AGP Executive Report

Immigration Funding Fight: Lawmakers say a GOP move to fund ICE and Border Patrol for three years may dodge one shutdown, but it doesn’t fix the broader budget deadlock heading into Sept. Federal Courts/Immigration: Albuquerque and New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez asked a judge to dismiss DOJ’s lawsuit targeting the state’s Immigrant Safety Act and the city’s Safer Community Places ordinance. Epstein Fallout: House Oversight is set to question Bill Gates in a closed-door, transcript-only session tied to Epstein-related Justice Department records, as New Mexico’s own Epstein probe history resurfaces. Southern NM Data Center Clash: Doña Ana County residents pressed commissioners over Project Jupiter’s approval and environmental concerns, with frustration spilling into the public meeting process. Public Health/Ag: New World screwworm keeps spreading—USDA confirmed additional cases including a dog in New Mexico—prompting tighter animal movement rules and renewed rancher alarm. Rural Healthcare Pipeline: UNM’s BA/MD students are spending June in Roswell to shadow rural providers, aiming to grow the state’s doctor workforce. Local Infrastructure: Roswell councilors will review top projects for the next Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan, including major pipe and flood repairs. Child Care Win: A New Mexico universal child care story highlights how the program is changing families’ work and scheduling realities.

Screwworm Showdown: USDA confirmed New World screwworm cases in New Mexico (a dog in Lea County), bringing the U.S. total to five and raising alarms for the cattle industry as Texas reports additional detections; politics is already boiling over as officials trade blame over border and preparedness failures. Courts & Public Safety: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the state’s policy requiring removal of drug- and alcohol-exposed newborns, rejecting a challenge from the ACLU and lawmakers. Immigration Litigation: New Mexico and Albuquerque moved to dismiss a federal Justice Department lawsuit targeting state and city limits on coordination with Trump’s mass deportation efforts. Elections & Ballot Access: Independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Miyagishima sued the Secretary of State over signature rules he says unfairly burden minor-party candidates. State Wildlife Ruling: The NM Court of Appeals sided with the wildlife agency, blocking elk-damage claims by Catron County landowners. Energy & Economy: A week of GasBuddy reports shows some of the lowest local gas prices in Santa Fe and multiple counties, while national fuel volatility continues amid global oil and refinery disruptions. Education/Local Gov: Sierra County’s new middle school plan advanced as the school board reviewed bond-sale options to unlock matching construction funds.

Screwworm Alert: The USDA confirmed three more New World screwworm cases, bringing the U.S. total to five, and reclassifying a dog case as New Mexico’s first—prompting expanded inspections and outreach in Lea County as officials warn more detections could follow. Texas Response Clash: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott escalated the state’s emergency response alongside USDA, while USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins sharply criticized Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller after he suggested ranchers might avoid reporting infestations to dodge quarantine limits. Public Safety in Courts: In federal court in New Mexico, a superseding indictment charges three men in a human smuggling scheme and adds a conspiracy-to-kill-a-witness count tied to people who shared information with law enforcement. Statehouse Personnel: The director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service, Shawna Casebier, announced she’ll step down after less than two years, setting up a leadership search for lawmakers. Child Welfare Snapshot: New Mexico rose to 49th in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT report, improving child poverty but still ranking last in education and family measures. Local Economy/Workforce: Las Cruces is moving forward with an Independent Electrical Contractors Southern New Mexico facility, expanding apprenticeship and training capacity.

Animal Health & Agriculture: USDA confirmed New World screwworm has crossed into New Mexico after a dog case in Lea County, following multiple Texas detections; officials say the dog’s travel history is still being investigated while USDA and state partners ramp up inspections and outreach. Public Health: CDC reports U.S. measles cases are on pace to surpass the 2025 record, with 2,030 cases across 38 states plus D.C. and most infections tied to unvaccinated people. Courts & Justice: The New Mexico Supreme Court clarified the reach of the state’s medical malpractice law, ruling hospitals can seek protections even when the specific employee category isn’t individually listed. Health Care Policy: New Mexico expanded its physician loan repayment program to address provider shortages, offering up to $300,000 over four years for doctors and adding other licensed professions. Environment & Federal Land Management: A whistleblower letter warns the Forest Service reorganization could force far more employee relocations than planned, with New Mexico among the hardest hit. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices remain volatile statewide and nationally, with multiple county-level reports showing lower averages for regular and diesel in late May.

NM Highlands University: The Board of Regents dismissed President Neil Woolf “without cause” after he sued the university over claims he was sidelined for refusing to cancel a campus construction contract and divert it to a friend of board chair Frank Sanchez. State Politics & Elections: Independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Miyagishima sued the Secretary of State over New Mexico’s signature rules, arguing the ballot-access hurdle unfairly burdens independents ahead of a June 25 deadline. Courts & Public Safety: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a Farmington man’s sex-crime conviction, ruling he had a right to be present when the judge answered jury questions but the absence didn’t change the verdict. Higher Ed & Governance: Woolf’s firing follows a period when top leaders were placed on paid administrative leave, with the board citing privacy limits on personnel details. Community & Local Needs: Deming’s Silver Linings resource center is using federal dollars to address hunger and shortages, running meals and services for people without housing. Science & Policy: A local opinion argues proposed federal rules would politicize basic research grant approvals, threatening New Mexico’s scientific enterprise. Islamophobia & Local Planning: Islamic groups and civil rights advocates criticized opposition to a proposed mosque in New Mexico, saying comments went beyond zoning concerns into hostility toward Muslims. Military Commemoration: Vietnam War service-member anniversaries for families in northwest and northeast New Mexico were observed this week ending June 13.

Elk Lawsuit in Catron County: Ranchers are back in court over the state’s elk management and the Elk Private Lands Use System, arguing the program amounts to a property taking and creates a nuisance as drought pushes elk toward irrigated land and homes. Gas Prices Watch: Week ending May 30 saw scattered “cheapest” deals across New Mexico—premium lows like $4.69 in Torrance County and $4.83 in Roosevelt County, plus diesel standouts such as $4.96 in Eddy County—while national prices stayed volatile amid refinery outages and Middle East shipping worries. SNAP Restrictions Blocked: A federal judge halted USDA enforcement of new conditions on billions in food assistance, rejecting requirements tied to gender ideology, immigration, and women’s sports as unrelated and unconstitutional. Independent Candidate Ballot Fight: Gubernatorial hopeful Ken Miyagishima sued over New Mexico’s signature rules, saying the system unfairly burdens independents seeking the November ballot. Legal Fallout for NM Attorney: Albuquerque defense attorney Brian Pori was suspended after federal investigators found child sexual abuse material on his laptop tied to an opioid-smuggling probe. Tribal Gaming Loss: Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise leader Brian Parrish died May 31, ending a long career across tribal gaming and hospitality. Islamophobia and Mosque Plan: Islamic groups and civil rights advocates criticized anti-Muslim opposition to a proposed New Mexico mosque, urging officials to judge it by standard zoning rules, not prejudice. Science in the Desert: New Mexico’s ngVLA prototype at the Very Large Array site reached “first light,” moving from construction into testing for the next radio telescope array.

Gender-Affirming Care Access: A UNM grad says even with New Mexico protections, getting hormone prescriptions can mean months-long specialist waits and forced treatment pauses. Federal Courts & Food Aid: A judge temporarily blocked USDA from tying billions in funding to Trump-linked gender and immigration conditions, keeping food assistance and research funding on track. New Mexico Supreme Court: The court upheld a Farmington sex-crime conviction, ruling the defendant’s absence during jury question responses didn’t change the verdict. Navajo Nation & Livestock Health: New World screwworm was found in Texas; Navajo officials say they’re reviewing an emergency plan as the threat could move north. Border Wall Spending: DHS accelerated border wall contracts, with billions awarded in the last six months and major work steered to politically connected firms. Local Public Safety: Cuba police arrested an armed man after reports of shots fired and firearms pointed at the public. Healthcare Liability: A Grant County jury awarded $13M in Nichelle Nichols’ wrongful-death case, but the hospital’s payout is capped at $400K. Energy & Environment: An opinion piece argues NM is in the nuclear industry’s crosshairs as uranium projects expand near sacred areas.

Colorado River Policy: Federal water managers say they’ll move to a 10-year Colorado River framework with operational guidelines every two years if states can’t reach a seven-state deal, with a final environmental review due mid-to-late summer. Court & Accountability: A Grant County jury awarded Nichelle Nichols’ estate $13 million in a wrongful-death case against Gila Regional Medical Center, but the hospital’s liability is capped at $400,000 under state law. Legal Win for Ranchers: A federal appeals court dismissed the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, calling the dispute effectively moot. Public Health & Safety: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case as officials warn the parasite could spread from Mexico/Central America and disrupt livestock markets. Statewide Watch: New Mexico Medicaid billing data show rising Evaluation & Management claims in Mora and other local categories, underscoring how federal-state health dollars flow through communities. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports scattered “lowest price” points across NM counties for regular/midgrade/premium and diesel, reflecting continued volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions. Local Human Interest: Hollywood Beach authorities identified a woman whose body washed ashore as Kellie Melinda Williams, with investigators citing injuries consistent with a vessel strike.

Election Aftermath: New Mexico’s primary is over, with canvassing and possible recounts ahead of the June 23 certification; turnout was 24.6% statewide and independents—about 37,000 voters—showed up in notable numbers. Gubernatorial Politics: Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund hailed Deb Haaland’s Democratic primary win as a historic milestone for Native representation. Border & Federal Land: A border wall plan is drawing fresh backlash over Mount Cristo Rey, where hikers say the sacred site could become a “symbol of division,” while Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act to block public-land selloffs from being tucked into unrelated budget bills. Water Policy: With Colorado River talks stalled, federal managers say they’ll impose a 10-year operating framework and revisit terms every two years, with a final plan coming mid-to-late summer. Public Safety: The U.S. District Court warned of a scam text campaign using “New Mexico District Court” to threaten arrest warrants. Energy: Trump announced $700M for coal power infrastructure via the Defense Production Act, targeting plants across multiple states.

Colorado River Talks: Acting Bureau of Reclamation commissioner Scott Cameron says a new 10-year Colorado River plan is coming, but Colorado and Nevada negotiators warn key parts may need changes—highlighting how New Mexico’s water future still hinges on a stalled seven-state deal. New Mexico Politics—Primary Results: Deb Haaland won the Democratic governor nomination, beating Sam Bregman, setting up a November matchup after New Mexico’s semi-open primary drew heavy turnout. AG & Sports Betting: New Mexico’s attorney general is suing Kalshi over alleged sports-betting violations, keeping pressure on the state’s gaming enforcement. Federal Court—Gila Cattle: A federal appeals court dismissed the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, calling the fight moot. Local Government & Schools: The NMAA board voted to move toward a one-time “free” transfer rule for student-athletes, with member schools now weighing whether it becomes official. Public Safety: A small plane crash at the Doña Ana County International Jetport sent three people to El Paso, including one in critical condition. Health Policy: New billing codes for maternity care are set to change how pregnancy visits are paid for, with UNM OB-GYNs saying the shift better matches real care needs. Energy Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile statewide, with multiple counties reporting late-May lows around the low-to-mid $4 range for regular.

Outdoor Youth Funding: New Mexico is boosting its Outdoor Equity Fund by $4.5 million for 2026-27 after last year’s demand topped available money by more than 90%, with applications opening July 1. GOP Power Struggle: Otero County’s GOP primary ousted state party chair Amy Barela from the county commission by a 46-vote margin, raising questions about how it could affect the party’s appeal of a judge’s earlier ruling. Governor Race Momentum: AP reports Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor, setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull. Tribal-State Gambling Fight: AG Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi in state court over alleged sports-betting violations, following a federal case by pueblos and the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Health Care Shakeup: Presbyterian Healthcare System plans layoffs of 150 admin staff and will discontinue most Medicare Advantage plans in 2027. Public Safety & Services: The New Mexico Health Care Authority restored a hotline for reporting abuse of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, routing calls directly to intake specialists starting July 1. Energy & Politics: Trump announced $700 million in coal investments, with New Mexico listed among states supplying coal. Transportation Planning: NM DOT will hold a public meeting June 10 on Phase IA of the NM 11 corridor study between Deming and Columbus.

New Mexico Governor Race Turns to November: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination Tuesday and immediately pivoted to the general election against GOP nominee Gregg Hull, calling for a focus on “the issues” and signaling she’s ready to debate. Federal Courts, Federal Land Use: A 10th Circuit ruling dismissed the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association’s challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the practice is unlikely to resume and the fight is moot. Public Safety Mystery in Northern NM: New Mexico State Police confirmed the remains of Los Alamos National Laboratory worker Melissa Casias were found in Carson National Forest, with a handgun recovered nearby; officials say cause and manner of death are still pending. Energy & Environment: A federal settlement removed endangered-species protections for a Permian Basin lizard after a Texas AG lawsuit, with DOJ saying the original assessment improperly discounted conservation efforts. Broadband Funding Watch: A policy push urges New Mexico lawmakers to keep state broadband offices empowered as BEAD deadlines approach. Local Costs, Real-Time: GasBuddy price reports show pockets of lower regular and diesel prices across NM counties, underscoring how volatile fuel costs remain.

Governor race locks in: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor, setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who captured his party’s nod after a three-way primary. Primary mechanics: The GOP race for House District 66 is headed to an automatic recount after Leanne Gandy edged Dan Lewis by 10 votes (999-989). U.S. Senate ballot path: Write-in candidate Larry E. Marker won the GOP Senate nomination, while Sen. Ben Ray Luján cruised to renomination on the Democratic side. Local law enforcement: Chaves County Republicans elected Michael Taylor as sheriff. Chaco oil fight: A bill to create a 10-mile exclusionary zone around Chaco drew Navajo allottee opposition over private mineral rights and income. LANL death investigation: Missing Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias was identified after remains were found in Carson National Forest; reports say a gunshot wound to the skull, but authorities haven’t released cause or manner. Higher ed shakeup: New Mexico Highlands University’s board terminated President Neil Woolf amid a procurement-related whistleblower lawsuit. Community flashpoints: A proposed North Valley mosque was deferred after safety concerns, while Albuquerque leaders touted a guaranteed income pilot funded by the cannabis tax.

New Mexico Governor Primary: Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a November faceoff with Republican Gregg Hull, the Rio Rancho mayor who captured the GOP nod. Election Rules & Turnout: New Mexico’s semi-open primary let independents request either party’s ballot, and coverage highlighted high interest as voters weighed crime, schools, and federal program cuts alongside a revenue surge tied to oil prices. Local Governance: Santa Fe County voters chose Henry Roybal over incumbent Justin Greene for District 1, while in other local races, sheriff contests and county commission outcomes were shaped by whether Republicans filed. Public Safety & Courts: A New Mexico man pleaded guilty in federal court after decades of using a stolen identity to evade murder charges. Federal Policy Watch: A court is set to hear arguments on a Trump rule that could cut certain nonprofits off from Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Tech & Youth Safety: Illinois advanced a bill to curb minors’ social media targeting and addictive design features, while national coverage warned AI firms could face “Big Tobacco”-style product liability lawsuits over youth harm. Energy & Environment: The Trump administration asked a judge to revisit the endangered-species listing of a Texas-New Mexico lizard tied to Permian Basin drilling.

New Mexico Governor’s Race: Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination Tuesday night, beating Sam Bregman 72% to 28%, and is now set to face Republican Gregg Hull, who clinched the GOP nod in a three-way primary. Gubernatorial Fallout: Hull framed the November contest as a “real choice,” while Democrats quickly attacked him as aligned with Trump. Semi-Open Primary Results: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver called New Mexico’s first semi-open primary a success, citing turnout above 343,000 voters and more than 37,600 independents casting ballots for the first time without changing party registration. Down-Ballot Watch: Juan De Jesus Sanchez III won the Democratic nomination for commissioner of public lands, and Bernalillo County’s sheriff race went to incumbent John Allen. Local Governance & Accountability: A statewide public records hearing highlighted how IPRA requests—especially body-camera footage—are overwhelming local governments. Public Safety: Albuquerque police shot and injured a man wielding a knife during a motel-area operation, the fourth APD shooting in 10 days. State Institutions: New Mexico Highlands University president Neil Woolf sued the university, alleging regents chair Frank Sanchez ordered him to redirect $600,000 in state funds to a contractor friend. Health & Oversight: CMS gave Laguna Rainbow Nursing Center a 2 rating for Q1, noting it was the only non-profit nursing home in Cibola County at the time.

New Mexico Primary Day: Voters across New Mexico head to the polls Tuesday, June 2, with voting centers in Bernalillo County open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., including UNM’s Student Union Building and same-day registration. Early turnout is already notable, and the state’s semi-open primary rules are drawing attention as independents shift toward party ballots in the heated governor race. Governor Race Watch: Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman are locked in a close Democratic contest, while Republicans also face a competitive field as the term-limited Lujan Grisham era ends. Election Logistics: Coverage highlights key statewide offices and congressional primaries, plus a statewide voting guide for what’s on the ballot. Epstein Probe Escalates: New Mexico’s Survivor’s Truth Commission is issuing its first subpoenas tied to the Zorro Ranch investigation, including requests aimed at federal and state institutions. LANL Mystery Update: The body of missing Los Alamos lab worker Melissa Casias was found in Carson National Forest with a handgun nearby, renewing scrutiny of the long-running disappearance case. Public Safety: U.S. Marshals and New Mexico agencies helped recover abducted children in a cross-state case, leading to an arrest and extradition steps. Energy & Industry: Urenco announced a major expansion of uranium enrichment capacity at its Eunice facility, a potential boost to the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain.