Non-Local News Releases

(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

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.