Santa Fe News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Taco Bell’s foundation is pouring $32 million into 700 nonprofits nationwide—thanks to fans rounding up their drive-thru orders—to empower young people through education, career prep, and mentorship. In New Mexico alone, nine groups are getting over $442K, including $100K for the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Juan County. Two Farmington locations rank among the top contributors nationwide. Since 1992,...

After 20 years of delays, lawsuits, and public frustration, Mora County’s unfinished courthouse is finally getting the green light — with $12.6 million in state funding approved to complete the project by October. Once dubbed the “Rolls-Royce” of courthouses for being overbuilt and underfunded, the building will soon house courtrooms, county clerks, and a motor vehicle office — turning a symbol of...

UNM Police finally gets its own sleek, 16,000-square-foot command center—marking a major leap in campus safety after years of dorm-room operations. Packed with dispatch, holding cells, and community spaces, the $16M facility (funded by bonds and university cash) aims to slash response times and rebuild trust after tragic delays. While crime stats show stabilization post-pandemic—with car thefts do...

Last Wednesday, NACA students lit up Literacy Night with raw, powerful spoken word poetry — not just for competition, but to amplify Indigenous voices rarely heard outside their communities. Six standout performers were chosen to join the official NACA Slam Team, ready to take the stage Friday at the New Mexico State Fair and beyond, turning personal stories into electrifying performances that bui...

Duke City is taking bold steps to regulate AI—passing three new measures requiring city departments to report AI use, vendors to disclose AI in their products, and a public list of all AI tools purchased. An 11-member advisory board, blending tech experts, civil rights voices, and officials, will review high-risk tech like facial recognition and host public forums. This follows years of groundwork...

Google’s eyeing a massive new data center in Lea County, New Mexico — but with big questions hanging over water use, power sources, and community impact. While the company touts transparency through an interactive site and local input tools, key details remain hush-hush. County leaders are already setting strict rules: no utility rate hikes, mandatory water reports, and scrutiny on cooling and lan...

Six years after a woman’s body was discovered hidden inside a coffee table, two men are now facing murder and evidence tampering charges. Angelo Cuellar-Salazar, 32, and Ryan Mathis, 39, are accused of orchestrating a deadly dispute over money tied to a COVID-19 loan scam. The victim, Genoveva Paiz, was allegedly shot over a $1,000 debt — with Mathis reportedly planning the attack and giving Cuell...

A deputy in San Juan County, New Mexico, used deadly force after a suspect armed with a knife ignored repeated commands and charged toward officers at a Dollar General. The man died at the scene; the deputy is on administrative leave as the Farmington Police lead an investigation into the incident. Authorities ask for patience as details emerge. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow:...

Deb Haaland’s campaign is flush with cash—$3.4 million on hand after raising $3.4M and spending $2.2M, plus leftover funds from her primary. That’s seven times more than Republican Gregg Hull, who’s sitting at just $509K after bringing in under $1M. Haaland’s fundraising blitz—$12M from 50K+ donors in the primary, so massive it crashed the state’s website—shows she’s got serious momentum. Hull, fo...

Dollar Day at the New Mexico State Fair this Wednesday lets you in for just $1—plus every ride is also $1. The fair’s seventh day sees a major push to make fun affordable, with general manager Dan Mourning calling it “New Mexico’s Disneyland” to honor everyday struggles and offer an escape. Bonus: a tattoo festival with True Grit Tattoos features flash art right on the grounds near the speakeasy....

Deb Haaland’s campaign is surging ahead with over $17 million raised since February 2025, nearly triple her opponent Gregg Hull’s $1.9 million — and she’s already spent $13.9 million. While Hull touts grassroots support from New Mexico donors, the massive funding gap gives Haaland a clear edge in TV ads as Election Day nears. With eyes on history as the first Native American woman governor, Haalan...

Jaremy Smith, the man who murdered New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare in 2024, has just pleaded guilty in South Carolina to the kidnapping, carjacking, and murder of EMS worker Phonesia Machado-Fore — a chilling case that shows how one violent act can shatter multiple lives. Smith broke into her home, bound and blindfolded her, stole her vehicle and weapons, then drove to New Mexico where...

A chilling double homicide unfolds as a suspect, already sentenced for killing a New Mexico police officer, now faces federal charges for murdering a South Carolina paramedic — both crimes linked in a deadly cross-state escape. He’s pleaded guilty to both killings, avoiding the death penalty but facing a mandatory life sentence and up to $250,000 in fines, with sentencing pending on a judge’s revi...

In Lordsburg, New Mexico, a flash flood turned a quiet underpass into a dangerous scene—five to six feet of water swallowed a car. But before official help arrived, a police sergeant and firefighter sprang into action, rescuing the trapped driver with no injuries reported. It’s a powerful reminder of how fast nature can strike—and the courage of first responders who act without hesitation when liv...

Deputy Fires in Dollar General Standoff | Santa Fe News

Get ready to scream with adrenaline at the New Mexico State Fair’s Adventure Alley, where professional divers are turning pirate fantasies into reality—with a 80-foot mast jump, an inflatable ship, and a jaw-dropping “Human Torch” fire dive that ignites the finale. Veteran diver Mike Dvorak reveals how mental grit and precision keep these daredevils safe as they plunge into just nine feet of water...

Gas prices are climbing right here at home, thanks to global tensions overseas—especially in Iran. Local data from AAA shows real-time fuel costs in your neighborhood, while a national tracker lets you compare prices across states. The surge? Pure supply-and-demand chaos fueled by geopolitical instability. Stay informed, stay prepared, and keep an eye on those pumps. Listen in comfort: Get a disco...

New Mexico’s soaking wet this week—Albuquerque got its biggest monsoon rain yet, with some spots hitting over an inch. More showers and storms are on the way for Tuesday as a moisture-laden system pushes north, bringing 150-200% above-normal humidity. That means heavy downpours are likely, plus cooler temps from lingering clouds. Rain chances stay high through Thursday and Friday, especially in we...

A black bear broke into a teen’s bedroom in Durango, Colorado, at 2 AM—ripping through the screen and swiping at her stomach, leaving scratches and a bruise. Officials say this is part of an unprecedented surge in bear encounters fueled by drought-driven food shortages. The bear, already known for entering homes, is being targeted with traps while authorities warn residents to lock doors, secure t...

Military and Veterans Appreciation Day at the New Mexico State Fair means free admission for active duty and veterans—plus rides, food, and wild pig and duck races. Music lovers can score a buy one, get one free deal on Everclear and Tanya Tucker concerts using promo code “2026BOGO,” though fair admission still applies. Everclear fans can grab their Sept 17 show for just $5 online. Save big, have...

Gallup took a brutal hit from torrential rain Monday afternoon, triggering widespread flooding that ruined homes, businesses, and streets—forcing 911 lines to overflow with emergency calls. Residents, some dealing with this disaster for the third time this year, scrambled to salvage belongings while businesses like Elite Cleaners worked through the night. City officials blame aging, clogged dirt d...

New Mexico finally got the rain it desperately needed, turning parched landscapes into scenes of relief and joy—especially after the hottest summer since 1892. The downpour revived crops, refreshed wildlife, and gave kids puddle-filled fun, but also brought flooding in places like Gallup. Authorities are urging residents to skip sprinklers as nature handles watering. Still, meteorologists say more...

Pluribus, filmed in Albuquerque and streaming on Apple TV, just swept the Emmys with six wins — a massive triumph for New Mexico’s film industry. The show not only showcased local talent and brought over 1,400 jobs to the state but also continues Vince Gilligan’s legacy of putting New Mexico on the cinematic map. While some productions have left and opportunities dipped since 2022, recent data sho...

APD SWAT stormed a Tramway Boulevard apartment yesterday at 3:30 PM after a tense standoff with a suspect wanted for aggravated assault — and they pulled it off without further incident. The suspect’s whereabouts had been elusive for hours, prompting the heavy hitters to take over. While details are still emerging, authorities confirm the arrest was made safely. Stay tuned as more info rolls in. L...

Albuquerque police just dropped explosive charges: two men, Angelo Cuellar-Salazar and Ryan Mathis, are now facing murder for a 2020 killing tied to a deadly COVID-19 loan scam that cost Genoveva Paiz her life. The scheme spiraled into a home shooting, followed by the gruesome disposal of her body inside furniture. Though detectives had suspicions years ago, new digital evidence and re-interviews...