AGP Executive Report

Economy & Jobs: New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 4.8% in June, down from 4.9% in May, with payrolls up 10,600 jobs year over year. Local Governance: Democrats will pick a new lieutenant governor nominee after Maggie Toulouse Oliver withdrew; nearly 500 state central committee members will vote by ranked-choice. Energy & Utilities: A Sierra County panel approved an 18-month data center moratorium after Spaceport America-linked plans sparked backlash over power and water strain. Environment & Water: Southwest cities are ramping up Colorado River conservation as Lake Powell drops toward “dead pool,” raising concerns for power and irrigation. Agriculture: Chile farmers report an early, promising season despite past drought and labor pressures, with harvest and roasting ramping up across southern New Mexico. Business & Community: The Jemez Insurance Agency in Los Alamos earned Liberty Mutual’s “Next Level” recognition among top independent agencies. Arts: Shepard Fairey is in New Mexico for murals and a Santa Fe gallery show, with a second Albuquerque Rail Yards mural set to finish this weekend. Public Health: Federal officials say nearly 100 people in 17 states have been sickened in a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs, with about 19 million eggs pulled from shelves. Housing & Homelessness: Albuquerque’s latest point-in-time count shows an 8% rise in people experiencing homelessness, while the city continues shelter and safety-zone efforts.

Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an order to allocate $500,000 for New Mexico flood response, including sandbags, communications gear and National Guard support, as communities deal with outages and damage. Food Safety: Health officials urged New Mexicans to check fridges after more than 19 million eggs were recalled over Salmonella risk, tied to illnesses and hospitalizations; the FDA also widened a cyclosporiasis investigation linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. Cattle Trade & Prices: USDA says Mexican cattle imports will resume in phases after a yearlong screwworm ban, with a Douglas, Arizona port reopening Aug. 24 and New Mexico ports later—aimed at easing beef supply pressure. Energy & Jobs: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued a lease for a wind farm repower expected to add 135 megawatts and generate millions for schools. Local Life: New Mexico United teamed with the Girl Scouts for a “girls in the game” patch-earning fundraiser; Olivia’s Café was named Small Business of the Year. Politics: The DNC recommended South Carolina lead off the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar, with New Mexico added to early voting states.

Clean Energy Grants: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants for hundreds of projects “based solely” on whether the recipient state voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, drawing fresh backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Democratic Primary Fight: The DNC chose South Carolina to lead the 2028 presidential calendar, with Nevada next and New Mexico slated for Feb. 15, leaving Iowa out and sparking pushback from Iowa Democrats. Food Safety: The FDA says nearly 100 people in 17 states were sickened in a salmonella outbreak tied in part to a massive Texas egg recall, with Kroger and Brookshire among retailers that sold the affected eggs. Livestock & Border Policy: USDA announced a phased reopening of Mexican cattle imports starting Aug. 24 at Douglas, Arizona, with Columbus and Santa Teresa in New Mexico later, as screwworm concerns shape the schedule. Local & State Watch: The U.S. Forest Service and New Mexico signed a 20-year shared stewardship agreement aimed at thinning forests, cutting wildfire risk, and expanding wood use. Community Notes: UNM-Gallup hosted a fiber optic technician bootcamp that certified 31 participants, and Bookworks and Garcia Street Books listed multiple author events on the Bosque this week.

Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order authorizing up to $250,000 in emergency funds for the New Mexico National Guard to support communities hit by flooding, including Gallup and Zuni Pueblo. Local Water Woes: Elephant Butte officials warned businesses are already feeling the pinch as lake levels drop, and the city council approved updates tied to public health services and meeting schedules. Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled nearly 19 million eggs over possible salmonella contamination; the eggs were shipped to New Mexico among other states, with no illnesses reported so far. Border Livestock Trade: USDA announced a phased reopening of southern cattle ports after the New World screwworm outbreak, with Douglas, Arizona set to reopen Aug. 24 and New Mexico ports (Santa Teresa and Columbus) next. Politics & Courts: New Mexico’s attorneys general are among states suing to block Trump administration grant conditions that would force election and immigration changes; separate legal fights also continue over the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. Democratic Primary Calendar: A DNC panel set New Mexico’s Democratic presidential primary for Feb. 15, 2028, moving it into the early window. Wildlife: Santa Fe-area reports show rising bear activity, including a bear electrocuted after climbing power lines.

Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed executive orders to speed help for flood and flash-flood damage across New Mexico, including Zuni Pueblo, where officials say at least 20 homes were hit, some with up to 2 feet of water. Tribal Gaming Fight: Four New Mexico tribes asked a federal judge to block Kalshi from offering sports betting on tribal lands, arguing the company is running class III gaming without authorization. FEMA Funding Lawsuit: More than two dozen states, including New Mexico, sued the Trump administration over new disaster and homeland security grant conditions tied to election and immigration policies. Chaco Canyon Pressure: Pueblos and New Mexico lawmakers renewed calls to protect Chaco Canyon as the administration moves to rescind a drilling buffer around the park. Screwworm Alert: New World screwworm is back in the region after cases in Texas and one in New Mexico, prompting new animal-transport restrictions. Mining Boom: A review finds companies filed more than 12,000 mining claims in New Mexico since 2023—far more than the previous century. Local Politics: New Mexico Democrats plan to use ranked-choice voting to pick a new lieutenant governor nominee after Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s departure.

Food Safety Recall: Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling about 1.6 million dozen eggs (roughly 19 million eggs) over possible Salmonella contamination. The eggs were produced in Texas and sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores, including in New Mexico, with “sell by” dates from July 20 to Aug. 17, 2026; customers are told not to eat the eggs and to return them for a refund. Wildlife & Power Safety: A black bear climbed a high-voltage utility pole near Gladstone in Union County and died after electrocution, despite efforts to keep people away and encourage it to come down. State Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court rejected a Republican challenge to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s universal childcare program, keeping the policy in place. Environment & Water: Elephant Butte is at just 1.7% of normal capacity, the lowest since 1971, as drought and dam operations continue to shrink the lake. Local Economy/Workforce: Luna Community College is expanding its tuition-free CDL pathways and is moving toward becoming a licensed state CDL testing site for Northern New Mexico.

Chaco Canyon Fight: New Mexico lawmakers and tribal leaders rallied in Washington to push back on a proposal that would remove a 10-mile buffer around Chaco Canyon, warning it could open the area to oil and gas and mining; a 14-day public comment period runs through July 29. Insurance Pressure: New Mexico’s top regulators say insurers declined to renew a record 6,200 homeowners’ policies in 2025, with wildfire-prone areas flagged as the biggest driver. Water Crisis: Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit historic lows, underscoring the Colorado River squeeze and raising alarms for water and power across the Southwest. Food Assistance Shakeup: New SNAP rules tied to payment accuracy could push more states to pay a share of costs unless error rates improve, with New Mexico among those watching the fallout. Tech Push: New Mexico launched a $150 million fund aimed at quantum and other high-tech industries, betting on faster growth and more in-state jobs. Local Business & Safety: Albuquerque’s latest restaurant inspection list shows many green grades, while a separate national recall warns of 1.6 million eggs pulled over possible Salmonella contamination.

Albuquerque Crime Update: APD midyear stats show homicide down 19% and motor vehicle theft down 36%, but drugs/narcotics offenses jumped 76%, underscoring a mixed picture for public safety. Medicaid Costs: A New Mexico legislative report says average Medicaid spending per member rose from $576 a month in 2020 to a projected $883, with costs climbing even as enrollment fell. Chaco Canyon Fight: New Mexico’s congressional delegation and Pueblo leaders rallied in Washington to oppose a plan that would roll back a 2023 buffer protecting Chaco from oil and gas extraction. Child Welfare at the Border: CYFD is accused of dropping a 15-year-old at a Texas border crossing for reunification in Mexico after the case was closed, raising safety concerns among local professionals. Old Town Business Clash: Portal vendors say unpermitted renovations to the historic Armijo House could displace them, while the owner argues subdivision is needed for business. Local Development: San Mateo Towers redevelopment is moving forward despite vandalism, fires, and major system damage, with affordable housing required in the plan. Water Crisis: Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record-low combined levels, pushing the region toward emergency talks and possible federal cutbacks. Data Centers: Sierra County approved an 18-month data center moratorium amid worries about water and rural impacts, following similar local pushback. Spaceport America Link: The moratorium resolution explicitly references Spaceport America’s proposed development and the concern it could affect groundwater and ranching. Epstein Investigation Fallout: Former NM AG Hector Balderas says federal prosecutors broke a 2019 agreement to share Zorro Ranch investigation files, fueling calls for unredacted records.

Immigration & Civil Rights: A new ACLU report says immigration agents in 2025 committed widespread civil rights abuses, including misconduct in more than 400 of 1,200-plus enforcement incidents reviewed across Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, and New Mexico. Local Economy & Jobs: New Mexico’s unemployment rate fell to 4.8% in June, with the state adding more than 10,000 jobs and private-sector gains outpacing public-sector losses. Workforce Development: The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions received over $900,000 to expand apprenticeship programs, aiming to grow paid training in construction, healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity. Water & Climate: A federal Colorado River plan is expected soon, as states push for steps to prevent further collapse of the river system; meanwhile, Lake Powell continues shrinking and forces marinas to adapt. Tribal & Energy Policy: Tribal leaders, including from New Mexico, urged federal officials to keep Chaco Canyon protections as the BLM weighs reducing or removing a drilling buffer. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The NTSB is investigating whether U.S. military GPS jamming played a role in a fatal New Mexico medevac crash that killed two pilots and two nurses. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A disclosed a credential stuffing attack from June 17–19 that exposed customer data, including names, emails, membership numbers, and payment details. Education & Community: Los Alamos Public Schools announced a 2026 graduate, Zachary Sestric, received a $1,000 scholarship from the New Mexico School Boards Association.

Courts & State Politics: A federal judge set up a major Aug. 3 trial for former New Mexico House majority leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton and co-defendant Joseph Johnson, with jury questionnaires sent to 180 prospective jurors. Child Welfare: CYFD told an arbitrator it’s added 73 new foster families this year but still isn’t meeting lower-caseload targets, as the state tries to reduce burnout and turnover. Public Regulation: New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission seat is up for grabs after Gabriel Aguilera’s term ends, with a nominating committee starting the process. Local Government: Deming City Council meets tonight to consider a preliminary FY 2027 budget and other resolutions, including road-funding awards and appointments. Roads & Economic Development: Luna County approved an economic development ordinance for Wesley Brothers Desert Studios and transportation funding agreements through state road programs. Business & Community: Revel Entertainment plans a new outdoor amphitheater on Albuquerque’s West Side, aiming for an intimate venue with public programming. Sports: New Mexico State’s Trey Hedden is the presumptive starting QB heading into fall camp, and NMHU’s fired administrator Paul Grindstaff is suing the university alleging retaliation over athlete safety concerns.

Paramount-Warner Merger Halt: A federal judge ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to pause their $81 billion deal for at least two weeks while a coalition of 12 states, including New Mexico, fights the merger on antitrust grounds. Rio Grande Water Fallout: After Texas v. New Mexico’s settlement, farmers in southern New Mexico are weighing what the new water delivery index and groundwater buybacks will mean for agriculture. Maternal Health Data: New Mexico lawmakers heard that mental illness and substance abuse were major factors behind 74 pregnancy-related deaths from 2018 to 2023, with most labeled preventable. Road Safety: New Mexico again ranked worst in the nation for pedestrian deaths, even as overall traffic-related deaths fell. Local Fix for Speed Cameras: Albuquerque drivers can clear speed camera tickets with four hours of community service instead of paying the $100 fine. Weather Impacts: Weekend flooding hit southern New Mexico roads, including NM 146 and I-10 frontage roads, with debris and damage reported. Student Loan Defaults: A national surge pushed federal student loan defaults to record levels as pandemic-era protections ended. Food Recall: General Mills recalled 730,000+ Pillsbury bread rolls sold at Walmart in multiple states, including New Mexico, over possible glass fragments. Navajo Nation Politics: Navajo voters head to the polls July 21 for a presidential primary, with candidates traveling across the Southwest to court support.

Student Debt Pressure: A new Associated Press look shows student loan defaults hitting record levels nationwide, with about 9.5 million borrowers (1 in 5) now more than nine months behind after pandemic-era protections ended. Housing Data Reality Check: A Minneapolis Fed analysis says the U.S. homeownership rate may overstate ownership because it counts housing units, not people—researchers estimate nearly 14% of adults live in owner-occupied homes without being owners. Cartel Sentencing: Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada was sentenced to life in a U.S. prison and ordered to forfeit $15 billion in drug profits. NM Agriculture Alert: State agencies are urging vigilance over the New World screwworm, with confirmed cases currently localized to Texas and New Mexico. Local Energy Access: New Mexico regulators say 16 community solar projects are now online, expanding shared clean power options for renters and others who can’t install rooftop panels. Media Antitrust: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger for at least 14 days as states’ antitrust challenge moves forward. NM Politics: Deb Haaland says she will take part in a live televised debate for the 2026 governor’s race in early October. Albuquerque Business Growth: Construction is underway on “Demi’s Pavilions,” a West Side retail development bringing new suites for local beauty and cosmetic businesses.

Produced Water Rules: New Mexico environment officials are pushing limits on contaminants in fracking wastewater (“produced water”) while they wait for a state Water Quality Control Commission hearing, citing unknown chemicals and the risk of weaker out-of-state disposal. Water Crisis: Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record-low levels, underscoring how the Colorado River system is in “uncharted territory” and raising pressure for demand cuts. Student Debt: Student loan defaults have surged to record levels, with about 9.5 million borrowers (1 in 5) now in default after pandemic-era protections lapsed. Local Education Policy: Lawmakers are weighing paid parental leave for teachers, aiming to reduce the need to burn sick or vacation time when having children. Tech & Privacy: A new look at livestreamed child abuse highlights how online privacy and encryption complicate investigations. Consumer Safety Tech: A free food-safety app, Anxin, launched in New Mexico with real-time FDA recall alerts and restaurant inspection scores amid Cyclospora concerns.

Local Traffic Safety: Bernalillo County is updating traffic signals at Isleta Boulevard and Camino del Valle SW, with work running July 6 through the end of the month; officials say the changes aim to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety. Road Safety Numbers: New Mexico saw a nearly 19% drop in traffic fatalities in June (37 in May to 30 in June), with 207 fatalities so far this year, down 4.6% from the same period in 2025. Education & Culture: Albuquerque educators filed an application for a charter high school, Andalusia Natural Sciences Academy, blending STEM and AI literacy with Spanish colonial and Middle Eastern history and architecture. Housing Policy: A new bipartisan federal housing law takes effect, targeting investor-owned homes and limiting large investors’ role in the single-family market, with New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich highlighting limits on private equity and hedge funds. Voting Rights Fight: A federal judge dismissed the DOJ’s New Mexico voter data request, saying the demand letter lacked a clear basis and explanation for why unredacted personal information was needed. Tech Security: New Mexico State University researchers describe “GhostWriter,” an attack that can secretly plant false long-term memories in AI agents, potentially leading to harmful decisions later. Community Spotlight: Corrales’ Hannah & Nate’s Market Café, a longtime neighborhood gathering spot, is profiled as a restaurant-slash-community hub.

Rio Grande Water Watch: Texas and New Mexico reached a Supreme Court settlement over Rio Grande water management, but compliance could cost New Mexico upward of $150 million and raises the specter of mandatory cuts if drought worsens. State Politics & Elections: A judge dismissed DOJ’s New Mexico voter data request, while New Mexico Forward Party sued over ballot access rules—both feeding a broader fight over election oversight. Local Economy & Jobs: Pacific Fusion is pushing fusion careers in New Mexico, pitching a technician pipeline and major buildout in Los Lunas and Mesa del Sol. Energy Costs: A column argues solar can blunt rising summer electricity bills for Albuquerque-area households. Public Safety & Health: The DEA whistleblower says a fentanyl operation “got people killed,” while AGFC urges people to report suspected screwworm cases instead of DIY treatments on wild deer. Business & Regulation: DoorDash wants approval for tiny automated delivery vehicles in New Mexico, but some officials worry cities could be blocked from adding rules. Culture & Film: An opinion piece says New Mexico built a film industry—now it needs better access for local filmmakers.

Retirement tax snapshot: A new national look finds most states spare Social Security and military retirement pay, but New Mexico is among the few that taxes Social Security income. DoorDash robots in NM: DoorDash is pushing to deploy autonomous delivery robots (“Dot”) in New Mexico, saying they’d handle short trips while working alongside human drivers. Spaceport America data center talk: Sierra County residents are watching a possible Green Data collaboration tied to Spaceport America, with any move dependent on state public lands decisions. PFAS rules guidance: New Mexico Environment Department posted consumer-facing PFAS product guidance tied to the state’s 2026 labeling and 2027–2032 requirements. Voter data fight: A federal judge dismissed the DOJ’s bid for unredacted New Mexico voter personal data, citing missing facts and necessity. FEMA claims backlash: Albuquerque-area GOP candidates renewed criticism of FEMA’s Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire claims process, saying thousands still haven’t received checks. Local faith vigil: Santa Fe leaders plan an interfaith Trinity Test anniversary vigil calling for nuclear disarmament and peace. UNM faculty grants: UNM launched its NM SPARK program, funding an inaugural cohort of faculty researchers and creators.