This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

Secretary Haaland protects sacred, sensitivelands in NM

PLACITAS, N.M. — During a community event in Sandoval County today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland signed Public Land Order 7940, protecting more than 4,200 acres of Bureau of Land Management-managed public lands in the Placitas area.

The final mineral withdrawal protects, preserves, and promotes the scenic integrity, cultural importance, recreational values and wildlife habitat connectivity of the lands and the surrounding area. The lands will be closed to new mining claims, mineral sales, and oil and gas leases for the next 50 years, subject to valid existing rights. 

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Albuquerque to Host USA Gymnastics Region 3 Championships

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (April 18, 2024) – Gymnastics enthusiasts are gearing up for an exhilarating showcase as part of the USA Gymnastics Region 3 Championships, taking place in Albuquerque from April 19-21. Hosted at the Albuquerque Convention Center, this event promises to be a captivating display of athleticism and grace.

The championships not only serve as a platform for individual athletes to shine but also foster a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship within the gymnastics community. Athletes are primed to compete in various categories, showcasing their skill, agility, and precision on the mat. Spectators can expect to witness breathtaking routines and jaw-dropping performances as gymnasts vie for top honors and coveted titles.

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Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation to Expand SNAP Eligibility

Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation to Expand SNAP Eligibility for Social Security Recipients 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the COLAs Don’t Count Act, legislation to exempt annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) from impacting the benefits of those who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance. This would help ensure participants of SNAP are not losing benefits to the added costs of inflation and allow families to keep food on the table.  

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NM Mortgage Finance Authority celebrates groundbreaking ceremonies

New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority celebrates groundbreaking ceremonies for MFA-funded multifamily developments, fueling the growth of affordable housing in the state

 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Representatives from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) have attended several groundbreaking ceremonies recently, celebrating the construction of MFA-funded multifamily developments around the state.

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Heinrich Votes Against Border Crisis Accountability

APRIL 17 - On Wednesday, Senator Martin Heinrich voted against both impeachment charges against Joe Biden's DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. For three years, Mayorkas has lied and failed to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the laws of this country. As a result, the United States is experiencing the worst border crisis in American history.

Heinrich's unprecedented vote to dismiss the impeachment charges reaffirms his refusal to take the crisis at the U.S. Southern Border seriously. Heinrich has repeatedly voted against border security measures and is an outspoken supporter of lawless and dangerous sanctuary cities. 

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Justice David K. Thomson was sworn in today

CJDaviThomsonChief 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.”

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Heinrich-Led Provisions in Safer Communities Act “Most Important Gun Legislation in Decades”

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.” 

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Last week to nominate an artist for 2024 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts

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.

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