Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department today announced the selection of Roadrunner Venture Studios as the state's partner to deploy $25 million to establish and operate a quantum venture studio, strengthening New Mexico's position as a hub for quantum technologies and industry growth.

Chosen after a rigorous evaluation process launched earlier this year, Roadrunner's proposal stood out for its strong industry partnerships, capital commitments, and integration with the state's growing quantum assets. The initiative will immediately bring three quantum companies to New Mexico, creating high-paying jobs and accelerating the growth of this rapidly expanding industry.

Thousands of jobs supported as visitors flock to New Mexico's parks

SANTA FE — New Mexico State Parks contributed $266 million to the state's economy in 2024, a new study shows, supporting thousands of jobs and enriching the quality of life for residents and out-of-state visitors.

"The numbers show that every visit to a state park contributes directly to New Mexico's economy," said EMNRD Sec. Melanie Kenderdine.

Luna County, N.M. – On Friday, August 22, 2025, New Mexico State Police officers located a kidnapped teenager and arrested her suspected abductor.

At about 7:46 p.m., license plate readers (LPRs) alerted officers to a Volkswagen sedan traveling westbound on Interstate 10. The LPR hit indicated the vehicle was connected to the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl from Texas.

Officers located the Volkswagen near milepost 88 on I-10. When they activated their emergency lights and sirens, the driver crossed the center median and eastbound lanes before crashing into a water-filled ditch.

After officers approached the vehicle, they found the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Kyle Steven Eckmann, and a girl standing outside. Eckmann threatened approaching officers, claiming he was armed and would shoot them while motioning toward his waistband. Officers determined he was, in fact, unarmed and arrested him soon after without incident. As Eckmann was being escorted to a patrol car, he ordered the girl with him not to speak to the police.

The Community of Faithful at the Santuario de Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas in Chimayo welcomes individuals, families and delegations from all faiths and walks of life to join in our first annual Pilgrimage of Hope on Sunday September 14, 2025. The pilgrimage, less than half a mile long, will include a procession led by our Hermanos Penitentes de Jesus Nazareno from the Potrero Campo Santo (Community Cemetery at 94 A Los Potreros Road Chimayo) to the Santuario Garden of the Madonna.

This year is a Jubilee year in the Catholic church, also known as a Holy year and a time to focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewal. Our late Pope Francis designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope." On September 14th the church also celebrates the Triumph of the Cross, which has become a day to ritually burn our prayers in offering as a community. The thousands of prayers left at the Santuario by visitors and pilgrims have long been burned on this day, but we wish to transform this into a larger regional gathering with an additional annual pilgrimage.

Las Cruces, NM — Today, a bipartisan delegation of New Mexico lawmakers attended a tour of the Otero County Processing Center. This detention facility contracts with the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain approximately 1,027 illegal immigrants awaiting deportation. This facility is one of three facilities in our state that also contract with ICE. Today's tour was an attempt to gain information ahead of a potential special legislative session in which Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has indicated legislation aimed towards the banning of these facilities in our state. The Otero County Processing Center employs approximately 300 full time staff.

Following the tour, Senators Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) and Nick Paul (R- Alamogordo) have issued the following statements:

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: 

I-25 Roadway Rehabilitation Project, Mile Marker 58 to 78, CaballoCN1102160

Bartlett Mesa Ranch near Raton is now open for hiking and wildlife observation

RATON, N.M. — Outdoor lovers in northern New Mexico have a new playground: the 2,224-acre Bartlett Mesa Ranch, now one of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's Wildlife Management Areas, complete with hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

The Nature Conservancy provided matching funds as part of the purchase.

(Albuquerque, NM) – More high school students are back in the classroom getting real-world electrical trades experience with the PNM Power Pros program. PNM Power Pros has expanded to include seven additional schools this semester, giving students in New Mexico the opportunity to learn about the electric trades.

The program will now welcome students from Belen High School, Infinity High School, Los Lunas High School, Valencia High School, Mountainair High School, Socorro High School and School of Dreams Academy, courtesy of the UNM Valencia County campus. ACE Leadership High School, Silver City High School and Cobre High School will also be returning for another semester.