AGP Executive Report

New World Screwworm: The flesh-eating parasite is back, with USDA and lawmakers pushing faster containment as cases spread across Texas and into New Mexico, including calls for more research, surveillance, and outreach to protect livestock, pets, and rural economies. Water & Climate Policy: Colorado River states remain deadlocked as deadlines near; Utah and Wyoming are urging renewed talks while Arizona warns it could face steep cuts, and federal plans loom if no deal is reached. Health & Environment: A new study reports microplastics in human brain tissue tied to dementia and cardiovascular risk, adding pressure on monitoring and pollution controls. Food Supply Crunch: Protein cravings are colliding with shortages as whey demand surges and prices climb, hitting everything from snacks to coffee. Space & Tech Curiosity: UT Austin researchers unveiled a prototype jacket that harvests drinkable water from ambient air, turning wearable fabric into a portable water source. Local Tech/Science Culture: New Mexico’s Catholic dioceses report a rise in adult converts, while a national report flags worsening child well-being across many states, including health and education declines.

New World screwworm outbreak: USDA and Texas officials report more New World screwworm detections, including a dog in New Mexico, as the parasite spreads beyond its initial Texas hot spot—prompting sterile-fly releases, quarantines, and emergency treatment authorizations for pets. Policy pressure: A bipartisan group of senators urged USDA to ramp up research, surveillance, and outreach, while Colorado River negotiations elsewhere show how fast deadlines can force hard choices. Public health & environment: A new study finds microplastics in human brain tissue tied to dementia and cardiovascular risk, with UNM researchers among the team. STEM education in NM: The Steadfast Line and Clovis Community College cut the ribbon on a STARBASE facility at Cannon AFB, bringing hands-on STEAM lessons to Eastern New Mexico students starting fall 2026. Tech & kids: A New Mexico jury verdict adds to growing legal pressure on Big Tech over harms to children. Climate & wildfire science: Research in Science finds prescribed burns can sharply reduce the odds of extreme wildfire in treated areas. Local governance: Santa Fe-area infrastructure planning advances with ICIP project selections for 2027.

New World Screwworm Response: USDA is stepping up containment after new detections, including cases in Texas and New Mexico, with sterile fly releases, quarantines, and emergency treatment authorizations for pets as officials warn the outbreak could become a major cattle-industry threat. Policy Push: U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and colleagues urged USDA to expand research, countermeasure production, and outreach as the parasite spreads. Local STEM Pipeline: The Steadfast Line opened a STARBASE facility at Cannon Air Force Base in partnership with Clovis Community College, bringing hands-on STEAM learning to Eastern New Mexico students. Health & Environment Research: UNM researchers are part of a study reporting microplastics in human brain tissue linked to dementia and cardiovascular risk, raising fresh concerns about exposure and medical urgency. Community Well-Being: A national report finds child well-being deteriorated in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with declines across education, health, and economic measures. Infrastructure Planning: An ICIP update advanced a 2027 capital plan focused on water transmission and flood repairs, with council deliberation still shaping priorities.

New World Screwworm: USDA confirmed three more screwworm detections, bringing U.S. totals to five, including a dog case in New Mexico—prompting tighter animal movement rules and heightened outreach as sterile-fly releases ramp up. Public Health & Animal Care: FDA issued emergency authorization for a first generic treatment (nitenpyram) for dogs and cats, while CDC activated an emergency response to track rare human risk. Native Education Partnerships: The University of Arizona and tribal leaders held a summit to build new pathways for Native students, including Diné food programming and expanded campus engagement. STEM in Eastern New Mexico: The Steadfast Line opened a STARBASE facility at Cannon Air Force Base with Clovis Community College, bringing hands-on STEAM learning for local fifth graders. Science & Space Tech: NASA/USGS geologists investigated a Mojave Desert mineral find using a JPL sensor, and Caltech is preparing to build a next-generation, ultra-sensitive radio telescope. Law Enforcement Training: New Mexico DPS named Fabian M. Valdez director of the Law Enforcement Academy. Microplastics Research: UNM and international collaborators reported microplastics in human brain tissue linked to dementia and cardiovascular risk. Water & Climate: A study finds severe drought is shrinking high-quality habitat for Mountain West deer, bears, and cougars, with cascading ecosystem impacts.

New World screwworm response: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins toured Texas as sterile flies are released to contain the flesh-eating parasite now confirmed in Texas and a New Mexico dog, with lawmakers urging faster research and production as cases rise. Pet drug update: The FDA authorized the first generic treatment for screwworm myiasis in dogs and cats, offering quick larva-killing but not prevention of reinfestation. UNM water research: UNM economists studied how irrigated agriculture uses water across small and large farms in the Middle Rio Grande Basin, aiming to guide conservation as drought pressure grows. Microplastics & health: UNM researchers helped report microplastics found in human brain tissue at higher levels in donors with dementia, adding to concerns about long-term health risks. Astronomy in New Mexico: NSF VLA observations in Socorro County helped detect cold molecular gas in a very early galaxy, using carbon monoxide signals to trace star-forming fuel. Pedestrian safety: New Mexico’s pedestrian fatality ranking improved in 2025, credited to NMDOT’s Target Zero strategy and roadway safety upgrades. AI & data centers: Oracle’s AI infrastructure surge highlights the growing compute buildout that’s driving demand for power and cooling. Space tech: NASA’s SLS program continues Artemis II launch preparations, with New Mexico ties highlighted through program staff.

Microplastics & Health: UNM and international partners report microplastic particles in human brain tissue tied to dementia and cardiovascular risk, with brain levels far higher than liver/kidneys and rising plastic burden from 2016–2024. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed additional New World screwworm cases, including a New Mexico dog, as Texas and federal teams ramp up sterile-fly releases and surveillance; Democratic senators urged USDA to accelerate production and expand tactics. Public Safety (Walking): New Mexico’s pedestrian fatality ranking improved, dropping from No. 1 to No. 9 in 2025, credited to NMDOT’s Target Zero and upgrades like crosswalks and hybrid beacons. Clean Energy Industry: Albuquerque-based ARRAY Technologies surpassed 100 GW of solar tracker deliveries worldwide, highlighting domestic manufacturing and tracker innovation. Housing & Demographics: A new statewide strategy says demand will rise across New Mexico despite modest population growth, driven by aging and smaller households amid high interest rates. Elder Financial Scams: New Mexico Securities Division warns of growing elder exploitation, including digital and AI impersonation schemes. Space Science: NSF VLA observations in Socorro County helped detect distant cold molecular gas in early galaxies, using CO as a star-formation fuel tracer. Transportation/Climate Science: El Niño’s return is expected to bring heightened flood, storm, and tornado risk across a broad U.S. corridor.

Microplastics in brains: UNM and international partners report microplastic particles in human brain tissue at far higher levels than in liver or kidneys, with the highest loads in donors with dementia—calling it a “medical emergency.” Livestock biosecurity: New World screwworm detections keep expanding: USDA says sterile-fly releases are ramped up, and Georgia is tightening animal entry rules for Texas plus four NM counties. Colorado River fight: Utah lawmakers warn that states suing over river operations could lose about $354M in conservation aid; Utah also urges Congress to block funding for litigation. NMHU turmoil: New Mexico Highlands University staff say they were placed on leave or terminated without explanations, as scrutiny grows around the Board of Regents and alleged misuse of state funds. Data centers in NM: Socorro County approves a one-year data center moratorium after community pushback, while Raton delays its own moratorium decision amid a developer study. Space tech: UC San Diego engineers unveil a tiny 6mm metasurface optical component for solar monitoring, space-qualified with BAE Systems. Housing demand: A new NM housing strategy update projects rising demand despite stagnant population, driven by shrinking household sizes and demographics.

Microplastics & Health: UNM and international partners report microplastics in human brain tissue at far higher levels than in liver or kidneys, with the highest loads in donors with dementia, raising alarm about neurological and cardiovascular risk. Biosecurity & Agriculture: New World screwworm is now confirmed in New Mexico after Texas detections, triggering quarantines and import suspensions; Mexico also halted shipments of multiple live animal categories while USDA ramps up surveillance and sterile-fly response. Local Tech Governance: Raton and Socorro County both moved to slow data-center momentum—Raton delayed a moratorium decision, while Socorro adopted a yearlong data center moratorium and plans an advisory committee. Space Tech: UC San Diego engineers, with BAE Systems, unveiled a tiny metasurface optical component (about 6 millimeters) that could improve how future missions study the Sun. STEM Workforce & Education: UNM’s Combined BA/MD program sends students to rural New Mexico sites like Roswell to shadow care delivery, aiming to train more doctors for underserved communities. Health Policy: ACA enhanced premium tax credits lapse is linked to fewer marketplace signups and higher plan drop-off, according to new national data.

Screwworm Surge: The New World screwworm is back in the U.S., with USDA confirming new cases across Texas and a first New Mexico case in a dog, prompting quarantines and a “Inspect, Report, and Protect” push as officials race to expand sterile-fly and surveillance efforts. Colorado River Crunch: With states still deadlocked, federal managers are moving toward a shorter-term operating approach for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, and Arizona faces potential drastic cuts if no deal emerges. Child Health & Education: New Mexico ranks 49th for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report, while a separate analysis warns federal spending on children is still sliding. UNM Care Expansion: UNM Health is opening a new $36M children’s psychiatric center with 36 beds (expandable), aiming to modernize inpatient mental health care. Rural Doctor Pipeline: UNM’s BA/MD students are spending time in Roswell to learn rural healthcare delivery and build a workforce for New Mexico. Local Tech & Community Tension: In Doña Ana County, residents pressed officials over Project Jupiter’s data center impacts, setting up a June 18 public meeting amid frustration over process and environmental concerns. Science in New Mexico: Researchers formally describe a newly identified Triassic reptile from a New Mexico quarry, adding a surprising twist to the region’s paleontology story.

Microplastics & Health: UNM-linked research reports microplastics in human brain tissue tied to dementia and cardiovascular risk, with brain levels far higher than liver/kidneys and rising plastic burden from 2016–2024. Agriculture Biosecurity: The New World screwworm is now confirmed in New Mexico (a dog in Lea County) alongside four Texas cases, as USDA and Texas ramp up surveillance and sterile-fly production to protect livestock and limit beef-price pressure. Wildlife Law: New Mexico’s appeals court sided with the state wildlife agency in an elk-damage dispute, limiting liability for Catron County landowners. Nuclear for Space: Antares Nuclear says its test reactor reached criticality at Idaho National Lab, a step toward power for lunar and deep-space missions. Energy/Community Investment: The Permian Strategic Partnership highlights $2.3B in regional impact from $215M invested since 2019, spanning health care, workforce development, and road safety across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.

New Mexico Tech & Innovation Funding: New Mexico’s Technology and Innovation Network Advisory Board met June 1 to oversee more than $200M in planned state tech investments, including $110M for the Research, Development and Deployment Fund, with Sandia, Los Alamos, universities, community colleges, and private-sector leaders at the table. Bio/Health Tech: UNM researchers reported microplastics in human brain tissue tied to dementia and cardiovascular risk, finding higher plastic loads in brain samples than liver or kidneys and a rise in burden from 2016 to 2024. Public Health Data Tools: UNM is also developing a machine-learning approach to detect hidden self-harm history in Veterans Health Administration records, aiming to help clinicians focus on care instead of searching through notes. Agriculture Biosecurity: The New World screwworm surge continues, with USDA confirming three more cases in Texas and reclassifying a dog case as New Mexico’s first, prompting quarantines and new animal-movement restrictions across the region. Local Tech Workforce: CNM Ingenuity CEO Kyle Lee will step down Aug. 3 after a decade expanding workforce and economic development statewide. Community Data Center Fight: Socorro County residents pushed back hard on a proposed large data center, with New Mexico Tech pausing progress and the county moving toward a one-year moratorium.

Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA confirmed three more New World screwworm cases in Texas, bringing the total to five, including a dog case later reclassified as New Mexico’s first confirmed detection—officials are now inspecting animals in the affected Lea County household and ramping outreach as the parasite’s return threatens cattle health. Climate & Heat: NOAA reports spring 2026 as the second-warmest on record for the contiguous U.S., with New Mexico among the hottest states, reinforcing a long-term warming trend. Water Tech & Forecasting: Researchers are improving Colorado River forecasting by using satellite-informed models that track water stored in snow and soil—aimed at helping Southwest managers plan under drought pressure. Broadband Infrastructure: Kinetic hit 2 million fiber premises passed across its service area, including New Mexico, as it scales fiber buildouts and expands partnerships. Deep-Time Science: Paleontologists described a new late Triassic crocodile relative, Labrujasuchus expectatus, found at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. Public Health Policy: A PFAS compliance update highlights shifting federal and state rules and looming deadlines that affect how risks are tracked and litigated.

Water & Climate Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared a Rio Grande deal that forces southern New Mexico to cut groundwater pumping by 18,200 acre-feet over 10 years, aiming to keep more water flowing as stretches of the river run dry. Astronomy & Engineering: The Very Large Array’s successor, the ngVLA, hit “first light” with a prototype antenna in New Mexico, moving from construction into astronomical testing. Local Science & Community Data: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Silver City wrapped up the City Nature Challenge, with citizen scientists logging thousands of observations via iNaturalist. UNM Research Leadership: Janette Kim was named director of UNM’s Design and Planning Assistance Center, bringing an ecology-and-equity focus to community design work. Tech & Society (Opinion): Local commentary argues proposed moves to politicize federal basic-research grants would undermine peer review and science. Education & STEM Culture: Luna Community College revived its 17th Annual Car Show, originally built to showcase student tech programs and fund scholarships.

Radio Astronomy: The Very Large Array’s successor is moving from build to test as the ngVLA prototype antenna in New Mexico achieves “first light,” giving astronomers a real-world check on the engineering for a future 244-antenna array. UNM & Community Design: Janette Kim has been named director of the University of New Mexico’s Design and Planning Assistance Center, bringing a background in ecology, social equity, and built-environment research to a long-running community design hub. Citizen Science: The City Nature Challenge results are in for Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Silver City, with house finch topping the animal list and threatened species recorded across all three cities. Tech & Art in Santa Fe: Currents 2026 returns with immersive installations, VR, robotics, and wearable art across Santa Fe from June 12–21, including offsite tech experiences at IAIA’s Digital Dome and other venues. Health Access: New Mexico’s Health Care Authority announced a $76.2 million rural health funding opportunity to expand specialty, maternal, behavioral, and chronic disease care through regional hub partners. Mental Health Data: UNM researchers report that self-harm history is often missing from diagnosis codes in Veterans Health Administration records, using machine learning to estimate far higher rates than coding alone suggests. Local STEM/Policy: UNM’s machine-learning work and the ngVLA milestone both point to a busy week for New Mexico science—while state-level decisions on eligibility rules and access to care keep showing up in the real world.

Gender-Affirming Care Access: A New Mexico transgender patient says even with state protections, getting hormone prescriptions can mean months-long specialist delays and forced treatment interruptions. Food Assistance in Court: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from enforcing new SNAP funding conditions tied to gender and immigration policies, arguing they create unlawful roadblocks. Rural Health Funding: New Mexico Health Care Authority announced a $76.2 million Healthy Horizons opportunity to expand specialty, maternal, behavioral health, and chronic care via regional “hub” partners. Mental Health Data in EHRs: UNM researchers used machine learning on Veterans Health Administration records and found self-harm history is often missing from diagnosis codes, with coded data capturing only about a quarter of what clinicians documented. Colorado River Management: Federal officials plan a shorter-term 10-year framework with updated guidelines every two years if states can’t agree, with a final environmental plan expected mid-to-late summer. Pancreatic Cancer Research: Albuquerque’s Polly’s Run (17th year) raised $620,000+ for UNM pancreatic cancer research, highlighting new work aimed at doubling survival time. Border Wall & Contracts: Reporting says DHS border-wall spending has surged, with billions in contracts going to a small set of firms tied to the White House and GOP. Nuclear for Space: A startup test reactor reached criticality in Idaho, a step toward power for lunar and deep-space missions. Wildfire Preparedness: Experts warn that dry conditions plus federal staffing cuts could worsen fire outcomes, even as mitigation efforts like thinning and prescribed burns vary by state.

Science & Society: A UNM-led study finds self-harm history is often missing from diagnosis codes—machine learning suggests clinically documented self-harm appears in about 7.9% of Veterans Health Administration patients, not the quarter captured by coding, raising stakes for mental-health planning and care. Water & Climate: Federal officials say Colorado River management will shift to a shorter-term 10-year framework with new operational guidelines every two years if states can’t agree, as experts warn Lake Mead and Lake Powell could face “system crash” conditions without faster cuts. Wildfire Readiness: Fire watchdogs warn that dry conditions plus thinning and prescribed burns matter more than forecasts, while federal staffing reductions could complicate mitigation. Border Tech & Spending: DHS border-wall contracting has surged, with billions flowing to a small set of firms tied to the White House and GOP, and critics flag transparency and cost-growth concerns. Rural Health: New Mexico’s Health Care Authority announced $76.2 million to expand specialty, maternal, behavioral, and chronic care via regional “hub” partners in rural, frontier, and Tribal communities. Local STEM & Community: Española’s Performance Maintenance Inc. earned SBA New Mexico Small Business Person of the Year, highlighting long-running local growth tied to practical services. Health Policy Courtroom: A federal judge blocked new SNAP funding conditions from being enforced while legal challenges proceed.