AGP Executive Report

High School Sports: The New Mexico Activities Association is rushing a major prep-athletics eligibility change to a June 19 referendum, voting 7-3 to create a “one-time” transfer rule without penalty if schools can show it wasn’t driven by undue influence or recruitment—though small-school leaders warn it could turn athletics into a college-style revolving door. Livestock Health: The New World screwworm is back in the U.S., confirmed in two Texas calves, and Navajo Nation agriculture officials say they’re reviewing their long-standing emergency plan as ranchers brace for possible spread. Water & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a Rio Grande water settlement that Texas says secures its downstream share, while federal managers also move toward a shorter Colorado River plan if states can’t agree. Local Justice: A Grant County jury awarded Nichelle Nichols’ estate $13 million in a wrongful-death case against Gila Regional Medical Center, but New Mexico law caps the hospital’s portion at $400,000. Borderland: Hikers at Mount Cristo Rey are weighing the impact of plans to extend the border wall at the sacred site. Community & Culture: Riley Green added more fall 2026 dates, including an Albuquerque stop at First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater.

Gila Cattle Fight: A federal appeals court tossed New Mexico Cattle Growers’ lawsuit over aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the Forest Service has mostly eradicated the herd and is now focused on capturing any stragglers instead. Flood-Linked Water Aid: After the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire and later heavy-metal contamination findings, USDA is offering up to $1 million to help Mora and San Miguel counties pay for drinking-water repairs and treatment. SNAP Legal Block: A judge halted the Trump administration from enforcing new SNAP funding conditions, siding with 19 Democratic-led states that said the requirements could disrupt help for low-income families. Border Wall Clash: Rights groups are challenging plans to extend the border wall near sacred Mount Cristo Rey, arguing it would turn a religious site into a symbol of division. Mental Health Data Gap: UNM researchers found self-harm history is often missing from diagnosis codes in veterans’ records—only about a quarter of documented cases show up—raising concerns for planning and care. Local Fire Update: A second fire at a South Valley recycling center damaged nearby businesses and led to condemnations, with cause still under investigation. Native Politics: Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund hailed Deb Haaland’s Democratic primary win as a historic milestone for Native representation. Sports & Community: Duke City BMX hosted the USA BMX Spring Nationals, drawing riders from across the country to Albuquerque.

New Mexico Politics: New Mexico’s primary election wrapped up this week with unofficial results showing Deb Haaland winning the Democratic governor nomination and Gregg Hull taking the GOP nod, as voters weighed in at about 24.6% turnout statewide and more than 37,000 independents cast ballots. Local Community: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández helped push the El Valle Community Center and Library in Villanueva toward renovations, announcing $562,500 in federal Community Project Funding to match local and partner dollars. Tribal & Federal Land: Senators Brian Schatz and Lisa Murkowski held a legislative hearing on bills tied to tribal land transfers and settlements, including the Albuquerque Indian School Act. Public Lands Watch: U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act aimed at blocking “last-minute, backdoor” public-land selloffs tucked into unrelated budget bills. Water: With Colorado River talks stalled, federal officials say a 10-year operating framework could be imposed if states can’t agree, while Colorado and Nevada negotiators push back on parts of the plan. Health & Safety: New Mexico credit unions warned members as fraud cases rise, and a federal court dismissed a challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila as the Forest Service says it won’t resume lethal removals.

Statewide Health & Agriculture: New Mexico officials are urging vigilance after USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf in South Texas, stressing there’s no detection in NM yet but asking travelers and livestock owners to watch for suspicious wounds and report them. Legal/Consumer Protection: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed suit against prediction market firm Kalshi, arguing its sports-betting app violates state gambling laws; the case follows similar action by New Mexico tribes in federal court. Local Economy & Energy: Presbyterian Healthcare System announced layoffs of 150 administrative workers and plans to discontinue most Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, citing financial strain. Youth & Community: New Mexico is putting $4.5 million into outdoor youth programs after demand surged, with applications opening July 1. Sports: New Mexico United forward Greg Hurst says a “pretty real talk” helped the team after a rough loss, ahead of a rematch with Phoenix Rising. Transportation Planning: Deming-area officials are set to host a public meeting on June 10 for Phase IA of the N.M. 11 corridor study, focusing on safety, traffic flow and growth.

New Mexico Politics: Gov. nominee Deb Haaland secured the Democratic nod for governor, celebrating her historic rise while setting up a November showdown with Republican Gregg Hull, who argues New Mexico needs a “regime shift” on crime, education, and poverty. AG Lawsuit: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi, alleging the platform evaded state gaming laws and undermined regulated gambling compacts. Public Health & Agriculture: USDA confirmed a flesh-eating New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, prompting renewed concern for livestock and calls for federal action from New Mexico officials. Courts & Land Use: A federal appeals court dismissed a New Mexico Cattle Growers’ challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the issue is now moot. Local Economy/Infrastructure: Taos announced seasonal air service returns with JSX flights to Austin/Dallas and Contour service to Denver starting late June. State Budget: New Mexico expects about $850 million more from oil revenue tied to the Iran conflict, with money flowing into trust funds including early childhood, Medicaid, and behavioral health.

New Mexico Politics: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who clinched his party’s nod after a primary that also left some House races headed for recounts. Local Elections: Chaves County voters chose Michael Taylor as sheriff in a decisive win, while HD 66 GOP results came in within 1% and will likely trigger an automated recount. Water & Growth: Colfax County commissioners are weighing how much water data centers and energy projects could use long-term, as the Colorado River faces another likely “crash” scenario without faster conservation. Public Safety & Health: Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias was found dead in Carson National Forest nearly a year after she vanished, with reports citing a gunshot wound to the skull. Community & Culture: Albuquerque’s guaranteed basic income pilot tied to the city’s cannabis tax is drawing attention, while a proposed North Valley mosque appeal was deferred amid safety concerns and heated public comment. Environment & Agriculture: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in Texas, raising alarms for livestock and cross-border spread.

NM Politics & Elections: New Mexico voters picked party nominees for governor in a semi-open primary, with Democrats turning to former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Republicans to former Rio Rancho mayor Gregg Hull, setting up a November rematch. Local Housing & Development: The State Land Office is seeking developers for four Albuquerque parcels zoned for mixed-use, aiming to add affordable housing and spur neighborhood revitalization. Water & Public Health: Federal USDA funding up to $1 million is headed to Mora and San Miguel counties for repairs and treatment after 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire contamination. Accountability & Epstein Probe: New Mexico’s truth commission approved its first slate of subpoenas, targeting state and federal entities tied to Epstein-linked activity. Crime & Courts: A New Mexico man pleaded guilty in federal court after decades of using a stolen identity to evade murder-related charges. Energy & Power: PNM is seeking approval for major solar and storage additions, while the state also weighs broader power expansion plans. Wildlife & Agriculture: USDA says the New World screwworm has been found near the border, prompting renewed defense efforts. Public Safety: A missing Los Alamos National Laboratory employee’s remains were found in Carson National Forest, reopening questions about the case.

New Mexico Politics: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday night, taking about 72% of the vote and setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who won the GOP primary in a three-way race. Campaign Focus: Haaland’s pitch centers on lowering costs for healthcare and education, opposing Trump-era Medicaid cuts, and overhauling child welfare, while Hull frames the race as a choice on public safety and the economy. Election Context: New Mexico’s primary also featured a first-ever semi-open system, with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver calling turnout a success, including a surge of independent voters. Local Governance: In Grants, the City Council heard updates on falling burglaries and graffiti tied to directed patrols, plus parks reopening and public safety spending. Public Safety: New Mexico State Police announced June sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide. National/World: AP reports Iran suspended U.S.-Iran negotiations amid renewed limited fire, as the ceasefire remains fragile.

Primary Election Day in New Mexico: Voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a packed slate, with Bernalillo County officials expecting turnout to break its 2016 record and statewide participation already climbing early in the day. Gubernatorial race focus: People at polling sites said federal politics and public safety are driving choices, with the governor’s primary seen as the biggest decision on the ballot. Rio Grande water: The U.S. Supreme Court gave final approval to the Rio Grande compact settlement among Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, clearing the way for downstream delivery obligations. Border agriculture threat: USDA says the New World screwworm fly has been detected near the Texas-Mexico border and the agency is ready to respond if it enters the U.S. LANL case update: The body of missing Los Alamos lab worker Melissa Casias was found in Carson National Forest, with authorities investigating after a handgun was recovered nearby. Energy and business: A record $4B federal oil and gas lease sale brought major receipts in New Mexico and Texas, while New Mexico also continues pushing broadband planning grants and new tech/data-center activity.

New Mexico Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in New Mexico’s semi-open primary, including the governor race between Deb Haaland and Albuquerque DA Sam Bregman, with independents able to request either party’s ballot. Campaign Cash: Fundraising reports show nearly $20 million has poured into the governor bids, led by Haaland’s $12.77 million haul. Public Safety & Access: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez announced the arrest of a Pecos River landowner accused of threatening fishermen with a firearm, a case tied to long-running public access fights. City Hall: Albuquerque City Council passed a revised minimum wage plan raising pay from $12 to $15 over three years, with tipped-worker and inflation-adjustment changes. Los Alamos Mystery: Remains of missing LANL worker Melissa Casias were identified in Carson National Forest; investigators found a handgun nearby and are still determining cause and manner of death.

New Mexico Politics: With Tuesday’s June 2 primary underway, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver says more than 181,900 eligible voters have already cast ballots, including about 18,500 who are not registered with a qualified party—partly reflecting New Mexico’s first-in-the-nation semi-open primary rules. Gubernatorial Race: Democratic hopeful Sam Bregman tells Source NM he’s “optimistic” he can win the nomination despite trailing Deb Haaland in fundraising and polling, pointing to the new “decline to state” participation rules. Public Lands Campaign: A Washington-based PAC backed by major oil donors has bought TV ads supporting Juan de Jesus Sanchez III in the Democratic primary for commissioner of public lands, according to filings cited by an opponent’s campaign. LANL Missing Worker: New Mexico State Police identified remains found in the Carson National Forest as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee missing since June 2025; a handgun was found nearby and investigators say the case remains under review. AI in Schools: A New Mexico education committee recommends creating a statewide AI oversight body for schools, citing privacy, cheating, and overreliance concerns. Local Business: The Village People YMCA opened on the West Side near Rio Rancho and Corrales, aiming to serve a growing community with a nonprofit, community-focused model.

New Mexico Politics: Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland faces Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman in the Democratic gubernatorial primary Tuesday, with both candidates pitching different approaches to crime and youth justice. Public Safety & Courts: New Mexico State Police identified the remains found in Carson National Forest as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory staffer missing since June 26, 2025; officials say a handgun was found near the remains, and the investigation remains active. Albuquerque Local Government: The city is moving ahead with a Bliss Building demolition permit after Lindy’s Diner’s partial collapse, with road closures expected to continue. Education & Tech: State lawmakers are pushing for a statewide plan to govern AI use in schools, citing concerns about privacy, cheating, and overreliance. Economy & Wages: Albuquerque City Councilors propose raising the minimum wage to $15 in 2027 with annual cost-of-living adjustments starting in 2028. Energy & Industry: A Reuters report says SpaceX and the Pentagon are negotiating higher-priced Starshield terminal subscriptions after SpaceX argued the military was paying too little for drone connectivity.

Border & Courts: A man who cut off his ankle monitor and fled after a Colorado sexual assault verdict was sentenced to 100 years after being captured in Chapparal, New Mexico, just short of the U.S.-Mexico border. Local Crime: Clovis police arrested a man charged with murder tied to a deadly church parking lot shooting, and investigators say they recovered the suspected firearm. Elections & State Politics: New Mexico’s contested legislative primaries could shift the House’s political tilt, with moderates and progressives fighting in key Democratic races. UNM Leadership: UNM President Garnett Stokes announced she’s retiring in July after eight years at the helm, citing the relationships she’ll miss. NM Economy & Industry: A new report highlights New Mexico’s push to build a high-tech economy, pointing to sectors like space, aerospace and defense. Water & History: A new book explores how the Rio Grande shaped Albuquerque, tracing the long fight to control flooding and build a city around the river. Arts & Community: San Juan College faculty member Ron Striegel’s novel “Land Shadows” won multiple national literary honors.

Immigration & Courts: A coalition including the ACLU of Texas, Texas Civil Rights Project, and Human Rights Watch sued ICE over alleged abuse at Fort Bliss’s Camp East Montana, citing medical neglect, a measles outbreak, violent force, solitary confinement, and unsanitary conditions. Public Schools Transparency: The New Mexico Supreme Court ordered the release of a 2014 Albuquerque Public Schools investigation into former superintendent Winston Brooks, with some redactions. Rio Grande Water: Elephant Butte Dam began its annual release, sending water downstream toward El Paso after months of dryness in southern New Mexico. Energy & Data Centers: Oracle’s Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa is drawing scrutiny over water use, while federal partners are also working on statewide powerline permit guidance across New Mexico’s national forests. Arts & Community: Albuquerque is set to host a major national arts conference, with leaders pointing to uncertainty in federal arts funding. Sports: UNM added junior college transfer AJ Pierre-Jerome to bolster the Lobos’ front court.

Rio Grande Water: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement ending a 13-year fight over Rio Grande water rights, giving New Mexico a clearer framework for surface deliveries and groundwater use below Elephant Butte and reducing potential taxpayer liability. Quantum Economy: New Mexico won a national economic development award for building a quantum technology sector, citing Sandia-led momentum and new programs meant to attract and grow companies. UAP Files: The Pentagon released new UFO/UAP records, including reports of “orange orbs” and decades of unexplained sightings, with dozens of videos and audio recordings. Mexican Wolf Release: Records show Interior officials delayed the release of Mexican gray wolf Asha after local pushback, highlighting growing rural resistance as wolf numbers rise. Albuquerque Basic Income: Albuquerque leaders touted results from a guaranteed basic income pilot, saying $750 monthly checks helped families save more and even become homeowners. Public Safety & Courts: Albuquerque Police arrested additional suspects in a 2025 Old Town murder, while New Mexico’s Supreme Court continued pushing transparency in public records and juror-related civic reminders. Governor Race: Fundraising and spending in New Mexico’s governor primary surged past $17 million as the June 2 vote nears. Tech & Industry: UPS announced major logistics investment and new Mexico air freight service, and a Yellow Creek Township meeting drew attention to a planned data center and power project.

Rio Grande Water Deal: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a final settlement ending the long Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado Rio Grande dispute, aiming to cut southern New Mexico groundwater pumping and set a long-term water accounting framework. Federal Funding Watch: New Mexico lawmakers voted to keep a bipartisan subcommittee tracking federal program cuts and impacts through 2026, with plans to expand monitoring and coordination with tribes and other changes affecting the state. Native Education Funding: Pueblos, tribes and nations received an initial $30 million from the Indian Education Fund, with $90 million slated over three years to support language and culture programming for Native students. Oil & Gas Bonding: The State Land Office held hearings on tougher oil and gas cleanup bonding rules, with proposals to dramatically raise minimum bonds to prevent taxpayers from covering abandoned wells and spills. Higher Ed Health Coverage: New Mexico higher-education unions say health insurance eligibility rules are leaving many university workers uncovered and are urging lawmakers to fix the gap. Travel Tech in Albuquerque: TSA rolled out a new “touchless” PreCheck ID option at Albuquerque Sunport, using facial comparison to speed security lines. Gubernatorial Primary Money: Deb Haaland outraised Sam Bregman in the final stretch of New Mexico’s Democratic primary, according to campaign filings. Kids Online Safety: Georgia AG Chris Carr backed the Senate version of KOSA while warning the House KIDS Act could weaken states’ ability to protect children online. Prediction Markets Fight: The federal government is suing states over prediction market rules, arguing for exclusive federal control as states push back.