AGP Executive Report

New World Screwworm: USDA confirmed the parasite in a dog in Lea County, New Mexico, as Texas detections expanded to a goat and calves, prompting new animal movement rules and heightened vigilance for ranchers and pet owners. Livestock & trade: Officials say the outbreak is an animal welfare threat, not a food-safety one, but it’s already reshaping cattle markets and triggering Mexico to halt most U.S. live-animal imports. Courtroom win for wildlife management: New Mexico’s Court of Appeals upheld the state’s elk management authority, rejecting Catron County landowners’ claims that elk damage amounted to an unconstitutional taking. Child well-being: A national KIDS COUNT report found child well-being declined across many states since 2019, with New Mexico ranking near the bottom for education and overall child well-being. Energy & jobs: An oil-patch update noted New Mexico’s rig count dipped while jet fuel output hit record highs, reflecting refinery shifts and stronger demand.

Livestock Health Alert: The New World screwworm is spreading, with USDA confirming three more Texas cases and a New Mexico dog case tied to Lea County—prompting “Inspect, Report, and Protect” guidance and expanded outreach as officials warn the situation could worsen. State Environment: New Mexico has started rulemaking to create a state-run surface water pollution permitting program after federal Clean Water Act protections were narrowed, aiming to keep safeguards for rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands. Transportation Funding: New Mexico DOT is rolling out major road projects after securing $1.5 billion in bonding authority, including bridge and highway replacements in Doña Ana, Socorro, McKinley and Santa Fe-area corridors. Energy & Jobs: Devon Energy forecasts 2026 production of 1.38 million boepd after its Coterra acquisition, with a major Permian focus that includes recent undeveloped land purchases in New Mexico. Local Military: NRC Albuquerque held a change of command at Kirtland Air Force Base, welcoming a new commanding officer for the Navy Reserve outpost. Weather: Southeast Colorado is under thunderstorm and dust storm warnings, with strong winds and hail reported.

Screwworm Alert: USDA confirmed more New World screwworm cases, including a dog in Lea County, New Mexico, as Texas and federal officials ramp up surveillance and sterile-fly releases to stop the flesh-eating parasite from spreading. Local Health & Safety: Experts say pets and people can be affected through open wounds, urging New Mexico owners to monitor injuries and seek veterinary care fast. Water Talks: Colorado River negotiators made a rare public appearance, but the seven-state plan still isn’t in place as a mid-summer federal deadline looms. Public Health Research: UNM researchers are developing a better way to detect self-harm history in veterans’ records, aiming to help clinicians focus on care sooner. State Innovation: New Mexico launched a Technology and Innovation Network Advisory Board to guide more than $200 million in planned investments. Economy Watch: A new BLS snapshot shows Tennessee among the lowest hourly earners, with New Mexico also near the bottom.

New World screwworm in New Mexico: The USDA confirmed the first New Mexico case of the flesh-eating parasite in a dog from Lea County, after earlier detections in Texas. Officials say the Lea County infection is believed isolated, but they’re investigating the animal’s travel and exposure history and ramping up surveillance and outreach. State courts: New Mexico’s Supreme Court rejected an ACLU emergency bid to block Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s policy placing drug-exposed newborns in protective custody, saying the directive has already moved more than 130 infants into foster care or other safe placements. Public health recall: Target is recalling specific Up&Up fragrance-free and cucumber-scented baby wipes after complaints of discoloration and irritation, with FDA testing pointing to potentially dangerous bacteria. Local sports: New Mexico United beat Phoenix Rising 4-0 at home in USL Cup play, with goals from Niall Reid-Stephen, Ousman Jabang, Valentin Noël, and more. Business & community: Golf Envy opened its first New Mexico indoor golf location in Albuquerque.

Child Well-Being: A new Kids Count Data Book update says New Mexico is making slow but steady progress on child poverty and health, with the child poverty rate down to 22%—its lowest in at least 16 years—though education indicators still slipped after COVID. Water & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared a Rio Grande settlement that requires southern New Mexico to cut groundwater pumping, with researchers warning the river’s overuse threatens water security across the basin. State Politics & Education: New Mexico Highlands University’s board dismissed President Neil Woolf about a month after he was placed on paid leave, following a lawsuit tied to a campus construction contract dispute. Public Safety & Health: Bernalillo County hired Dr. Rebecca Fastle as chief medical officer for the Metropolitan Detention Center and juvenile detention, calling healthcare leadership a top priority. Local Justice: A New Mexico woman was sentenced to 18 years for her husband’s murder after pleading guilty in a case that began as a missing-person investigation. Community & Culture: Luna Community College is reviving its 17th Annual Car Show on June 13, with free admission and proceeds supporting student scholarships.

Public Safety: A motorcycle crash on Montana’s MT-64 near Big Sky killed a Las Cruces man, with investigators still unsure whether speed, drugs or alcohol played a role. Power & Infrastructure: A major crash in Lewisville, Texas brought down power lines, leaving at least one person hurt and setting up possible outages lasting up to 10 hours. New Mexico Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a Farmington sex-crime conviction, ruling the defendant’s absence during jury questions didn’t change the outcome. State Politics & Health: A New Mexico opinion argues the medical malpractice debate misses the real problem—system pressures like delayed transfers and staffing gaps. Energy & Environment: U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren launched a public lands push to block new oil and gas drilling on federal lands, promising a first-day moratorium. Local Community: UNM named Janette Kim director of its Design and Planning Assistance Center. Culture & Community: Santa Fe and Albuquerque joined a City Nature Challenge bioblitz, with house finches topping sightings in all three participating areas. Sports & Local Interest: UNM and Albuquerque are bidding to host NCAA Tournament preliminary-round games in the Pit. Remembering Service: Northeast and East New Mexico Vietnam War service members were honored in observances ending June 13.

Water & Wildfire Readiness: New Mexico is facing a dangerous, dry wildfire season as low snowpack and collapsing river flows strain the Rio Grande, and critics say state leaders are still backing high-demand projects like data centers and industrial expansion. Health Care Access: Even with legal protections, transgender New Mexicans say gender-affirming care can be hard to access due to provider shortages and long specialist waits, pushing some toward out-of-state travel or DIY hormones. State Courts & Rights: The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled on a defendant’s right to be present when a trial court responds to jury questions. Public Safety: Santa Fe police say a man killed his wife before turning the gun on himself, and the investigation remains active. Local Governance: The NMAA board voted to move toward a “one-time” transfer rule for high school athletes, with schools voting by June 19. Business Climate: An opinion column argues New Mexico can’t afford an unfriendly business climate, pointing to the attorney general’s Meta lawsuit as a deterrent to investment. Arts & Culture: Emily Seyl’s “Trinity” review highlights a photographic, document-based account of the first atomic test from New Mexico’s Los Alamos region. Consumer Scam Alert: Authorities warn scammers are using fake recall texts to steal passwords and money.

High Court Water Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a Rio Grande Compact settlement, requiring New Mexico to better manage groundwater pumping so Texas gets its delivery obligations. Public Safety: Cuba police arrested Carlos Sanjurjo, 66, after reports he pointed firearms and fired shots into the air; he was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon and resisting officers. Livestock Health Watch: Federal officials confirmed New World screwworm in Texas calves, prompting Navajo Nation agriculture leaders to review their emergency response plan as the threat could move north. Local Sports Governance: The New Mexico Activities Association board voted to advance a “one-time” transfer eligibility rule for student-athletes, sending it to a June 19 referendum by member schools. Health & Courts: A jury awarded Nichelle Nichols’ estate $13 million in a wrongful-death case against Gila Regional Medical Center, though the hospital’s share is capped at $400,000 under state law. Community & Culture: Santa Fe honored J.B. White’s legacy with an inaugural 3v3 tournament during Wear Orange weekend, supporting youth scholarships and anti-gun-violence awareness.

Gila Cattle Fight: A federal appeals court dismissed the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ lawsuit over aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the cows are mostly gone and the Forest Service is now focused on capturing stragglers. Water Relief: The USDA is offering up to $1 million to Mora and San Miguel counties for repairs or treatment after 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire flooding contaminated private wells. Rural Health Funding: New Mexico’s Health Care Authority announced $76.2 million in federal Healthy Horizons money to expand specialty, maternal, behavioral health and chronic care in rural and Tribal communities. SNAP Legal Setback: A federal judge blocked Trump administration SNAP funding restrictions, pausing new conditions while a lawsuit proceeds. Food Benefits Restart: SUN Bucks summer grocery benefits will reach about 293,000 children starting June 15 after a federal delay. Public Safety: U.S. District Court warned of scam texts claiming “traffic citations” and threatening arrest if recipients don’t click a link. Healthcare Watch: UNM researchers found self-harm history is often missing from diagnosis codes, meaning systems may underestimate mental health needs. Local Housing Enforcement: Albuquerque City Council moved to tighten rental habitability enforcement, with fines for repeat violations.

Local Community Funding: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández helped the El Valle Community Center and Library in Villanueva celebrate $562,500 in federal Community Project Funding, with renovations planned including roof work, accessibility upgrades, insulation, windows, and infrastructure repairs. Public Lands & Politics: U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act to stop lawmakers from tucking public-land selloffs into unrelated budget bills, requiring full Senate consideration. Colorado River: With states still deadlocked, the federal Bureau of Reclamation says it will impose a 10-year Colorado River operating framework by summer’s end, but Colorado and Nevada negotiators warn it could need major changes. New Mexico Elections: New Mexico’s primary is over pending canvassing and possible recounts, with turnout at 24.6% and about 37,000 independents casting ballots. Safety & Health: Three people were hospitalized after a small plane crash at the Doña Ana County International Jetport, and New Mexico’s credit unions are urging fraud vigilance as scam reports rise statewide.

New Mexico policy and courts: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, arguing the prediction-market platform is unlawfully offering online sports betting in the state. Public health and safety: New World screwworm was confirmed in a calf in South Texas, prompting New Mexico officials to urge vigilance and reporting, even though the pest has not been detected in New Mexico. State spending for kids: New Mexico announced $4.5 million for outdoor youth programs after demand for the Outdoor Equity Fund topped available funding by more than 90% last year. Local government and infrastructure: Los Alamos County is resuming installation of fast EV chargers at Mesa Public Library, with a June 8 reopening and paving work through June 30. Education and community: UNM Army ROTC commissioned nine new officers during a spring ceremony, expanding the pipeline into the Army and Army National Guard. Sports: The NMAA board approved a revamped eligibility bylaw, including a “one free transfer” rule, with schools voting on whether it takes effect for 2026-27.

New Mexico Politics: Deb Haaland secured the Democratic nomination for governor, campaigning from San Felipe Pueblo and setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull. Gaming & Consumer Protection: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi, alleging the platform is evading state sports-betting laws and undermining regulated gaming compacts. Courts & Public Safety: A Colorado appeals court ordered a retrial for paramedics convicted in the Elijah McClain case, citing jury-instruction errors. Wildlife & Land Use: A federal appeals court dismissed a New Mexico Cattle Growers’ challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the practice is unlikely to resume. Health & Agriculture: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, prompting renewed concern for livestock and food production. Environment & Wilderness: Environmental groups filed a lawsuit challenging federal predator-control tactics in wilderness areas across the Mountain West. Local Life: Santa Fe Animal Shelter highlights its “no-kill” approach and adoption matching as it takes in thousands of pets each year.

Local Politics & Water: Colfax County commissioners are weighing how data centers could drive long-term water demand, warning that “closed-loop” cooling claims may not tell the full story. Public Safety: Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias, missing since June 2025, was found dead in Carson National Forest; reports say her remains were skeletonized with a gunshot wound to the skull, renewing questions about how the case was handled. Statewide Health & Climate: A new USDA emergency drought declaration makes farmers in Colfax and two nearby counties eligible for disaster loans to cover losses and operating costs. Community Response to Heat: Food Not Bombs Roswell opened a cooling center at Westminster Presbyterian Church, offering air-conditioned relief, showers, meals, and referrals through Aug. 31. Everyday Survival Tips: A local guide urges New Mexicans to stay ahead of dehydration in hot, dry weather by watching for warning signs like dark urine and dizziness.

New Mexico Politics: The state’s truth commission is moving from talk to subpoenas, approving a slate of 14 requests aimed at private, state and federal institutions tied to the Epstein files, including the governor’s office, State Land Office, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, and major financial institutions. Education & Student Aid: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a rule that would narrow access to federal student loans for many professional degree programs—an issue that could ripple into New Mexico’s workforce pipeline. Public Safety & Justice: Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias, missing since June 26, 2025, has been identified from human remains found in Carson National Forest, with authorities noting a gun and a skull gunshot wound while the cause and manner of death remain under review. Community & Outdoors: The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will start its 2026 season June 9 after drought and wildfire risk delayed the original opening date. Health & Aging: A new study warns Social Security recipients in several states could lose more than $500 a month if the system’s trust fund runs out by 2032, with New Mexico among the hardest-hit. Local Funding: Federal USDA money—up to $1 million—has been offered to help Northern New Mexico households affected by post-fire drinking water contamination from the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire.

New Mexico Politics: Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday, taking about 72% of the vote and setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who won his party’s nomination. Election Process: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver called New Mexico’s first semi-open primary a success, citing higher turnout than 2024 and the participation of more than 37,600 independents. Public Health: New Mexico’s smoking rate is down, but health officials warn vaping is rising, especially among youth, as the state marks World No Tobacco Day. Missing Person: Authorities are asking the public to help find Brittany Starr Waconda, last seen May 18 in Laguna. Local Governance & Safety: New Mexico State Police plan sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide in June to reduce impaired-driving deaths. Nursing Homes Watch: CMS ratings spotlight a mixed picture across New Mexico, with some facilities scoring 4 stars while others fall to 1–2 stars.

Primary Election Day: New Mexico voters are heading to the polls Tuesday for governor, U.S. Senate, and other statewide races, with Sandoval County officials expecting a turnout record as ballots are processed and checked for voter intent. Rio Grande Water: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a Rio Grande compact settlement involving Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, setting delivery obligations and addressing groundwater pumping tied to the river. Local Energy & Industry: New Mexico Tech has paused a proposed massive data center project in Socorro after community backlash, while Urenco USA announced plans to expand uranium enrichment capacity at its Eunice facility. Politics & Federal Oversight: U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján pressed the Forest Service chief over a pending Canjilon uranium mine permit, calling out discrepancies in a company’s timeline. Public Safety & Health: A new federal investigation reports widespread medical neglect claims by ICE detainees across the U.S., and New Mexico’s primary turnout comes amid broader national election coverage. Community & Culture: Santa Fe-area Archbishop John Charles Wester urged nuclear disarmament efforts, saying there is no such thing as a “just” nuclear war.