AGP Executive Report

Uranium Policy: New Mexico’s land commissioner issued an executive order banning new uranium leasing on state trust lands, directing the state to focus on cleaning up legacy contamination instead of expanding mining. Election Law: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a rule requiring candidates to file 90 days before the general election, blocking late ballot replacement efforts. Voting Access: A coalition led by New Mexico’s attorney general won a preliminary injunction stopping USPS from forcing states to get federal approval for mail-ballot designs and other changes ahead of November. Public Health: Presbyterian Hospital found Legionella in limited areas of its water system, but officials say the risk is low and services continue while remediation proceeds. Cannabis Business: Retailers say a new state “seed to sale” tracking system is malfunctioning, leaving some inventory mislabeled or stuck and costing tens of thousands of dollars. Environment & Water: A planned release briefly restored flowing water in parts of the Rio Grande, offering a rare look at how stored water can temporarily change conditions. Community & Culture: Santa Fe’s Zozobra returned for its 102nd burning, with the torch passed during the Old Man Gloom ritual.

Rio Grande Environmental Flow: More than 650 million gallons of water were released into the Rio Grande to help stressed Bosque cottonwoods, with the surge traveling about 119 miles from Abiquiú Reservoir to just north of Albuquerque’s I-40—researchers are racing to learn how the ecosystem responds before the temporary pulse fades. Project Jupiter Legal Fight: New Mexico’s AG Raul Torrez backed emergency petitions to halt Project Jupiter permits, arguing state agencies sidestepped required procedures; Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury also pressed for scrutiny of the data center’s long-term water use. Ballot Access Ruling: The New Mexico Supreme Court blocked two Democratic replacement candidates from appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot, tightening rules on how late parties can swap nominees. State Politics & Costs: New Mexico health insurance premiums were approved for a roughly 24% increase, adding pressure on household budgets. Community & Culture: Zozobra 2026 details—tickets, discounts for New Mexico residents, and parking—are out ahead of the Sept. 4 burning. Mental Health in Rural West: A Crisis Text Line report finds Mountain West users more likely to mention suicide in crisis chats, pointing to rural barriers like isolation and fewer resources.

Public Health & Livestock: The U.S. Agriculture Department says New World screwworm has been found in 47 cases since June, including one in New Mexico; officials say infestations are treatable if caught early and urge close animal checks and fast reporting. State Politics & Energy: New Mexico’s attorney general is backing petitions challenging Project Jupiter approvals, adding to a growing legal fight over the southern New Mexico data-center project. Health Care Costs: New Mexico health insurance premiums could rise sharply, with officials approving a 24% increase for BeWell plans and warnings that costs may climb further. Medicaid Coverage: Federal changes tied to Medicaid work requirements could leave about 89,000 New Mexicans without coverage starting Jan. 1. Economy & Industry: Curia Global opened an expanded Albuquerque campus after a $200 million investment to boost domestic manufacturing of critical injectable medicines.

Local Justice: Zachary Babitz was sentenced to life plus 26 years for the 2024 carjacking shooting death of 83-year-old Gordon Wilson in the Santa Fe Best Buy parking lot, after pleading guilty to 13 federal counts. Water & Drought: Taos approved Phase 3 municipal water restrictions amid severe drought and strain on the town’s system, with limits applying to residential and commercial customers. State Politics: EMILYs List endorsed Stephanie Garcia Richard for New Mexico lieutenant governor, alongside candidates in Michigan and Wisconsin, framing the races as key to Democratic power in 2026. Data Centers & Water: New Mexico DOJ backed emergency petitions tied to Project Jupiter’s water approvals, arguing agencies cut corners on required notice and hearings. Public Health: New Mexico’s Medicaid work requirements could affect tens of thousands, as officials brief the public on upcoming changes. Sports: Navarro College opens conference play with New Mexico Military Institute visiting Sept. 5; Central Michigan hosts New Mexico Saturday night. Community & Culture: Hatch Chile Festival runs Sept. 5-6, drawing about 30,000 for roasting, music, parade events, and contests.

Water Watch: Elephant Butte Reservoir has plunged to about 1.4% full, exposing debris and underscoring how drought and early snowmelt are squeezing Rio Grande supplies. Public Safety: Federal agents and local partners arrested 10 high-priority suspects in Rio Arriba County in “Operation Tempest,” seizing guns, ammo, and drugs. Courts & Privacy: New Mexico is set to face Facebook again in Santa Fe as jury selection begins in a state privacy case tied to the Cambridge Analytica fallout. Local Justice: Bernalillo County deputies arrested a man who drove to the sheriff’s office with Flock cameras in his truck, after he’d posted videos claiming he was “returning” the devices. Child Welfare: Prosecutors say a father accused of leaving twin toddlers in a hot car gave them melatonin; a judge released him with no-contact conditions. Politics: The New Mexico Forward Party will appeal after a federal judge denied its request to ease ballot access rules. Weather: Monsoon storms and flash-flood risk are back for parts of New Mexico into the weekend.

Ballot Access Fight: A federal judge denied the New Mexico Forward Party’s bid to block enforcement of the state’s minor-party ballot access rules, saying parts of the case may be moot as candidates have already filed. Education & Privacy: Lawmakers are raising alarms about Amira AI in New Mexico public schools after districts opt out, citing concerns over voice recording, data storage, and whether parents were adequately informed. Water Watch: The Rio Grande in Albuquerque hit historic dryness, with a one-time release of 615 million gallons expected to reach the city this week to aid vegetation and provide drought data. Workforce Training: New Mexico launched Workforce Pell applications for colleges seeking approval to offer short-term career programs, aiming to expand federal aid for high-demand fields. Local Economy: Curia is expanding in Albuquerque with a new $200 million high-speed vial filling line, adding 250+ jobs. Community & Culture: The New Mexico State Fair announced food contest lineups, and Meow Wolf Night returns to New Mexico United’s match Sept. 26.

Project Jupiter: New Mexico’s Supreme Court denied Project Jupiter developers’ bid to partially lift a stay on an air-quality permit process for a major data-center campus near Santa Teresa, keeping the Sept. 14 hearing paused while disputes continue over power and pipeline access. Medicaid: The state is preparing to mail notices to more than 230,000 Medicaid recipients about new federal work or activity rules, with exemptions for Native Americans and people with complex medical conditions. Housing: A coalition called “Housing Abundance!” says New Mexico needs at least 58,000 more homes and is pushing a policy framework aimed at cutting barriers, boosting affordability programs, and encouraging rural development. Social media and teens: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion in a multistate settlement over alleged harmful design features for children and teens, while New Mexico is not part of the deal. Public safety: Santa Fe reported rising bear encounters tied to drought and wildfires, including a bear spotted in Fort Marcy Park.

Rio Grande Water Return: Albuquerque is set to get millions of gallons back into the Rio Grande this week after a release from Abiquiu Reservoir, with officials saying the flow will help measure river-and-groundwater impacts during unprecedented drought. Data Center Water Pressure: A researcher told state lawmakers New Mexico’s data center water use could jump dramatically as more facilities come online, warning that developers’ limited transparency makes planning hard. Education Priorities: Albuquerque Public Schools laid out goals for 2026-27, focusing on career readiness, reading at grade level, chronic absenteeism, enrollment decline, and safety. Recovery Month: New Mexico will hold more than 30 Recovery Awareness Month events across 20 counties in September, highlighting overdose prevention and expanded crisis and treatment services. Sports & Local Impact: New Mexico Racing Commission license-transfer plans were blocked by judges, keeping horse racing in San Juan County for now; and UNM football faces a major quarterback setback as Jack Layne misses 2026. Health Policy: New Mexico also faces Medicaid work-requirement changes that could reduce coverage for tens of thousands of residents.

Medicaid Shake-Up: New Mexico Health Care Authority says nearly 230,000 Medicaid enrollees will get notices this week about new rules taking effect in January, and the state is budgeting about $1.7 million for billboards, TV, radio, and Spanish/English outreach through June 2027. Fentanyl Probe: A U.S. House Oversight investigation is asking for records tied to claims that DEA agents in New Mexico let large fentanyl shipments “walk” during wiretap cases, narrowing the request to the Biden years. Water Worries in Las Vegas: Residents report fishy, earthy, and unusual tap-water odors for weeks; city officials say monitoring shows the water is safe and blame odor changes on chlorine reactions tied to elevated temperatures, plus system flushing. Wildlife at the Door: Drought and record heat are pushing hungry bears into towns across the West, with reports of bears near Santa Fe and other New Mexico sightings. Economic Development: New Mexico opened applications for technology grants that match outside investment, including at least $1 million in state funds for companies and research institutions. Local Courts: A judge temporarily blocked the New Mexico Racing Commission from transferring a “racino” license, keeping live horse racing in San Juan County for now. Sports: UNM opens its 2026 season Saturday vs. Central Michigan, with coach Jason Eck saying multiple quarterbacks will be used.

Federal fentanyl probe: U.S. House Oversight leaders opened an investigation into claims the DEA let large fentanyl shipments reach New Mexico under a “monitor but don’t seize” approach, seeking records from Attorney General Todd Blanche after whistleblower allegations and a state AG records lawsuit. Medicaid shake-up: New Mexico will mail notices to more than 200,000 recipients about new federal work/activity rules starting Oct. 1 for some and Jan. 1 for others, with more frequent renewals and an 80-hours-per-month requirement plus exemptions. Road safety enforcement: New Mexico State Police announced statewide September DWI checkpoints and saturation patrols in all 33 counties, urging a safe ride home. Traffic tech that works: An AP report highlights Albuquerque’s “rest in red” system on Lead and Coal avenues, using speed sensors to reward drivers at or below the limit with fewer red lights and fewer crashes. Local courts and crime: A Bernalillo County jury convicted a man in the 2023 murder of a northeast Albuquerque resident, with prosecutors saying the case involved a fatal beating and a robbery. Community & culture: Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema marked 60 years on Route 66, and the Isotopes’ late-season homestand features Women in Sports Night, ASL Night, fireworks, and giveaways.

New Mexico Courts & Permits: New Mexico Supreme Court paused key permitting steps for Project Jupiter, but construction activity at the Santa Teresa-area site is continuing as workers move forward despite the legal hold. Public Safety: A man in Albuquerque was charged after an argument over green enchiladas allegedly escalated into a shooting that killed his cousin. Wildlife & Community Impact: Hungry bears are entering homes and neighborhoods across the U.S. West at record pace, with New Mexico sightings noted as drought shrinks natural food. Tech & Policy: Meta’s $18B settlement with state attorneys general includes major changes to how its platforms are designed for minors, after years of legal pressure. Local Culture & Tourism: Las Vegas restaurants earned 24 honors in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Southwest, with New Mexico chefs and restaurateurs among the region celebrated. Weather Watch: Higher flood risk is possible Monday in parts of New Mexico, with showers and storms expected to favor western and central areas.

New Mexico Medical Psilocybin: The state has opened medical psilocybin producer permit applications, moving the program from planning to “operationalized” reality for patients with qualifying conditions. Colorado River Fight: Nevada sued the Trump administration over proposed Colorado River water cuts, arguing Lower Basin states could face steep reductions while Upper Basin states like New Mexico are not required to give up water. Local Water Uncertainty: In the Southwest, communities dependent on the river are bracing for a “meteor” of uncertainty as federal rules move from talks to court and farmers weigh what to plant. Medicaid Dollars, Local by Local: New data show Medicaid spending shifts across New Mexico communities, including big jumps in categories like dental services in Sunland Park and pathology/lab services in Las Cruces. Public Safety: New Mexico State Police charged a man in Santa Rosa after a fatal, unprovoked dog attack. Sports: Florida State opened its season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State, while New Mexico United’s unbeaten run ended with a 2-1 loss to San Antonio.

Local Land Use: Santa Fe County commissioners are weighing a purchase of a 22-acre private parcel in Rio en Medio to ease a long-running parking fight at the Rio en Medio Trail, after the trail’s access has been repeatedly disrupted by fire and flooding and residents say narrow roadside parking blocks homes and emergency access. Public Safety & Health: A New Mexico Ethics Commission complaint alleges Rep. Joseph Hernandez’s campaign spending includes questionable items like cash withdrawals and gift cards tied to unidentified people, prompting calls for an immediate investigation. Wildfire Response: The Frijoles Fire is at 59% containment after burning 15,339 acres in the Pecos Wilderness, with crews focusing on hot spots and protecting watersheds and acequias; several nearby areas remain in set or ready status. Education & Accountability: In Hobbs, a student who reported being raped says school staff and police didn’t believe her, describing how she was placed in on-campus suspension after the allegation. Sports: Florida State opened its season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State, with Ashton Daniels throwing for 202 yards and a TD and Ousmane Kromah running for 115 yards and a score. Weather: Sunday stays hot with scattered storms possible across central New Mexico, with flash flooding a risk.

College Football (Week 0): Florida State opens its season Saturday against New Mexico State in Tallahassee, with the Seminoles heavily favored as the Aggies look for their first points in the series after a 36-0 loss in 1964. Local Politics: New Mexico State University’s Domenici Public Policy Conference gave Sen. Ben Ray Luján a top solo keynote slot while not inviting his Republican challenger, prompting a “viewpoint discrimination” complaint from the campaign. Water & Drought: Cities and farmers across the Colorado River basin are bracing for new federal cuts, with uncertainty spreading from the Southwest to tribal nations and Mexico. Wildfire Preparedness: Sierra County says it has avoided outbreaks so far and will keep local fire restrictions in place until state rules change. Energy (Permian): EON Resources announced a 92-well drilling program in New Mexico’s Permian, aiming to boost output in the San Andres interval. Public Safety/Animals: A Clovis puppy left on an ant hill is recovering after urgent veterinary care, highlighting limited local rescue options. Community & Services: Chick-fil-A will close its UNM campus location at the end of the 2026–27 school year.

Public Safety: New Mexico Department of Wildlife says bear sightings are rising as seasonal food sources run low, and urges homeowners to remove fallen fruit, keep woodpiles and compost away from houses, secure garbage, and never feed or approach bears. Legal & Accountability: Attorney General Raúl Torrez says his lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Justice—seeking DEA fentanyl records and unredacted Epstein files—will “create friction,” but he argues it’s necessary for public safety and accountability. Immigration & College Costs: The Justice Department sued Washington and three other states over in-state tuition and financial aid for students without legal status, arguing it unlawfully favors noncitizens over U.S. citizens. Local Government/Infrastructure: Los Alamos County says New Mexico Gas Company will vent natural gas Sept. 1 after pipeline testing, with loud noises and the mercaptan odor; officials warn commuters to use caution near the NM 502/NM 30 area. Culture: Zozobra was named an official NM Spirit event for the America’s 250th anniversary, with Old Man Gloom burning Sept. 4 at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe. Sports: New Mexico football opens with “multiple quarterbacks” after QB Jack Layne is out for the season, and New Mexico United beat Lexington SC 2-1.

Meta Settlement & Teen Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a landmark teen social media settlement and adopt new limits on Facebook/Instagram use, including a two-hour daily cap and overnight restrictions for teens. Local Courts & Guns: A federal judge blocked New Mexico’s 7-day waiting period for gun purchases, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office says an appeal is likely. Border Security: The U.S. military used a high-energy laser to shoot down “cartel-linked” drones on the southern border, with more laser deployments planned by 2026. Public Health: New Mexico Department of Health offices will close for Labor Day Sept. 7, with the helpline still available. Education & Workforce: CNM and Rio Rancho Public Schools opened a Transportation Systems Technology Center to expand dual-credit training for transportation careers. Economy & Jobs: A report says Sandia Science & Technology Park has generated billions in wages, jobs, and consumer spending since 1998. Santa Fe Dining: Bon Appétit named Leo’s in Santa Fe among the nation’s best new restaurants. Sports: A rare 43-43 high school football tie in Albuquerque came after lightning delays.