New Mexico Press Association

08/16/2026

The NMPA is saddened by the passing of Wayne Barnard, a longtime member of New Mexico’s newspaper community and friend of the NMPA.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed by all.

Wayne Barnard, a dedicated newspaper man who served the Albuquerque Journal since 2017, passed away Friday after a sudden illness. We will miss you, Wayne.

07/21/2026

🚨 $15,000 in Prize Money is on the Line! 🚨

The 2026 A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism is now accepting entries!

If your reporting uncovered hidden truths, held those in power accountable, or made a real impact in your community, we want to see it. Enter the NMPA Better Newspaper Contest today!

🏆 $15,000 in total prize money (contest category #10)
📅 Entry deadline: August 7, 2026

Ready to enter? Find all the details at the link in the comments.

07/16/2026

We're grateful to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for recognizing the vital role local newspapers play in our communities and for supporting New Mexico's local news tax credits. We're also encouraged that, since this post, this community has already seen positive developments with the purchase of the newspaper and the launch of another local publication—a reminder that local journalism is worth fighting for.

I’m sad to hear that the Roswell Daily Record newspaper is shutting down after 123 years of proud service to the Roswell community. When local journalism disappears, public accountability — and our democracy — suffer. That's why I signed SB15 during the last legislative session. This measure provides targeted tax credits to help local media outlets hire new reporters and to preserve newspaper printing infrastructure across the state.

Sadly, this tax relief may have come too late for the Roswell Daily Record, but I want all associated with the paper to know that we appreciate your service to New Mexicans and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Read the article in the first comment.

07/16/2026

El Rito’s staff at the Artesia and Carlsbad papers will help get the new venture — the Roswell Tribune — up and going.

Incredibly, the Roswell Daily Record held on and held its head high for an amazing 135 years.

07/15/2026

Roswell Daily Record announces sale of paper to Pat Davis, founder and publisher of the New Mexico News Group and Ctrl+P Publishing.

ROSWELL — After announcing earlier this week that one of America’s most famous local newspapers was preparing to close, the owners of the Roswell Daily Record said they have secured

07/13/2026

In it's announcement, the RDR did say it is “actively pursuing a solution that could allow the Roswell Daily Record to continue serving the community under new ownership or another sustainable arrangement.”

Company is ‘actively pursuing a solution’ that could allow the newspaper to continue, according to a social media post

07/08/2026

The 2026 NMPA Better Newspaper Contest is officially open! There are new categories this year, along with changes for eligibility and 15,000 reasons to "investigate" the contest! Click the link to find out how to enter and more!

Dear New Mexico News Organizations,

06/16/2026

The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled today that government agencies cannot deny public inspection of records under IPRA's "catchall exemption" based on an agency's internal policies alone.

The Justices unanimously agreed with the plaintiff, ACLU, and amicus curiae, New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, that the New Mexico Corrections Department's policies designating use-of-force records as confidential do not have the force of law under to keep public records secret under IPRA's “as otherwise provided by law," exception.

The case began when the ACLU of New Mexico requested records about the use of force against inmates in state prison. The Corrections Department refused, arguing that its internal policies labeled the records as confidential.

The Supreme Court unanimously rejected that argument.
The Court highlighted NMFOG's arguments in the case in its ruling that an agency's internal policies are not enough to block access to public records.

If the government wants to keep records secret, that authority must come from the Legislature and be adopted through proper rulemaking procedures. The Court reaffirmed its prior ruling that under IPRA, "the citizen's right to know is the rule and secrecy is the exception."

Citation: American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico v. New Mexico Corrections Department, No. S-1-SC-40473 (N.M. June 15, 2026).
Link to opinion:https://www.nmfog.org/_files/ugd/4bad1c_688c2929941d4f8e814ae9ffaadf4f5f.pdf