AGP Executive Report

DEA fentanyl probe in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the federal government should pay “reparations” after reports that DEA agents let large fentanyl shipments reach New Mexico while building bigger cases, arguing the tactic fueled overdose harm and forced the state to spend more than $1.5 billion on enforcement, treatment and prevention. Wildfire danger and fireworks: With hot, dry conditions and dry lightning in the forecast, officials are warning about severe fire risk across the West and urging caution with Independence Day fireworks. State politics—lieutenant governor fight: New Mexico Sen. Harold James Pope Jr. says he’ll keep campaigning to be Deb Haaland’s running mate even after Haaland endorsed Public Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. Road and weather impacts: New Mexico DOT warned drivers about a damaged stretch of U.S. 64 near Teec Nos Pos, and Albuquerque-area storm chances remain on the radar as conditions stay dry. Local governance: A Southbound 6th Street closure in Albuquerque is underway for New Mexico Gas Company pipeline repairs, expected to last several days.

DEA-Fentanyl Fallout in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says New Mexico could seek “billions” from the federal government after reports the DEA let fentanyl shipments reach the state during an operation aimed at higher-level criminals, arguing the move fueled overdose harm and forced the state to spend more than $1.5 billion on enforcement and treatment. Medicaid Work-Requirement Lawsuits: A coalition of 24 attorneys general, including New Mexico’s, sued to block a Trump administration rule that narrows exemptions for medically vulnerable people under new Medicaid work requirements, warning it could strip coverage and create “harm and chaos.” Wildfire Tragedy on the CO-UT Border: Three firefighters were killed while battling fast-moving blazes near the Colorado-Utah line, deploying emergency shelters as conditions overwhelmed them; officials say extreme heat and dry conditions are driving a dangerous season. Local Governance & Public Safety: A judge ordered former New Mexico GOP treasurer Kimberly Skaggs to remain jailed while she awaits trial in a deadly hit-and-run case. Community & Culture: Parishioners hiked Mount Cristo Rey for a Mass and pilgrimage amid a legal fight over border land tied to the border wall.

Wildfire & fire danger: Red Flag Warnings are up across parts of New Mexico as breezy-to-windy conditions and dry air raise fire risk, with only limited storm chances mainly in the east. Public safety & travel: I-25 is seeing nightly closures at Montgomery Boulevard for bridge demolition, with detours in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Local economy & jobs: “The Boroughs” cancellation is a major hit to New Mexico’s film industry, ending a series that brought hundreds of local vendors and big economic impact. Childcare gap: New Mexico’s adult day-care system is also stretched, with only 31 programs statewide and 19 counties lacking any—an issue as dementia cases rise. Energy & infrastructure: Matador’s San Mateo Midstream has agreed to buy Cardinal Midstream’s operating subsidiaries for $752 million, expanding gas gathering and processing in southeast New Mexico and West Texas. Policy & courts: Michigan AG Dana Nessel won a federal court ruling blocking a Trump executive order aimed at interfering with state election administration.

Literacy & Kids: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library keeps expanding in New Mexico, with local affiliates like Bayard Public Library helping deliver free books to children from birth to age 5, aiming to boost early reading as many fourth graders still struggle. Wildfire Tragedy: Three firefighters were killed and two injured in a burnover while battling the Snyder wildfire along the Utah-Colorado border, as extreme heat, wind, and drought drive fast-moving blazes across the West. New Mexico Weather: Strong winds continue to ease tonight, but breezy conditions linger into Monday, keeping fire danger on residents’ radar. Local Culture & Community: Santa Fe’s 505 Night Market is set to debut this summer with free, family-friendly food, art, and music—plus Los Alamos teens are painting youth-led transformer murals through the Voltage Visions project. State & City Costs: New Mexico vehicle registration fees rise July 1, while Albuquerque adds more speed cameras.

Wildfire tragedy and extreme fire weather: Three firefighters died and two were injured while battling the Knowles and Gore fires on the Colorado-Utah border, as hot, dry, windy conditions keep fueling blazes across the West. The Cottonwood Fire in southwest Utah has burned more than 144 square miles and damaged parts of an area ski resort, with officials warning conditions remain dangerous. Water stress in the Southwest: With drought and record heat drying the Rio Grande earlier than usual, New Mexico advocates are pushing for stronger river protections after the U.S. Supreme Court accepted a New Mexico-Texas groundwater settlement. Local enforcement and homelessness: Santa Fe police charges for illegal camping have spiked in 2026, as homeless residents and service providers say tougher enforcement is making homelessness “illegal.” Cannabis crackdown: New Mexico’s new cannabis enforcement bureau is starting statewide investigations aimed at the black market, with industry groups watching for results. Road work: NMDOT says a US 64/84 rehabilitation project in Tierra Amarilla starts July 8, with lane closures and delays expected for about 10 days.

Wildfire & weather watch: New Mexico is bracing for gusty winds and elevated fire danger this weekend, with forecasts calling for stronger gusts in parts of the state and additional wind advisories. Local fire update: The Enchantment Fire ignited Saturday south of Las Vegas near Ojitos Frios on the Land of Enchantment Ranch, burning about 20 acres with zero containment; homes are within a mile, but no evacuations have been issued yet as multiple local and state crews respond. Fentanyl accountability: New Mexico’s congressional delegation is pressing the DEA for answers about reports that federal agents and prosecutors knowingly allowed fentanyl pills to “walk” into Albuquerque and other communities. Education oversight: New Mexico lawmakers are hearing that despite $2.6 billion spent to add instructional time since the Yazzie/Martinez ruling, schools have “largely failed” to increase actual learning time due to chronic absenteeism and teacher absences. Agriculture & public health: New World screwworm detections remain a concern, with officials reporting a case in Lea County, New Mexico, amid expanded quarantine zones in Texas.

Public Health: New Mexico Department of Health offices and administrative services will close for the Fourth of July, with the helpline still available July 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Animal Health & Agriculture: The New World screwworm has reached Texas and New Mexico, prompting new warnings and entry requirements as officials urge early checks and treatment to protect livestock and pets. Law Enforcement Accountability: New Mexico’s attorney general is pushing for federal oversight after DEA whistleblower claims that agents allowed fentanyl shipments to reach New Mexico streets; the DEA has asked the Justice Department’s watchdog to investigate. State Politics: Deb Haaland’s campaign says it will interview potential lieutenant governor running mates, including New Mexico Public Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard and state Sens. Harold Pope and Leo Jaramillo. Community & Local Government: Roswell reached a settlement allowing Food Not Bombs to resume serving food on Pioneer Plaza without a permit, and the lawsuit was dismissed. Grants: Santa Fe-area and statewide applicants can now apply for the Cultural Properties Restoration Fund, offering up to $500,000 for historic preservation projects.

DEA/Fentanyl Probe: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez opened a criminal investigation after reports that DEA agents monitored major fentanyl shipments into Albuquerque without seizing them, raising questions about whether agents broke state law while pursuing bigger cases. State Courts & Elections: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar announced court wins blocking Trump election executive-order provisions, underscoring the fight over federal vs. state control of voting rules. Public Safety/Health: New Mexico health officials reported a fox in McKinley County tested positive for rabies, prompting pet-vaccination warnings. Wildfire Readiness: McCauley Springs fire updates continued as Santa Fe National Forest moved into Stage II fire restrictions. Local Politics: Deb Haaland endorsed Stephanie Garcia Richard for New Mexico lieutenant governor as Democrats finalize a replacement process. Education: Albuquerque Public Schools opened a survey on student food and transportation ahead of a July listening session.

DEA/Fentanyl Oversight: New Mexico’s congressional delegation is demanding answers after reports that DEA agents allowed large fentanyl shipments to reach the state without seizure, asking for details on arrests, approvals, and whether agents remain in New Mexico. Local Fire Danger: The Santa Fe National Forest is moving to Stage II fire restrictions starting 8 a.m. Friday, banning campfires and charcoal/wood/coal stoves and tightening smoking and other ignition-related activities. Northern NM Fire Restrictions: The Pueblo Parks Group is also putting Bandelier, Fort Union, Pecos, and Valles Caldera into Stage II restrictions, with similar bans on fires and stricter rules for smoking and equipment. Weather: Another round of scattered thunderstorms is expected this afternoon, but drier, hotter conditions are set for the weekend with strong winds and red-flag fire danger. Roads: NMDOT is asking the public to help name new I-25 advanced U-turn lanes tied to Comanche Road and Montgomery Boulevard interchange work. Community/Health: United Family and Sartori Cheese are partnering with Make-A-Wish, with New Mexico proceeds supporting Make-A-Wish New Mexico.

DEA/Fentanyl Accountability: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is pushing for a New Mexico investigation into allegations that the DEA let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach streets in the state from 2023 to 2025, and U.S. House members are launching a federal probe. Public Safety & Courts: A judge ordered a cold-case murder suspect, Charlie Brown Jr., to stay jailed after DNA tied him to a 1983 killing in Albuquerque. Weather: Gusty thunderstorms are moving through central and northern New Mexico, with outflow winds up to 55 mph and a new round possible late Thursday in the northeast. Water Crisis: Lake Powell is at its emptiest level ever for summer, with federal projections warning it could hit “minimum power pool,” threatening hydropower and raising the specter of “dead pool.” Health: A fox in McKinley County tested positive for rabies, the first such case on record there. Legal Help: New Mexico Courts launched a free HelpLine for people handling civil cases without lawyers. Wildlife/Ag: New World screwworm restrictions are tightening as cases expand in Texas and New Mexico. Sports/Local: Charges against country singer Bailey Zimmerman were dropped after restitution in a New Mexico hotel damage case.

Fentanyl Fallout: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen are blasting the DEA after reports that federal agents let large numbers of fentanyl pills reach New Mexico streets, with the governor asking the state AG to investigate possible violations. Animal Health: New World screwworm cases are climbing, with the U.S. total now at 19 and one confirmed in Lea County, New Mexico, as Texas expands quarantines and containment. Youth Mental Health: New Mexico is rolling out a free digital mental wellness platform for Taos County teens, with plans to expand statewide. Road Safety in Heat: NMDOT is urging drivers to check tire pressure and inspect tread and sidewalls as hot pavement and worn tires raise blowout risk. Social Media Lawsuit: Parents of a 12-year-old raped after connecting with an adult via Snapchat have sued Snap in Missouri, alleging app features helped enable the assault. Weather Watch: Storm chances increase this afternoon with a severe threat in parts of the state, followed by a drier weekend and fire-danger concerns.

Renewable Energy: SunZia, a 3.65GW wind project with a 550-mile HVDC line, has gone fully online—aimed at delivering power from New Mexico to Arizona and marking a major milestone after 18 years. Local Weather & Wildfires: The McCauley Springs Fire near Jemez Springs has triggered evacuations and power shutoffs, with crews working to contain a blaze that grew to about 150 acres. Public Safety & Health: New Mexico’s behavioral health overhaul is underway, but some regions are asking for deadline extensions and reporting confusion as plans take shape. Immigration Enforcement: The DOJ expanded its lawsuit over New Mexico immigration laws to include Bernalillo and Doña Ana counties, challenging limits on ICE-related contracting and operations. Courts & Voting: A federal judge permanently blocked key parts of a Trump elections order, including proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. Tech & Kids: A Missouri family sued Snap, alleging Snapchat features helped enable the rape of a 12-year-old, and New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez previously sued Snap over similar claims. Energy Policy & Data Centers: Colorado local governments are moving toward data center moratoriums as electricity costs and pollution concerns mount, while New Mexico and Utah push back on “hyperscale” development.

Heat Outlook: NOAA’s early July 4 guidance points to above-normal, “sticky” warmth across much of the U.S., with monsoon moisture raising odds of pop-up storms in the Southwest and Midwest. New Mexico Weather & Safety: New Mexico is also bracing for continued heat and fire danger this week, with officials urging precautions as conditions stay hot and dry. Screwworm Watch: A New World screwworm outbreak is spreading in the U.S. south and southwest, including confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico, prompting stricter animal movement rules and heightened monitoring for pets and livestock. Fentanyl Accountability: A DEA whistleblower alleges federal officials let more than a million fentanyl pills “walk” onto New Mexico streets during the Biden years, raising fresh questions about enforcement priorities. Local Politics: A recount has been ordered in New Mexico House District 66 after a razor-thin GOP primary margin. UNM Law: Alumni and faculty are renewing pressure on UNM to replace the School of Law dean amid concerns about admissions, faculty retention, and student support.

State Schools: New Mexico Activities Association approved a one-time “free transfer” rule for high school students starting 2026-27, letting them become immediately eligible for varsity sports after transferring, with recruiting and “undue influence” limits still in place. Public Safety: A Las Cruces wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit alleges officers and dispatch mishandled a 911 call from a suicidal Army veteran, including claims officers stayed in vehicles, turned off body cameras, and left without confirming they found him. Health Watch: New Mexico health officials found West Nile Virus-infected mosquitoes in Bernalillo County; no human cases have been reported this year. Weather & Travel: I-40 was shut down near Clines Corner due to wildfires, with diversions and possible power outages reported. Local Politics: The State Canvass Board certified New Mexico’s 2026 primary results and ordered automatic recounts. Justice & Accountability: A New Mexico judge dismissed a Project Jupiter data center lawsuit but allowed the plaintiff to refile. Crime & Culture: Country singer Bailey Zimmerman apologized after felony and misdemeanor charges tied to alleged damage at Sandia Resort & Casino.

DEA Fentanyl Probe: Federal agents allegedly let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach New Mexico from 2023 to 2025 without seizing them, using the “walking” approach to build bigger cases—an accusation the DEA disputes, but it’s reigniting outrage over public safety. Wildfire & Heat: A Heat Advisory and Red Flag fire danger are in play as triple-digit temperatures bake much of New Mexico, while the Deer Canyon fire in Torrance County has triggered evacuations as smoke pushes toward homes. Court Appointment: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed veteran attorney Dylan O’Reilly to a new First Judicial District Court seat covering Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties, with him taking the bench July 4. Democratic Ticket Shake-Up: With Maggie Toulouse Oliver stepping aside for health reasons, Democrats are still at least a month away from selecting a lieutenant governor replacement for Deb Haaland’s ticket. Local Civic Input: Southern New Mexico national forests are seeking residents for a Resource Advisory Committee to help guide federal funding for projects on public lands. Sports & Community: Los Alamos High School graduate Catherine Price won a statewide art honor for “Thrill,” and the New Mexico sophomore golfer Ava Cepeda earned medalist honors at the Manoa Cup.

Public Safety & Courts: The U.S. DEA allowed “staggering amounts” of fentanyl pills to reach New Mexico streets from 2023 to 2025, according to AP reporting that cites DEA agents and records—agents say they monitored shipments but often didn’t seize them. Criminal Justice: New Mexico’s chief public defender warned lawmakers his understaffed office could reach a point where it can’t take new cases, citing a 21%+ vacancy rate and rural areas with little to no coverage. Health & Agriculture: New World screwworm remains a growing threat: USDA confirmed additional cases in Texas, while officials keep pushing inspections and rapid response steps to stop spread toward New Mexico. Local Governance & Community: Tempe, Arizona is testing wastewater drug monitoring, and New Mexico communities are also using similar approaches to flag illicit drug activity earlier. Sports & Schools: The New Mexico Activities Association approved a one-time high school transfer rule for 2026-27, with recruiting violations tied to fines. Culture & Economy: Santa Fe is hosting the inaugural Fusion Supply Chain Trade Show, signaling growing interest in fusion energy research and jobs. Entertainment: Country singer Bailey Zimmerman faces a felony arrest warrant in New Mexico after an alleged hotel-room rampage tied to a canceled Albuquerque concert.