Non-Local News Releases

Albuquerque, NM — On Monday, December 1, 2025, from 9am-3pm Republican lawmakers will host a public legislative task force focused on public safety. Featuring Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge for New Mexico, and a representative from the Governor's Office, this public hearing will provide expert testimony and policy discussion from local and federal law enforcement entities, victims of violent crime, community stakeholders, and others. 

This legislative task force is a direct response to the public's ongoing concerns about deteriorating public safety and the legislature's failure to adopt policy that addresses the ongoing public safety crisis in New Mexico, specifically in Albuquerque. 

Co-Chairs: Senator Crystal Brantley & Representative Andrea Reeb / Sen. Nicole Tobiassen, Sen. Jay Block, Rep. Alan Martinez, and Rep. Nicole Chavez

Legislative Task Force on Public Safety

December 1, 2025 9am-3pm

Albuquerque Public Schools - John Milne Board Room 6400 Uptown Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

*Please see attached task force agenda for more details 

*Media is encouraged to attend; please RSVP with Brandon Harris or Owen Scarpa prior

* A livestream is available via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88126027205 

Meeting ID: 834 9466 3574

Passcode: 199459

SANTA FE, N.M. – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices in New Mexico will begin selling personal Christmas tree permits for harvest of piñon and juniper. Permits will be available beginning Nov. 24 for the Farmington, Taos, Socorro, and Rio Puerco Field Offices and New Mexico State Office. The permits must be purchased before Dec. 24. The cost per tree is $5. Permits and maps may be obtained over the counter at your local BLM Office or online for some locations at https://forestproducts.blm.gov.

Two-day event brought together officers, families of missing persons

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) brought together law enforcement officers and families of missing persons for two days of training and support services in November.

On Friday, Nov. 21, officers from across New Mexico attended eight hours of missing persons training at the Law Enforcement Academy. The New Mexico Missing Persons Clearinghouse, U.S. Marshals, FBI, and New Mexico State Police led sessions on evidence collection, interviews, interagency collaboration, and alert activation for both active and cold cases.

Shane with his adopted burro, Comet, from the Wild Horse and Burro program. Presented by: Shane Weigand, founder of New Mexico Pack Burros.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Noon - 1 pm (MT)

Presented free on YouTube by Friends of History. 

Registration link:   https://tinyurl.com/y2h4pxn5 

OVERVIEW:

The mighty little burro has been a major player in New Mexico history from the time of the 16th Century Conquistadors to present day Burro Racing! From the early mining camps and trading trails that relied on their strength, to the quiet resilience they embody in rural communities today.

Haga clic aquí para español.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) are urging horse owners to take immediate preventive measures following confirmation of the state's first case of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic disease associated with Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

The affected horse, located in Doña Ana County, attended the 2025 Women's Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas, held Nov. 5-9. The animal is currently isolated from other horses and is improving with supportive veterinary care.

Socorro, NM — On November 19, 2025, at approximately 9:38 p.m., the Socorro Police Department (SPD) responded to reports of shots fired in a parking lot near College Avenue and Leroy Place, including reports that one person had been struck.

Officers arrived and located 22-year-old Quentin Sisneros lying outside a black Chrysler sedan with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid until EMS transported him to Socorro General Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

SPD secured the scene and requested the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau (NMSP/IB) to assume the case.

Through the investigation, NMSP agents learned that a separate altercation had occurred in the parking lot shortly before the fatal shooting.

During that incident, the suspect, 21-year-old Anthony Alvarado, exited a vehicle armed with an AR-15-style rifle and confronted the juvenile relative of a man who had previously been romantically involved with Alvarado's girlfriend, pointing the weapon at the juvenile.

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 – Most public colleges and universities in New Mexico will waive application fees throughout November, eliminating a financial barrier for prospective students during the annual 'No Fee November' initiative. 

The program is supported by the New Mexico Higher Education Department, New Mexico Public Education Department and New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation. 

Since the Opportunity Scholarship Act passed in 2022, college enrollment in New Mexico has increased for four consecutive years. Fall enrollment is up 3.6% this year, with more than 40,000 New Mexicans pursuing career training certificates, associate and bachelor's degrees.