AGP Executive Report

Flood Emergency: Once-in-a-generation flooding has brought evacuations, rooftop rescues and emergency declarations across San Juan and Cibola counties. Oklahoma swift-water teams are helping New Mexico responders; officials urge residents to photograph damage before cleanup to support aid claims. More rain is forecast. Meta Judgment: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion over misleading Facebook privacy claims, a landmark consumer-protection case. Outside lawyers could receive up to $1.27 billion in fees. Election Watch: New Mexicans vote Nov. 3 in races including governor and attorney general, plus Albuquerque ballot questions on city governance, taxes and projects. Utilities: State regulators are opening a roughly 120-day investigation into unusually high PNM bills, beginning with complaints in Otero and Lincoln counties. Livestock: New World screwworm cases have been confirmed in Hidalgo, Grant and Otero counties; officials are expanding surveillance and asking hunters and producers to report suspicious wounds. Economy: New Mexico ranked seventh nationally in job growth, adding 11,200 jobs over the year.

Four Corners Flooding: Rescuers pulled people from rooftops and flooded homes in the San Juan County area as rivers rose; about 600 Farmington households were told to evacuate. Meta Judgment: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay a record $25 billion over misleading claims about Facebook privacy and content policies. Meta plans to appeal, and outside lawyers could seek up to $1.27 billion if the ruling stands. Livestock Alert: New World screwworm has been detected in Grant and Otero counties. Wildlife officials urge hunters to report animals with maggots or eggs in wounds and not to handle or transport them. Rural Broadband: New Mexico signed its first federal BEAD broadband agreement, a step toward expanding internet access in underserved areas. Data Center Debate: Counties are weighing moratoriums and rules as they study data centers’ potential effects on power, water, emissions and noise. State Politics: President Trump renewed his call to rename New Mexico “New America”; state leaders say the state’s name is not his to change.

Meta Ruling: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion after a jury found nearly 43.9 million violations of state consumer-protection law tied to Facebook privacy claims and the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Meta plans to appeal; the state says the money will support public education. Epstein Investigation: Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Jeffrey Epstein’s former lawyer and accountant, alleging they helped enable his sex-trafficking operation and seeking to block trust funds. Albuquerque Flooding: Voters face a $30 million flood bond proposal as aging arroyos near 50 years old. Broadband Access: New Mexico signed its first federal BEAD grant agreement, aiming to connect nearly 4,000 homes, businesses and community institutions in the north. Animal Health: Officials say much of southern New Mexico is in a screwworm “infested zone” as cases spread to wildlife and cattle imports resume.

Meta Ruling: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay a record $25 billion after a jury found the company misled users about Facebook privacy. The penalty covers more than 43 million violations; Meta plans to appeal. Epstein Case: Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyer and accountant, seeking to block them from receiving up to $75 million from Epstein’s estate and prioritize survivors. Flood Protection: Albuquerque-area voters will decide whether to authorize up to $30 million in bonds for repairs to aging flood-control infrastructure. Officials say the measure would not raise taxes. Election Spending: At least $21.8 million has been spent or pledged in the closely watched 2nd Congressional District contest between Gabe Vasquez and Greg Cunningham, much of it on campaign ads. Animal Health: New Mexico confirmed a New World screwworm case in an Otero County cow, as officials track the parasite’s spread in the region.

Meta Verdict: A Santa Fe judge ordered Meta to pay New Mexico $25 billion after a jury found nearly 43.9 million violations of state consumer-protection law over misleading claims about Facebook users’ data. Meta plans to appeal, so the state may wait years to collect. The ruling came as Meta reported a $9.9 billion charge tied to a separate multistate settlement. Ranch Abuse Lawsuit: Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Jeffrey Epstein’s former lawyer and accountant, alleging they knowingly helped enable sex trafficking at his New Mexico property. Livestock Alert: Officials confirmed New World screwworm in a beef cow in Otero County and set a 12.4-mile infested zone, requiring animal inspections before movement. Governor’s Race: Democrat Deb Haaland’s historic bid to become the nation’s first Native American woman governor faces voters’ concerns about poverty, crime and public schools—and a broader test of Democrats’ long hold on state government.

Meta Verdict: A Santa Fe judge ordered Meta to pay New Mexico $25 billion after jurors found more than 43 million violations of state consumer-protection law tied to misleading claims about Facebook privacy and content moderation. Meta plans to appeal; state law directs penalties to public schools. Epstein Ranch: Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Jeffrey Epstein’s former lawyer and accountant, accusing them of helping conceal the sex-trafficking operation at Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe. The suit seeks to block payments from Epstein’s estate and recover funds for survivors; the men have denied knowing about his abuse. Water Warning: A study estimates the Upper Colorado River Basin, which includes parts of New Mexico, lost 4.6 trillion gallons of groundwater during the 2020–22 drought—underscoring that underground supplies are not an unlimited backup.

State Identity: President Donald Trump renewed his call to rename New Mexico “New America,” drawing pushback from state leaders and Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull, who said he is proud to call the state home. Legislature: Rep. Andrea Reeb resigned after a federal ruling barred her from serving as a lawmaker and special prosecutor at the same time. She says she may return in January if legal and personal decisions allow. State Spending: New Mexico’s four largest active IT projects are $456 million over their original budgets, with some delayed by years, a Legislative Finance Committee report found. Albuquerque: City Council raised appeal fees for approved projects to $925 and barred neighborhood coalitions from appealing; critics say the changes limit residents’ voice. Separately, participatory budgeting helped residents choose a $1.7 million wellness center for the International District. Public Health: Bernalillo County declared a fentanyl emergency after 314 overdose deaths in 2025. Energy: NMSU received $2.85 million to map potential geothermal resources around Las Cruces.

State Name Fight: President Donald Trump renewed his call to rename New Mexico “New America,” claiming it would lift home values and incomes. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and leaders across party lines rejected the idea; a president cannot rename a state on his own. Home Insurance: More than 6,200 New Mexico homeowners lost coverage through nonrenewals in 2025, nearly three times the 2021 figure. At a legislative hearing, Rep. Anita Gonzales pressed insurers on the growing strain in fire-prone communities. Election 2028: Democrats moved New Mexico’s 2028 presidential primary from June to Feb. 15. Gov. Lujan Grisham said the earlier date gives Hispanic voters more influence in choosing a nominee. Voting Access: A civic group sued the Santa Fe County clerk, alleging she turned away a trained election watcher for not completing extra county training. Public Health: Bernalillo County declared a fentanyl emergency after 314 overdose deaths in 2025, bucking a national decline. Transit: Rail Runner ridership has climbed as gas prices rise, with July passenger numbers up about 5% from a year earlier.

State Identity: President Donald Trump again urged New Mexico to become “New America,” claiming a rename would raise incomes and home values and repeating baseless election accusations. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull rejected the idea; changing a state’s name would require a constitutional amendment. Fentanyl Crisis: Bernalillo County commissioners declared an emergency after overdose deaths rose to 314 in 2025, up from 299 the year before—a troubling reversal as deaths fall nationally. The declaration allows access to additional funds and asks the state for help. Animal Health: Two new screwworm cases, in a horse and a calf in Grant County, bring the state’s active cases to two. Officials are expanding surveillance and requiring inspections and treatment in affected zones. Albuquerque Services: The state has ended its $2 million annual contract with Albuquerque for cleanup along I-25 and I-40, taking over homeless-camp removals and some litter work. Health Care: UNM Health plans to open a $19 million primary-care clinic in southwest Albuquerque on Oct. 26, offering family medicine and other services in an underserved area. Court Ruling: A judge ordered a new trial for Linda Henning, finding her 2002 murder trial was a “miscarriage of justice” because she was not competent to assist in her defense.

Utility Deal: New Mexico regulators cleared the way for hearings on Blackstone’s proposed takeover of PNM’s parent company to continue. Hearing examiners declined to investigate a separate $200 million stock sale to Zimmer Partners and approved revisions to the acquisition terms. Medicare Coverage: Three insurers are withdrawing from New Mexico’s Medicare Advantage market, leaving tens of thousands of members to find new plans. Presbyterian alone says about 30,000 members are affected; the enrollment deadline is Dec. 7. State Government: Rep. Andrea Reeb resigned after a federal judge ruled her simultaneous service as a lawmaker and special prosecutor violated the state Constitution’s separation of powers. Election Changes: Voters will consider four constitutional amendments, including a proposal requiring the governor to explain vetoes and ending the pocket veto. Expanded early voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Las Cruces Jobs: EquipmentShare plans to open a facility in the city’s Innovation & Industrial Park, with up to 50 jobs expected.

School Shake-Up: Las Cruces parents, students and teachers are opposing a plan to combine a high-performing middle school with a struggling high school. State education officials say moving the middle school without a board vote may have violated requirements. Retiree Benefits: New Mexico legislative leaders say cost-of-living increases for public pension retirees will be a priority in the 2027 session. Police Training: New Mexico, which has recorded at least 26 fatal police shootings this year, is overhauling statewide law enforcement training after a review found gaps in best practices. Deportation Flights: An Albuquerque-based aviation company is accused in a federal lawsuit of helping transport Venezuelan asylum seekers to a notorious El Salvador prison; the claims have not been adjudicated. Governor’s Race: Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull are making final appeals ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with affordability and infrastructure among the key issues. Project Jupiter: New Mexico’s attorney general says thousands of comments on an air-quality permit may be fraudulent, as scrutiny continues over Oracle’s proposed data center and a related gas pipeline. U.S. 550 Safety: Sandoval County commissioners are pressing the state transportation department for action after years of fatal crashes on the highway.

Higher Education: UNM-Los Alamos could get $3 million for a student services center if voters approve General Obligation Bond 3 on Nov. 3. Outdoor Recreation: Pajarito Mountain is boosting snowmaking capacity ahead of ski season, with a new pipeline set to provide far more water and expand snowmaking acreage by 50%. Election 2026: Gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull are in the final stretch, while U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Republican challenger Greg Cunningham faced off in a congressional debate. Public Health: Two more New World screwworm cases were found in Grant County, adding to concerns near Silver City and Hachita. Project Jupiter: New Mexico’s attorney general says thousands of comments on the data center’s air-quality permit may be fraudulent, amid wider scrutiny of how public feedback was gathered. Water Supply: A proposed 200-mile pipeline would send 9.7 billion gallons a year from the Pecos Basin to the water-stressed Estancia Basin; its scale and potential costs have drawn skepticism.

Election 2026: Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Republican challenger Greg Cunningham clashed in their only debate, with Vasquez calling for a Democratic House majority and Cunningham criticizing his record. Expanded early-voting sites opened Saturday as rallies in Santa Fe and Las Cruces urged people to vote. Data Center Scrutiny: Santa Teresa residents are pushing back against proposed data centers over water use. Separately, New Mexico’s attorney general said many public comments on Project Jupiter raised concerns, and a canvasser alleged pressure to submit favorable comments. Screwworm Cases: Two more cases were confirmed in Grant County, in a horse and a calf. Animal movements in affected zones require inspection. Albuquerque Courts: A judge dismissed child sexual abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield, citing problems with grand jury proceedings; prosecutors may seek a new indictment.

Livestock Alert: New World screwworm has been detected in a horse near Silver City and a calf near Hachita, expanding inspection zones across parts of Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties. Animals moving within or out of the zones must be inspected. Court Ruling: A judge dismissed the child-sex-abuse indictment against actor Timothy Busfield, finding prosecutors mishandled grand-jury proceedings. The state may seek a new indictment; Busfield denies the allegations. Congressional Race: Gabe Vasquez and Republican challenger Greg Cunningham clashed in their only televised debate, sparring over immigration, crime and President Trump’s policies in a closely contested southern New Mexico district. Data Center Dispute: Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa faces continued scrutiny over its power needs and air permit, as Oracle says it will cut emissions and local officials challenge its impact on the electric grid. Health Care: New Mexico residents face losing private Medicare Advantage coverage as three providers pull plans from the state.

Election 2026: Early voting is expanding statewide as New Mexico’s candidates make their case. Gabe Vasquez and Greg Cunningham clashed in a televised debate for the competitive 2nd Congressional District, while land commissioner hopefuls Michael Perry and Juan De Jesus Sanchez debated how to manage state trust lands. Courts: A judge dismissed actor Timothy Busfield’s New Mexico indictment, citing problems with how prosecutors handled grand jury proceedings; prosecutors may bring new charges. Project Jupiter: The massive Santa Teresa data center remains under scrutiny over its air permit, power needs and proposed gas pipeline. The state attorney general says a substantial share of public comments on the permit may be fraudulent. Water: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging federal Colorado River cuts, arguing the plan unfairly burdens Lower Basin states and demanding more from the Upper Basin, including New Mexico. The dispute underscores the strain on the region’s water supply. Albuquerque: Skate-O-Mania, a community rink open since 1980, could close as soon as November because its owner says he cannot obtain insurance.

Project Jupiter: Attorney General Raul Torrez says thousands of comments supporting an air-quality permit may be fraudulent; state investigators are pursuing civil and criminal cases. State Government: Rep. Andrea Reeb resigned after a federal judge ruled she could not serve as a lawmaker while working as a special prosecutor. Jobs and Innovation: Discovery 2 Scale plans to open an AI-and-robotics materials lab at Nambé Pueblo, with more than 80 jobs expected. Public Health: Two more New World screwworm cases, in a Grant County horse and calf, bring New Mexico’s total to four. Health Care: Tens of thousands of New Mexicans face changes to Medicare Advantage coverage as Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Christus drop plans. Connectivity: A $40 million fiber project is set to bring broadband to nearly 4,000 unserved or underserved locations across five northern counties. Education: Gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull say the state’s court-ordered education reform plan needs improvement and stronger tribal input.