Non-Local News Releases

Albuquerque, N.M. – Dec. 16, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established a national Jan. 15, 2026, batching deadline for the first funding round of key conservation programs. This national batching date ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program(ACEP). This includes NRCS' new Regenerative Pilot Program, which provides targeted Farmer First assistance through EQIP and CSP.

NRCS programs are continuous sign-up programs, but due to the government shutdown, the agency is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support.

Updated NRCS Program Timelines

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES — The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is seeking public comment on the proposed Interstate 25 Nogal Canyon Bridge Replacement Project in Socorro County.

The project proposes replacing the existing I-25 truss bridge over Nogal Canyon at mile marker 107 with two new bridge structures. The new bridges and adjacent roadway improvements are designed to meet current safety and performance standards and to improve long-term reliability along this section of I-25.

Have you ever wondered how the FBI solves a case? Want to hear about the work agents, analysts, and FBI staff are doing across New Mexico? Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque Division, Justin A. Garris, welcomes business, civic, and faith-based community leaders to apply for FBI Albuquerque's Citizens Academy program, where we will give participants a first-hand look into life at the FBI.

See updates on construction below

As families prepare to take down the decorations from their homes, animal software platform Creatures is alerting pet owners to the hidden dangers lurking in popular Christmas decorations, with several seasonal plants posing serious health risks to cats and dogs.

With many families welcoming new pets into their homes this year, first-time pet owners may be unaware of the risks posed by seemingly innocent holiday decorations. Understanding which plants are dangerous is particularly crucial for those celebrating their first Christmas with a new cat or dog.

1 - Mistletoe

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing 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.

Interstates: 

Submissions open now through Dec. 26; winning names will be assigned to 12 snowplows statewide 

SANTA FE 

– New Mexicans can once again submit creative, winter-themed names for state snowplows, with the top 12 winning entries to be displayed on plows clearing roads across all six highway districts this winter. 

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) launched the third annual Name a Snowplow Contest this week, inviting residents to break out their creativity and submit their best, boldest  and catchiest snowplow names. Submissions will be accepted through noon on Friday, Dec. 26. 

Santa Fe, NM — Republican members of the New Mexico House of Representatives have formally requested that the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico initiate a federal investigation into the state's Developmentally Disabled Waiver program after continued inaction at the state level.

In February 2024, a bipartisan group of 63 legislators urged the New Mexico Attorney General to investigate concerns surrounding the DD Waiver program and report findings to the Legislature. Despite months of bipartisan concern, no report was ever delivered.