Non-Local News Releases

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: 

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) is awarding over $1 million in grant funding for beautification and litter reduction initiatives to a record 71 partners for fiscal year 2026.

Roughly 67 percent of grant funding in FY26 is dedicated towards the program goals of reducing waste, beautifying communities and eliminating litter. The remaining grant funding will be directed towards youth empowerment initiatives and increasing local program capacity. 

Vereda Blanca Fire Operations: After several significant rain events, fire behavior has transitioned to minimal smoldering. The fire will be patrolled and monitored until no hot spots or smoke are detected. Restoration plans are being developed and will soon be implemented in the burn scar area. As of 6:00pm tomorrow the incident will be downgraded to a type 4 and command returned to Mount Taylor Ranger District.

Vereda Blanca Fire Reported start date / time: August 8, 2025 / 0731

Cause: Lightning.

 New Mexico Certified Chile™ raising awareness about the state's official fruit 

HATCH, N.M. — New Mexico's iconic chile is more than just a spicy staple; it's a living symbol of the state's rich agricultural heritage and global culinary influence. As demand for chile grows worldwide, the New Mexico Certified Chile™ program is working to ensure that its official state fruit remains rooted in authenticity and tradition.

LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office will close the I-10 off-ramp and bridge at mile marker 132 (Crawford Blvd.) on Wednesday, September 3, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for necessary maintenance work.

The On-Ramps at exit 132 (Crawford Blvd.) will remain open. Traffic will not be allowed to cross the bridge at Crawford Blvd during the closure, detours will be in place. 

Detours:

Statewide, NM - State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver's license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during September 2025.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

These checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Caballo Lake State Park Boat Ramp Access Closed

Caballo Lake State Park has closed access to the boat ramp and is prohibiting the use of motorized boats due to extremely low water levels caused by required maintenance around the dam and spillway by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The maintenance project is expected to continue through the Labor Day weekend. Caballo Lake remains open for canoeing, kayaking and other motorized vessels. (Photo courtesy New Mexico State Parks)

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.

Caballo Lake: The boat ramp has been closed and use of motorized boats is prohibited because of low water levels. Visit Caballo Lake State Park's website for more information.

 WASHINGTON, August 27, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken the next step in the rulemaking process for rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule by opening a public comment period.

"We are one step closer to common sense management of our national forest lands. Today marks a critical step forward in President Trump's commitment to restoring local decision-making to federal land managers to empower them to do what's necessary to protect America's forests and communities from devastating destruction from fires," said Secretary Rollins. "This administration is dedicated to removing burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that not only put people and livelihoods at risk but also stifle economic growth in rural America. It is vital that we properly manage our federal lands to create healthy, resilient, and productive forests for generations to come. We look forward to hearing directly from the people and communities we serve as we work together to implement productive and commonsense policy for forest land management."