Non-Local News Releases

 Albuquerque, NM – May 24, 2025: Yesterday evening, multiple resources responded to a fire start on private lands south of NM I-40, West of Grants, NM since named the Merrill Fire. The origin of the fire was on private lands crossing into adjacent Forest Service lands of the Mt Taylor Ranger District on the Cibola National Forest. Yesterday's fire spread was due to winds in excess of 25 mph, dry fuels and high temperatures. Cloud cover and a slight increase in relative humidity assisted suppression efforts overnight and into this morning. Multiple firefighting agencies are on scene and additional resources have been ordered.

Merrill Fire Location: Currently West of Grants, NM in Zuni Mts. & Southeast of Ft. Wingate: Smoke may be visible south from NM I-40, Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Milan. 

Reported start date / time: May 23, 2025, 4:30 pm       Cause: Under Investigation 

Santa Fe– This Memorial Day, as we honor the brave military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, we also reflect on our ongoing responsibility to support service members who return home. Among them are countless veterans with disabilities who continually face challenges or veterans who years later, end up getting a disability.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Age Adjustment Act, passed by Congress and set to take effect on January 1, 2026, will increase the qualifying age of disability onset from 26 years old to 46 years old, expanding access to ABLE accounts for veterans and civilians alike. This change is especially beneficial for veterans and those who may acquire disabilities later in life due to injury, illness, or trauma. With these new eligibility guidelines, millions will be able to open ABLE accounts in order to save money, plan ahead, and cover disability-related expenses—without jeopardizing vital benefits, such as Social Security or Medicaid.

(Washington, D.C., May 23, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) intent to purchase up to $67 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from domestic producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. Fiscal year to date, USDA has provided more than $600 million in purchases, all which benefit the charitable feeding network.

"These purchases deliver healthy, nutritious, American commodities to individuals and families in need. At a time when President Trump and his cabinet are working to Making America Healthy Again, USDA is proud to play a role in supporting those in need by providing access to the safest and highest quality fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood in the world," said Secretary Rollins.

 In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue 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-25 Roadway Rehabilitation Project, Mile Marker 58 to 78, Caballo

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will implement fire restrictions on May 23, 2025, to reduce the risk of wildfire on public lands in the Albuquerque and Las Cruces Districts. This includes public lands in Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Grant, Luna, McKinley, Otero, Sandoval, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia counties. 

Prohibited acts include:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or a wood stove other than in a developed campsite and or picnic areas.Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic or incendiary device and exploding targets is already prohibited year-round by statewide order on BLM lands.

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office leased three parcels totaling 1,262 acres for $576,982 in total receipts for its quarterly oil and gas lease sale. The combined bonus bids and rentals from the leases will be distributed between the federal government and the State of New Mexico.

Oil and gas lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence, while contributing to the nation's economic and military security. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy," the BLM's lease sales help meet the energy needs of U.S. citizens and solidify the nation as a global energy leader long into the future. 

(Washington, D.C., May 22, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today joined President Donald J. Trump in releasing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Report at the White House. The report is a call to evaluate the many reasons American families, particularly children, face high rates of chronic health issues, and it encourages additional research and education on diet, environmental exposures, lack of physical activity, and overmedicalization.

"We must do more to improve the health outcomes of our kids and families, and President Trump knows agriculture is at the heart of the solution. America's farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to the noble cause of feeding their country and the world, and in doing so have created the safest and most abundant and affordable food supply in the world. We are working to make sure our kids and families are consuming the healthiest food we produce," said Secretary Rollins. "I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Kennedy and other members of the MAHA Commission to improve our nation's health."

Alamogordo, NM – Explore how ancient New Mexico communities aligned with the stars at the New Mexico Museum of Space History's upcoming Launch Pad Lecture Archaeoastronomy Associations of the Great Kiva at Creekside Village. David Greenwald's presentation will focus on the Jornada Mogollon agricultural community (A.D. 600-900) and their use of astronomy in daily life.

Event Details:

When: Friday, June 6, 2025, 9:00–10:00 a.m.

Where: New Horizons Dome Theater, New Mexico Museum of Space History

Admission: Free; coffee and donuts provided

Full Press Release