AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert: New Mexico’s first human plague fatality in 2026 was reported by NMDOH, with officials contacting close contacts and launching an environmental assessment; plague risk is highest in summer as fleas and rodents become more active. Pet Safety: New World screwworm detections continue to spread beyond Texas, including a confirmed case in Lea County, New Mexico—health and veterinary officials urge pet owners to watch for wounds and seek immediate treatment, since the fly’s larvae can be fatal if untreated. Road-Trip & Route 66: Albuquerque Journal previews a summer-long Route 66 series starting Sunday, mapping 465 miles of the Mother Road across New Mexico with stops for scenic byways and small-town landmarks. Local Travel Logistics: NMDOT will hold a meeting in Cuba about a U.S. 550 wildlife safety project, while Sunport Boulevard bridge overlay work begins Monday with lane closures and suggested alternate routes. Outdoor & Fishing: With drought tightening conditions, New Mexico’s Game and Fish stocking plans shift more rainbow trout to Northern New Mexico, and low Rio Grande flows are pushing anglers toward early/late fishing. Community & Culture: A cross-border adobe art exhibition, “Unearthing Futures / Desenterrando Futuros,” opens with immersive installations in Taos and Fort Garland. Travel Deals (Luxury): Limitless Sky released a 2026 private jet cost guide touting transparent hourly rates and empty-leg savings.

Public Health Alert: New Mexico reported its first human plague case in 2026: a Santa Fe County woman died of plague, and health officials are reaching out to close contacts and assessing environmental risk. Animal Health & Travel Impact: The New World screwworm outbreak is spreading beyond Texas, with a dog case confirmed in New Mexico; officials are urging pet owners to watch for wounds and seek immediate treatment, while states tighten animal movement rules. Road-Trip Planning: NMDOT will hold a public meeting in Cuba about a U.S. 550 wildlife-safety project, and Sunport Boulevard bridge work will mean lane reductions starting Monday—expect delays and use alternate routes. Route 66 Culture: A Route 66 landmark story: Jack Rabbit Trading Post marked 77 years on the Mother Road, highlighting its historic mileage signs and staying power. Tourism Watch: A study ranks New Mexico as the riskiest U.S. destination for solo travelers, citing issues like limited emergency access and cellphone reception in some areas. Weekend Escapes: Americans are increasingly choosing shorter, driveable getaways over pricey vacations—good news for New Mexico’s road-trip crowd.

Screwworm Alert for Pet Owners: The New World screwworm—eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s—has returned, with officials confirming nine active cases and one in New Mexico: a small-breed male dog in Eunice linked to treatment in Andrews, Texas; veterinarians say the fly targets wounds and even frequent scratching, so watch pets closely and seek immediate treatment. Local Road & Airport Updates: NMDOT plans a Cuba meeting for the U.S. 550 wildlife-safety project, while Sunport Boulevard bridge work will cut traffic to one lane each direction starting Monday, with delays possible and alternate routes encouraged. Speed Enforcement: Rio Rancho added three speed cameras on N.M. 528. Health & Community: An Albuquerque teacher, Kathleen Gallegos, is set to receive a living-donor liver portion from fellow teacher Lorin Ybarra after years on the transplant list. Tourism & Culture: A Capitan restaurant review spotlights the Smokey Bear Historical Park area as a must-stop for road trippers. Route 66 Spotlight: Los Lunas is hosting a Route 66 exhibit tracing how the highway reshaped the village. Weather Watch: Severe storm chances are shifting back across the East/Plains and parts of southeastern New Mexico into eastern Texas, with wind and flooding risks.

New Mexico Travel & Tourism: Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts is rolling out a new “Roots on Route 66” exhibit, tracing how the highway’s original alignment brought travelers through town and sparked local business life, with photos, maps, and replicas. Sports & Local Culture: New Mexico United played Orange County SC to a 1-1 draw, with Greg Hurst’s early header giving NMU a fast start before the visitors answered—another reminder that the club is creating chances but needs to finish. Weather for Travelers: Impact canyon winds early Sunday, then severe storms could pop up at night, with brief heavy downpours and gusty conditions possible—plan outdoor stops with a weather eye open. Public Safety (Travel Impact): Federal records detail an FBI probe into an Albuquerque-area DWI corruption scheme, including how officials say bribes helped some drunken-driving cases avoid prosecution. Health Alert for Pet Owners: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, triggering quarantine zones and new animal movement rules—check requirements before transporting pets or livestock. Outdoor Inspiration: A new study ranks Death Valley National Park as a top U.S. stargazing spot, a useful nudge for anyone planning dark-sky nights on a New Mexico road trip.

New World screwworm alert: Federal officials say 10 New World screwworm cases have been detected in Texas, with new quarantine zones added after finds in multiple counties; one earlier dog case was reclassified as New Mexico’s first confirmed infection after investigators determined the animal’s home was in Lea County. Pet travel & treatment: The FDA has issued emergency use authorization for nitenpyram to treat dogs and cats, and officials are urging vigilance as the outbreak expands. Animal movement training: Texas released an online course to speed up inspections and movement certifications for livestock and other animal health professionals. Route 66 culture in NM: A Route 66 centennial caravan stop in Albuquerque spotlights local collector Carlos Garcia’s neon sign passion, tying classic road-trip nostalgia to New Mexico’s car-and-culture roots. Local tourism boost: After flooding forced Ruidoso Downs to move its 2026 racing season to Albuquerque, the shift is bringing a major visitor and spending bump to the city. Road-trip planning: AAA reports gas prices falling for the third straight week, easing summer travel costs for drivers heading through New Mexico.

New World Screwworm Alert: The FDA authorized emergency, over-the-counter Nitenpyram tablets to treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats, as officials respond to detections tied to Texas and a New Mexico dog case—pet owners are urged to act fast and vets may still need to remove larvae and manage wounds. Animal Travel Rules: States are tightening animal movement and import rules to slow spread, including Florida blocking shelter and rescue pets from Texas and New Mexico. Screwworm Watch in NM: USDA and state partners are inspecting additional animals around the Lea County dog case and expanding outreach because the animal’s recent travel history isn’t fully known. Local Travel & Tourism: Flood damage forced Ruidoso Downs to relocate its 2026 racing season to Albuquerque, bringing a boost to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Road Trip Culture: A Route 66 centennial caravan stop in Albuquerque spotlights Route 66 neon collectors and the Mother Road’s history. Travel Stops Expansion: Love’s Travel Stops opened a new location in Truth or Consequences (I-25), adding truck parking and EV charging space for travelers heading to nearby attractions. Sports on the Move: New Mexico Highlands University released its 2026 football schedule with multiple home games, plus a homecoming date—another reason to plan a trip to Las Vegas, NM.

Screwworm Alert: USDA confirmed a dog case in Lea County, New Mexico, as the New World screwworm outbreak expands beyond Texas, with officials inspecting animals tied to the dog’s travel history and ramping outreach. Public Health: New Mexico reported its first human plague case of 2026 in Santa Fe County; health officials are contacting close contacts and checking for any ongoing risk. Travel Stops & EV Charging: Love’s Travel Stops opened a new location in Truth or Consequences (I-25, Exit 79) with 63 truck spaces, free customer parking, and EV-charger space—plus a new Gretna, Florida store with diesel bays and showers. Local Events: Bud Board National Parks Highway in Carlsbad announced a June 20 grand opening with vendors, education, and community activities near Carlsbad Caverns. Road Trip Culture: A Route 66 Centennial Caravan stop in Albuquerque highlighted local collector Carlos Garcia’s neon-sign passion and the Mother Road’s history in the city. Gas Prices: AAA says national regular pump prices fell for the third straight week, with the average at about $4.13.

Public Health Alert: New Mexico reported its first human plague case in 2026, with officials contacting close contacts and urging people to watch for symptoms like sudden fever and swollen lymph nodes. Animal Health & Travel: The New World screwworm is now in the spotlight for NM travelers and pet owners: USDA confirmed a dog case in Lea County, and Florida has blocked shelter and rescue cats/dogs from Texas and New Mexico; FDA also authorized emergency Nitenpyram for treatment in pets. Route 66 Fun in Albuquerque: The Route 66 Centennial Caravan rolls into Albuquerque Friday, with GoRoute66 and The Big Texan Challenge bringing a steak-eating contest at Microsoft’s founding HQ. Road Trip Costs: AAA says gas prices are easing nationally for the third straight week, with the U.S. average regular down to about $4.12—good news for summer driving. Local Schools: Bernalillo Public Schools is reviewing safety after adding security upgrades, including a clear backpack policy and more training. Sports: Albuquerque Isotopes players Zachary Veen and Ryan Ritter are among former high school standouts set to play Saturday, June 13.

New World Screwworm Watch: The FDA approved emergency over-the-counter nitenpyram tablets to treat infected dogs and cats as cases climb to seven across Texas and New Mexico, with officials urging pet owners to inspect for warning signs and avoid unnecessary travel. State Travel Rules: Idaho tightened animal entry requirements after detections in Texas and New Mexico, shortening the veterinary inspection window to five days and requiring extra paperwork for animals from designated infested zones. Pet Travel Impact (Florida): Florida blocked shelter and rescue cats and dogs from Texas and New Mexico to slow the spread, adding another hurdle for travelers and animal groups. Local Culture & Community: UNM Native American Studies welcomed a Diné scholar as a 2026-27 postdoctoral fellow, highlighting ongoing education and research ties to New Mexico. Music on the Road: Underoath announced a fall 2026 tour stop in Albuquerque (Nov. 7) at Revel Entertainment Center, bringing major live-music travel plans to the state.

New World screwworm alert: Federal and state officials confirm the parasite is spreading in Texas and that a dog case was reclassified as New Mexico’s first confirmed infection, prompting animal movement restrictions and new entry rules in states like Idaho and Georgia—so if you’re traveling with pets or livestock, expect paperwork and inspections. Route 66 + balloon culture: Albuquerque’s Anderson Abruzzo Balloon Museum debuts “Balloons Over Route 66,” tying the Mother Road’s road-trip boom to the rise of ballooning in the 1970s. Cost of living pressure: A new report links May inflation (4.2%) to higher energy costs, estimating the average New Mexico household could be paying about $2,500 more per year. Local travel/amenities: Sierra Vista Hospital & Clinics welcomes a new rural walk-in provider, and Albuquerque rolls out an updated bike map with 400+ miles of routes. Community + safety: A New Mexico man faces federal child abuse charges after allegedly threatening children with a gun; and vehicle registration fees are set to rise for passenger cars.

New World Screwworm Watch: USDA confirmed the parasite in Texas and a first New Mexico case in a dog in Lea County, triggering tighter animal movement rules across the region; Indiana, Georgia, and Idaho all rolled out new entry requirements for livestock and pets from affected areas, with officials urging owners to inspect wounds and report suspicious maggots or sores fast. Pet Travel Update: USDA reversed course and says pet dogs can travel from the U.S. to Mexico again after a brief export pause tied to screwworm concerns. Outdoor & Trail Impacts: The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is raising alarms about a proposed uranium mine in northern New Mexico that would run through the trail corridor, warning of threats to views, solitude, and watershed waters. Road-Trip Planning Perk: A Santa Fe hotel trend is making it easier to enjoy spas and pools without booking a room, with day-pass options highlighted for several top properties. Local Tourism Boost: Tucumcari’s chamber is pushing to revive tourism efforts, including a Route 66 interactive map and centennial promotion. Tech for Travelers: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is expanding to more airports, aiming to speed up airport security.

New World Screwworm Alert: New Mexico confirmed its first case in a dog in Lea County (June 7), prompting a 12-mile infested zone, expanded fly trapping, and guidance that routine travel to fairs, auctions, vet visits, or recreational stops is usually OK unless officials flag higher-risk wounds. Pet Travel Rules: Updated U.S.-Mexico guidance could restrict bringing dogs into Mexico in some cases and may require proof of treatment when returning to the U.S., with Arizona officials urging owners to stay ready. Multi-State Restrictions: Indiana and other states moved to tighten animal movement from infested zones, including certificates and veterinary inspections. Tourism Angle: If you’re planning ranch-country road trips or border crossings with pets, double-check wound care, vet plans, and any movement requirements before you go. Local Travel & Community: Tucumcari’s chamber sought county funding for tourism efforts but faced skepticism; meanwhile, Roswell youth travel baseball teams won state championships in Albuquerque. Outdoor Access Watch: The Continental Divide Trail Coalition raised concerns about a proposed uranium mine near the CDT in Carson National Forest, a potential impact for hikers and scenic travelers.

Wild West Heritage: Fort Sumner installed a new stone marker at Billy the Kid’s grave, replacing a decades-old wooden sign at one of New Mexico’s top tourist stops. Pet & Livestock Alert: New World screwworm is back in the U.S., with USDA confirming multiple cases in Texas and the first confirmed New Mexico case in a dog (Lea County), prompting animal owners to check for open wounds and seek vet care fast if maggots are found. Road Safety Upgrade: NMDOT says construction will start June 15 at the intersection of NM 68 and NM 240 in Taos, adding safer crossings, ADA ramps, new signals, and sidewalks, with one lane closed and work weekdays through early 2027. Local Travel Buzz: Photowalks TV released its “Walkies Awards,” spotlighting 15 of the best U.S. walking routes—useful inspiration for travelers planning scenic strolls. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports some of the lowest midgrade prices in the state around late May, including $4.50 in Taos County.

Animal Health Alert: The New World screwworm is now confirmed in New Mexico after a dog in Lea County tested positive; USDA says the case was reclassified from Andrews County, Texas, and officials are inspecting other animals at the household and stepping up local outreach. Regional Response: USDA confirmed three additional U.S. cases Monday—calves in La Salle County and Texas and a goat in Gillespie County—bringing detections to five total, with quarantines and sterile fly releases underway. Travel-Tourism Angle: For visitors with pets or livestock plans in southern NM, this is a reminder to watch for open wounds and follow local guidance as the situation evolves. Local Planning Update: Albuquerque also released an updated bike map with 400+ miles of routes, including trail connections and a 50-mile loop for easier ride planning. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show New Mexico regular averaging about $4.23/g for the week ending May 30, with some counties seeing lower prices.

Animal Health Alert: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm has reached New Mexico—its first case is a dog in Lea County, after multiple Texas detections in calves and goats. Officials say the Lea County case is believed isolated, but they’re inspecting other animals at the dog’s home and ramping outreach as the parasite threatens livestock, pets, and wildlife. Public Health Watch: Measles cases are surging nationwide, with 2,030 reported in 2026 across 30 outbreaks in 38 states plus DC—on pace to top 2025’s record. Airport Convenience: TSA expanded TSA PreCheck Touchless ID to Albuquerque International Sunport, letting eligible travelers verify identity faster at select lanes (still carry a physical ID as backup). Fuel Watch: Gas prices continue to ease in New Mexico, with county-level reports showing some of the lowest regular and E15 deals around late May. Travel Safety/Planning: If you’re driving through Quemado, expect lane closures and delays on U.S. 60 as a pavement overlay project runs June 8 through the end of the month (weather permitting).

Healthcare & Jails: Bernalillo County named Dr. Rebecca Fastle as its new chief medical officer, aiming to strengthen behavioral healthcare at the Metropolitan Detention Center and juvenile detention. Rural Access: New Mexico Health Care Authority will distribute $76.2M to six regional hub groups to expand virtual care and reduce long waits for rural residents. Community Support: Deming’s Silver Linings resource center is using federal dollars to keep up free meals and services for people facing housing insecurity. Safety on the Road: A 58-year-old Albuquerque man was arrested after a fatal I-25 motorcycle crash near Comanche; charges include vehicular homicide and aggravated DWI. Travel Planning: UNM and Visit Albuquerque are pushing to bring NCAA Tournament preliminary-round games to the Pit in Albuquerque. Local Deals: GasBuddy reports some of the lowest midgrade and diesel prices in New Mexico counties in the week ending May 30, with standout lows like $4.59 midgrade in San Miguel County and $5.09 diesel in Socorro County. Outdoor Tech: The ngVLA prototype at the Very Large Array site in New Mexico has achieved “first light,” moving into testing for next-gen radio astronomy.