Non-Local News Releases

2-day event celebrates the Bear and his Birthplace 

Capitan, NM – This year marks the 80th birthday of New Mexico's most famous fire prevention icon – Smokey Bear. It also marks the return of Smokey Bear Days, with two days of family friendly events taking place in downtown Capitan, May 3-4.  

Events will include a two-day folk music festival, a firefighter challenge competition, chainsaw carving demonstrations, conservation education and vendor booths, a home-town parade on Saturday morning, and more family-friendly activities. Visitors can also view the Rudy Wendelin Smokey Bear art exhibit, on display at the Smokey Bear Historical Park.  

SANTA FE—In response to the Twitter (X) leak of an alleged conversation between Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Chief of Staff for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), today released the following statement:

"I urge the Governor to verify the validity and explain the context of this alleged conversation with a high-ranking federal official. In the leaked audio, there is a substantive discussion about the border crisis, including the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into New Mexico, and the unwillingness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to act. New Mexicans deserve to know what their elected officials are doing to keep our state safe, and I hope the Governor will bring some clarity to this matter."

Tuesday, April 30 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENSES – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is hosting a public education open house on how to safely navigate roundabouts from 4:30 to 6pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Hot Springs High School cafeteria. The final stages of construction on the new Date Street Roundabouts are near completion and we want community members to feel prepared to safely navigate the roadway improvements. You are invited to come talk to NMDOT staff, who will be providing education and information on driving through a roundabout. This event is completely free, and no registration is required. Additionally, a student-only learning session will be hosted earlier in the day.

With Congress and the Administration failing to come to an agreement to extend additional funding for the federal government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), April will be the last month in which participating households will receive their full ACP benefit. As the ACP winds down, I wanted to share a quick update on how Comcast is working with our customers and partners to help keep New Mexico connected. 

El Paso, Texas – Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest – Southern New Mexico & West Texas is excited to announce the launch of our first annual "Stuff the Truck" event, aimed at bringing joy and sweetness to families in need within our community. This year, we are proud to partner with the El Pasoan Fighting Hunger Food Bank to raise funds to purchase Girl Scout Cookies for donation to their local food bank.

Governors Lujan Grisham and Gordon take part in National Governors Association "Disagree Better" initiative

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Govs. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., and Mark Gordon, R-Wyo., today announced their participation in the National Governors Association (NGA) Disagree Better Initiative and released a related video. 

The two governors, who have collaborated on policy initiatives as chairman and vice chair of the Western Governors Association, recently sat down to share a message of working together to get the job done.

New Mexico launches Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan
Residents invited to help shape a more resilient future

SANTA FE, NM – Today, the state announced the release of New Mexico's inaugural Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP). This pivotal document is now accessible for public viewing on the state's Climate Change website.

The CARP was spearheaded by a dedicated project management team led by staff from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) and other state agencies. State officials emphasize that this marks the inaugural edition of this significant document. Beginning in May, EMNRD will host a series of Community Conversations in which residents across the state will be able to provide suggestions for making the plan more responsive to their local needs.

The FBI and Belen Police Department are seeking the public's assistance to identify the Bearded Bandit, who robbed the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 101 S. Main St. Belen NM, at approximately 4:29p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Suspect's description:

Sex: Male

Race: White