AGP Executive Report

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay about $18 billion and overhaul Facebook/Instagram for teen users, including daily limits and nighttime restrictions; New Mexico is tied to a separate earlier win and is not part of the multi-state payout. DOJ vs. In-State Tuition: The Justice Department sued Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington over policies letting some students without legal status get in-state tuition and aid, arguing it violates federal law and unfairly treats U.S. citizens. Local Accountability: Albuquerque filed a lawsuit against Big Tobacco over cigarette butt pollution on public property and infrastructure. Wildlife & Public Safety: New Mexico’s Department of Wildlife urged residents to keep bears out of yards as sightings rise, pointing to reduced natural food sources. Health Policy Push: Maternal mental health advocates in New Mexico are pressing for stronger support as a Massachusetts postpartum psychosis murder case spotlights gaps for families. Politics: A Republican lawmaker asked New Mexico’s attorney general to investigate state Rep. Andrea Romero’s part-time job with the First Judicial District Attorney’s office. Sports: Palmer Ridge beat La Cueva 29-10 in the Pikes Peak Kickoff Classic.

Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B to 47 states over teen social media addiction claims, with sweeping changes for Instagram and Facebook like default daily time limits and school-day notification limits. Gun Policy: A federal judge struck down New Mexico’s 7-day waiting period for gun purchases; Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office says it will likely appeal. Local Tech & Privacy: Rio Rancho residents challenged the city’s use of Flock license-plate reader cameras, arguing it’s unconsented surveillance while police cite public safety benefits. Workforce Training: CNM and Rio Rancho Public Schools opened a Transportation Systems Technology Center at RioTECH, expanding dual-credit training for automotive and electric vehicle careers. Environment: Environmental groups asked the federal government for more time on a plan to rescind the Roadless Rule, saying public comment access is too limited. Public Health Ops: New Mexico Department of Health offices will close for Labor Day Sept. 7, with the helpline still available. Economy & Jobs: Sandia Science & Technology Park released a report touting billions in wages, jobs, and spending tied to its growth since 1998.

Meta Teen Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18 billion and overhaul Facebook/Instagram for U.S. teens, including a default two-hour daily limit, nighttime blocks, muted notifications, hidden like counts, stronger age checks, and independent monitoring—setting up a potential model for other platforms. DOJ Immigration Tuition Fight: The U.S. Justice Department sued New Mexico (along with Arizona, Oregon and Washington) over state laws letting some undocumented students pay in-state tuition and get aid, arguing it violates federal law. NM Public Safety & Privacy: Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said he’s ending Flock surveillance contracts amid privacy concerns, while Albuquerque uses a different system for license plate reading. Child Welfare Oversight: New Mexico’s new Child Advocate told lawmakers she needs more access and stronger authority to oversee CYFD, as a bipartisan committee weighs next steps. Housing Market Scrutiny: Lawyers testified to lawmakers that some New Mexico landlords have used dishonest or illegal tactics amid fast-rising rents and short eviction timelines. Local Water Infrastructure: Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is designing a Bosque Water Reclamation Facility to supply nonpotable reuse water for West Side parks and golf courses, with construction targeted for late 2027. NM Fentanyl Records Lawsuit: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued the federal government seeking records tied to alleged “fentanyl walking” decisions by DEA agents.

State Budget: New Mexico is projected to hit record general fund revenue of $14.8 billion in FY2028, with about $924 million in “new money” for lawmakers, as reserves are expected to remain strong. Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17 billion (and potentially more) to settle lawsuits over alleged child social-media addiction, including limits like two-hour daily use for teens and no notifications during school hours. Healthcare Fight: Washington and other states sued to block new Title X conditions that would force providers to drop nondiscrimination protections or face losing funding. Local Crime: A man was arrested in Albuquerque after being linked to at least seven business burglaries, including stealing nearly $1,000 worth of shrimp. Finance Deal: GECU received regulatory approval to acquire the Bank of the Southwest, with the merger expected to close Nov. 1. Border Livestock: The first U.S.-Mexico cattle trade route reopened after a 15-month shutdown, with Santa Teresa next in line. AI & Mental Health: States are moving to regulate AI chatbots used for emotional support and “therapy,” as lawmakers weigh risks for users of all ages. Environment/Water: Drought stress is visible in the Albuquerque Bosque as low river levels and dry ground affect native and invasive plants.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion and impose major limits on Facebook and Instagram for teens, including a default two-hour daily cap, overnight blocks, muted school-day notifications, and stronger parental controls, ending a closely watched multistate case over alleged addictive design and improper data collection. Local Governance & Privacy: Albuquerque Public Schools will keep using the AI reading program Amira but will scale back voice recordings and delete data more often after privacy concerns. Wildlife Rescue in Albuquerque: Neighbors say they stopped AMAFCA crews from burying animals during routine ditch maintenance; the agency says it was annual cleanup and denies any intent to harm wildlife. Immigration Enforcement Concerns: An Albuquerque advocacy group held a news conference over recent ICE activity and alleged racial profiling, citing cases in Santa Fe. Politics—House Race: House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in Albuquerque for GOP challenger Greg Cunningham in NM-2, framing the race as pivotal for control of the U.S. House. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis confirmed cases in the U.S. topped 17,000, with New Mexico among the latest states added. Community & Culture: “Coyote vs. ACME” is finally set for theaters after years of delays, with New Mexico landmarks and the Rail Runner featured.

Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $16.68B to resolve states’ claims that Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict children, plus major teen-safety changes like daily usage limits and nighttime blocks; the deal also includes $459.3M tied to privacy lawsuits involving New Mexico and others. Local Government: Albuquerque is preparing letters to residents and businesses along Avenida Cesar Chavez (Yale to 4th) about a proposed name change back to Stadium Boulevard, with a 30-day response window before City Council review. Clean Energy / Jobs: U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich joined Pacific Fusion for the groundbreaking of a planned $1B Albuquerque research and manufacturing campus aimed at producing more power than it uses by 2030. Rural Health: A “clinic-in-a-box” model called OnMed CareStation is gaining traction as states put federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding to work. Election Law: Attorneys general are suing USPS over a rule they say unlawfully inserts the agency into states’ vote-by-mail procedures. Energy Revenue: New Mexico projects $924.2M in “new” money for the next budget year, driven by high oil prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Project Jupiter Data Center Fight: New Mexico’s Supreme Court paused key Project Jupiter permitting steps, and the fight is spilling into Congress as Rep. Gabe Vasquez co-sponsors bills pushing data-center water and energy transparency while opponents warn about impacts on water, air and community health. Local Energy & Infrastructure: A natural gas pipeline tied to the Oracle/OpenAI project—New Mexico’s Green Chile pipeline—has been delayed to at least early 2027 after challenges slowed its fast-track path. AI Data Centers Politics: A national backlash to AI data centers is reshaping midterm politics, uniting rural communities and environmental groups over water, pollution and electricity costs, with New Mexico’s Project Jupiter at the center of that debate. Meta Teen Safety Trial: Meta is in week two of a landmark trial over alleged teen social media harms, with reports of mid-trial settlement talks as states seek sweeping changes and massive penalties. Native Communities: The FBI set a $25,000 minimum reward for dozens of unsolved Indian Country cases, including the Mona Vallo case in New Mexico. State Finances: New Mexico severance tax revenue fell 16.2% in 2024, with severance down to $4.44B from $5.29B the year before. Public Health & Weather: Two unvaccinated measles deaths were reported in Pennsylvania as cases hit a 35-year high, and New Mexico will see a partial lunar eclipse Thursday night.

Fusion Power in Focus: Pacific Fusion broke ground on a $1 billion research and manufacturing campus in Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol, aiming for fusion that produces more energy than it consumes by 2030 and projecting 200+ permanent jobs. Big Tech and Kids: Reuters reports Instagram boss Adam Mosseri is set to testify in a landmark trial over whether Meta designed Instagram and Facebook to addict children, with states seeking up to $200 billion in penalties. Privacy Backlash: Lawmakers are pushing back on AI-powered roadside license plate readers, with Flock Safety drawing fresh scrutiny as the national privacy fight heats up. Colorado River Court Fight: Nevada filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Interior Department’s new Colorado River operating rules that would cut Lower Basin deliveries, setting up another legal battle over water in the drought-stricken West. Wildfire Lessons: A New Mexico wildfire series argues fire is essential to healthy landscapes, pointing to Vermejo Reserve’s work to fight fires while restoring natural fire cycles. Local Economy/Trade: The border reopened to Mexican feeder cattle at Douglas, Arizona, as screwworm risk is managed—an issue that could affect beef prices and ranch operations.

Colorado River Fight: Nevada sued the U.S. Interior Department over a new Colorado River operations plan that would force big cutbacks on Arizona, California and Nevada, while leaving mandatory reductions off the table for upstream states including New Mexico—Nevada warns southern Nevada could lose more than 70% of its already limited allocation. Project Jupiter Fallout: New Mexico’s Supreme Court dealt setbacks to the Project Jupiter data center, pausing parts of the air permit process and stepping aside a hearing officer, as lawmakers including Rep. Melanie Stansbury press for a clear accounting of the water sources behind the project. Wildfire Disruption: The Hawk Fire outside Reno kept evacuation orders in place and threatened more homes, with knock-on effects reaching mail and deliveries. Screwworm & Cattle Imports: The U.S. reopened an Arizona border crossing for limited Mexican cattle imports after screwworm controls, easing pressure on ranchers while keeping strict inspection rules. Local Public Safety: Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said he’s ending his department’s relationship with Flock Safety after losing trust in the license-plate reader company. Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has sickened hundreds, including cases reported in New Mexico.

Project Jupiter Fight: The New Mexico Supreme Court paused parts of the Project Jupiter data center case, stopping a Sept. 14 air permit hearing and ordering the state engineer to halt a specific well’s water use while justices review challenges. Colorado River Fallout: Nevada sued the federal government over Colorado River cutbacks, arguing the plan unlawfully shifts the burden to Lower Basin states while New Mexico is not required to contribute. Border, Beef, and Screwworm: The U.S. reopened an Arizona cattle port to Mexico after a screwworm shutdown, aiming to ease record beef prices, though economists say grocery impacts may lag. Meta in Court: A multi-state trial opened seeking to force changes to Instagram/Facebook features tied to youth addiction claims, with states asking for major penalties. NM Cannabis Tech Glitch: New Mexico’s seed-to-sale inventory system will go dark for six days starting Aug. 25, limiting product movement during the transition. Energy and Growth: Exxon says it will expand automated drilling in the Permian to boost output, while a separate report warns AI data centers could rapidly drive up electricity demand.

Colorado River Plan: The federal government unveiled a new 10-year Colorado River operating plan that would cut water use for California (10%), Nevada (16%), and Arizona (27%), while New Mexico and other Upper Basin states face no set cuts—a major shift as Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record lows. Border Livestock: The U.S. is moving to partially reopen the border for Mexican cattle starting Aug. 24 at the Douglas, Arizona port, even after a screwworm case was confirmed in Sonora, with other New Mexico ports like Santa Teresa and Columbus under review. New Mexico Jobs: New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 4.8% in July, unchanged from June, according to state labor data. Beef Prices Watch: Tyson is closing three beef processing plants as the U.S. cattle herd hits a 75-year low, raising concerns about higher beef costs. Local Sports/Community: Albuquerque’s boxing scene is set to grow, with two new promotional companies seeking NMAC approval and more events on the way. Tech + Kids Trial: A landmark wave of lawsuits continues against social media giants over claims their platforms are designed to hook children.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The federal government finalized the 2027-2028 Colorado River operating rules, with New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming spared mandatory cuts while Arizona, California and Nevada face major reductions as Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record lows. Border Livestock Update: The U.S. is set to resume Mexican cattle imports after a yearlong screwworm ban, starting at the Douglas, Arizona crossing, with restrictions aimed at keeping the parasite from spreading—an issue that has already shown up in Texas and New Mexico. Local Economy & Water Stress: Elephant Butte Reservoir is down to about 1.4% capacity, leaving businesses scrambling for a lifeline. Child Actor Safety Push: Melissa Gilbert renewed calls for stronger protections for child performers after the deaths of Hayden Panettiere, Daveigh Chase and Michelle Trachtenberg, arguing the industry is failing young stars as they grow up. Tech, Power & Uranium: A drive for expanded nuclear power is boosting the uranium industry, while raising health and environmental concerns for the Ute Mountain Utes near the White Mesa uranium mill. New Mexico Broadband: The state’s broadband office says it’s gone beyond wiring homes—pushing affordability programs after federal discounts expired. Cannabis Industry Disruption: New Mexico cannabis businesses are bracing for a six-day inventory system blackout starting Aug. 25 as the state switches to a new seed-to-sale platform. UNM/Highlands University Watch: New Mexico Highlands University students say classes are continuing amid administrative turmoil and cost cuts tied to safety and oversight concerns. Arts & Culture: A major Indigenous art exhibition is drawing attention, with New Mexico’s Tia Collection playing a key role in loans and support.

Colorado River Fallout: Federal officials finalized new Colorado River operating rules, ordering major cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada as reservoirs hit historic lows—Arizona takes the biggest hit, and the plan only lasts two years, leaving more uncertainty for farms, cities and power. Local Water Crisis: Elephant Butte Reservoir has plunged to about 1.4% capacity, crushing summer tourism and forcing businesses to rethink survival as access to the lake shrinks. NM Cannabis Economy: New Mexico cannabis operators are bracing for a six-day Seed-to-Sale System “blackout” starting Aug. 25, with inventory movement paused and some businesses warning of major revenue losses and layoffs. Border Livestock Update: Mexico is resuming cattle sales to the U.S. under tight controls after a screwworm risk shutdown, with shipments starting at the Douglas, Arizona crossing. Public Safety & Courts: A New Mexico lawmaker’s Chicago hotel incident is under scrutiny after a report described a late-night disturbance involving a naked suspect and door-banging. Tech & Kids: Prince Harry and Meghan renewed criticism of Meta, backing a federal case by 29 states alleging social media design choices harm children. Community Notes: Flying Roadrunner Bakery opened a new North Valley location, drawing neighbors to celebrate the move. Earthquake: A magnitude 4.1 quake struck near San Mateo with light shaking reported and no damage.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The federal government finalized a new 2027–2028 Colorado River plan, ordering California, Nevada and Arizona to cut a combined 1.25 million acre-feet a year as Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record lows, with Arizona taking the biggest share. Privacy & Civil Liberties: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive personal data for more than 17 million commercial drivers, pausing related funding actions while states challenge the demand. New Mexico Health Policy: New Mexico will keep funding gender-affirming care for minors with state dollars after a final federal Medicaid rule bars using federal funds for that coverage. Tech, Power & Local Impact: A New Mexico opinion piece argues the state should consider a moratorium on new data center construction, citing limited water and infrastructure strain. Meta Trial Watch: Harry and Meghan backed a multistate lawsuit accusing Meta of unsafe design for children, as the case continues to spotlight “hook, hold, harvest, hide” claims. Public Lands Grazing: A proposed overhaul of federal grazing rules would expand livestock grazing on 155 million acres while limiting public participation in permit decisions. Local Education Governance: New Mexico charter school funding and a proposed legislative pay amendment both drew fresh debate on how the state funds and staffs schools and lawmakers. Border & Agriculture: Mexico resumed livestock sales to the U.S. under tight screwworm controls after a long ban, with restrictions aimed at preventing the parasite’s spread.

Colorado River Cuts: The federal government finalized a two-year plan forcing major reductions for Arizona, California and Nevada in 2027-2028, while upper-basin states including New Mexico face no mandatory cuts for now—setting up fresh pressure as Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record lows. Privacy vs. Federal Data: A judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive records for more than 17 million commercial drivers, after state attorneys general challenged the demand. Health Care Funding: New Mexico says it will keep funding gender-affirming care for minors using state money after a federal rule ends Medicaid coverage for those services. Local Governance: Albuquerque’s Landmarks Commission ordered Old Town Portal Market doors removed after ruling the changes harmed the historic area’s character. Immigration Court Fight: An attorney is challenging ICE detention of a Santa Fe father, arguing the agency’s “extensive criminal history” claims don’t match dismissed charges. Surveillance Debate: Taos residents are pushing back against Flock license-plate reader cameras as part of a national “DeFlock” effort. Education Policy: New Mexico universities are reviewing a Trump administration letter urging public commitments on admissions, free speech and academic rigor.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The Trump administration released a near-term plan that orders major cutbacks for California, Arizona and Nevada as Lake Mead and Lake Powell keep dropping, with deeper mandatory reductions possible if reservoirs fall further. Federal Land Management: The U.S. Forest Service is moving to rescind the 2001 “roadless rule,” a change that environmentalists say could worsen wildfire risk and limit protections on national forest lands. Meta Youth Safety Trial: A landmark federal case in California is underway as 29 states argue Meta’s Facebook and Instagram designs violated children’s privacy rules and pushed “addictive” features; the fight could reshape how platforms are built. Immigration in Santa Fe: Relatives and officials criticized ICE arrests near medical appointments in Santa Fe, with advocates saying there were multiple detentions tied to clinic visits. New Mexico Politics: A District 23 candidate, Elise Taylor, ended her 2026 campaign amid accusations of negative tactics, while her opponent denied the claims. Local Economy & Housing: Stansbury highlighted housing and community engagement in recent posts as Albuquerque-area projects and funding continue to move. Food Safety: A roundup of recent recalls warns consumers about jalapeños, guacamole and salsa tied to salmonella, plus other products with lingering “best if used by” dates.