This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

i-40 closed in both directions at Grants due to train derailment 042624

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE
ARIZONA TRAIN DERAILMENT
Due to a freight train derailment, I-40 is closed in both directions near the Arizona-New Mexico Stateline. I-40 westbound is closed at milepost 89 in Grants. CMV are advised to use NM 6 to access I-25 southbound if past Albuquerque.

Traffic including Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) highly recommended to use I-25 and I-10 into Arizona. At this time no oversized loads will be permitted. Heavy congestion should be expected on I-25, NM 26, and I-10.

Traffic Report for the week of April 28 to May 5, 2024.

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

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El Paso Symphony and World Ballet Company ‘Swan Lake’

ElPaso SwanLakeEl Paso Symphony collaborates with the World Ballet Company in May for the ballet of all ballets: ‘Swan Lake’

EL PASO, TX – In two weeks, the World Ballet Company will take over El Paso’s Plaza Theatre for two nights of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” The ballet will be performed to a live score played by members of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.

The two performances in El Paso are part of the World Ballet Company’s signature World Ballet Series. This season, dancers are performing “Swan Lake,” “Cinderella” and “The Nutcracker across the country.

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Smokey Bear Days event returns to Capitan, NM

2-day event celebrates the Bear and his Birthplace 

Capitan, NM – This year marks the 80th birthday of New Mexico’s most famous fire prevention icon – Smokey Bear. It also marks the return of Smokey Bear Days, with two days of family friendly events taking place in downtown Capitan, May 3-4.  

Events will include a two-day folk music festival, a firefighter challenge competition, chainsaw carving demonstrations, conservation education and vendor booths, a home-town parade on Saturday morning, and more family-friendly activities. Visitors can also view the Rudy Wendelin Smokey Bear art exhibit, on display at the Smokey Bear Historical Park.  

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Link FIXED: Senate Republican Leader Asks Governor to Respond to Leaked Audio Conversation Regarding the Border

SANTA FE—In response to the Twitter (X) leak of an alleged conversation between Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Chief of Staff for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), today released the following statement:

“I urge the Governor to verify the validity and explain the context of this alleged conversation with a high-ranking federal official. In the leaked audio, there is a substantive discussion about the border crisis, including the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into New Mexico, and the unwillingness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to act. New Mexicans deserve to know what their elected officials are doing to keep our state safe, and I hope the Governor will bring some clarity to this matter.”

NMDOT Hosts Open House on how to safely navigate roundabouts

Tuesday, April 30 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENSES – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is hosting a public education open house on how to safely navigate roundabouts from 4:30 to 6pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Hot Springs High School cafeteria. The final stages of construction on the new Date Street Roundabouts are near completion and we want community members to feel prepared to safely navigate the roadway improvements. You are invited to come talk to NMDOT staff, who will be providing education and information on driving through a roundabout. This event is completely free, and no registration is required. Additionally, a student-only learning session will be hosted earlier in the day.

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As ACP Funding Expires, Comcast Has New Mexico’s Back

With Congress and the Administration failing to come to an agreement to extend additional funding for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), April will be the last month in which participating households will receive their full ACP benefit. As the ACP winds down, I wanted to share a quick update on how Comcast is working with our customers and partners to help keep New Mexico connected. 

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1st Annual "Stuff the Truck" Event to Benefit Local Food Banks

El Paso, Texas – Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest – Southern New Mexico & West Texas is excited to announce the launch of our first annual "Stuff the Truck" event, aimed at bringing joy and sweetness to families in need within our community. This year, we are proud to partner with the El Pasoan Fighting Hunger Food Bank to raise funds to purchase Girl Scout Cookies for donation to their local food bank.

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