New Mexico Sun

News from July 2025


Boil water advisories issued in Ruidoso area due to flooding

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is collaborating with several public water systems in the Ruidoso area after severe flooding caused damage and service disruptions.


Medicaid cuts threaten healthcare access in rural New Mexico

The recent passage of H.R. 1, a federal reconciliation bill, has sparked concern in rural New Mexico communities such as Carlsbad.


Grant County fire victims have until July 16 to replace lost SNAP benefits

Residents of Grant County affected by the Trout Fire have until July 16 to request emergency replacement of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.


Valencia County fire victims urged to replace lost SNAP benefits by July 21

Valencia County residents affected by the Desert Willow Complex Fire have until July 21 to request emergency replacement of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.


State Personnel Board schedules special meeting for July 18 in Santa Fe

The State Personnel Board has announced a special meeting scheduled for Friday, July 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will take place in person at the Willie Ortiz Auditorium located at 2600 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505.


NMSSA condemns July 13 church shooting in Kentucky

The New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) has expressed its disapproval of the shooting incident that took place at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.


 Zach Fort Champions Gun Rights in New Mexico

New Mexico has become a flashpoint in America’s battle over gun rights, with lawmakers introducing sweeping legislation that gun advocates say threatens constitutional freedoms.


Local distillery receives state aid for expansion in Taos

Rolling Still Distillery, a women-owned and family-run craft distillery based in Taos, has received state economic assistance.


Ececd announces rate increase for early intervention services in FY26

Julia Sclafani, a Public Relations Specialist, announced that the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department (ECECD) will implement a 7% rate increase for early intervention services in fiscal year 2026.


Chamber supports amendment on regulation for use of produced water

Peter Lorenz, Chairman of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) and CEO of Unirac Inc., alongside Terri Cole, GACC President and CEO, have expressed their support for amendments to water regulation.


Equality New Mexico launches NMCHISPA campaign focusing on data privacy

Pride Month may have concluded, but efforts to support the queer and trans community in New Mexico continue.


Haaland vows to defend rural healthcare against Trump’s “Big Billionaire Bill

Deb Haaland, a candidate for New Mexico governor, held a press conference in Española to address the impact of President Trump's "Big Billionaire Bill" on rural healthcare centers in New Mexico.


New Mexico auctions first oil & gas leases under new higher royalty rate

For the first time, the New Mexico State Land Office has auctioned oil and gas leases at a 25% royalty rate following a new state law supported by Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard.


New Mexico offers unemployment aid for flood-affected workers

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) is preparing to offer Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to workers affected by flooding in Ruidoso, pending federal approval.


New Mexico Department of Game and Fish schedules public meeting for July

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has announced a public meeting involving the Public Land User (Habitat) Stamp Citizen Advisory Committee.


New Mexico seeks public comment on proposed changes to hunting and fishing license fees

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is inviting public input on potential changes to the fees charged by hunting and fishing license vendors.


New Mexico delays youth license sales due to payment process changes

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has delayed its annual youth encouragement and leftover license sales.


Clayton shooting range to close monthly for maintenance

The Stephen M. Bush Memorial Shooting Range in Clayton will be closed for maintenance on the third Wednesday of each month, starting July 16.


New Mexico Tourism Department funds record number of projects through Destination Forward

The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) has announced funding for 14 projects under its Destination Forward Program for fiscal year 2026.


New Mexico Tourism Department announces record funding for FY26 event support

The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) has announced a record level of support for tourism events in fiscal year 2026 through its Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability Program.