Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Parks Division and the Department of Game and Fish are offering extra incentive for people to get outdoors this weekend.

All state parks are open for free day-use on Saturday, Sept. 27 in recognition of National Public Lands Day. The same day, state parks along the Pecos River are co-hosting the annual Pecos-to-Pecos Road and River Cleanup that brings communities in New Mexico and Texas together.

Finally, Game and Fish is marking National Hunting and Fishing Day by offering a full "free fishing weekend" on Saturday and Sunday.

(Washington, D.C., September 23, 2025) — Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the USDA Forest Service is investing $200 million in 58 projects through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. These investments, thanks to Congressionally mandated funding, help at-risk communities plan for and reduce wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

"These grants are about putting real resources directly in the hands of the people who know their lands and communities best – America's foresters. By empowering them, we are protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure while securing the future of our great American landscape," said Secretary Brooke Rollins. "Keeping forests healthy, resilient, and productive doesn't come from Washington. It comes from us standing alongside the people and communities we serve, and supporting practical, science-based management that ensures the future of the forests and rural prosperity. This is how we safeguard our heritage, protect future generations, and ensure that America's land remains the envy of the world."

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Magistrate Judges Association has re-elected its president and other officers for one-year terms and filled three vacancies on its board.

The association also donated $2,000 and collected $1,850 in donations from individual judges for a flooding relief drive in Ruidoso. The $3,850 was used to purchase household items needed by people affected by flooding in the Lincoln County community.

SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Sept. 28-29, as part of the state's Free Fishing Weekend. 

Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28, which is also National Hunting and Fishing Day across the United States of America. All anglers must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department's website.

"This is a great time to take your family fishing and teach them a skill that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment," said Mike Sloane, director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

(Washington, D.C., September 20, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the termination of future Household Food Security Reports. These redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous studies do nothing more than fear monger. 

For 30 years, this study—initially created by the Clinton administration as a means to support the increase of SNAP eligibility and benefit allotments—failed to present anything more than subjective, liberal fodder. Trends in the prevalence of food insecurity have remained virtually unchanged, regardless of an over 87% increase in SNAP spending between 2019 - 2023.

USDA will continue to prioritize statutory requirements and where necessary, use the bevy of more timely and accurate data sets available to it.

To read all that the New Mexico Game and Fish has coming up this fall with dates and deadlines, please visit this link:  https://read.dgf.nm.gov/fall-is-coming-check-out-our-upcoming-events?ecid=ACsprvvnt6bH6iNRcMZwvi2s60fRpD8djDr9ryLKhBk8rPT6RnI_LD8hldaVR3ZqqQ_L2LX5VKhP&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9qRN8s31gdHqH26YbVG3hnNngtjs7Dqb480pHWILZth6ckyhBrAdUafOVCOrSVccVmxejQMO6okOoPohAaLsXrEijzLDpS9UfIxDpMcp6cEDXCCZo&_hsmi=381395533&utm_content=381395533&utm_source=hs_email

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.

SANTA FE – Senior centers are cornerstones of healthy aging, providing older New Mexicans with opportunities for connection, learning, and essential services that help them live independently and with dignity. 

The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) recognizes September as National Senior Center Month and National Healthy Aging Month. 

"Across the state, senior centers enrich the lives of New Mexicans every day by providing essential services, like meals, transportation, joy, purpose and connection," said Emily Kaltenbach ALTSD Cabinet Secretary. "We are honored to celebrate and uplift their contributions this month and all year long."