Non-Local News Releases

  SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health is investigating measles infections at the Luna County Detention Center in Deming after five detainees tested positive for measles. 

"The cases at Luna County Detention Center are a stark reminder that the measles outbreak in New Mexico is not over," said Dr. Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). "We urge everyone in New Mexico, especially Luna County residents, to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against measles." 

Taos, NM — Today, members of the Child Welfare & Early Childhood Subcommittee were presented with a quarterly agency report card for the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD). This  Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) report card reflects a continuation of poor performance and outcomes for youth. Furthermore, CYFD has again failed to meet the requirements for additional federal funding for evidence-based prevention programs because the department does not have an approved Family First Prevention Services Act plan. Additionally, members of the Child Welfare & Early Childhood Subcommittee unanimously approved a motion from Senator Nicole Tobiassen to issue a letter to the Attorney General and State Auditor requesting an investigation into CYFD for the misappropriation of funds. 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled two public meetings regarding the proposed creation of a non-resident shed hunter license. 

Members of the public are invited to attend either public meeting in order to provide comments.

July 17, 2025, Albuquerque, 6 p.m.

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

Register in advance to attend virtually

SOUTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK

Rio Grande: Michael Martinez had a successful day on June 19, catching a number of carp and catfish using pack bait and worms.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Highlights: Crews continue to maintain and improve containment lines on the Desert Willow Complex Fire. Containment on Cotton 1 has been raised to 80%, and Cotton 2 to 50%. The public should continue to avoid the bosque where heavy machinery and firefighters are working.

Update: Today, response crews will continue their work mopping up in the bosque. Mop-up activities include continuing to secure fire line, removal of hazardous trees, and tackling interior heat. As the day's sunshine moves over the area, fuels may become hotter as they dry. Within the Cotton 2 area, these fuels may produce small drifts of smoke as the embers contained in them begin to dry out following yesterday's rains. These drifts of smoke are not cause for concern.

Air assets were released yesterday from the fire, however drones should not be flown over the fire area to ensure firefighter safety on the ground during the coming days. The public should continue to avoid the bosque area while crews engage in suppression activities.

Good progress has been made by firefighters over the last days. At the end of today's shift, the Incident Management Team may consider downsizing for tomorrow and releasing some resources.

The Desert Willow Complex fire is 237 acres and is located in the bosque area of Los Lunas on the west and east sides of the Rio Grande, near the Main Street bridge. The fire was discovered at 3:23 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.

Returning to Homes: Phos-Chek MVP-fx was used as a fire retardant during initial attack and is non-toxic. Residents should consider using personalized protective equipment such as long sleeves, eye protection, and gloves for cleaning purposes. Use water to clean exterior surfaces and a wet-vac for any retardant exposure within the interior of the home. A safety data sheet about Phos-Chek is available here.

Community Information: Daniel Fernandez Center is available as a community service center for the rest of the week.

Donations are available for residents impacted by the fire. The Village of Los Lunas will accept monetary donations through a partnership with United Way: https://give.uwncnm.org/campaign/699958/donate.

Community information on the fire and services is available on the Village of Los Lunas website: https://www.loslunasnm.gov/1347/Desert-Willow-Complex-Fire-Information

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Farmers' Market Nutrition Program returns Tuesday, July 1, providing nutritious, locally-grown foods to income-based eligible seniors, Native American elders and WIC families. 

WIC Families must be actively enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Participants should contact their local WIC clinic to check their eligibility and access benefits. 

"This program gives people access to healthy, fresh local fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey in their communities," said Veronica Griego, New Mexico Farmers' Market Program Manager, which oversees the multiple programs covering all ages. "Healthy food makes for a healthier life and helps stretch food budgets at a time when every little bit helps." 

(Washington, D.C., June 25, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins published an opinion piece in the Deseret News following her announcement rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule earlier this week.

"Our forests need thoughtful management, not neglect. Under President Trump's leadership, we are changing course. We are restoring authority to local line officers, cutting red tape, and giving the Forest Service the ability to manage the lands effectively," said Secretary Rollins. "The Roadless Rule has failed. It's time to turn the page. Let's give forest stewards the tools they need. Let's unlock America's resources, protect our communities, and build a stronger, safer future for our forests."

Desert Willow Complex Fire - Update 6/25/25

  Highlights: Due to the hard work of firefighters on the ground, containment has been raised on the Desert Willow Complex Fire to 70% on Cotton 1 and 40% on Cotton 2. The fire received precipitation yesterday and overnight. The public is advised to avoid the bosque area where firefighters will be continuing efforts to extinguish interior heat and using heavy machinery.  

Update: Today, response crews will continue focusing their efforts within the bosque, as they secure the edges of the fire area and mop up interior heat. Road improvement activities are being conducted to ensure that the levy road is maintained. Hazard tree removal will be ongoing. Some trees do have smoke from embers lodged within their trunks or branches. At night, these embers may emit a glow. Incident management priority remains focused on community protection at all times.