News

Cibola Water Monitoring Report

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – As Cibola County enters a new year, water data from the U.S. Geological Survey and federal snowpack monitors shows conditions continuing to trend downward, with limited signs of winter recharge so far.
Grants Swears In Vallejos, Rodarte as Lawsuits Land; Residency and Charter Issues Move to Court

Grants Swears In Vallejos, Rodarte as Lawsuits Land; Residency and Charter Issues Move to Court

Grants Swears In Vallejos, Rodarte as Lawsuits Land; Residency and Charter Issues Move to Court

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. — The City of Grants swore in Councilor-elect Dolores P. Vallejos (District 1) and returning Councilor Fred Rodarte (District 3) on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. inside the Council Chamber at 600 W. Santa Fe Ave. All councilors except Beverly Michael were present.
Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s president, appears in restraints in a photo President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social after announcing Maduro was captured during the Jan. 3 U.S. operation in Venezuela. Courtesy of Truth Social

Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s president, appears in restraints in a photo President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social after announcing Maduro was captured during the Jan. 3 U.S. operation in Venezuela. Courtesy of Truth Social

U.S. Strikes Venezuela, Captures Leader; New Mexico Parties React

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The United States carried out military strikes in Venezuela on the night of Jan. 3, 2026, and U.S. forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in an operation President Donald Trump described as a coordinated mission involving the U.S. military and U.S.
As of December 23, 2025, 100% of Cibola County remains under drought classification, with nearly 70% of the county in Severe Drought (D2) and the remaining 30.44% in Moderate Drought (D1). No part of the county is considered abnormally dry or drought-free. The U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly, reflects persistent dryness across the region and underscores the continued pressure on local water systems, agriculture, and fire conditions as the county closes out the year.

As of December 23, 2025, 100% of Cibola County remains under drought classification, with nearly 70% of the county in Severe Drought (D2) and the remaining 30.44% in Moderate Drought (D1). No part of the county is considered abnormally dry or drought-free. The U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly, reflects persistent dryness across the region and underscores the continued pressure on local water systems, agriculture, and fire conditions as the county closes out the year.

Cibola County Ends the Year in Drought

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – As 2025 draws to a close, Cibola County remains firmly gripped by drought, with no measurable relief in sight. Persistent dryness, shrinking reservoir levels, and a lack of significant snowfall have set the tone for an uncertain start to the new year.