbury advanced bills aimed at improving funding and teacher pay at Bureau of Indian Education schools.

Quantum & Economic Development: Four companies will build defense and other quantum innovations on ABQ-Net, Albuquerque’s open-access quantum network, as the state leans into its deep-tech push. Cattle Trade & Agriculture: The USDA says Mexico cattle imports will resume in a phased reopening starting Aug. 24 at Douglas, Arizona, with New Mexico ports to follow, contingent on Mexico’s New World screwworm controls and full USDA inspections. Flood Response & Emergency Funding: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued orders sending $250,000 each to DHSEM and the Military Affairs Department for flood and flash-flood response, including sandbags, communications, and National Guard support. Local Politics: Democrats are selecting a new lieutenant governor nominee through a small internal vote of about 500 party central committee members, drawing sharp criticism over the process. Outdoor Economy: New Mexico outdoor businesses can apply for the free ActivatOR Outdoor Recreation Growth Accelerator, a seven-week hybrid program aimed at boosting revenue and connections. Public Safety: A mother and son from Zuni were charged in federal court in a stabbing assault case tied to an alleged attack at a Zuni Pueblo residence. Wildlife & Land Management: Sandia Pueblo is seeking transfer of nearly 10,000 acres of Forest Service land to be held in trust, citing management concerns and aiming to keep public access while shaping future hunting and birding rules. Chaco Protections: New Mexico officials are urging the Interior Department not to roll back mineral protections around Chaco, as public comment deadlines near.

Livestock & Health: USDA says New World screwworm has reached 42 animal cases since June 3 (mostly in Texas, plus one New Mexico county), and officials are urging people not to treat free-ranging wildlife but to report suspicious signs to wildlife health hotlines. Border & Beef Supply: After a yearlong ban, USDA will reopen limited Mexican cattle imports starting Aug. 24 at Douglas, Arizona, with Santa Teresa and Columbus in New Mexico expected later—phased and contingent on pest-control safeguards. Water Policy: A proposed Colorado River plan would require Lower Basin states (AZ/CA/NV) to cut use by about a fifth over two years, with deeper reductions later; New Mexico is among the states potentially affected as the basin remains deadlocked. Education & Labor: South Valley Academy teachers in Albuquerque became the first New Mexico educators represented by Teamsters Local 492, choosing it over the state’s two teachers unions. Politics & Governance: Two New Mexico House members—Susan Herrera and Joanne Ferrary—retired early, setting up county-led replacement selection for Democratic primary winners. Local Ballot Measures: Sandoval County is weighing bonds for libraries, fire departments, and elections, with potential property-tax impacts for voters this fall. Business: Paris Baguette is planning a second Albuquerque café location on the West Side, weeks before its first New Mexico shop opens. Public Safety: A former Navy SEAL, Gregory Vandenberg, was sentenced to 16 months for a plot involving explosives and fireworks aimed at police during the “No Kings” protest.

Broadband Access: New Mexico is taking public comment as it gears up to launch LITAP, a statewide, ACP-like low-income internet discount program run through the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, with enrollment starting in December after rulemaking. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order setting aside $500,000 for western New Mexico flood response, including sandbags and National Guard support for local, county, or tribal emergency managers. Earthquakes: A magnitude 3.8 quake hit northern New Mexico near the Colorado line, the fourth of that size in the same border area since June, with no reported damage. Food Safety: Nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs were recalled over possible Salmonella risk, with New Mexico among the affected states. Colorado River: Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record-low combined levels, underscoring the worsening water crisis and the push for major post-2026 management decisions. Energy & Land: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says the state’s “stripper well” program now has zero participating wells and is urging lawmakers to end it. Health Care: New Mexico Cancer Center announced it will offer estrogen receptor-targeted PET imaging for certain breast cancer patients, aiming to reduce travel and improve detection.

Border & Agriculture: USDA says it will start a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico cattle ports, beginning Aug. 24 with Douglas, Arizona, and later moving to New Mexico ports, with full inspections tied to New World screwworm safeguards—good news for ranchers, but still a tight biosecurity setup. Water & Western Life: Federal officials are preparing to release the first post-2026 Colorado River operations plan, while New Mexico communities keep dealing with flood impacts after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered $500,000 for western flood response. Health Care: New Mexico Cancer Center debuts estrogen receptor-targeted PET imaging for recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, aiming to reduce the need for long travel for advanced scans. Local Services: Albuquerque’s Senior Companionship Program is short on volunteers, with a waitlist of 100+ seniors needing peer support. Public Safety & Animals: New Mexico shelters are receiving $2 million for renovations and construction, and the state is also affected by a major egg recall tied to Salmonella risk. State Politics: Democrats are choosing a new lieutenant governor nominee after a ranked-choice vote among four candidates, with results expected soon. Economy & Housing: A record number of homeowners faced insurance nonrenewals in 2025, especially in wildfire-prone counties.

Salmonella Outbreak: The FDA says eggs recalled from Texas-based Midwest Poultry Services are a likely source of 98 Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses across 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; investigators note the recalled eggs may not explain every case, but shoppers should check cartons and avoid any included eggs. Water & Drought: Southwest cities are ramping up Colorado River conservation as Lake Powell nears “dead pool” conditions, pushing measures like wastewater recycling and lawn watering limits. Albuquerque Homelessness: A new Point-In-Time count shows an 8% rise in Albuquerque’s unhoused population, while city spending and shelter rules face criticism amid ongoing street-safety and services debates. Democrats’ Lieutenant Governor Pick: Nearly 500 Democratic Party members will vote to replace Maggie Toulouse Oliver as lieutenant governor nominee after her withdrawal, using ranked-choice ballots among competing candidates. Energy & Utility Oversight: Opinion and reporting spotlight the fight over whether New Mexico should buy its utility, with the Public Regulation Commission’s role and enforcement powers at the center. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an order allocating $500,000 for flood response, including sandbags, communications gear, and National Guard support.

Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an order to send $500,000 for flood response, including sandbags, communications gear, and National Guard support for communities hit by outages and damage. Food Safety: FDA says recalled eggs tied to a Salmonella outbreak have sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, including New Mexico—consumers are urged to check cartons and not eat affected eggs. Cattle Trade: USDA is lifting the yearlong ban on Mexican cattle imports in phases starting Aug. 24, with Douglas, Arizona first, and New Mexico ports (Santa Teresa and Columbus) expected to follow. Energy & Land: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued a lease for a wind farm repower that would replace older turbines and generate 135 megawatts, with proceeds earmarked for public schools. Local Culture: Wonders on Wheels will bring its “Arts of Democracy in New Mexico” exhibit to festivals and libraries statewide in August, marking the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary. Politics: The DNC recommends South Carolina lead off the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar, with New Mexico added to early states before Super Tuesday.

Clean Energy Grants: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants based on which states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, drawing fresh backlash over “political” job-killing. AI + Water Fight: A proposed 330-megawatt AI data center in California’s Imperial Valley is now seeking Colorado River water, after earlier promises not to use it reignited regional water disputes. New Mexico Dust Storms: A new dust-storm roundup shows New Mexico among the worst-hit states, with 2025’s record-breaking year worsening health and safety risks. Screwworm + Cattle Imports: The U.S. will begin reopening Mexican cattle imports Aug. 24, with New Mexico ports of entry next, as New World screwworm spreads into Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Food Safety: FDA-linked salmonella concerns have triggered a recall of 1.59 million dozen eggs sold in New Mexico and other states, with illnesses reported across 17 states. Local Governance: Roswell officials are moving toward a Nov. vote on a 0.25% Local Option GRT, while the state and Forest Service signed a 20-year pact to reduce wildfire risk and expand restoration. Democrats’ 2028 Calendar: The DNC picked South Carolina first, with New Mexico slated for Feb. 15.

Data Centers & Water: New Mexico lawmakers are pushing a 2027 moratorium on large-scale data centers, citing unanswered questions about water use, energy demand, emissions, and ratepayer impacts tied to Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa. Food Safety: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled Midwest Poultry eggs has sickened at least 98 people across 17 states, including New Mexico, with Kroger and Brookshire sales among the affected retailers. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized up to $250,000 in emergency National Guard funds for communities hit by flooding, including Gallup and Zuni Pueblo. Tribal Health Funding: New Mexico lawmakers and Sen. Elizabeth Warren introduced a bill to give tribal nations equal access to CDC emergency preparedness funding. Media Merger Fight: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition won a delay in the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, extending uncertainty for a deal that New Mexico is part of the lawsuit against. 2028 Primary Calendar: The DNC panel set New Mexico’s Democratic presidential primary for Feb. 15, 2028, moving it into the early window alongside South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Virginia.

Chaco Canyon Fight: Pueblo leaders and New Mexico lawmakers are again rallying in Washington to protect Chaco Culture National Historical Park after renewed federal moves to roll back a drilling buffer, calling it an “absolute gut punch” to tribal communities. Cybersecurity & Consumer Safety: Chick-fil-A says a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed limited Chick-fil-A One loyalty data, including in New Mexico, prompting password resets and account notifications. Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs over possible salmonella contamination; FDA says affected cartons were sold in multiple states including New Mexico. Public Health: New Mexico reported five cyclosporiasis cases in 2026, tied largely to travel, as neighboring states see higher counts. Water & Infrastructure: Mexico and the U.S. are moving toward a desalination plant in Baja California to reduce Colorado River reliance, with financing through the North American Development Bank. Wildlife Incident: A bear stranded atop a New Mexico utility pole died after electrocution, reigniting questions about how to respond to dangerous wildlife sightings. Community Giving: Bank of Albuquerque donated $10,000 to Roadrunner Food Bank as food insecurity remains a growing concern.

Counterterrorism & disaster funding fight: A coalition of 24 state attorneys general and D.C. sued the Trump administration over new FEMA/DHS conditions that would tie emergency money to election changes and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, with AGs warning Congress meant the funds for public safety—not political leverage. New Mexico court win: The New Mexico Supreme Court rejected a Republican challenge to the state’s universal childcare law, keeping the program in place. Food safety alert: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas over possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; the eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores, including in New Mexico, and consumers are urged not to eat them and to return for refunds. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A says a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed Chick-fil-A One loyalty account data for customers in New Mexico and other states, prompting password resets and account logouts. Local economy & workforce: Luna Community College expanded its CDL program with tuition-free pathways and is moving toward becoming a licensed regional testing site for Northern New Mexico. Culture & community: UNM researcher Lazarus Letcher highlights how LGBTQ travelers used Route 66 “word of mouth” and guides like the Damron “Gay Guide” to find safe spaces. Wildlife incident: A bear electrocuted itself after climbing a New Mexico utility pole, underscoring the risks when animals get into power infrastructure.

High-Tech Economy: New Mexico launched a $150 million Innovation Advancement Program aimed at turning research strengths into companies and jobs, with priority areas including quantum tech, aerospace and defense, advanced energy, and bioscience. Tribal Lands & Energy Policy: The Trump administration’s fast-tracked plan to roll back a Chaco Canyon mineral-leasing buffer is out for public comment, with a July 29 deadline, as tribal leaders warn protections are being weakened without real consultation. Water & Power: Federal water officials say new Colorado River rules will be announced next week after states remain deadlocked on how to share cuts as the river shrinks. Public Health: The FDA issued a recall of nearly 1.6 million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services over possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, including distribution to New Mexico retailers. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A confirmed a data breach tied to credential-stuffing attacks on its Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, potentially exposing customer info for a limited number of users. Local Safety Incident: A bear stranded on a power pole near Gladstone died after electrocution, according to New Mexico Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Colorado River Crisis: Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record-low combined levels, with Mead at about 27% and Powell at about 23%, raising the stakes for New Mexico and other basin states as federal officials prepare a new operating plan and possible mandatory cutbacks. Local Water Access: New Mexico State Parks says Elephant Butte Lake shoreline and ramp access are being adjusted as releases continue through July 28, with debris removal and safety steps underway. Flood Recovery in Gallup: Severe flooding damaged homes, roads, and local businesses, including New Mexico Pottery Company, as parts of northwest and west-central New Mexico stayed under flood watch. Data Centers vs. Spaceport: Sierra County approved an 18-month data center moratorium after residents raised concerns about groundwater, ranching, and rural quality of life, with Spaceport America’s proposal in the crosshairs. Chaco Protections Fight: Tribal leaders and New Mexico’s federal delegation protested a Bureau of Land Management move to unwind mining protections around Chaco, urging public comments. Epstein Investigation Fallout (NM): Former AG Hector Balderas says federal prosecutors broke a 2019 agreement tied to the Zorro Ranch probe, while current AG Raúl Torrez weighs litigation for unredacted federal records. Tech & Privacy: Chick-fil-A warned New Mexico customers their loyalty account info may have been exposed in a credential-stuffing cyberattack. Social Media Lawsuits: A teen plaintiff withdrew a Meta case, avoiding another trial, as states continue pushing claims about harmful teen design.