AGP Executive Report

Track & Field: British miler Josh Kerr shattered the 27-year-old mile world record at the London Diamond League, running 3:42.66 to beat Hicham El Guerrouj’s 1999 mark by 0.47 seconds, with Kerr crediting meticulous prep tied to “Project 222” and training in Albuquerque. Local Health Politics: U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez says Hidalgo Medical Services leadership failed to answer basic questions after a May town hall, while HMS counters that it invited him repeatedly—setting up a potential public meeting. Arts & Culture: Poppy skipped Upheaval Festival’s set due to hazardous air quality from wildfire smoke, explaining her band performed an instrumental-only show while she couldn’t safely breathe. Sports Entertainment: WWE added Trick Williams vs. Laredo Kid to tonight’s Saturday Night’s Main Event pre-show lineup. New Mexico Higher Ed: UNM launched its NM SPARK program, naming an inaugural cohort of faculty scholars across research and creative work. Comics: “Absolute Green Arrow #3” topped the weekly Wednesday-to-weekend comic bestseller list, nearly doubling “Avengers Armageddon #2.”

Local Crime Watch: AAA and FBI data point to vacation-time burglaries as a persistent risk, with New Mexico listed among the highest burglary-rate states. Borderlands Human Story: A new look at detention-center surroundings highlights how migrant remains data clusters include Doña Ana County, with volunteers still searching. Prep Sports Spotlight: Cliff High’s Brennan Shock becomes the inaugural Legacy on Tap Scholarship recipient, honoring late NMHSCA leader Buster Mabrey. Mountain West Football Buzz: At MW media days, coaches and players name UNM as a real title contender, praising the Lobos’ momentum and returning talent. Pro Sports in NM: The New Mexico Goatheads add forward Lynden Breen to their ECHL roster as the season approaches. Route 66 Culture: Trader Barb’s celebrates 50 years as a Frontier Days vendor, turning a yearly trip into a family tradition. Food & Retail: 66 Diner reopens after a city shutdown tied to cleanliness and food-handling issues. Tech/Environment: New Mexico’s Environment Department sets an October hearing for Project Jupiter’s air permit tied to the Santa Teresa data-center build. Media Biz: Netflix’s viewership report confirms The Boroughs was canceled after underperforming. Local Journalism: Roswell Daily Record’s swan song gets interrupted as New Mexico News Group acquires the paper. Entertainment Industry Legal: A judge is set to rule on a restraining order aimed at pausing the Paramount/Warner Bros. merger. Music/Pop Culture: Melissa Gilbert says she’s leaving When Calls the Heart due to budget issues.

New Mexico Child Care Expansion: The Early Childhood Education and Care Department is pushing faster licensing for new providers to grow the state’s free childcare system, including an Infant Toddler Contract Slots push and SB 96 changes that let home-based childcare operate with fewer local hurdles. Youth Online Rules: The state senate passed a social media bill aimed at dialing back addictive features for minors, adding limits around default settings, notifications, and age verification. Meta on Trial in Tennessee: Tennessee’s lawsuit accusing Instagram of fueling a mental health crisis is set to go to trial in Nashville, with the state arguing platform design is the problem. Albuquerque Arts & Culture: Route 66 Summerfest and Route 66 Remixed trolley tours are set to celebrate the Mother Road’s 100th year with live music, food trucks, and augmented reality stops. Local Sports & Media: New Mexico Open coverage is getting an AI boost, with an autonomous golf commentator set to appear on-screen during the Sept. 14–16 event. Community Spotlight: Albuquerque Public Schools hit reading targets for early grades but still fell short in middle-school math, according to district assessment updates. Entertainment & TV: Melissa Gilbert says she’s leaving “When Calls the Heart” after budget issues, while actor Timothy Busfield continues to deny allegations tied to a grand jury investigation in Albuquerque.

Meta & AI Backlash: A Meta feature that let others generate images from users’ photos was pulled after public outrage, raising fresh questions about transparency and consent. Obituary: Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist Pat Oliphant died at 90 in Santa Fe, remembered for fearless, widely syndicated political work. Local Flood Disruption: Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino shut its doors temporarily after flood-damaged infrastructure concerns, with a state gaming board meeting set for July 22. Craft Funding: The Center for Craft and Etsy launched a $10 million Craft Catalyst Initiative, sending $100,000 grants to craft hubs including Santa Fe/Northern New Mexico. Health Care Expansion: CHRISTUS Health will break ground July 23 on a new community hospital in Los Alamos, adding emergency, surgical, imaging, infusion, and inpatient services. Sports & Community: Albuquerque’s Isotopes Park hosts a free MLB umpire camp Saturday, while UNM football media day coverage spotlights Jason Eck’s push to raise expectations in year two. Food Recall: Walmart-linked Pillsbury frozen bread rolls were recalled for possible glass contamination, affecting specific lots distributed nationwide including New Mexico. Mountain West Football: UNM’s Eck and the league’s media-day chatter reflect a new era after conference shakeups, with NDSU’s move to the Mountain West fueling extra intensity.

Chaco Canyon Fight: New Mexico advocates and lawmakers are blasting a Bureau of Land Management proposal that would roll back or erase key oil-and-gas protections near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, with a 2-week public comment period now underway. Albuquerque Youth Sports: The free Summer of Nonviolence Basketball Camp at Albuquerque High is back for its second year, bringing 200+ kids together for skills, teamwork, and mentorship. Local Football Schedule Shakeup: Cobre and Silver High’s long-running rivalry is off the fall slate again, with the schools citing ongoing player and classification realities. TV/Streaming Buzz: Netflix’s “Godless” is getting fresh love as a Western that plays like a single, seven-hour movie. Arts & Culture: Santa Fe wildlife cinematographer Lia Nydes shares what it’s like to film mountain lions up close in the Gila. Music on the Road: Sunn O))) added North American dates, including a stop at Albuquerque’s Historic El Rey on Oct. 23. Sports Spotlight: New Mexico coach Jason Eck jokes about “manufacturing” a rivalry with NDSU at Mountain West media days. Business Watch: Bank7 is pushing toward a Sept. 3 close in its contested buyout of Santa Fe-based Century Financial Services. Health & Safety: UNMH says it won’t renew its contract to provide healthcare at Bernalillo County’s Metropolitan Detention Center after July 2027.

Mountain West Football: UNM’s surprising 2025 run helped the Mountain West scrap its preseason predicted order of finish, and the league kicked off new-look media days in Las Vegas with a new membership mix and preseason all-conference honors—New Mexico’s Jaxton Eck and others landed top spots. Local Soccer: New Mexico United kept the momentum rolling with a 4-1 rout of Lexington SC, extending its unbeaten streak to nine. Arts & Culture: Santa Fe’s Columbia Museum of Art named Laura J. Mueller its new executive director, with tours and programs lined up in July. Local Journalism: The Roswell Daily Record secured a deal to keep the presses running after announcing it would close, with a New Mexico publishing group stepping in. Sports Spotlight: Bosque Farms boxer Katherine Lindenmuth heads to El Paso for a WIBA flyweight title fight. Big Legal/Media: 12 states—including New Mexico—continue challenging the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, while the DOJ refused New Mexico’s request for unredacted Epstein files. Music Pop: Phoebe Bridgers debuted “Lost Boys” on The Tonight Show.

Comics Buzz: Marvel’s new “Midnight” line is rolling out variant covers for “Midnight Fantastic Four #1,” “Midnight Spider-Man #1,” and “Midnight X-Men #1,” with a recurring A–E cover theme system to make collecting easier. DC Spotlight: “Absolute Green Arrow” is expanding from a planned six issues to a 12-issue maxiseries, with issue #7 expected in late fall. Ticketing Law: Washington, D.C. passed a bill capping live concert resale prices at 10% over face value and banning “surveillance pricing.” New Mexico Arts & Youth: Farmington’s Orchard Park Makers Market is giving teens hands-on business training through mini-grants and mentorship. Mountain West Football: UNM’s Jaxton Eck was named Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and the league’s preseason teams also highlighted New Mexico talent. Hollywood Antitrust: A coalition of 12 states, including New Mexico, sued to block the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, arguing it would crush competition. Local Event: Route 66 Summerfest takes over Albuquerque’s Nob Hill this Saturday with free music stages and food trucks. Sports Tech/Business: Chris Ballantine was named CEO/publisher of Ballantine Communications, overseeing papers across Southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico.

Set-Jetting Boom: Expedia says TV and movies are driving an $8B-a-year “set-jetting” travel trend, turning on-screen locations into must-visit destinations. Northern NM Family Fun: Santa Fe’s Tumbleweeds Magazine spotlights after-school programs and kid-friendly activities across Northern New Mexico. AI Accountability Debate: New reporting digs into whether AI companies should be held responsible for real-world harm, as lawsuits and policy fights intensify. Paramount-Warner Legal War (Big Hollywood Impact): A 12-state antitrust push to block the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger keeps escalating, with Los Angeles County weighing in and courts weighing emergency moves. Local Sports Spotlight: New Mexico United keeps rolling on an 8-game unbeaten streak with a road match at Lexington SC, while UNM heads into Mountain West Media Day with high expectations. Community Arts & Play: Albuquerque’s dinosaur alley in Bear Canyon keeps growing through neighborhood donations and murals, and Santa Fe’s Lensic 360 and Meow Wolf team up for a Monster Battle event.

Media Antitrust Fight (New Mexico): New Mexico has joined a 12-state lawsuit led by California AG Rob Bonta to block Paramount’s $110B-plus takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the merger would “extinguish competition,” driving higher prices, fewer choices, and less content for moviegoers and TV viewers. Regional Arts & Community: Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta announced the talent lineup and schedule for its 35th anniversary (Sept. 22–27), spotlighting wine seminars, cooking demos, chef luncheons, tours, and signature events. Local Culture in Action: Silva Creek Botanical Garden’s “Day in the Garden” Family Day brought hands-on learning with butterflies, music, and environmental education. Music Spotlight: Albuquerque brothers Mike and Ed Sanchez released a new version of the classic “Suavecito,” turning family history and longtime studio experience into a fresh tribute. Sports (College Hoops): Former New Mexico and UCLA guard Donovan Dent applied for a fifth NCAA eligibility year after the rules opened the door again.

Hollywood Legal Battle: California AG Rob Bonta is leading a coalition of 12 Democratic-led states—including New Mexico—to sue to block Paramount Skydance’s $110B takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the merger would “extinguish competition” and drive up prices while cutting quality and content. Local Impact: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez says the deal could “substantially harm” the state’s film industry, even as the DOJ already cleared it. Tech & Media: Meta pulled an “addictive” AI feature after backlash, while EU regulators move to fine the company over addictive design. New Mexico Arts & Sports: UNM extended softball coach Nicole Orgeron through 2028 after a 28-win season. Community Spotlight: A northeast Albuquerque couple says vandals smashed their car two nights in a row, and they posted video online to identify suspects. Culture & Travel: A new Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso brought hundreds of finishers to Grindstone Lake, with the event marking the first half-triathlon hosted in New Mexico by The Ironman Group.

Mega-Merger Fight: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez joined a 12-state antitrust lawsuit led by California AG Rob Bonta to block Paramount Skydance’s $110B takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing it would “extinguish competition,” raise prices, and cut quality in film and basic cable. Local Arts & Culture: Albuquerque’s Route 66 Centennial Summer Bash is set for July 18 in Nob Hill, with live music, classic cars, food, shopping, and family activities. Sports (NM): “Ted Lasso” star Cristo Fernández (Dani Rojas) made his pro soccer debut for El Paso Locomotive FC against New Mexico United, but United won 2-0. Jobs (NM): Cybersecurity firm Securin is expanding in Albuquerque, relocating into a larger North Valley facility and creating 93 new high-wage jobs. Local Media: The Roswell Daily Record announced it’s ceasing operations after more than a century, while seeking a new ownership or sustainable arrangement.

USL Spotlight: Cristo Fernández (Dani Rojas from “Ted Lasso”) made his pro soccer debut for El Paso Locomotive FC, subbing in vs. New Mexico United—then picking up a yellow as the match ended 2-0. MLB Draft Buzz: Dylan Blomker (La Cueva) went pro immediately after being taken by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round, while the 2026 MLB Draft wrapped with 613 picks total. Local Books & Small Biz: Albuquerque’s Book Fest brought together local authors and vendors for a two-day celebration of reading and indie shopping. UFO Festival Fallout: Roswell’s annual UFO festival didn’t deliver the big answers people hoped for after declassified files—fans left with more questions than “told you so” moments. Community Fitness: Planet Fitness is offering free summer gym access for New Mexico teens ages 14–19 through Aug. 31. Meta in Court: Meta filed an appeal after a landmark social media addiction verdict tied to youth use. Santa Fe Stay: A Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe review spotlights the luxury, casitas, and mountain views.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program, arguing a December 2025 court order is being ignored. Social Media Safety: Parents sued Snapchat’s parent company over a 12-year-old’s rape, saying the app’s design made it easy for predators to reach kids. Meta Legal Update: Meta appealed a landmark social media addiction verdict, pushing back on claims its platforms harmed young users. New Mexico Sports & Film Crossover: Ted Lasso’s Cristo Fernández made his US pro soccer debut for El Paso Locomotive against New Mexico United, while New Mexico United’s unbeaten run hit eight matches before a USL Cup exit. Local Arts & Culture: Albuquerque’s Wild West History Association Roundup returns July 15–19, and the New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta honors late co-founder John “Bale” Sisneros. UFO Buzz: Roswell’s UFO festival left fans frustrated by declassified releases that didn’t deliver the big answers. Community Entertainment: Skidmore’s Holiday Bowl in Albuquerque keeps drawing generations of bowlers, proving the lanes still make memories. Music: Lorna Shore dropped the “War Machine” video and announced an Albuquerque stop at Isleta Amphitheater July 28.

Local Arts & Culture: Albuquerque’s Anna Sheffield turns landscape and materials into “objects” that slow you down, blending bronze and ceramic with a quietly magical touch. Music: Symphonic deathcore band Lorna Shore drops the “War Machine” video and announces an Albuquerque stop at Isleta Amphitheater on 7/28. Film/TV: “Them!” gets a fresh 4K UHD review, with the classic nuclear-ants premise treated less like camp and more like a creeping thriller. Sports (NM): New Mexico United’s unbeaten run hits eight matches after a 2-0 win at El Paso, but the club is knocked out of USL Cup advancement on tiebreakers. Community Spotlight: The New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta honors co-founder John “Bale” Sisneros after his 2024 killing, drawing hundreds of artists to downtown Albuquerque. Campus Life: UNM’s Zimmerman Library coffee shop is getting a swap—Starbucks heads to the Student Union Building, while a local Cà Phê Culture opens in its place. Legal/Accountability: DOJ’s “We are” reply to Epstein-files claims sparks fresh backlash over alleged obstruction and redactions.

Local Arts & Community: Silver City mourns its first poet laureate, Bonnie Buckley Maldonado, a lifelong educator whose writing and public service shaped Pinos Altos and beyond. New Mexico Film: New Mexico’s film industry shows modest rebound: FY26 spending topped $327M with 80 productions, the first year-over-year uptick in four years. Tech & Youth Safety: Meta is appealing a landmark social media addiction verdict tied to Instagram/Facebook design choices like infinite scroll, while the EU also moves to fine the company over addictive features. Entertainment & TV: Randolph Mantooth, the “Emergency!” medic John Gage, dies at 80, leaving a lasting legacy for how first responders were portrayed on TV. Sports (NM): New Mexico United keeps momentum in USL Cup play with a key matchup at El Paso Locomotive FC. Consumer News: New Mexico is set to receive $388K from a multistate Cash App settlement over deceptive practices and fraud protections. Weather/Outdoors: A Western heat dome could intensify an already brutal summer, with record-breaking temperatures possible.

Meta Appeals: Meta has filed an appeal after a Los Angeles jury found Facebook/Instagram negligence helped drive a young woman’s social media addiction, seeking to overturn a verdict that awarded $3M in damages plus $3M in punitive damages. New Mexico National Guard: NMNG celebrated Summer ChalleNGe graduates in Española, with students credited for growth in academics, leadership, fitness, and resilience. UFO Records: The latest “UFO Drop” adds a 1948 radio transmission tied to a pilot’s reported metallic object—new details that keep the mystery alive. Epstein Probe: New Mexico AG Raul Torrez says DOJ is withholding unredacted Jeffrey Epstein/Zorro Ranch files, warning delays could weaken the state’s case. TV Legacy: Randolph Mantooth, the “Emergency!” medic John Gage, has died at 80. Sports & Community: New Mexico United hosts El Paso Locomotive FC in USL Cup action, while UNM names Joe Vann its new women’s tennis head coach. Local Sports News: The New Mexico Goatheads sign forward Grant Ahcan for their inaugural ECHL season.