AGP Executive Report

Meta Youth Trial: Jury selection begins in Oakland for a landmark case accusing Meta of designing Facebook/Instagram to harm kids, with states seeking remedies that could reach $1.4 trillion and pushing for major product changes. New Mexico Court Fallout: A separate New Mexico ruling orders Meta to pay $567 million for children’s mental health, calling the company a “public nuisance” and mandating teen-safety changes. Age-Verification Debate: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds two-thirds of Americans back age-verification laws for teens, but warns the tech can misidentify users and create a high-risk trove of personal data. Local Sports & Community: The Albuquerque Isotopes keep rolling after a home series win, while the Junior League Baseball World Series kicks off with all games streaming on ESPN+. Music & Festivals: “Ride the Rails to the Blues” brings weekend performances and local food/history to Castañeda Hotel and Buffalo Hall. Film Spotlight: Roswell Shorts announces 31 official selections, including 10 New Mexico films. Satire vs. State Law: The Babylon Bee sues New Mexico over an AI political-satire disclaimer requirement, arguing it chills free speech. Business Watch: Bernhard Capital Partners completes its acquisition of New Mexico Gas Company. Public Safety: Santa Fe County celebrates the grand opening of Turquoise Trail Fire Station #3 and the Cerrillos Senior & Community Center.

Youth Tech Reckoning: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a children’s mental health fund, calling Facebook/Instagram a “public nuisance” and mandating new safeguards like deleting accounts under 13 and limiting minors’ notifications and visible “like” counts. Courtroom Dominoes: A federal appeals court also refused to toss out thousands of social media addiction lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Google and Snapchat, keeping the legal fight moving. Local Impact, Big Money: New Mexico’s win could still mean up to $68 million in contingency fees for an outside law firm, even as officials say the cut is smaller than in other state cases. New Mexico Politics & Media: The Babylon Bee sued over HB 182’s AI disclaimer rules for political satire, arguing the law forces speech. Arts & Entertainment: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is drawing major attention and breaking records, while Albuquerque concertgoers braved rain for Toto’s show. Sports: UNM released its 2026-27 Mountain West men’s schedule, and UNM QB Jack Layne’s elbow injury still has no clear return timeline.

Meta’s NM teen-safety ruling: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta (Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp) to pay $567 million into a children’s mental-health fund and to implement new safeguards, including deleting accounts for kids under 13 and tightening teen notifications and “likes.” Big Tech faces more addiction suits: A federal appeals court cleared the way for 3,000+ social media addiction lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Google and Snap to proceed, rejecting early attempts to block the cases. Age-verification debate: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 61% of Americans back stronger social media regulation and 66% support laws keeping under-16s off platforms, even as verification methods raise privacy and accuracy concerns. Frijoles Fire: The wildfire north of Santa Fe has grown past 3,000 acres with evacuation orders issued for parts of Cundiyó. Public safety alert: Bernalillo County is searching for a heavily armed man reported in Northwest Albuquerque who may be tampering with residential cameras. Local arts & culture: The Kimball Arts Festival drew artists from across the region, including metal sculptors turning pop-culture obsessions into “steel cartoons.” Sports: New Mexico State linebacker Sone Aupiu says he’ll pursue pro rugby after college, while UNLV released its full 2026-27 men’s basketball schedule.

New Mexico Teen Safety Ruling: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a children’s mental-health fund and branded the company’s platforms a “public nuisance,” adding to a total $942 million in penalties. The order also requires major teen-facing changes, including deleting accounts under 13 and tightening notification rules. Big Tech Court Dominoes: In a separate federal fight, the 9th Circuit cleared the way for 3,000+ lawsuits against Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap over claims they designed social media to be addictive to young users, rejecting arguments that Section 230 blocks the suits outright. Public Mood on Oversight: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 61% of Americans back stronger social media regulation, and 66% support laws requiring age verification to keep kids under 16 off platforms. Local Pop Culture Note: Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee pushed back on online critics who tell him to “shut up and drum,” doubling down on his right to speak.

Teen Safety in the Spotlight: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a children’s mental health fund and branded Facebook/Instagram a “public nuisance,” adding new teen safeguards like tighter limits on under-13 accounts and restricted notifications. Big Court Fight Continues: A federal appeals court also let thousands of social media addiction lawsuits move forward against Meta, Google, TikTok and others, rejecting an early Section 230 appeal. Tech, Identity, and Convenience: New Mexico is among the states that support digital driver’s licenses in Apple/Google Wallet, making airport check-ins faster. Music on the Move: Fuerza Regida announced a second leg of its This Is Our Dream Tour, including a stop in Albuquerque. Local Arts & Community: An antique show in New Mexico drew collectors and supporters, while the state’s lottery launched new Zoltar® Crossword Scratchers. Sports Notes: New Mexico-bred quarter horses earned starting gate spots for Labor Day All American races at Albuquerque Downs.

Meta Teen Safety Ruling: A New Mexico judge declared Facebook and Instagram a “public nuisance,” ordering Meta to pay $567 million into a youth mental-health fund and tighten teen safeguards after finding the platforms significantly contribute to harm. Next Legal Fight: Meta is also set to face another major U.S. trial this week over claims it made Instagram and Facebook addictive for children, with states seeking sweeping restrictions and massive penalties. Public Mood Shift: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 61% of Americans want tougher social media rules, including age-verification tools to keep younger kids off platforms. Local Arts Spotlight: The Great Southwestern Antique Show at Expo New Mexico drew collectors and supporters, with early ticket proceeds benefiting NMPBS arts and education. Community Creativity: The Cortez Makerspace opened a $5,000 Innovation Challenge for Four Corners creators, with divisions for open, hobbyist, and youth. Sports Note: Triple-A Albuquerque’s Zac Veen erupted for 17 total bases in a single game, putting the Rockies on notice.

Meta Teen Safety Fallout: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta/Facebook-Instagram to pay $567M and overhaul teen protections, adding to an earlier $375M penalty—while Meta says it will appeal. Public Push for Oversight: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 61% of Americans want tougher social media rules, with strong support for age checks for kids under 16. Royal Reaction: Prince Harry called the ruling “accountability” and urged platforms to choose safety over engagement. Local Arts & Culture: The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center marked 50 years of preserving Pueblo heritage with exhibits and archives. Community Creativity: Cortez Makerspace launched a $5,000 Innovation Challenge for Four Corners creators (entries due Sept. 20). Live Music: Black Mesa Brass Ensemble returns to Santa Fe for a freewill-offering concert Aug. 28. Wildfire Watch (NM): The Frijoles Fire near Cundiyó grew past 2,000 acres with no evacuations ordered yet. Sports Note: The 2026 U.S. Amateur tees off at Merion with 312 players chasing match play and the Havemeyer Trophy.

Meta Ruling: A New Mexico judge ordered Instagram/Facebook parent Meta to pay $567 million more (bringing the case total to $942 million) and fund youth mental-health treatment plus prevention and screening, calling the company’s conduct a “public nuisance” and Meta plans to appeal. Local Arts & Books: Albuquerque’s romance readers get a new bookstore, Vellum & Vine, opening with signings and book-themed treats. Film & Indie Scene: IndieWire named Albuquerque a top U.S. city for independent filmmakers, pointing to New Mexico’s film tax incentives. Sports Spotlight: New Mexico United rallied late to beat Monterey Bay 5-2 and extend its unbeaten run. Community & Culture: The Isotopes unveiled Native American Heritage Night jerseys designed by Pueblo artist Evone “Snowflake” Martinez. Public Records: Santa Fe’s IPRA task force spotlighted how rising public-records requests strain staffing and slow responses. Sports Entertainment: Isotopes grounds crew keeps the field pristine through brutal heat, and a Flandrau listening party for Phoebe Bridgers’ new album sold out fast.

Meta Child-Safety Ruling: A New Mexico judge ordered Facebook/Instagram parent Meta to pay $567 million into a teen mental-health abatement fund, on top of the earlier $375 million jury award—bringing the case total to $942 million—and to overhaul safeguards for minors, including limits on under-18 use, reduced addictive features, stronger age verification, and tighter rules around sexual-exploitation risks. Big-Tech Accountability Buzz: Prince Harry called the decision “what accountability looks like,” while Meta says it will appeal. Local Book Scene: Albuquerque romance readers are getting a new home base: Vellum & Vine, a romance-focused bookstore opening in late August with author signings and book-themed treats. Music Spotlight: Left To Suffer released the official video for “Unwelcome Guest,” ahead of its Oct. 9 album drop, with a fall run of tour dates. Sports Betting Promos: New Mexico residents are being targeted with prediction-market signup bonuses tied to NFL and MLB matchups via Kalshi and other platforms.

Big Tech Accountability: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million and overhaul Facebook/Instagram teen protections after finding the company harmed children’s mental health and concealed risks tied to child sexual exploitation, bringing the case total to $942 million. Platform Changes: The ruling calls for tighter age verification, limits on under-18 use (including a 90-hours-per-month cap), restrictions on AI chatbot interactions with minors, and added safety warnings and reporting improvements. Political Ripples: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez says the decision should spur broader Big Tech review and lawmakers are already eyeing new social media and AI bills. Celebrity Reaction: Prince Harry praised the ruling as “accountability” and said “change can’t wait.” Local Arts & Entertainment: Albuquerque’s Electric Playhouse is temporarily closing while it searches for a new operator, with plans to bring its interactive tech to museums, schools, and events. Music Spotlight: Left to Suffer released the official video for “Unwelcome Guest,” ahead of an Oct. 9 album drop. Sports on TV: Listings for Saturday, Aug. 8 highlight major matchups across football, racing, golf, and more.

Meta Youth Safety Ruling: A New Mexico judge ordered Facebook/Instagram parent Meta to pay $567 million into a teen mental-health abatement fund, on top of the earlier $375 million verdict—bringing the total in the case to $942 million. The ruling also requires platform changes for under-18s, including stricter age verification, limits on time spent, default privacy settings, and restrictions on push notifications, plus bans on sexualized chatbot interactions with minors. Local Planning & Community: In Dillon, a housing development replacing the Skyline Cinema cleared planning and zoning approval despite public concerns. Arts & Indigenous Culture: Santa Fe-area audiences get a slate of Native-focused art coverage, from Diné weaving traditions and contemporary Indigenous sculpture to gallery openings and Native jewelry spotlights. Outdoor Business: Applications are open for New Mexico’s Adventure Pitch Fest, returning to Albuquerque Rail Yards with $15,000 in cash prizes for outdoor entrepreneurs. Aging & Caregiving: Registration is open for the 48th Annual New Mexico Conference on Aging in Santa Fe (Sept. 23–24), featuring caregiving and healthy-aging sessions plus activities and respite care.

Court Ruling on Social Media Safety: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta (Facebook/Instagram) to pay $567 million into a teen mental-health fund and tighten youth protections after finding the company created a “public nuisance” tied to harm to children’s wellbeing. Money + Mandates: $420 million is slated for treatment services, with the rest going to awareness, prevention, and screening over five years, on top of a prior $375 million damages award. Platform Changes: The court also ordered stronger safeguards for minors, including limits and notification restrictions for teens, tighter controls on adult contact with minors, and enhanced handling of child sexual abuse reports; Meta says it will appeal. Local Sports Spotlight: Las Cruces boxer Ariana Carrasco is set for her second pro bout Aug. 7 in El Paso against British debuting fighter Chanisse Jenner. Music/Live Events: Country star Thomas Rhett announces UK arena dates for next spring, with tickets going on sale today.

Patriot Games Spotlight: Rio Rancho High standouts Victoria Perea and Keller Ford have been selected to represent New Mexico at the inaugural Patriot Games in Ohio, competing for a $250,000 scholarship tied to the Freedom 250 celebration. Local Sports Shuffle: Gonzaga’s men’s basketball program is scrambling after point guard Mario Saint-Supery left for Spain, with the transfer portal suddenly looking like the fastest route to a new floor general. Court Fight Over Epstein Files: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued the U.S. DOJ to force release of un-redacted Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents tied to Zorro Ranch, arguing delays are harming the state’s probe. Arts & Community Calendar: Questa Art Tour returns with free weekend studio stops, and Santa Fe Indian Market gears up for its 104th year with about 1,000 Indigenous artists from nearly 250 nations. Entertainment Industry Watch: Paramount Skydance’s Warner Bros. merger cleared a major UK antitrust hurdle, but a March 2027 U.S. trial still looms. Health & Safety: A major egg recall linked to salmonella risk is prompting consumers to check cartons before eating.

Local Arts & Film: “Miss You, Love You” lands on HBO Max as a bittersweet 2026 dramedy about grief, with Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells navigating a funeral plan that turns into a reckoning. Music in the Southwest: MainStreet T-or-C has locked in the Levitt AMP Truth or Consequences Music Series lineup—free Thursday shows at Ralph Edwards Park running Sept. 10–Oct. 22. Exhibitions: Sheldon Museum of Art’s fall lineup spotlights painting, led by “Grace Hartigan: The Gift of Attention,” a major look at how poets shaped her career. Sports & Community: Explore Academy in Albuquerque celebrates a new gym and black box theater after a 2024 roof collapse derailed plans. New Mexico News: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sues the U.S. Justice Department over alleged stonewalling in the state’s Jeffrey Epstein Zorro Ranch investigation, while a separate interim report compiles a first-ever New Mexico timeline of Epstein’s activities. Space & Tech: A telescope in Chile confirmed a SpaceX rocket stage hit the Moon, with scientists tracking the impact plume.

Local Arts Spotlight: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta unveiled its 2026 official serigraph poster, “Chirp409 Manifiesta,” by UNM-trained local artist Travis Bruce Black, with signed and non-signed prints available at the gift shop and online. New Mexico Culture & Music: Albuquerque Indigenous rock band First Floor Highway dropped the new single “Bring the Ruin,” an alternative-country-rock track about returning to toxic relationships and choosing a reckoning. Boxing (Borderland Sports): El Paso’s Aug. 7 “Boxfest XIX” at the El Paso County Coliseum features Texas bantamweight Emanuel Moreno vs. Guillermo Gutierrez, plus Las Cruces prospects Ariana Carrasco and Devon Garcia, streaming on DAZN and YouTube. Entertainment TV Buzz: Emmy-nominated “Pluribus” star Rhea Seehorn teased what Season 2 could mean for her character Carol after that explosive finale moment. Serious Local Legal Fight: New Mexico sued the DOJ and acting AG Todd Blanche over alleged stonewalling in the state’s Epstein probe tied to Zorro Ranch.

Reproductive Rights: Acting AG Todd Blanche, in a recorded White House Faith Office call, promised to make the Dobbs decision “permanent in every state,” including pledges to block doctors in legal states from prescribing mail-order abortion drugs to patients in bans. Sports & Community: New Mexico’s youth sports scene stays busy—Roadrunner Little League’s Junior team heads to the Junior League Baseball World Series in Michigan, and Deming hosted the Ricky Baca Memorial Softball Tournament. Local Entertainment & Food: On the west side, Fuego 505 owners opened Ohana Hut, a Hawaiian ramen/sushi/poke spot with a bar and patio connection. New Mexico Watch: Doña Ana County commissioners weighed a citizen-led monitoring committee for Project Jupiter, the Oracle/OpenAI data center under construction in Santa Teresa. Baseball Business: The Rockies made a trade-deadline move sending Brenton Doyle to the White Sox for prospects, a decision framed as clearing the way for Cole Carrigg. Arts/Film Industry: Paramount Skydance’s antitrust trial with Warner Bros. Discovery is set for March 2, 2027, with states including New Mexico and the WGA pushing to block the $110B merger.