AGP Executive Report

Screwworm Fight: USDA says New World screwworm infestations have reached 12 confirmed cases nationwide—11 in Texas and the first in New Mexico, a dog in Lea County—raising alarms for ranchers and pets as sterile-fly releases and quarantines ramp up. Federal Courts & Voting: The DOJ is pressing states to share sensitive voter registration data under “confidential” agreements, even as multiple courts have dismissed parts of the effort and litigation continues in New Mexico and many other states. Legal Fallout in Santa Fe: A federal lawsuit targets the New Mexico Supreme Court and the Board of Bar Examiners over licensing rules for spouses of transferred military servicemembers. Childcare Program Challenge: A New Mexico judge rejected a lawsuit challenging Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s universal childcare program, clearing the way for the policy to continue. Healthcare Access Debate: A local column argues compact medical licenses won’t fix New Mexico’s deeper provider shortages, clinic closures, and long patient wait times. Environment & Predators: Conservation groups sued federal agencies over predator control killings in designated wilderness areas, including actions by Wildlife Services. Energy & Economy: A report highlights BLM’s record oil-and-gas lease sale, with New Mexico receiving roughly $2 billion in bonus bids and rentals.

New World screwworm fight: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas as USDA ramps up its response to the flesh-eating parasite’s return, warning the cattle industry could be hit hard unless ranchers watch closely and treat fast; the outbreak is also fueling a blame game over whether earlier federal cuts helped bring it back. Animal health policy: Texas released an online training course to speed inspections and certify livestock movement as quarantined infestation zones expand, while the FDA issued emergency OTC treatment for dogs and cats. Water politics: Colorado River talks remain deadlocked, with Arizona facing potential 77% cuts if no deal is reached and Utah/Wyoming warning downstream states about litigation and lost conservation aid. Public safety & transportation: New Mexico’s pedestrian deaths are down, but cyclist deaths have doubled to a 20-year high, pushing renewed calls for safer “share-the-road” policies. Legal system: Newly unsealed federal records describe how the FBI’s DWI-corruption probe in Albuquerque recruited a suspect, tapped phones, and helped set up evidence in a bribery scheme. Local government & community: Los Lunas’ Luna Mansion is preparing to reopen as a community event center, preserving a Route 66 landmark tied to local political history.

Screwworm Response: Texas rolled out faster training for animal health inspectors as New World screwworm cases climbed, while the FDA issued emergency OTC treatment for dogs and cats to help contain the flesh-eating parasite. New Mexico Stakes: A New Mexico dog case is part of the widening spread, putting ranchers, pet owners, and state agriculture officials on alert as interstate animal movement rules tighten. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $69.3 million in post-disaster aid for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, including wildfire and flood-related recovery work. Colorado River Politics: Utah and Wyoming urged basin states to renew Colorado River talks before a late-2026 deadline, as Arizona and others weigh litigation and Congress-linked conservation money hangs in the balance. Childcare Court Fight: A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging New Mexico’s universal childcare program, clearing the way for continued state funding while plaintiffs signal an appeal. Markets & Gambling Law: The CFTC sued New Mexico over Kalshi prediction-market oversight, escalating a dispute over whether state gambling rules can apply to federally regulated contracts. Local Mystery: Albuquerque-area authorities released a new photo tied to the disappearance of retired Air Force Major General William McCasland, reigniting UFO-linked speculation.

CFTC vs. New Mexico on prediction markets: The federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued New Mexico in U.S. District Court, arguing the state can’t apply its gambling laws to CFTC-regulated event contracts like Kalshi—after AG Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi in state court. Universal childcare stays alive: A New Mexico judge dismissed a challenge to the state’s universal childcare program, saying lawmakers later authorized and funded the expansion, and the plaintiffs lacked standing. Screwworm emergency expands in the Southwest: USDA confirmed New World screwworm cases rising to 9, including a first dog detection in Lea County, N.M., as FDA authorized emergency treatment options for pets and officials push rapid response. Border safety warning in El Paso: Border Patrol cautioned people about deadly conditions in Rio Grande canals, while El Paso police assisted in a water rescue near the border. Colorado River deadline pressure: Utah and Wyoming are urging a seven-state deal before an Oct. 1 deadline, warning federal intervention and possible litigation if talks fail. Local housing debate in Albuquerque: A housing journalist told an Albuquerque crowd that “growth is good,” tying affordability to supply and local zoning decisions. OpenAI under state scrutiny: A coalition of 42 state attorneys general opened an investigation into OpenAI, days after the company filed for an IPO.

US DOJ vs. NM courts: The Justice Department sued the New Mexico Supreme Court and the Board of Bar Examiners, arguing a military spouse was wrongly denied a law license under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Prediction markets fight: The CFTC filed another federal lawsuit against New Mexico over state enforcement against federally registered prediction market platforms, adding to a growing multistate clash over who regulates event bets. Screwworm emergency hits NM: New World screwworm detections now include a dog in Lea County, prompting stepped-up inspections and treatment guidance; Colorado also moved to require veterinary checks for livestock entering from Texas and New Mexico. Border politics and enforcement: El Paso court filings allege New Mexico-plate vehicle smuggling of illegal aliens, while reporting also highlights continued border wall construction momentum. Public safety leadership: New Mexico DPS named Fabian M. Valdez as director of the Law Enforcement Academy. Local development: Rio Rancho advanced a Maverik site plan despite resident concerns. Education/defense pipeline: The Steadfast Line opened a STARBASE facility at Cannon AFB for Eastern New Mexico students.

Universal Childcare Fight: A New Mexico judge dismissed a lawsuit trying to stop the state’s universal childcare program from being enforced, clearing the way for the rules to stay in place while plaintiffs signal they’ll appeal. Military Legal Rights: The U.S. Justice Department sued the New Mexico Supreme Court and the Board of Bar Examiners, alleging New Mexico violates the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by not recognizing out-of-state law licenses for military spouses. Screwworm Alert for NM: The New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S., including a dog case in New Mexico, prompting federal and state guidance for vigilance and rapid reporting to protect pets and livestock. Drought Response: The Navajo Nation declared a drought emergency, citing worsening water supplies, rangeland damage, and economic strain across the reservation. State Courts & Policy: Separate from childcare, New Mexico’s courts continue to face federal legal pressure tied to military service protections. Local Governance: Las Cruces police urged residents to lock vehicles and secure valuables after a string of early-morning auto burglaries.

Screwworm Alert: New World screwworm has been confirmed in a New Mexico dog and multiple Texas cases, prompting federal and state action—including an FDA emergency approval of generic nitenpyram tablets for pets and new public guidance for owners to watch wounds and treat fast. Environmental Oversight: New Mexico’s top environmental official warned lawmakers the Trump administration could cut federal grants that fund the state’s watchdog role over Los Alamos and other federal facilities. Courts & Parties: The New Mexico Supreme Court denied the GOP’s appeal over Republican Party Chair Amy Barela’s removal, keeping the dispute on track for a new chair selection. Transportation Safety: New Mexico’s pedestrian fatality ranking improved, dropping from No. 1 to No. 9 in 2025, credited to NMDOT’s Target Zero strategy. Housing: A statewide housing strategy projects rising demand despite modest population growth, citing an aging population, smaller households, and high interest rates. Federal Contract Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump-era federal contractor terms tied to DEI restrictions. Tech & Media: An opinion piece argues Facebook is suppressing Jewish voices through enforcement and moderation choices. Other NM Politics: An independent gubernatorial candidate sued over New Mexico ballot signature requirements.

Universal Childcare in Court: A New Mexico judge is set to hear arguments in a challenge to the state’s universal childcare program, with plaintiffs arguing the administration changed eligibility rules before lawmakers weighed in. GOP Ballot Rules Fight: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a lower-court order forcing the state GOP chairwoman to step down, rejecting the party’s appeal over alleged neutrality violations in contested primaries. Independent Candidates on the Ballot: Former Las Cruces mayor Ken Miyagishima sued the secretary of state over signature requirements he says unfairly burden independents. Screwworm Threat: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in New Mexico (a dog in Lea County) as cases spread across the Southwest, prompting renewed vigilance for pets and livestock. NMHU Turmoil: Former New Mexico Highlands University officials say they were placed on leave or terminated without explanations, as scrutiny grows over the regents’ actions. Local Governance: Roswell’s school district budgets for 2026-27 were approved, including updates after a PreK funding cut. Public Safety/Health: A Silver City-area response to a suspected overdose left a paramedic collapsing and others ill after exposure to a possible airborne contaminant.

Federal Contract Fight: New Mexico’s AG joins a coalition suing the Trump administration over new, vague federal contractor terms tied to purging “DEI,” arguing they threaten billions in contracts without clear rules. Disaster Response: FEMA’s interim leader says the agency is adequately staffed despite local worries about hurricane response capacity. Screwworm Alarm: USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden-era border policies for the New World screwworm surge; officials say cases are now confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, prompting animal movement restrictions and new state entry rules. State Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s order placing drug-exposed newborns with CYFD for safety evaluations. Medicaid Dollars: New Mexico communities saw radiology and lab billing increases in 2024, including Alamogordo and Roswell, underscoring shifting local health spending. Food Access: Albuquerque’s International District is moving toward a new growers market after nearly 250 community votes. Public Health Research: UNM-linked research reports microplastics found in human brain tissue at higher levels in dementia patients.

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.