AGP Executive Report

Screwworm Watch for Pet Travelers: U.S. Customs says dogs traveling from Mexico into the U.S. need a veterinarian certificate proving they’re free of New World screwworm, with USDA requiring inspection within five days—an extra step for New Mexico families heading south this summer. Road Costs Update: New Mexico passenger vehicle registration fees rise about 25% starting July 1, with electric and hybrid fees changing on Jan. 1, as Senate Bill 2 funds major transportation projects. Borderland Faith & 250th Events: Bishops from the Santa Fe diocese and other border regions led a Border Mass and rosary procession in Nogales, highlighting how the U.S.-Mexico border community is marking the nation’s 250th. Fishing & Water Reality Check: State wildlife officials report trout stocking updates, while Rio Grande flows remain far below normal—guiding anglers toward early/late fishing and catch-and-release. Ruidoso Gets Ironman 70.3: Ironman 70.3 debuts in Ruidoso on July 12, with the July 11 5150/sprint triathlon also set—bringing athletes from across the U.S. and beyond. Wildfire Season Health Impact: New reporting notes the 2026 wildfire season has already burned about double the usual acreage for this point, with smoke affecting air quality across many states.

Road-Trip & Route 66: Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole stays a cool 62°F year-round, drawing Route 66 travelers for swimming and scuba—plus easy parking and nearby stops for food and a Blue Hole-themed soda. Travel Planning & Events: Ruidoso is set to host Ironman 70.3 on July 12, with the 5150/sprint weekend July 11–12 bringing more than 1,200 athletes and visitors from across the U.S. Local Travel Costs & Driving: New Mexico vehicle registration fees rise July 1 (about 25%), and Albuquerque added four new speed cameras—watch Fourth and Central near 61st SW, plus Unser at Gwin SW. Outdoor Safety: Red flag warnings and gusty, hot, dry conditions are back across New Mexico, with fire danger elevated and possible storms mainly in the southeast. Wildlife & Nature: A global push for wildlife crossings is gaining momentum, including major highway underpasses and overpasses designed to reconnect habitats and reduce roadkill. Community & Culture: Albuquerque’s “Find Waldo Local” hunt launches in July, with stamp cards at participating bookstores for prizes.

Wildlife Health Alert: Alabama agriculture officials are tightening animal entry rules after New Mexico and Texas detections of New World screwworm, adding extra movement requirements for livestock, equine, and pets to protect the state’s agriculture. Road Trip Reality Check: NMDOT says a US 64/84 roadway rehab in Tierra Amarilla starts July 8, with one lane closed and pilot-car guidance for about 10 days—plan for delays. Route 66 Spotlight: A Route 66 centennial quilt project is honoring New Mexico landmarks one stitch at a time, including stops in Albuquerque and along the Mother Road. Fire Weather Watch: New Mexico is under hot, dry, windy conditions with red-flag fire danger and possible storms in the southeast—expect gusts, hail risk, and smoke-related impacts. Local Enforcement & Travel: New Mexico’s new cannabis enforcement unit is targeting the black market statewide, while Santa Fe’s camping ban crackdown is driving more arrests—both could affect visitors’ day-to-day plans. Summer Events: Special Olympics Airlift is flying athletes to the USA Games, a reminder that travel can be part of big community moments.

Wildfire Watch (Utah): The Cottonwood Fire—now the biggest in the U.S.—has scorched deep canyons in southwest Utah, damaging the Eagle Point ski resort and forcing campground closures, as extreme heat, low humidity, and gusty winds keep fire behavior volatile; Utah Gov. Spencer Cox urged prayers for firefighters and “the rains we desperately need.” Road Trip Disruption (NM): NMDOT says a US 64/84 roadway rehab in Tierra Amarilla starts July 8 and will run about 10 days, with one lane closed and pilot-car guidance from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Cannabis Crackdown (NM): New Mexico’s Regulation and Licensing cannabis enforcement bureau is ramping up investigations across the state to target the black market. Homelessness Enforcement (Santa Fe): Santa Fe police charges for illegal camping have spiked in 2026, as the city tightens enforcement. Route 66 Stops (NM): A pair of fresh Route 66 features highlight eastern New Mexico road-trip stops, including Cuervo’s ghost-town remnants and the long-running Clines Corners travel stop. Pet Safety (Screwworm): New World screwworm spread into Texas and New Mexico is prompting stricter animal entry rules in Idaho, with required veterinary paperwork for pets and livestock.

Wildfire & Travel Disruptions: Utah’s Cottonwood Fire is burning fast through dry canyons, with evacuations and closures already hitting the region; officials say extreme fire behavior and “critical weather” could continue, and fireworks restrictions are in place—so plan detours and check park and road alerts before heading out. Public Health Watch: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, prompting animal-movement rules and precautions for livestock and pets—travelers with animals should expect paperwork requirements. Road & Local Safety: A semitruck fire closed I-25 near Truth or Consequences and rerouted traffic through downtown, with officials flagging roadway-width concerns for emergency access. Cost of Road Trips: AAA reports New Mexico gas averages $3.92/gal, down week-over-week as the Independence Day travel period begins. Travel Planning Note: A new guide breaks down Mexico’s state-by-state safety advisories—useful if you’re considering cross-border trips in 2026. Sports Tourism: Boise State women’s beach volleyball opens NCAA play Friday against Stanford in Alabama, a reminder that Mountain West events can pull fans into the region.

Wildfire & July 4 impacts: Utah’s Cottonwood Fire is surging under extreme fire weather, prompting a state of emergency and fireworks restrictions ahead of Independence Day. Local travel disruption: A produce semitruck fire shut down I-25 near Truth or Consequences and sent traffic through downtown, with officials urging roadway safety fixes. Fentanyl probe: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez announced a criminal investigation into DEA conduct tied to allegations agents let fentanyl shipments reach communities. Road-trip costs: AAA reports New Mexico’s gas average at $3.92, down week-over-week as the Independence Day travel rush begins. Border & faith tourism: Catholic dioceses are urging prayer at Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park as federal plans move forward on a border wall segment. Screwworm watch: The “new world screwworm” fly is back in the region, with NM and nearby states stepping up precautions for ranchers and travelers. Albuquerque business buzz: The city is putting $40,000 toward an Old Town Business Improvement District push. Outdoor culture: Santa Fe Airbnbs and desert getaways keep drawing attention, while hiking-focused stories highlight the Continental Divide Trail route through NM.

Border & Religious Freedom: The Las Cruces and El Paso Catholic dioceses are urging supporters to pray at Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park Sunday as DHS moves to condemn about 14.3 acres for a border wall segment, with the diocese opposing the eminent-domain plan. Local Business & Jobs: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland pitched an Office of Small Business in an Albuquerque Chamber address, aiming to cut regulatory barriers and boost education, public safety, and economic development. Travel Weather: New Mexico is bracing for more scattered showers and thunderstorms today, with rain chances highest across central and north-central areas before a return to hotter, drier conditions. Road & Safety: Albuquerque police are investigating a fatal crash in the International District where a pickup struck a pedestrian crossing near Central Avenue and Madeira Drive. Summer Travel Demand: Priceline reports Americans are still planning summer trips despite affordability pressure, with travelers prioritizing higher-value experiences. Nature & Science: UNM researchers say a 400-million-year-old horsetail plant can distill water in extreme ways—an unexpected finding tied to New Mexico’s environment.

New Mexico Travel & Tourism: Albuquerque crews installed a new Route 66 neon welcome sign on Central (west of Tramway), funded by the NM Tourism Department, with a lighting ceremony planned. Outdoor & Community: “Backpacker Bill” Kemsley, founder of Backpacker magazine and a Taos-area hiking advocate, died at 98; friends remember his decades of getting people outside. Wildlife & Health: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico (including a dog case in NM), triggering strict animal travel rules from infested zones—plan ahead before flying or driving with pets and keep wounds treated. Water Watch: Lake Powell is at its lowest entering summer, with federal projections warning it could reach “minimum power pool,” threatening hydropower and raising the specter of “dead pool” impacts. Travel Planning: AAA reports gas prices around Albuquerque and NM continue to drop, and national averages are easing as Independence Day road trips ramp up. Local Culture: Santa Fe jeweler Keri Ataumbi shares a guide to the city’s must-see stops.

Albuquerque & Bernalillo County Travel Watch: Country star Bailey Zimmerman’s Albuquerque hotel damage case was dismissed after he made full restitution, following a reported $16,000 hit to a Sandia Resort and Casino room—an abrupt end to a story that could’ve derailed a high-profile New Mexico stop. Public Safety & Border Tensions: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is pushing for a DEA investigation after allegations the agency let thousands of fentanyl pills reach New Mexico during the Biden years, with state leaders calling the approach “reckless.” Water & Outdoor Travel Risk: Lake Powell is entering summer at its emptiest level ever, with federal projections warning of “minimum power pool” next spring and a possible “dead pool” scenario that could disrupt the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Animal Health for Pet Owners: New World screwworm advisories are spreading after detections in New Mexico and Texas, with movement restrictions and reminders for travelers and pet parents to stay vigilant around wounds. Local Culture: The Fiestas de Las Vegas Fiesta Queen pageant returns Sunday, June 28, spotlighting local heritage and community celebration. Road Trip Context: A Route 66 centennial photo project is putting New Mexico’s iconic stops in the spotlight through an autism-friendly, model-car “forced perspective” journey.

Fentanyl Fallout: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is asking New Mexico’s attorney general to investigate whether DEA agents broke state law after reporting alleged they let major fentanyl shipments continue into NM communities. Public Safety & Travel: The state also issued a fresh warning to residents and visitors as the McCauley Springs Fire grows near the Jemez—NM 4 is closed beyond the preserve entrance, Jemez Falls and Battleship campgrounds are evacuated/closed, and key trails are shut. Festival Buzz: Santa Fe Trail Days in Trinidad expands to a four-day event (June 24–28) with free entertainment, live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and carnival rides. Wildlife on the Move: A new look at habitat reconnection highlights how wildlife crossings and fencing can reduce deadly road collisions—an issue that matters for NM road-trippers heading into deer and elk country. Livestock Alert: Officials are monitoring the spread of New World screwworm after detections including one in New Mexico, urging vigilance for travelers and livestock owners. Road Trip Timing: Monsoon season officially runs June 15–Sept. 30, with forecasters calling for an active season—plan for fast-changing storms on mountain and desert routes. Local Courts: Former NM GOP treasurer Kimberly Skaggs was charged after a fatal hit-and-run involving a bicyclist near Las Cruces. Quick Culture Pick: Clovis Sound Studios plans an August opening, adding a new recording destination for music lovers.

Southwest Starlink Wi‑Fi: Southwest launched its first Starlink-equipped Boeing 737 on the Dallas-to-Albuquerque maiden flight, with up to 300 Starlink jets planned by year-end—aimed at faster in-flight streaming and work for Rapid Rewards members. Road Safety (Albuquerque): APD’s Fatal Crash Investigation Team is probing a fatal single-vehicle crash on I‑40 eastbound at the Eubank on-ramp; the driver died after the vehicle left the roadway and came to rest on the shoulder. Route 66 Spotlight: Springfield, Mo. is featured in a Route 66 centennial docuseries episode that follows the highway’s cultural impact from Illinois to New Mexico, including stops tied to local landmarks and artists. Wildlife & Ranching (NM): Coverage highlights the growing Mexican gray wolf population in western New Mexico and the ranching concerns that come with expanding herds near the Catron–Cibola area. Community & Culture (Clovis): The Clovis Rock ’N’ Roll Museum’s new Clovis Sound Studios is set to open to the public in August, built with vintage and modern recording gear. Travel Planning (July 4): Early NOAA outlooks point to above-normal heat and storm chances across parts of the U.S. heading into the holiday week.

Drought & Backcountry Safety: New Mexico’s dry spell is hitting hikers and backpackers hard, with fewer reliable water sources in places like the Gila Wilderness and warnings that misjudging water needs can turn dangerous fast. Wildlife & Livestock Health: Officials say the New World screwworm risk is still a concern across the Southwest, with travel and livestock movement precautions urged as cases have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico. Air Travel Upgrade: Southwest’s first Starlink-equipped flight landed in Albuquerque, kicking off a rollout aimed at faster in-flight Wi-Fi for hundreds of planes by year-end. Local Air Service Changes: Las Cruces will end subsidized Advanced Air service to Albuquerque after grant funding runs out, with only limited flights remaining. Road Updates: I-25 pavement rehab projects are planned in Sierra County starting late July, with lane reductions expected. Tourism & Culture: A new GPS travel app, Tribal Trailz, is designed to guide road travelers to Navajo Nation and Southwest landmarks, including stops in New Mexico. Travel Disruption Watch: Police are investigating a fatal crash on I-40 eastbound near Eubank, a reminder to plan for delays around major corridors.

Heat & Travel Disruption: A deadly European heat wave is raising alarms about what could come next in the U.S., with many people already under heat advisories and warnings, including parts of New Mexico. Air Service Update (Las Cruces): Las Cruces will end its city-subsidized Albuquerque flights in July, citing budget limits, grant funding ending, and low ridership (about six passengers per flight). Road & Getting Around (Albuquerque/I-25): NMDOT says major I-25 work tied to the Montgomery Boulevard bridge demolition will bring overnight closures and big detours starting June 28. Wildfire Watch (Central NM): The Deer Canyon fire in Torrance County triggered evacuations as hot, dry conditions pushed smoke toward homes. Livestock Health Alert (New World screwworm): Officials say Virginia has “essentially zero” risk right now, but New Mexico and Texas have confirmed cases, so travelers moving livestock should take precautions. Transit Comfort (Albuquerque): New public restrooms opened at Alvarado and Central & Unser transit centers. Tech for Road Trips (Southwest): A Navajo writer launched a GPS travel app with audio stories and stops across northern Arizona and the Southwest, including Gallup and New Mexico. Summer Deals (Hotels): IHG’s 25%–30% Destinations Deals promotion runs for stays June 29–Aug. 9, including New Mexico. Outdoor Community: PEEC will host a free pollinator documentary screening June 25 at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium.

Wildfire Watch: A lightning-sparked Deer Canyon fire in Torrance County grew to 117 acres and triggered evacuations as smoke pushed toward homes; officials say no structures were hit so far. Road Closures: Albuquerque’s I-25 Montgomery Boulevard bridge demolition starts with full northbound and southbound closures for about five days starting June 28, with overnight work and detours via frontage roads. Public Lands Funding: The Gila, Lincoln and Cibola national forests are seeking applicants for a Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee to help review projects funded under Secure Rural Schools. Screwworm Alert (Travel + Livestock): New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and a first New Mexico case (a dog), with officials urging calm and preparedness rather than panic. Local Culture + Shopping: Xol Original opened a new Indigenous trading post and gallery at Hotel Chaco’s Sawmill District, including a tamales-for-moccasins exchange. Tourism Spotlight: Santa Fe is being celebrated nationally after ranking No. 1 for “Best Cities in the U.S.” and No. 19 globally, with more group-friendly convention growth. Summer Road Trip Deals: Choice Hotels launched a “Detours Worth Taking” guide that spotlights Taos, New Mexico, among other unexpected summer stops. Pet Safety: Bernalillo County is hosting free microchip blitz events at Santa Fe Village Dog Park (June 22), Tingley Field (June 24), and North Domingo Dog Park (June 26).

Santa Fe Spotlight: Santa Fe keeps climbing in national rankings, landing No. 1 on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Cities in the U.S.” list and No. 19 globally, with Tourism Santa Fe pointing to art, Native experiences, food, and group-friendly convention space. Pet Travel Prep (Albuquerque): Bernalillo County is hosting free microchip blitz events at Santa Fe Village Dog Park (June 22), Tingley Field (June 24), and North Domingo Dog Park (June 26) from 4–6 p.m., aimed at helping lost pets during summer travel and holidays. Road-Trip Budget Watch: A new 2026 budget-friendly road trip ranking highlights states where gas, hotels, and everyday costs stay lower while still delivering recreation and culture—useful for planning New Mexico add-ons. Route 66 Buzz: Route 66’s 100th anniversary continues to fuel interest in classic diners, neon Americana, and multi-state road trips that naturally loop through New Mexico. Animal Health Alert (Screwworm): New World screwworm remains a concern after detections in Texas and New Mexico, with officials urging vigilance and early veterinary action if wounds appear.

Auto & Road Updates: Mango Automotive’s seasonal advisory flags common Downtown Albuquerque A/C airflow problems tied to desert dust and HVAC strain, while NMDOT prepares nighttime I-25 disruption starting June 28 with Montgomery bridge demolition and “Texas U-Turn” changes at Montgomery/Comanche interchanges. Route 66 & Culture: Albuquerque’s new Route 66 exhibit marks the Mother Road’s 100 years with 400+ works spotlighting the road’s many communities and stories. Outdoor Travel Watch: Low river flows are already changing rafting plans in the Southwest, with operators seeing more shorter trips and smaller craft choices. Livestock & Pet Health Alert: New World screwworm coverage continues to emphasize that risk to places like Virginia is extremely low, but ranchers and pet owners should stay alert as cases spread. Family-Friendly Santa Fe: Meow Wolf’s “Phenomenomaly” at the House of Eternal Return brings an interactive puppet-and-actor quest through summer. Southern NM Getaway: Ute Lake State Park near Tucumcari remains a go-to for fishing, watersports, and stargazing with steady visitor draw.