AGP Executive Report

Local Government & Infrastructure: Albuquerque’s Rail Trail plan is moving ahead, with the next phase aiming to connect Old Town, the BioPark and the Bosque as part of a 7-mile loop, after neighbor feedback pushed for added lighting, emergency call boxes and patrols. Public Safety & Heritage: A lightning-sparked fire destroyed a long-vacant historic building at Fort Wingate, leaving only stone walls and underscoring the site’s layered military and Native education history. Child Welfare Accountability: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD over reports a 15-year-old was left at the U.S.-Mexico border and told to cross alone to reunite with his estranged mother. Education & Tribal Schools: Rep. Melanie Stansbury is co-sponsoring bills to study and potentially reform Bureau of Indian Education funding with an eye toward boosting teacher pay at tribal schools. Community & Business: The Truth or Consequences and Sierra County Chamber rolled out a new website and expanded member tools to help local businesses get visibility. Culture & Faith: Santa Fe’s archbishop backed a proposed Albuquerque mosque and stressed religious freedom as a core Catholic teaching.

Child Welfare Accountability: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD over a 15-year-old U.S. citizen left at the U.S.-Mexico border and told to cross alone to reunite with his deported mother, arguing the agency violated constitutional rights and seeking a restraining order to bring the teen back to New Mexico. Energy & Public Power: UNM Albuquerque residents packed a public hearing to weigh a proposed private equity takeover of PNM by Blackstone, after regulators previously found a $400 million stock sale was done without required approval. Tribal Education Funding: Rep. Melanie Stansbury introduced bills to study and potentially boost Bureau of Indian Education equalization funding, aiming to raise teacher pay and expand opportunities for BIE-funded schools, including 44 in New Mexico. Cultural Heritage Under Pressure: The BLM is reviewing whether to roll back mineral protections around Chaco Canyon, with options that could shrink or end a 20-year leasing withdrawal near the UNESCO site. Faith & Community Rights: Santa Fe’s archbishop urged support for an Albuquerque mosque, defending Muslims’ right to worship freely as consistent with Catholic teaching. Local Schools Branding: Albuquerque Public Schools unveiled a new balloon-inspired visual identity ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Navajo Heritage Recognition: The Navajo Nation launched the Heritage Legacy Awards to honor Diné heritage preservation across research, traditional knowledge, community projects, and advocacy.

Community & Culture: Foxy Festival returns to the Albuquerque Rail Yards with live music, poetry, artisan vendors, food trucks, and family activities, spotlighting local creatives and wellness. Public Health: The CDC says the egg-linked Salmonella strain from this outbreak shows resistance patterns that may limit some common antibiotics, with many cases still expected to recover without them. Substance Use & Safety: DEA El Paso/NM and United Against Fentanyl host Walk for Lives 2026, a community walk tied to prevention education, recovery resources, and grief support. Environment & Heritage: New Mexico officials are urging the Interior Department not to drill in Chaco, as public comment nears on potential changes to mineral protections. Politics & Power: A dispute over who gets to choose New Mexico’s lieutenant governor nominee highlights a backroom-style process that leaves most voters out of the decision. Local Crime: An Albuquerque case centers on a Roswell woman stabbed to death by a downstairs neighbor, tied to a long-running water-drip dispute. Education & Work: South Valley Academy teachers voted to join Teamsters, marking a notable shift in how educators seek representation. Native Community Events: The Diné are honored at a Treaty of 1868 commemoration at Bosque Redondo Memorial with cultural presentations and traditional dance.

Education & Community: South Valley Academy staff became the first New Mexico educators represented by Teamsters Local 492, a shift aimed at improving working conditions for teachers and students. Public Health & Culture: A Big Bang STEM Expo in Alamogordo brings hands-on science for families, from rocket building to virtual reality demos. Legal Fight Over Voting Data: New Mexico’s AG coalition joins a lawsuit challenging Trump administration grant conditions that would require states to share voter lists with DHS and help enforce federal immigration law. Local Politics & Civic Participation: New Mexico lawmakers weigh fixes to public school funding formula concerns, including how online learning and instructional time are counted. Childcare Pressure: A national childcare report highlights New Mexico’s universal childcare push and the ongoing affordability and access gaps facing families. Arts & Local Flavor: Santa Fe’s New Mexico Now auction spotlights regional art, while PNM launches a new Power Grant Program to fund education, environmental work, and economic opportunity for nonprofits statewide. Route 66 Spotlight: Route 66 Casino Hotel marks the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary with a monument dedication, time capsule ceremony, and weekend events.

Back-to-School Health: New Mexico health officials are urging families to update kids’ immunizations before classes start, pointing parents to doctors and the VaxView system and offering free “Got Shots” clinics through Aug. 29. Route 66 Culture: Starlite Lanes on the Mother Road in Flagstaff is thriving as a longtime, community-centered bowling stop during Route 66’s centennial. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order allocating $500,000 to help western New Mexico communities respond to recent flooding, including sandbags and National Guard support. Broadband Access: The PRC is starting rulemaking for a low-income internet discount program (LITAP), with discounts up to $30 monthly statewide and up to $70 on Tribal lands starting in December. Native Education Support: New Mexico Gas Company awarded $60,000 total to 20 Native American students through its Native American Scholarship Program. Maternal Health: A new state report says American Indian women in northwestern New Mexico saw a sharp pregnancy-related death spike during the COVID-19 period, especially in 2021. STEM for Youth: Los Alamos National Laboratory highlighted its 10th annual Summer Physics Camp in Santa Fe, bringing middle and high school students into hands-on science projects. Community Faith Calendar: Northwest New Mexico lists upcoming religious gatherings, including adoration and confession events across Chama, Aztec, and Dulce.

Scholarships & Education: New Mexico Gas Company marked 15 years of its Native American Scholarship Program by awarding $60,000 to 20 students, aiming to help recipients return and strengthen their tribal communities. Health Equity: A new Maternal Mortality Review Committee report says a COVID-era spike in pregnancy-related deaths hit American Indian women hardest in northwestern New Mexico, with 2021 driving nearly half the state’s total over 2018-2023. Arts & Culture: “Pigmented Perceptions” is set to open Sept. 1 at Alfa Art Gallery, spotlighting 12 artists exploring architecture, landscapes, emotions, and identity through oil and mixed media. Local Culture & Community: UNM students Micah Chavez and Esteban Rangel earned Fulbright Awards for study and research abroad, including teaching English in Spain and dissertation data collection in Mexico. Civic Life: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham welcomed New Mexico being selected for an early 2028 presidential primary, calling it a chance to engage Hispanic voters from the start. Science & Innovation: LANL highlighted a UC “AI Science at Scale” summit in Santa Fe, backed by $19 million, to push AI-driven research across multiple disciplines.

Epstein Aftershocks: A new death tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s circle in suburban Paris is under investigation, reviving questions about “mysterious” associate deaths and possible cover-ups. UNLV Football: UNLV coach Dan Mullen says championship goals haven’t changed as the Rebels enter Year 2 with momentum and a culture built for Mountain West title contention. Road Safety & Community Impact: An Albuquerque op-ed honors a young woman killed in a crosswalk and pushes for real pedestrian safety fixes as New Mexico continues to lead in traffic fatalities. State Politics & Pay Equity: New Mexico voters will consider a constitutional change that could raise legislative aides’ salaries—potentially above the lawmakers who hire them—after recent pay boosts. Land & Forest Service Deals: A long-running fight over New Mexico land grants and Forest Service strike deals is reshaping access and management in the Sangre de Cristo region. Chaco Canyon & Tribal Protections: Pueblo and federal officials are urging action to safeguard Chaco protections as drilling-buffer rollbacks remain a flashpoint. Democratic Primary Calendar: The DNC recommends New Mexico for an early 2028 presidential primary, with state leaders framing it as a chance to engage Hispanic voters sooner. Culture & Arts: Wonders on Wheels will bring “The Arts of Democracy in New Mexico” to fairs, libraries, and festivals statewide, tying local programming to the Declaration’s 250th anniversary. Reproductive Health Protests: In Las Cruces, pro- and anti-abortion groups staged dueling demonstrations around a new reproductive health clinic. Lowrider Spotlight: A New Mexico photographer’s book, “Seventh and Central,” celebrates lowrider culture and its Route 66 connections. Comics at SDCC: DC teased new “Absolute” titles, including Absolute Batman Beyond Ark-M, Absolute Superman #25, and Absolute Wonder Woman #25.

Route 66 in Santa Fe: A new local travel piece digs into the “Santa Fe Loop” and the confusing, disputed remnants of Route 66’s original alignment—where old dirt and concrete stretches are sometimes treated like archaeological sites. Local Land & Culture: Sandia Pueblo is pushing to regain nearly 10,000 acres on the Sandia Mountains’ west side, arguing the Forest Service hasn’t protected sacred areas—while nearby residents worry it could shrink public access. Community Arts on the Move: Wonders on Wheels is bringing “The Arts of Democracy in New Mexico” to fairs, libraries, and festivals statewide this August, with hands-on learning tied to the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary. Reproductive Health Debate: Las Cruces saw dueling demonstrations over the Ocotillo Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic, with pro-life groups citing state funding concerns. Workforce & Education: UNM-Gallup wrapped a free fiber optic technician bootcamp aimed at closing the digital divide, and UNM-Gallup also bid farewell to its community education director. Local Sports/Outdoors: Truchas Trout Unlimited hosts a meet-and-greet at Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op to connect anglers and share river reports. State Politics: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham welcomed New Mexico’s selection for an early 2028 Democratic presidential primary slot. Health & Safety: A national analysis ranks Nevada among the highest for child hot-car deaths, with New Mexico also appearing in the higher end. Pop Culture (Comics): DC teased new “Absolute” titles at San Diego Comic-Con, including Absolute Batman Beyond Ark-M and Absolute Superman #25.

Federal Funding Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants “based solely” on whether states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, sparking charges of political punishment. Public Safety vs. Politics: A growing coalition of states, including Kentucky and Oregon, sued FEMA and DHS over new disaster-preparedness and counterterrorism grant conditions tied to election and immigration demands. New Mexico Politics: The Democratic National Committee recommended New Mexico move up to a Feb. 15, 2028 primary, aiming to boost the voice of Hispanic, Native, and border-state voters. Local Community & Faith: Albuquerque police charged a man with aggravated assault after an argument outside a Catholic church escalated amid tensions over a North Valley mosque. Health & Education: UNM medical students received a $5M tuition break to help keep doctors in New Mexico. Culture & Arts: Shepard Fairey announced a new Albuquerque mural at the Railyards after his first solo New Mexico show. Outdoors & Local Events: Truchas Trout Unlimited hosts an “Ales & Tales” meet-and-greet July 29 in Los Alamos. Music: Max Gomez kicks off a Desert Companion tour with Howe Gelb and Slant Can, with stops across New Mexico and Arizona.

Chaco Canyon Protections: New Mexico’s tribal and federal leaders rallied in Washington, D.C., urging public participation to defend Chaco Canyon’s cultural protection zone as a July 29 deadline nears, with lawmakers pressing for longer comment and tribal consultation. Federal Funding Fight: New Mexico’s allies in the states’ coalition are suing the Trump administration over FEMA/DHS grant conditions that would force election and immigration-related changes, arguing the strings unlawfully weaponize public safety dollars. Broadband Access: The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission opened rulemaking for a $10M low-income broadband affordability program, aiming to cut monthly bills for about 27,000 households starting Dec. 1. Public Health Alerts: Measles cases hit a U.S. record not seen since 1991, while a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across multiple states, including New Mexico. Politics & Community: Democrats moved New Mexico’s 2028 presidential primary to fourth in the calendar, and the DNC also selected South Carolina first—shaping how early national attention lands on border and minority-voter priorities. Local Lifestyle: New Mexico’s tax-free school supplies weekend runs July 31 through Aug. 2, offering savings on qualifying items.

Chaco Canyon Fight: Pueblo leaders and New Mexico lawmakers are rallying in Washington to stop the Trump administration from rolling back protections, including a proposed drilling buffer change around Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Tribal Land Stewardship: The Pueblo of Sandia is pushing Congress to transfer 10,000 acres in the Sandia foothills from the U.S. Forest Service to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to better protect cultural sites from vandalism and neglect. State Courts & Family Policy: New Mexico’s Supreme Court rejected a Republican challenge to the state’s universal childcare program, keeping the initiative in place for families. Public Safety Funding Lawsuits: Attorney General Ford and a coalition of states sued to block FEMA and DHS from tying emergency preparedness and counterterrorism grants to election and immigration conditions. Broadband Access: New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission has started rulemaking for a low-income internet discount program, with discounts up to $30 statewide and up to $70 on Tribal lands. Community & Culture: The Gila Community Foundation announced Southline grants totaling $321,000+ for nonprofits across southwest New Mexico. Sports & Local Life: The Albuquerque Isotopes will host Native American Heritage Night with Pueblo-designed jerseys and a hat giveaway, with proceeds supporting arts scholarships.

Public Safety & Tech: Santa Fe is set to roll out around-the-clock automated speed and noise enforcement trailers starting in August, with advance notice and human review before citations. Legal Fight Over Federal Funding: New Mexico’s Supreme Court rejected a Republican challenge to universal childcare, while across the country multiple state attorneys general—including New Mexico’s—suing FEMA and DHS argue counterterrorism and emergency grants are being used to force election and immigration policy changes. Broadband Access: New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission begins rulemaking for a Low-Income internet discount program, aiming for discounts up to $30 statewide and $70 on Tribal lands, with eligibility checks via federal databases. STEM & Community Learning: Western New Mexico University was designated the southwest New Mexico STEM hub, with a focus on strengthening math education and teacher pathways. Culture & Pride: The Albuquerque Isotopes will host Native American Heritage Night with Pueblo-designed jerseys and a hat giveaway, with proceeds supporting arts scholarships. Housing & Affordability: Taos Housing Partnership broke ground on an affordable homeownership pilot using passive solar and shared well design to keep bills down. Environment & Cleanup: Agencies are teaming up to begin cleanup at the Northeast Church Rock Mine near Gallup, targeting legacy uranium waste. Local Life: The New Mexico State Fair adds weekend Park and Ride shuttles for 2026 to cut congestion and speed entry.

Chaco Canyon Fight: New Mexico leaders and tribal officials rallied in Washington to oppose a Bureau of Land Management proposal that would roll back 2023 protections around Chaco, warning the short comment window and lack of tribal consultation could open the door to oil and gas drilling. Local Culture & Community: The Albuquerque Isotopes and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center unveiled Native American Heritage Night jersey designs, spotlighting artists from San Ildefonso and Cochiti Pueblos and tying the game to living tribal storytelling. Faith & Heritage: Las Trampas celebrated the 250th anniversary of San José de Gracia Church, a historic adobe landmark that has long served as both spiritual center and community anchor. Public Safety & Justice: A New Mexico legislative hearing on prosecuting minors as adults drew criticism after prosecutors weren’t invited, with the district attorney arguing the system needs updated consequences and stronger intervention. Arts & Local Life: Roswell Museum flood recovery continues as the city approved funding for long-term conservation of nearly 300 disaster-impacted items, with work expected to stretch years. Education & Housing: Luna Community College secured a memorandum of agreement to place at least 65 students in New Mexico Highlands University housing this fall, after last year’s contract cancellations. Outdoor Living: Elephant Butte Lake State Park is dealing with exposed shoreline debris and changing boat ramp access as drought lowers reservoir levels, with releases continuing through July 28.

Water & Safety: New Mexico State Parks says Elephant Butte Lake’s dropping levels are exposing debris and terrain, with crews clearing the Marina del Sur ramp and coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation through July 28. Higher Ed Housing: Luna Community College secured a deal to house at least 65 students on New Mexico Highlands University’s campus this fall, after last year’s contract revocations tied to a housing shortage. Indigenous Rights & Land: Tribal leaders and NM’s federal delegation rallied in Washington against a BLM proposal to roll back Chaco mining protections, urging people to submit comments and warning Chaco is a living cultural landscape. Faith & Border Wall Fight: The Diocese of Las Cruces faces a federal push to seize church-owned land around Mount Cristo Rey for border wall expansion, with new legislation introduced to block funding for eminent domain. Immigration Courts: An attorney tied to a deadly ICE shooting case declined comment after a felony assault hearing, while Mexico seeks accountability for ICE-related deaths. Local Schools: Rio Rancho Public Schools discussed shifting final student discipline appeal review away from the school board, and Cobre is gathering input on a required cell phone/electronic device policy. Community & Culture: Albuquerque Isotopes unveiled a Native American Heritage Night jersey designed by local potter Evone “Snowflake” Martinez, with proceeds supporting arts scholarships.

New Mexico Education Spotlight: WalletHub’s 2026 school system rankings put New Mexico last, citing gaps across safety and performance measures while noting Massachusetts tops the list—another reminder that school quality debates are about more than funding alone. Local Youth & Courts: Cortez is launching a Teen Court diversion program, letting middle and high school volunteers serve as attorneys, jurors, and judges for lower-level cases, with adult oversight. Higher Ed Accountability: A former New Mexico Highlands University administrator is suing the school, alleging retaliation after he raised concerns about unsafe athletic conditions for student athletes. Public Health & Back-to-School: Pediatric allergy specialists are urging early allergy testing as fall approaches, warning that untreated allergies can affect sleep, learning, and may contribute to later asthma risk. Community Stories: A note on a windshield after a neighbor’s death turned into a small act of connection—neighbors rallied around a woman known as “L,” showing how community care can surface even when people keep details private. Arts & Culture: Santa Fe Opera’s revival of Madama Butterfly is drawing attention for its fresh staging and classical Japanese aesthetics. Music Scene: Metal fans get a New Mexico tie-in as Hatebreed’s new album Fatal Paradox is set to be supported by a Summer Slaughter Tour stop in Albuquerque.

Border & Land Rights: New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney pushed federal accountability over LANL legacy waste cleanup during Santa Fe’s Trinity Test commemoration, as Chaco Protection Fight: Rep. Derrick Lente and Native leaders urged lawmakers to oppose a plan to revoke Greater Chaco Landscape protections. Tribal Gaming & Prediction Markets: U.S. Sen. Heinrich joined New Mexico tribes in seeking limits on prediction markets that could undercut tribal gaming revenue. Education & Youth: Albuquerque-area teachers are training to teach financial literacy, while Community Justice: Cortez Teen Court recruits teens to serve as attorneys, jurors, and judges for lower-level cases. Health & Care Access: UNM’s Project MESA ran a free bilingual autism clinic, and Healthcare Workforce: Lovelace Health System and Clasp launched NM nursing student loan repayment. Culture & Local Life: NMDCA rolled out a new website for El Palacio magazine, and Lincoln’s Old Lincoln Days returns Aug. 7–9 with Billy the Kid programming. National Watch: Student loan defaults hit record levels nationwide, and a multistate antitrust settlement targets generic drug price-fixing.