New Mexico Press Association

05/27/2026

Head’s up, eastern New Mexico NMPA members:

The Inspection of Public Records Act Task Force — created by House Memorial 2 during the 2026 legislative session — is conducting a statewide listening tour, including meetings in eastern New Mexico.

If you can, attend a meeting and provide input.
•Wednesday, May 27
6-8 p.m.
Eastern New Mexico University
OTC 124 Seminar Room
52 University Blvd., Roswell
•Thursday, May 28
6-8 p.m.
Pecos River village Conference Center
Room 5
711 Muscatel Ave., Carlsbad

NMPA strongly encourages newspaper publishers, editors, reporters and others involved in local journalism to attend these meetings and provide input.

These discussions are important since IPRA directly impacts the ability of journalists and the public to access government records, hold public officials accountable and ensure transparency in our communities.

Lawmakers and task force members need to hear directly from the people who use the law in real-world situations — especially local journalists working on the ground across New Mexico.

Your experiences matter:
• Delays in receiving records
• Excessive costs or redactions
• Challenges in smaller communities
• The importance of timely access during emergencies or public controversies
• The role local newspapers play in informing the public

This is an opportunity to help shape future recommendations and policy discussions surrounding public access and government transparency in New Mexico.

If you are able to attend, I encourage you to speak, submit comments or simply listen and engage in the conversation.

Thank you for continuing to advocate for open government and trusted local journalism.

For more information about the task force or to provide input, visit https://nmdoj.gov/get-help/ipra-task-force/

Best regards,
Belinda Mills
President & Chief Executive Officer
New Mexico Press Association | Foundation | Press Service

05/23/2026

A Temple study found that storytelling structure — not just simple writing or catchy headlines — shapes how readers engage with news

05/16/2026

Eight New Mexico State University journalism students are joining a growing mission to ensure the future vitality of local newspapers in New Mexico. Escalation of local newspaper closures and...

05/03/2026

Congratulations to NMPA Board of Directors Chairwoman Carol A. Clark who received the Communicator of Achievement award tonight at the 77th New Mexico Press Women's Conference at Isleta Resort.a
In 2012, Clark, a long-time journalist, started the online newspaper Los Alamos Daily Post. It not only succeeded, but 13 years later is flourishing with nine employees, robust advertising, warm community support, readers in every state and 129 countries, more than 1 million online views every month, and a weekly print edition.
Recognition of Clark and the Post includes the 2022 “Public Service to Small Businesses during the Pandemic” awards from NMPW and National Federation of Press Women, among other awards from civic and media organizations through 2025.

03/25/2026

The Secret Service is apparently questioning members of the public who requested records from Valencia County about the $2 million it recently lost in an email scam.

We're assuming this is part of their investigation into the fraud — though we're honestly not sure why.

These requesters simply asked for the county's financial records. Or emails sent by the fraudsters to county staff. Or text messages between elected officials after they found out about the crime.

As citizens, they have every right to ask for this information and to receive it. And frankly, after a public entity loses millions in taxpayer money, it's information everyone should know.

Yet this is the behavior the Secret Service is questioning.

Is it because they think the people making the requests had something to do with the crime?

If so, we have a question for them:

What kind of criminals — who already got away with $2 million — would write a public records request, submit it through official channels, and wait 15 days for a response ... just to learn about a crime they personally committed months ago?

The Secret Service might think the requests are "suspicious,” but we're calling their behavior suspicious right back.

03/15/2026

We may look back at two state legislative decisions that didn’t grab headlines yet kept local journalism alive and hopeful.

03/12/2026

Thank you to Senator Carrie Hamblen & Senator Peter Wirth for getting this through the legislature and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for approving. I also want to thank the allies to journalism who spoke to the journalist and print credits on the House floor, Representative Sarah Silva & Representative Derrick J. Lente.

03/12/2026

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Lujan Grisham for recognizing the importance of local news and for signing legislation that provides meaningful support for the journalists and printing operations that make community newspapers possible.” - Belinda Wheeler Mills, President and CEO of the New Mexico Press Association

SANTA FE, NM — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed SB151, landmark legislation that includes two targeted tax credits designed to strengthen local journalism and preserve newspaper printing infrastructure across

01/31/2026

The Gallup Independent is closing; last issue pubs on Saturday

Publisher Bob Zollinger said financial considerations led to the decision to shutter the paper his father bought in 1964.

11/17/2025

It was a very interesting and exciting weekend when I was inducted into the New Mexico Press Hall of Fame.