Non-Local News Releases

(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

NEW MEXICO MAY 22—Today, Chairwoman Amy Barela of the Republican Party of New Mexico issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," a historic package of reforms that delivers on promises to American families, workers, farmers, and service members — despite unanimous opposition from Congressional Democrats, including New Mexico's own Representatives.

"This is a great day for the American people and a shameful one for the Democrat politicians who turned their backs on the very people they claim to represent," said Chairwoman Amy Barela. "The Republican-led House just passed the most transformative legislation in a generation — tax cuts, wage increases, border security, military support, energy independence, and historic savings for taxpayers. And not a single Democrat Legislator stood with us — including those from New Mexico."

The "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" delivers:

Adult Northern Goshawk. Photo by Jack Kirkley.Sandia Ranger District: May - August

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – May 21, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is advising visitors to the Cienega and Sulphur recreation sites on the Sandia Ranger District that a pair of Northern Goshawks are defending a mating territory along the Amijo, Pine Drop, Cresta, and Valle Trails. Northern Goshawks often defend their breeding territories during nesting season with aggressive behavior, including loud vocalizations, swooping down, and, in rare cases making contact with intruders. 

We are strongly encouraging visitors to avoid this area. Visitors that choose to recreate in this area should move quietly and calmly, wear wide brimmed hats, eye protection, and stay alert. If a Goshawk is encountered through alarm calls or defensive behavior, leave the area immediately while keeping eyes on the bird.

"The Northern Goshawk is a large and powerful forest dwelling bird of prey that depends on mature forests to thrive. The Goshawks have started to defend their breeding territory within the Sandia Mountains. Forest Service staff have received reports of these Goshawks aggressively swooping down on forest visitors.

LAS CRUCES- White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) will have a planned road closure on US 70 for Thursday, May 22, 2025.

US 70 will be blocked once, beginning at 6:10 a.m. and lasting 1 hour and lifting at approximately 7:10 a.m. This block will be located at 'Red Block' (top of San Augustin Pass/Mile Marker 164) and at 'Yellow Block' (near the WSNP/Mile Marker 200).  The Las Cruces Gate, Owen Road, and Nike Avenue will also be affected.

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice, please call WSMR at 575-678-2221/2222 for updates or go to New Mexico Department of Transportation:  www.nmroads.com or call 511.

(Washington, D.C., May 20, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum today signed a joint memo (PDF, 693 KB) on wildfire preparedness, ensuring our two Departments are working in close coordination this fire season. USDA will work across President Trump's cabinet and with our trusted state, local, and Tribal partners to ensure our nation's wildland firefighting system is highly coordinated and focused on fighting wildfires quickly and effectively. Just beforehand, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum received a 2025 operational fire briefing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service National Fire Desk.

ALBUQUERQUE, MAY 21—Today, Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela issued the following statement in response to Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez’s appearance on Fox News, where she falsely characterized President Trump’s proposed tax reform package as a handout “padding the pockets of the rich.”

“Here we go again with the fear-mongering and dishonest talking points. U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez is once again misleading the American people in an attempt to discredit a bill that is designed to provide real relief to working families, strengthen our economy, and secure our border.

Instead of telling the truth about what’s actually in the bill, Representative Leger Fernandez is parroting tired rhetoric that distracts from the historic and transformative policies in President Trump’s proposal—policies that will benefit everyday New Mexicans.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled two public meetings regarding proposed revisions to the Upland Game Bird Rule. Members of the public are invited to attend either public meeting in order to provide comments.

May 21, 2025, Albuquerque, 6 p.m.

Attend in person at 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM

Register in advance to attend virtually

May 28, 2025, Las Cruces, 6 p.m.