Cattle Trade & Screwworm Watch: The USDA says it will start a phased reopening of southern cattle ports for imports from Mexico on Aug. 24, beginning at Douglas, Arizona, with New Mexico’s Santa Teresa and Columbus ports to follow, and every animal will get full inspection to keep New World screwworm out. Public Health: Federal health officials report a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with products distributed to New Mexico among others—shoppers are urged to check cartons and dates. Flood Response & Misinformation: New Mexico’s governor announced $500,000 in emergency help for flood impacts, including Gallup, where officials also say an AI news outlet has published misleading flood stories. Local Economy: New Mexico’s back-to-school tax holiday runs July 31 through Aug. 2, letting shoppers skip gross receipts tax on qualifying clothing, school supplies, backpacks, and certain computers. Health Alert: NMDOH confirmed the first two human West Nile cases of 2026—one hospitalized in Bernalillo County and one recovering at home in Otero County. Community & Culture: New Mexico United will honor Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, a Dexter native, during its Aug. 26 match against Lexington SC.