Non-Local News Releases

Caballo Lake State Park Boat Ramp Access Closed

Caballo Lake State Park has closed access to the boat ramp and is prohibiting the use of motorized boats due to extremely low water levels caused by required maintenance around the dam and spillway by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The maintenance project is expected to continue through the Labor Day weekend. Caballo Lake remains open for canoeing, kayaking and other motorized vessels. (Photo courtesy New Mexico State Parks)

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.

Caballo Lake: The boat ramp has been closed and use of motorized boats is prohibited because of low water levels. Visit Caballo Lake State Park's website for more information.

 WASHINGTON, August 27, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken the next step in the rulemaking process for rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule by opening a public comment period.

"We are one step closer to common sense management of our national forest lands. Today marks a critical step forward in President Trump's commitment to restoring local decision-making to federal land managers to empower them to do what's necessary to protect America's forests and communities from devastating destruction from fires," said Secretary Rollins. "This administration is dedicated to removing burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that not only put people and livelihoods at risk but also stifle economic growth in rural America. It is vital that we properly manage our federal lands to create healthy, resilient, and productive forests for generations to come. We look forward to hearing directly from the people and communities we serve as we work together to implement productive and commonsense policy for forest land management."

SANTA FE, N.M.  —New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler on Tuesday said federal officials have mischaracterized New Mexico's Commercial Driver's License policy and compliance with federal law related to English Language Proficiency (ELP) testing.

The chief's comments are in response to questions surrounding a July 3, 2025, traffic stop in which an NMSP officer cited commercial truck driver Harjinder Singh for a speeding violation. Singh was later involved in a high-profile crash in Florida that left three dead. 

Introduction of the Women's Health Protection Act comes as Trump and Congressional Republicans move to restrict a woman's right to choose and toward a national abortion ban

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in introducing the Women's Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country and restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans.  The introduction of this legislation comes as the Trump Administration further attacks a woman's right to choose and Congressional Republicans seek to effectively defund Planned Parenthood. Put together, Trump and Congressional Republicans' assault on Americans' reproductive rights is a backdoor national abortion ban, ripping away millions of women's access to health care and the right to control their bodies across the country, including in New Mexico. 

MCHF marks the achievement of New Mexico Marines as part of the Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary Celebration

TRIANGLE, Va. (August 26, 2025) – The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation today celebrates New Mexico Marines as part of the organization's year-long Marines Across America program to mark the Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary. The program highlights Marines who embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment within their communities and showcases the contributions Marines make in their local communities or nationally following their active-duty service. 

Register for the virtual Q&A here

The nominations application is now live here

WASHINGTON — At 6 p.m. MT on Thursday, September 4, the offices of U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) will bring together representatives from the U.S. Military Service Academies for a virtual Q&A session.

The Daughters of the American Revolution and the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute Host a Symposium to Spotlight Spain's Contributions to the American Revolution August 25, 2025

Spain and the Birth of American Democracy: A History Symposium, with free lectures, panel discussions, displays, and activities, will profile Spanish contributions to America's freedom. This free symposium September 19-20, 2025 in Washington DC in Constitution Hall at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) headquarters will be the second symposium of QSSI's America&Spain250 initiative and a cornerstone event in DAR's America250 programming marking the 250th anniversary of America's founding. The two-day event is hosted by DAR in conjunction with the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute (QSSI) and the Fundación Ramón Areces (FRA).

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reports a case of plague in a 43-year-old man from Valencia County. 

The man was hospitalized and has since been discharged. This marks the first human case of plague in New Mexico this year. 

 He recently spent time camping in Rio Arriba County, where he may have been exposed. Plague is known to circulate among wildlife throughout the western United States. 

"This case reminds us of the severe threat that can be posed by this ancient disease," said Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. "It also emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and for taking measures to prevent further spread."