AGP Executive Report

Wild West in Albuquerque: The Wild West History Association Roundup brings Wyatt Earp-era stories and UNM historian Paul Hutton to the Duke City, turning a weekend event into a built-in travel plan. Public Health Alert for Travelers: A measles exposure alert was issued for Philadelphia International Airport terminals A–C on July 4, with guidance for anyone who was there to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms. New Mexico Nuclear Waste Pressure: Environment Secretary James Kenney met DOE officials in Washington to push changes to WIPP’s permit tied to Los Alamos waste priorities. Fishing & Water Watch: Low Rio Grande flows are stressing trout; anglers are urged to fish early/late and consider catch-and-release carefully. Screwworm Update: USDA reports Texas cases remain concentrated in a few counties, keeping New Mexico on alert as officials monitor spread. Sunspot Observatory Fight: Supporters of southern New Mexico’s Sunspot Observatory are urging the NSF to delay demolition, citing research, education, and tourism value. Local Rodeo Spotlight: Six northern New Mexico athletes earned spots on the National High School Finals Rodeo team in Lincoln, Nebraska (July 19–25). Route 66 Flavor: Laguna Burger’s Route 66 stop is highlighted as more than a meal—part of the Mother Road story. Weather for Road Trips: A dust storm warning hit Luna and Doña Ana counties, with near-zero visibility and dangerous travel conditions. Back-to-School Help in Albuquerque: Urban Rez Kitchen is raising money for 400 backpacks and supplies, with a tax-free weekend running July 31–Aug. 2.

Sunspot Observatory Fight: Supporters in southern New Mexico are urging the National Science Foundation to delay demolition of the historic Sunspot Observatory, citing ongoing research, education and tourism value after a mercury leak at the Dunn Solar Telescope. Back-to-School Help in Albuquerque: Urban Rez Kitchen is raising money for 400 backpacks and school supplies, with a drive tied to New Mexico’s tax-free weekend (July 31–Aug. 2) and events at local markets and community gatherings. Dust & Travel Safety: A dust storm warning hit Luna and Doña Ana counties, with near-zero visibility and dangerous driving conditions—another reminder to plan carefully for sudden Southwest weather. Pedestrian Safety on NM Roads: A national report argues many U.S. streets are built for speed, not people, as pedestrian deaths rose sharply—relevant for anyone planning walks, hikes, or road trips. Roswell UFO Festival Buzz: Roswell’s annual UFO festival drew visitors despite renewed “disclosure” disappointment, keeping the spotlight on the city’s tourism draw. Santa Fe Resort Review: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe gets a detailed look for its casitas, forest access, and high-desert views. Monsoon Watch: Forecasters say the North American monsoon is starting, bringing relief from extreme heat but also flash-flood and lightning wildfire risks across New Mexico and the region. Route 66 Getaway Ideas: Two Grants road-trip stories highlight Mount Taylor hiking and Route 66 stops like the Junkyard on 66 Brewery.

Truth-or-Consequences Spotlight: A new debut sci-fi novel puts the small southern New Mexico town in the spotlight, weaving in real local landmarks and murals while mixing VHS mystery and dinosaur-evolved aliens. Public Health & Pets: New World screwworm detections in animals on the mainland have prompted Hawaiʻi officials to stress the risk to Hawaiʻi remains “very low,” with inspections and rapid response in place. Outdoor Travel Tips: Don’t toss that agave stalk—one writer highlights how the dried stem can become a lightweight hiking staff. Weather Watch: The North American monsoon is arriving, bringing a break from triple-digit heat but also flash-flood and lightning wildfire risks across the Southwest, including New Mexico. Summit Trip Idea: A guide to hiking Mount Taylor near Grants spotlights the 11,000-foot dormant volcano and what to bring for the climb. Local Culture: The New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta in Albuquerque honored co-founder John “Bale” Sisneros, continuing the event nearly two years after his 2024 killing. Route 66 Stops: Two separate road-trip pieces spotlight Grants—one on Route 66 mining history and another on Junkyard on 66 Brewery, a veteran-owned spot with vintage vehicles. Wildfire & Public Lands: U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez joined a Gila National Forest hike to hear how Forest Service staffing cuts are affecting trail work, wildfire prevention, and recreation.

UFO Tourism & Local Buzz: Roswell’s annual UFO festival wrapped up with visitors still frustrated by what they see as “carrot dangled” Pentagon releases, keeping the city’s alien-themed travel draw front and center. Route 66 Road-Trip Ideas: A Laguna-to-Grants drive turned into a real discovery mission, with Route 66 stops like the Junkyard on 66 Brewery in Grants adding a quirky, veteran-owned pit-stop vibe. Tattoo Culture: Albuquerque’s New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta returns July 10–12 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, honoring co-founder John “Bale” Sisneros after his 2024 killing. Outdoor Recreation & Public Lands: U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez joined a hike in the Gila National Forest to highlight how Forest Service staffing cuts are affecting wildfire prevention, trails, and access. Family-Friendly Nature Event: PEEC is hosting a free butterfly walk July 18 at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area with ecologist Simone Lord. Safety & Health Watch: New Mexico is reporting cyclosporiasis cases amid a broader outbreak, a reminder for travelers to be extra careful with produce and water. Heat & Travel Planning: A Western heat dome could push temperatures 10–15 degrees above normal, raising wildfire risk and heat-safety concerns for outdoor plans. Local Sports: New Mexico United beat El Paso Locomotive 2-0 in the USL Cup match, keeping the rivalry and match-day energy alive for fans.

Los Alamos Safety Watch: A new study says the U.S. Energy Department underestimated the danger of a plutonium leak at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with worst-case scenarios potentially making the town unlivable and spreading contamination across state lines. Heat & Wildfire Risk: A Western “heat dome” could push temperatures 10–15 degrees above normal for a week, drying fuels and raising fire danger even as winds may ease. Health Alert for Travelers: New Mexico reports 4 cyclosporiasis cases, tracking with normal seasonal levels and mostly linked to travel; the national outbreak is surging in other states. Route 66 Community Stop: “Miles of Kindness” is driving a trailer along Route 66 to boost blood donations during a nationwide shortage, aiming for 2,500 units in about 12 days. Albuquerque Travel Note: A new study ranks Albuquerque International Sunport among North America’s most turbulent airports, with flights to Denver flagged as especially bumpy. Outdoor Fun (Family-Friendly): PEEC is hosting a free guided butterfly walk July 18 at the Los Alamos Nature Center and Pajarito Ski Hill. Local Sports & Community: NM State and UTEP announced a home-and-home men’s basketball series for 2026–27, with games in El Paso and Las Cruces.

Hollywood & Travel Real Estate: Television City in Los Angeles is reportedly headed back to the market after its owner defaulted on a $1.1B mortgage, with Netflix in escrow—good to watch if you’re tracking studio tours and entertainment-area development. College Sports (Las Cruces): New Mexico State and UTEP announced a 2026-27 men’s home-and-home series, with games Nov. 12 in El Paso and Nov. 19 in Las Cruces. Local Education & Community: New Mexico National Guard Summer ChalleNGe graduates celebrated in Española, with more ceremonies coming in Roswell. Family Fun in Las Cruces: Doña Ana Community College hosts “Stuff the Bus” this Saturday (free haircuts, backpacks, STEM, food trucks, and more). Outdoor & Wildlife: PEEC is running a free guided butterfly walk July 18 at Pajarito Ski Hill. Health Watch: NM reports 4 cyclosporiasis cases, said to be in line with historical averages. Air Travel Note: Albuquerque’s Sunport ranks among North America’s most turbulent airports, with flights to Denver flagged for rougher air. Road Trip Safety: A heat dome is forecast to intensify across the region, raising wildfire and heat-risk concerns.

Native Craft Spotlight (Gallup): Joe Rangel’s Indian Jewelry of Gallup keeps turquoise-and-silver traditions alive at Bridge Street during Fiestas de Las Vegas, selling handmade pieces from Native artisans across the Southwest. Outdoor Access (Mountain biking): The federal government is seeking public input on long-distance gravel and mountain bike trails over 80 miles, with plans to recognize trail networks for better signage, mapping, and marketing. Local Food (Albuquerque): Albuquerque chefs share signature recipes—from award-winning BBQ to French toast and sandwiches—giving visitors a tasty reason to plan a stop. Health & Travel Safety (Ticks): Tick risks are shifting as temperatures and land changes move different species and diseases into new regions, so travelers should pack repellent and check for bites. UFO Files (Los Alamos): Declassified Pentagon releases include a Los Alamos “green fireball” case, adding fresh Cold War-era mystery to the national conversation. Road Trip Planning (Gas prices): AAA reports gas prices are rising again amid uncertainty tied to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, which could affect summer driving costs. Community & Education (New Mexico): New emails in a lawsuit allege New Mexico probation officers referred undocumented probationers to ICE more widely than previously known, raising questions for families planning visits and school schedules. Medical Innovation (Albuquerque): Presbyterian’s $4.5 million hybrid operating room is changing how complex brain procedures are done, helping patients stay closer to home. Weather Watch (Flash floods): Severe storms could bring flash-flood risk across parts of the region, including northeastern New Mexico—plan routes and keep an eye on alerts.

Aviation & Local Pride: Wally Funk, the Las Vegas, N.M.-born Mercury 13 pioneer who became the oldest woman to travel to space, has died at 87, leaving a legacy that will be honored at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. Indigenous Culture on Route 66: Along the Mother Road’s centennial, Laguna Burger in Laguna tells a deeper story of Pueblo community and Indigenous presence—more than a roadside stop. Navajo Sheep & Weaving: Despite drought and modern pressures, Navajo-Churro shepherd Roy Kady keeps traditional sheep and weaving culture alive near Teec Nos Pos. Public Lands Tech: Federal agencies are testing new ways to track hiking, camping, and sightseeing on public lands, including using digital mobility data from phones and social posts. Travel Safety Watch: Hawaiʻi officials say the risk from New World screwworm detections on the U.S. mainland remains very low, with stronger import rules and surveillance in place. Family Travel Costs: A new survey finds high gas prices are pushing many families toward shorter, in-state road trips and fewer overnight stops. Sports Travel: A Southwest Louisiana 14U softball team is headed to New Mexico for a regional tournament and is raising funds for travel. Road Trip Inspiration: A Norway travel primer highlights planning tips for a country spanning from the Arctic Circle to the coast.

Route 66 Spotlight: Albuquerque just lit a new neon “Welcome to Albuquerque” Route 66 sign on Central, funded by a $328,800 Destination Forward grant, adding a fresh landmark as the Mother Road hits its 100th year. Local Culture & Events: The New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta returns July 10-12 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, bringing hundreds of artists and a community-focused celebration of ink. Health & Travel Safety: New Mexico health officials confirmed three cases of cyclosporiasis this year tied to contaminated produce, a reminder for travelers to wash fruits and veggies well and be alert for symptoms. Outdoor & Animal Protection: The state is monitoring the New World screwworm threat, with proactive measures underway as cases are detected in animals on the mainland—important for anyone traveling with pets or livestock. Road Trip Costs: A new survey finds high gas prices are pushing families toward shorter, in-state road trips and fewer overnight stops this summer. New Mexico Connections to Big News: Aviation icon Wally Funk—born in Las Vegas, NM and a Mercury 13 pioneer—died at 87, a reminder of the state’s deep ties to space history.

Santa Fe’s Big Win: Santa Fe was named “Best City in the U.S.” for the second year in a row in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, with readers citing its sunshine, food scene, and culture (including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum). Local Leadership & Travel Impact: Roswell’s city manager, Hess Yntema, announced his resignation, citing progress on the Roswell Air Center and the National Championship Air Races. New Park for Visitors: The Watts Towers in Los Angeles landed a $10.1M Bezos Earth Fund grant for a five-acre park and arts campus—good news for arts-and-tourism travelers. Pet Safety Alert: New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico have prompted public health and agriculture agencies to stress prevention and quick response. Road Trip Logistics: NMDOТD scheduled a July 10 ramp closure on I-25 in the El Dorado area with detours via NM 300. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the lowest midgrade and regular prices in parts of New Mexico for the week ending June 27.

Top NM Travel Pick: Santa Fe was named “Best City in the U.S.” for the second year in a row in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, with readers citing 300+ days of sunshine, a standout food scene, and major culture stops like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Road & Commute Update: NMDOT will close the U.S. 285 on-ramp to southbound I-25 near El Dorado on July 10 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for repaving, with detours via N.M. 300 (Old Las Vegas Highway). Wildfire Consumer Alert: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez is warning residents to watch for wildfire price gouging and charity scams affecting lodging, rentals, fuel, food, and other essentials. Pet Safety: The New World screwworm is back in the region, with USDA reporting detections in Texas and New Mexico; officials say it’s not confirmed in Arizona as of July 8, but pet owners should report unusual wounds fast. Outdoor Travel Tech: Federal agencies are testing new ways to track hiking, camping, and sightseeing on public lands to better understand recreation demand.

Wildfire Watch: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is warning residents to watch for wildfire price gouging and fraud, and to report suspicious activity to the NM Department of Justice. Screwworm Alert: The New World screwworm continues to spread after its Texas return; USDA and CDC say cases have reached New Mexico too, putting livestock and pets at risk and raising questions about how it entered the U.S. Santa Fe Streets & Safety: Santa Fe City Council is reviewing a proposal to extend a pedestrian-focused closure on San Francisco Street near the Plaza through October, aiming to improve safety while weighing access and parking concerns. Tourism Spotlight: Santa Fe keeps climbing in national rankings, topping Travel + Leisure’s “Best Cities” list for a second year in a row, while Charleston again lands at No. 2. Local Food Access: Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute is expanding its “Food For All” work, including its mobile market program that supports shoppers using EBT. Outdoor & Events: The Narbona Pass Classic saw new women’s 10k course record and a repeat men’s winner, adding to summer race momentum in New Mexico.

Santa Fe Plaza Traffic Plan: Santa Fe City Council is reviewing a proposal to close part of San Francisco Street (Lincoln Ave to Old Santa Fe Trail) through October to boost pedestrian safety on the south side of the plaza, with public feedback sought and some residents worried about tourist parking. New Mexico Youth Clean-Up Wins: #KeepLitterOut is celebrating the first Land of Enchantment Young Ambassadors cohort, with 14 student leaders completing litter and graffiti prevention capstone projects statewide. Gas Watch (Valencia County): GasBuddy reports midgrade hit a low of $3.77/gal in Valencia County for the week ending June 27, with the county average at $4.15 (statewide midgrade averaged $4.30). Screwworm Alert for Travelers: New World screwworm cases are spreading in Texas, and a New Mexico case was reclassified after a dog in the state was confirmed—expect heightened awareness around wounds and livestock/pet safety. Local Outdoors & Community: The Narbona Pass Classic saw a new women’s 10k course record and a repeat men’s winner, plus a reminder that NM’s drought conditions are tightening outdoor recreation planning.

Safety on the trail: A UNM Hospital emergency medicine doctor shares practical steps for hikers when they hear a rattlesnake—stop, locate the sound, and avoid getting “trapped” by fear. Family travel news with a New Mexico link: Andrew Escobar, who vanished from Rio Rancho in 2023, has been found safe in El Paso after three years, ending a custody-related search that involved multiple agencies. Film tourism: Netflix’s “The Boroughs” mystery-town look is traced to New Mexico filming stops, including an Albuquerque backlot cul-de-sac and a converted mall used as the town square. Outdoor green space investment: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $100 million for community-designed parks and urban wildlife habitats across eight cities, including Los Angeles and Salt Lake City (with Little Rock getting a major share). Local events: Roswell’s UFO Festival drew thousands over July 2–4, and a separate Waubee Lake flotilla celebrated the U.S. 250th with state-themed boats. Road-trip planning: GasBuddy reports premium prices in parts of New Mexico hovering around the mid-$4 range for the week ending June 27.

Road & Travel Disruption: NMDOT starts a $7.89M rehab on US 54 between Tularosa and Carrizozo Monday, with lane closures and delays expected through early November. Route 66 & Culture: A new book, “Aprons Away,” spotlights women’s behind-the-scenes work that kept Route 66 running, from motel operators to diner staff. Wildfire Safety: Memorials honor three wildland firefighters killed on the Colorado-Utah border as large fires continue across the West, including in and around New Mexico. Drought Watch: Lake Powell is nearing a critical level, and Grand Canyon river guides are warning of reduced flows—another reminder that summer plans may need flexibility. Local Public Health: CDC reports measles cases at 2,170 nationwide, with summer travel and school reopening raising outbreak risk. Gas Prices: GasBuddy data shows some of the lowest premium and E15 prices in parts of New Mexico for the week ending June 27, offering a quick win for road-trip budgets. Family Travel Timing: “Your Week Ahead: July 7 to 13, 2026” flags what’s coming up for travelers.

Wildfire Watch: Wildland firefighters honored three colleagues killed June 27 on the Colorado-Utah border as nearly 40 large fires burn across the West, with many impacting Colorado and also drawing attention to New Mexico’s fire season risk. Weather Alert: A dust storm warning was issued for northeastern Luna County and west-central Dona Ana County, with near-zero visibility and dangerous travel conditions reported. Holiday Travel: Albuquerque Sunport travelers reported a smooth July Fourth weekend, citing easy connections and airport improvements. Route 66 & Rail Fun: A new Route 66 EV road-trip video highlights how charging can be “the easy part” in New Mexico, while the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad continues offering classic train excursions through October. Local History: UNM pre-law students are revisiting the 1947 Roswell crash through a law-and-transparency lens, focusing on public trust rather than proving aliens. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest prices in parts of New Mexico, including diesel deals in Lincoln County and regular gas lows in Taos and Cibola counties. Bosque Update: Albuquerque crews extinguished a 3-acre bosque fire near Tingley Beach and police found a body at the scene.