AGP Executive Report

Project Jupiter Water Fight: U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury is pushing for a state investigation into Project Jupiter’s water use, citing gaps in public accounting and concerns about construction and long-term impacts in the drought-stressed Lower Rio Grande Basin. AI in New Mexico Schools: Lawmakers and parents are escalating pushback on the state-required Amira AI reading tests for K-2, questioning voice-recording storage, consent, and whether scores reflect reading ability or speech patterns. Nuclear Regulation: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez filed opposition to proposed NRC changes to radiation protection rules, warning they could weaken monitoring and public safety safeguards. Directed-Energy Defense: The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8M production contract for its LOCUST X3 laser counter-drone system, signaling a shift toward cheaper, scalable directed-energy air defense. Energy Tech & Data Centers: PNM launched a new mobile app for customers as it rolls out smart meters, while geothermal developer Fervo announced a record 396MW Google PPA aimed at powering future data-center demand. Workforce Training: New Mexico launched an application process for colleges seeking approval to offer Workforce Pell programs for short-term career training.

AI & HPC Infrastructure: VDURA says its mixed-fleet high-performance data platform is now live in full production at New Mexico State University, built for AI training and large-scale simulations on NMSU’s InfiniBand research network. HAPS Communications: Sceye and SoftBank report a successful trans-Pacific HAPS mission: ST1 flew from New Mexico to Japan through the stratosphere, demonstrating mobile broadband to unmodified devices and drone-linked edge connectivity, aiming for commercial service in 2027. Data Center Politics: A new Albuquerque Journal poll finds New Mexicans wary of large-scale data centers, with 65% opposing them and support for a statewide pause to study local impacts and set rules. Project Jupiter Legal/Permitting: The New Mexico Supreme Court denied a request to partially lift the stay on Project Jupiter’s air-quality permit process, keeping the Sept. 14 hearing paused amid pipeline and fast-track concerns. Workforce & Training Tech: CNM opened a nearly $73M film and digital media training center at the Albuquerque Rail Yards, while CNM and other partners expand hands-on, industry-aligned learning spaces. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Grants, N.M. will discontinue its Flock Safety automated license plate reader camera services, citing misalignment between benefits and required investment. Health Access on Wheels: Presbyterian Healthcare Services expanded its mobile health centers from one to three clinics-on-wheels to bring preventive and primary care closer to communities across the state.

HAPS Connectivity: Sceye’s Service Test 1 mission flew from New Mexico to Japan, proving direct-to-device links and HAPS-based edge connectivity with drones as it targets commercial high-altitude telecom. Project Jupiter Update: New Mexico Supreme Court denied Project Jupiter developers’ bid to partially restart air-quality permit proceedings, keeping the pause in place as due-process and permit-timing fights continue. Data Center Water Pressure: A state lawmaker briefing heard that New Mexico data-center water use could jump dramatically if planned facilities come online, with major uncertainty tied to limited developer transparency. Public Health—Vitamin K: A Reuters analysis found newborn vitamin K refusals jumped 57% in early 2026, raising bleeding risk amid growing vaccine mistrust. Mobile Care Expansion: Presbyterian Healthcare Services expanded its mobile health center program to three clinic vans across Albuquerque, Española and Las Cruces to reduce barriers to preventive and acute care. STEM & Research Funding: NIH-backed TACUNA programming for urban Native young adults showed promise for reducing substance use and anxiety by pairing evidence-based care with Indigenous practices. Tech Policy & Teens: Commentary around Meta’s landmark teen-safety settlement highlights age-assurance and enforcement concerns for minors and online platforms.

Colorado River Water Uncertainty: A federal plan to cut Colorado River deliveries is leaving West communities stuck in “meteor strike” uncertainty, with Nevada suing the Interior Department and Bureau of Reclamation over potential up-to-70% reductions that could jeopardize basic needs. Elephant Butte Reservoir Response: With Elephant Butte at its lowest since 1971, a Sierra County leader is pushing a coordinated plan to expedite refilling, conserve upstream water, and set a protected minimum pool. Wildfire-Resilient Power Grids: The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association shared updates on its Wildfire Assessment and Resilience for Networks consortium, pairing co-ops with mitigation tech to protect electricity supplies. New Mexico STEM & Tech Funding: New Mexico’s Economic Development Department opened new matching-grant applications for advanced tech firms and research institutions, aiming to leverage outside investment. Fusion Supply Chain: Molten Salt Solutions raised $7M to scale domestic lithium-6 and lithium-7 enrichment work tied to tritium breeding and reactor coolant needs. Space Tech in Orbit: Infineon’s radiation-hardened HiRel power semiconductors are aboard NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, supporting deep-space power electronics. Public Health Risk: Reuters reports a sharp rise in parents refusing the newborn vitamin K shot, driven by growing mistrust and linked to higher risk of dangerous bleeding. Child Nutrition Fallout: SNAP cuts are expected to ripple into school meal eligibility, potentially leaving more students without free breakfast and lunch. Meta Teen Safety Overhaul: Meta’s $18B settlement includes stronger age-checking and teen usage limits, with states pushing for practical verification methods. Defense Testing in New Mexico: Sandia engineers used a sounding rocket flight test to collect reentry vibration data to improve modeling for the W93 nuclear warhead components. Local Infrastructure: Shiprock opened a new First Responders Substation to centralize emergency services and training for a wide service area.

State Tech Funding: New Mexico Economic Development’s Technology and Innovation Office opened applications for two grant programs that match outside investment—at least $1 million in state funds for companies and research institutions already backed by federal, philanthropic, or private money. Public Safety Infrastructure: Shiprock cut the ribbon on a new First Responders Substation, a $20 million facility (nearly $18 million from the state) built to centralize medical, fire/rescue, law enforcement, and emergency management services. Law Enforcement Training: CNM Ingenuity and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety graduated 178 students from a redesigned legal training program for cadets, recruits, lateral officers, and telecommunicators, adding more interactive and technology-based instruction. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA lifted New World screwworm livestock movement restrictions in New Mexico after no new detections since a Lea County dog case, easing transport rules for producers. Tech Policy & Privacy: Santa Fe schools approved a new cybersecurity policy but delayed a broader student data privacy rule, as parents continue to raise concerns about district use of student information. Uranium Watch: Catron County residents pushed back against a proposed uranium exploration project near Datil, citing fears about aquifer contamination and the scale of the land involved. AI & Defense Procurement: The U.S. Army is testing an AI tool to speed up how it drafts and posts service contract solicitations, aiming to reduce manual work and shorten timelines. Global Science & Security: The UN warned that nuclear test bans are under strain as nuclear-armed states refuse to ratify the treaty, warning any new tests could spark an arms race.

AI Data Centers & Courts: New Mexico Supreme Court orders paused key permit steps for Project Jupiter, a major Oracle/OpenAI-backed AI campus near Santa Teresa, freezing air-permit proceedings and adding uncertainty to construction timelines. Water Policy: A guest column argues New Mexico should use market-based water pricing and trading to cut waste and fund projects more efficiently than central planning. Colorado River Fallout: Reporting from the Phoenix area shows how looming federal cuts could force towns, farmers, and residents into higher costs and backup supplies, with Nevada suing over unmet needs. Public Health & Agriculture: USDA tightened rules for cattle exports amid New World screwworm spread, using intensive inspections to keep the parasite out of the U.S. Tech & Community: UNM Economics Research Day highlighted place-based studies on municipal water use, cannabis policy, agricultural conservation, and the shift from natural gas to electric power. Space & STEM Culture: The New Mexico Museum of Space History marked its 50-year “Golden Jubilee” with a new exhibit and plans for International Space Hall of Fame inductions. Local STEM Pipeline: Team Zia announced New Mexico’s first pro jet-racing entry, aiming to spark aerospace careers for young New Mexicans.

AI & Energy Infrastructure: New Mexico Supreme Court pauses Project Jupiter’s AI data center permit steps in Santa Teresa, freezing air-permit proceedings and adding uncertainty for a major Oracle/OpenAI-backed buildout. Directed Energy / Defense Tech: Two 20kW-class high-energy laser systems (AMP-HEL prototypes) were delivered to the U.S. Army after integration and testing in Albuquerque and acceptance trials at Yuma Proving Ground, marking a move toward fieldable counter-drone capability. Space Science / Astronomy: Cloudcroft and Sunspot advocates are pushing for a rethink after the Dunn Solar Telescope demolition decision, seeking partners and funding for a new future use of the broader Sunspot site. Public Health & Biosecurity: USDA tightens cattle import inspections tied to New World screwworm spread in Mexico/Central America, using an animal import protocol to keep U.S. risk “negligible.” Water & Climate Resilience: Colorado River uncertainty continues to ripple across the Southwest as Nevada challenges federal reductions and local towns plan for worst-case scenarios. Tech Policy & Youth Safety: Meta’s $18B child-safety settlement would impose a default two-hour daily cap for teens on Facebook/Instagram plus overnight blocks, with critics warning it won’t fix deeper recommendation-driven harms. Local Tech Governance: Rio Rancho residents question Flock license-plate reader cameras over privacy and surveillance concerns, while police cite crime-solving benefits. STEM & Education: UNM’s Economics Research Day spotlights place-based research on municipal water, cannabis policy, farm conservation, and the natural gas-to-electric transition.

Directed Energy Defense: The U.S. Army has received mobile 20kW-class AMP-HEL laser systems built in Albuquerque, marking a move from lab testing toward real counter-drone missions. Local Land Use: Santa Fe County is weighing a 22-acre purchase near the Rio en Medio Trail to ease parking and emergency-access problems tied to repeated closures. Big Tech & Kids: Meta’s $18B child-safety settlement with states sets new U.S. rules for Instagram/Facebook, including stronger age checks, a two-hour daily limit for under-18s, overnight curfews, and hidden “like” counts—though critics say it won’t fix all harms. Privacy vs. Policing: Rio Rancho residents challenged the city’s use of Flock license-plate reader cameras, arguing surveillance creep; police cite public-safety benefits. STEM in New Mexico: UNM Engineering awarded multiple scholarships to support student research and leadership, including work tied to sustainable materials. Water Stress Across the West: Coverage highlights how Colorado River cuts are driving lawsuits and tough local planning, with New Mexico named among Upper Basin states facing uncertainty.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to a landmark $18B deal with 48 U.S. states, including stricter age checks, a hard 2-hour daily limit for under-18s, overnight curfews, and hiding “like” counts—though critics warn it won’t fix addictive design and harmful recommendations. Colorado River Water Crunch: In the U.S. Southwest, towns like Cave Creek are already cutting back and still fear the next federal plan could mean deeper, costly shortages—while Nevada escalates with a lawsuit over potential reductions. Rio Rancho Surveillance Debate: Residents challenged Rio Rancho’s use of Flock license-plate cameras, raising privacy fears about tracking and data sharing with federal agencies. UNM & STEM Momentum: UNM engineering student Barsha Khanal received multiple scholarships totaling $9,500, highlighting continued support for research and leadership in New Mexico’s STEM pipeline. Public Health & Drugs: The FDA authorized a generic ivermectin injection to prevent cattle screwworm infestations, expanding supply options for a recurring animal-health threat. UNM Cybersecurity Research: UNM researchers published work on intruder network attacks in Nature Communications, underscoring active security research in the state. Albuquerque Tobacco Butt Lawsuit: Albuquerque filed suit targeting tobacco companies over cigarette butt pollution on public property.

Meta Teen Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay about $18B and impose new limits on teen Instagram/Facebook use, including daily caps and nighttime restrictions, with changes tied to under-18s in participating U.S. states—New Mexico is among those covered. Cybersecurity in New Mexico: UNM researchers published in Nature Communications on intruder network attacks, highlighting how attackers can destabilize cyber-physical systems. Water Stress in the Southwest: A new Colorado River plan is raising uncertainty for cities and farmers; Nevada is suing over potential cuts, while Upper Basin states explore options like agricultural water leasing. Aviation Electrification in the Region: Louisiana launched FAA-backed trials for electric and autonomous aircraft (LIFTOff Louisiana), aiming to generate data for safer integration into the national airspace. Local Tech + Privacy: Albuquerque filed a lawsuit targeting Big Tobacco over cigarette butt pollution, while separate reporting continues to track surveillance-camera controversies and privacy concerns. Health & Food Safety: FDA authorized a generic ivermectin injection to prevent screwworm infestations in cattle, expanding supply options. Space History (NM connection): A look back at the 1951 Aerobee rocket flight from Holloman Air Force Base that sent Yorick the monkey and mice to extreme altitude.

UN Nuclear Policy: UN chief António Guterres urged nuclear-armed states to suspend nuclear testing, warning renewed blasts could spark a new arms race and deepen mistrust. He noted the first US atomic test at New Mexico’s Trinity site and the 1991 Semipalatinsk closure that inspired the annual anti-testing day. Mental Health & Psychedelics: A new JAMA Network Open study on Oregon’s psilocybin service centers reports most participants saw relief from depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with adverse medical attention rare. Cyber-Physical Security: UNM researchers published in Nature Communications that “intruder attacks” can destabilize cyber-physical networks, offering new angles for protecting systems that mix software and real-world controls. Tech Workforce & Training: Rio Rancho and CNM opened a Transportation Systems Technology Center at RioTECH, expanding EV and automotive training with dual-credit options for high school students. Local Tech & Privacy: Rio Rancho residents pushed back on Flock license-plate cameras over privacy; police cite public safety benefits. Defense Tech: The US military used a high-energy laser to shoot down “cartel-linked” drones, and plans call for broader laser counter-drone deployment by 2026. Social Media Regulation: Meta’s $18B teen-safety settlement is driving global pressure for age safeguards, while New Mexico’s Cambridge Analytica-related case remains a holdout. Water & Climate: Colorado’s new conservation approach is drawing legal and fairness concerns from water districts, with worries about uneven impacts across regions.

Meta Teen Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to an $18B deal with 48 states and territories over claims Facebook and Instagram harmed children, adding default two-hour daily limits, overnight and school-day notification blocks, hidden “like” counts, and stronger age checks—while keeping its ad-driven business largely untouched. New Mexico Tech & Innovation: The New Mexico Innovation Hub in Santa Fe’s midtown campus hit capacity faster than expected, adding tenants working across quantum imaging, fusion, and AI. Local Tech Governance: Bernalillo County and the city of Grants moved to end Flock surveillance camera contracts amid privacy concerns, even as other agencies cite crime-solving benefits from license plate readers. Climate & Wildfire: New research finds heatwaves drive nearly half of wildfire burned area in the western U.S., underscoring compounding heat impacts for fire planning. Health Misinformation: Anti-vaccine activists escalated efforts after RFK Jr. suggested measles deaths in Pennsylvania may have been “fabricated,” fueling conspiracy claims. Caregiving Program Results: New MexiCare’s evaluation reports reduced caregiver stress and financial strain, with potential downstream savings by helping older adults stay home longer. Defense Tech: New Mexico-based Castelion announced a $1B financing push to expand production of its Blackbeard hypersonic missile and related defense systems.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B to 47 states (New Mexico already won at trial; Florida opted out) and impose major teen limits on Instagram/Facebook—default two-hour daily caps, midnight-to-6 a.m. blocks, and hidden “like” counts—while withholding part of the payout unless TikTok and YouTube match similar protections. AI in New Mexico Schools: Albuquerque Public Schools will keep using the AI reading assessment Amira but add privacy changes after parent backlash, including deleting voice recordings within 48 hours and stopping voice recording for tutoring/scoring. STEM After School Results: A New Mexico study finds afterschool STEM access has surged, with 94% of surveyed parents reporting STEM availability now (up from 36% in 2014). Defense Tech in New Mexico: The Pentagon awarded a contract to New Mexico rocket maker X-Bow Systems to develop low-cost interceptor targets for missile defense testing. Space Science: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch to study dark matter and dark energy. Water & Wildfire Risk: Frijoles Fire growth around Santa Cruz Lake is raising drought-and-monsoon concerns for flooding and water supplies. Digital Equity: NTIA approved all 56 final BEAD proposals, clearing the way for broadband deployment and adoption work.

Meta Teen Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18B over a decade and impose default limits for under-18s on Facebook and Instagram, including a two-hour daily cap, overnight blocks, muted school-hour notifications, and tighter controls on features tied to engagement. New Mexico Education Tech: Albuquerque Public Schools will keep using the AI reading tool Amira but will scale back voice recording, delete data more often, and adjust how tutoring works after parent privacy pressure. Math Instruction Push: Santa Fe Public Schools is adopting a new math approach modeled after the state’s literacy reforms, aiming to lift flat math results with early testing and teacher training. Fusion Energy in NM: Pacific Fusion broke ground on an Albuquerque research and manufacturing campus, with U.S. Sen. Heinrich joining the push for clean energy and international nuclear cooperation. UAS Training for First Responders: New Mexico Tech’s EMRTC is offering a mobile course to help emergency personnel detect, assess, and respond to drone activity. Water & Climate Risk: Federal Colorado River rules will cut supplies for Arizona, and a strengthening “super El Niño” raises concerns about higher disease risk from warmer, wetter conditions.

Teen Social Media Crackdown: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B (and as much as $18B reported) to settle a landmark child-safety trial with 47 states plus DC, with federal judge approval still needed; the deal would cap teen use at two hours a day, block overnight access (midnight–6 a.m.), limit school-hour notifications, tighten age verification, and add other teen-safety controls on Facebook and Instagram. New Mexico Tech & Research Funding: New Mexico committed $3M to UNM’s Quantum New Mexico Institute to strengthen the state’s quantum research, workforce, and commercialization pipeline. Fusion Energy in the Southwest: U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich joined Pacific Fusion at an Albuquerque groundbreaking for a $1B research and manufacturing campus aimed at building toward commercial fusion power. Public Health Watch: Confirmed cyclospora cases topped 17,000 nationwide; New Mexico was added to the list of states with confirmed infections. Community STEM & Access: Las Vegas Demonstration and Training Farm expanded efforts to help residents grow food and move toward self-sustaining produce sales. Broadband for Tribal Communities: Laguna Pueblo received a $100,000 broadband planning grant to pursue Eligible Telecommunications Carrier status and unlock discounts and federal support.

Fusion Energy in Albuquerque: Pacific Fusion broke ground on a $1B research and manufacturing campus at Mesa del Sol, aiming for “net facility gain” by 2030 and partnering with NNSA on high-yield fusion work. AI & Local Power Politics: A national backlash to hyperscale AI data centers is growing across party lines, with New Mexico repeatedly cited as part of the broader fight over water, air, and electricity impacts. Project Jupiter Legal Pause: New Mexico Supreme Court stays key Project Jupiter permitting steps, putting air and water approvals on hold while opponents argue due process and power-use transparency gaps. Meta Teen-Safety Reckoning: Meta agreed to a settlement with 29 states over claims it designed Facebook/Instagram to addict children, with teen usage limits and nighttime blocks nationwide; the trial also continues amid reports of possible mid-trial settlement talks. Clean Water Chemistry: Researchers with Navajo Nation partners presented well-water heavy-metal findings and best practices for safer drinking-water education at an upcoming American Chemical Society meeting. Defense Tech: The U.S. Navy awarded Castelion nearly $90M to advance the Blackbeard hypersonic strike weapon toward early operational capability, with manufacturing tied to New Mexico.