Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order Monday banning the practice of children in state custody sleeping overnight in government offices, which has occurred when no appropriate foster or residential placements were available.

Starting March 1, no child may sleep in a Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) office under any circumstances, and the agency must ensure all youth are placed in appropriate care settings.

WASHINGTON, DC — January 16, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at the Congressionally created 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences. The application deadline is March 8, 2026.

Students around the country are invited to complete and submit their applications online through an online application. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college that will attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The program is also open to rising college sophomores and juniors that meet the same criteria.

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: 

I-10 Bridge Repairs, Mile Marker 24, Lordsburg

(Washington, D.C., January 14, 2026) — Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the Oval Office alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., USDA National Nutrition Advisor Dr. Ben Carson, dairy farmers, moms, and bipartisan members of Congress to restore access to whole milk in schools and strengthen support for American dairy producers.

This legislation advances the Trump Administration's agenda and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, released last week, which reintroduced full-fat dairy as part of a healthy dietary pattern.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

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

Elephant Butte Lake: The South Monticello boat ramp is currently closed, and access to Rattlesnake Island is currently restricted due to low water levels. The closures will be lifted when water levels rise and conditions allow.

Gila River: Streamflow near Gila on Wednesday morning was 75.3 cfs. The most recent report was received on January 8. At that time, fishing for Gila trout was slow to fair when using flies in the West Fork.

Economic Development Department seeks input on $40 million innovation fund

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department's Technology and Innovation Office is inviting stakeholders to help shape a new $40 million fund designed to support early-stage innovation and commercialization across the state.

The Research, Development and Deployment (RD&D) Fund, newly created by legislation in the 2025 state legislative session, aims at catalyzing innovation, economic growth and job creation by providing early-stage capital to emerging technologies, start-up businesses and research initiatives that align with the state's economic development plan. Specifically, the state will look to support projects in three key growth areas identified in New Mexico's recently released Science and Technology Roadmap: quantum systems and applications; advanced energy technologies; and space, aerospace and defense systems.

Santa Fe, NM — Recently, Democrat Leadership in the New Mexico House of Representatives and Senate have signaled their intentions to introduce –and pass– legislation that would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from contracting with local governments. Specifically, this legislation would terminate contracts for ICE detention facilities operating in New Mexico. Currently, our state has three federal detention facilities that contract with ICE and employ hundreds of New Mexicans.

In anticipation of this consequential legislation, Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) has issued the following statement:

On January 12th, the Department of the Interior formally announced the launch of the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service, a major federal effort intended to streamline how the Interior Department manages wildfire response and preparedness nationwide. How this will impact local wildfire funding is yet to be seen. Communities that rely on Interior agencies, particularly those near BLM lands and national parks, may face increased uncertainty during the transition period. More information can be found below. 

15 JANUARY 2026

•Hot Topics: Us Interior Formally Launches Wildland Fire Service 
•On the Ground: Anniversary of the Palisades Fires
•In the Know: (Wildfire News, Events, Grant Opportunities)