Non-Local News Releases

Chief Justice David K. Thomson takes the oath of office, with his wife, Patty, and daughter, Ava, at his side. The oath was administered by outgoing Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon. (Photo courtesy of the Administrative Office of the Courts.)SANTA FE – Justice David K. Thomson was sworn in today as Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court.

The justice was elected to the position by his colleagues on the five-member court and will serve a two-year term. He succeeds Justice C. Shannon Bacon, who has served as Chief Justice since 2022.

"I am honored and privileged to assume the leadership of the state's judicial branch of government," said Chief Justice Thomson. "I am grateful to work with all of our committed judges, court staff, and judicial partners to ensure we stand up to our obligations to provide fair and impartial justice and to protect the rights and liberties of the people of New Mexico. My priority will be to utilize the resources our governor and legislature have provided us to improve the quality of our state judicial system through an emphasis on transparency, professionalism, education and best practices."

VIDEO: Attorney General Merrick Garland Calls Heinrich-Led Provisions in Safer Communities Act "Most Important Gun Legislation in Decades" 

In key hearing, Heinrich presses AG Garland on the impact of legislation he fought to pass, questions Garland on the tracking and interdiction of illicit fentanyl, and access to addiction treatment medication 

WASHINGTON – In a key hearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) questioned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland about the U.S. Department of Justice's enforcement of two important provisions that he authored with U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) within the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). These provisions enhanced the penalties for unlawful straw purchasing and made it illegal to traffic firearms out of the United States – firearms that had fueled violence at the root of migration north. Garland reflected on the success of Heinrich's Bipartisan Safer Communities Act — labeling it the "most important gun legislation in decades." 

This is the Last Week to send Nominations for the 2024 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts

The New Mexico Arts Commission and the New Mexico Arts Division announce a call for nominations for the 2024 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts. Each year, the Governor recognizes the extraordinary contributions and achievement of individuals and organizations in New Mexico.

PHOENIX, AZ, April 17, 2024 – Institutional Investor recently selected Richard Adkerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of  Freeport-McMoRan, for its All-America Executive Team CEO Hall of Fame, which honors chief executives who have been voted top of their sector at least six times in a survey of sell- and buy-side participants. 

Adkerson, who has served as CEO since 2003 and Chairman since 2021, has been named to the top spot in the Metals & Mining category nine times. Adkerson, along with his fellow inductees, spoke with the publication about lessons learned and greatest challenges as chief executive, key career moments and the best professional advice they have received.

Las Cruces NM - New Mexico State Police officers arrested 2 individuals in connection with hiding undocumented aliens at a residence.

On March 12, 2024, an NMSP officer made a traffic stop on Interstate 10 west of Las Cruces on a white in color Chevrolet SUV.  The occupants were displaying signs of nervous behavior and inconsistent statements. The officer asked the driver, Albert Torres (40) to exit the vehicle due to not having a driver's license.  The officer observed drug paraphernalia fall from the lap of Torres as he exited the vehicle. He was then detained. The female passenger Victoria Cabrales (37) began reaching under her seat. She was asked to exit as well due to her suspicious behavior.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Grants through May 3, 2024. These grants are available to not-for-profit organizations and federal, state and local government agencies. Entities can apply for up to $20,000 per project. Recipients may use grant funds for projects that enhance recreational use of side-by-sides, ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles on public lands. Projects promoting OHV safety or mitigating impacts from OHV use also qualify. Law enforcement agencies are eligible for special grant funds up to $15,000 to conduct OHV patrols, control paved road use of OHVs and enforce the provisions of the OHV Act (66-3-1001 through 66-3-1021 NMSA).

Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Welcome $2.6 Million to Support Economic Development in Northern New Mexico, Wellbeing of New Mexico's Seniors

Two federal grants will grow local economy, create more job opportunities, support home modification projects to improve quality of life for seniors 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) welcomed two federal grants totaling $2,550,000 for Santa Fe County from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  

"Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever."

DEMING – On Apr.  15, 2024, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) came together to celebrate National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) April 15-19. This event was held to remind drivers to pay attention as they approach, drive through or past work zones so both motorists and roadway workers remain safe.

NWZAW, now in its 24th year, is a national public awareness campaign that spreads the message throughout the U.S. that everyone shares the responsibility for work zone safety. This year's theme is "Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever."