Non-Local News Releases

U.S Marshals locate and recover two missing juveniles from Arizona in the Albuquerque Metro Area

Albuquerque, NM– The U.S. Marshal Service, Southwest Investigative Fugitive Taskforce, recovered two missing juveniles in the Albuquerque Metro Area.

On September 15,2026, the U.S Marshal Service- District of Arizona contacted the United States Marshals Service-District of New Mexico for assistance in trying to locate and recover two missing female juveniles out of Glendale Metro Area in Arizona. The juveniles are 17, and 13, who were suspected victims of sex trafficking.

New Mexico becomes the 31st state with an approved State MPI program

(Washington, D.C., September 18, 2026) – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) and the New Mexico State Livestock Board have finalized an agreement to enhance state meat and poultry food safety inspection through joining the State USDA Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) program. New Mexico's participation expands local inspection capacity, enhances food safety oversight, and boosts market access for small and very small meat and poultry processors while maintaining strong national standards.

"Following up on President Trump's historic executive order, New Mexico is opening up markets for their cattle ranchers! Expanding state inspection partnerships is a way that maintains clear, accountable food safety protections that is central to USDA's strategy to strengthen America's food system," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "New Mexico's approval reflects our commitment to empowering small and very small processors, supporting local producers, and increasing resilience in the supply chain while protecting consumers with safe, wholesome, and properly labeled food."

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management today announced an oil and gas lease sale scheduled for Nov. 18, 2026, to offer 30 oil and gas parcels totaling 8,071 acres in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in June 2026 and held a public comment period that closed in August 2026 on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. A 30-day public protest period to receive additional public input opened today and will close Oct. 19, 2026.

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Interstates: 

Fire Restrictions Lifted on
Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts

Effective Friday, September 18

(Albuquerque, NM, September 17, 2026) –Due to increased moisture and favorable weather across central New Mexico, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will lift Stage 1 fire restrictions on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts effective Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. MDT. This rescinds Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order #03-03-00-26-20. Stage 1 restrictions have been in effect across both districts since May 8.

The decision is based on fuel moisture levels and the amount of precipitation both received and forecasted across the two districts. Fire restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger and elevated fire weather. 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – At its September 15, 2026, regular meeting, the New Mexico County Reinsurance, Inc. (NMCRe) Board of Directors elected Chaves County Attorney Stanton L. Riggs and Grant County Manager Charlene Webb to the board.

"We are very pleased to welcome Stan Riggs and Charlene Webb to the NMCRe board of directors. Their experience, depth of knowledge, and passion for public service will be an important asset to our operations," said President Gregory Shaffer.

The Board also voted to hire Dorothy M. Gjerdrum as chief operating officer. Ms. Gjerdrum will handle day-to-day operations of NMCRe and will work closely with select New Mexico Association of Counties staff on matters of finance, claims, and risk management.

Albuquerque, NM – The U.S. Marshals Service, Southwest Investigative Fugitive Taskforce located and apprehended a man wanted for murder September 14. Subject was arrested near Barbara Loop SE and Deborah rd. SE in Rio Rancho. 

Richard Cardona,44, was wanted by the State of New Mexico for multiple warrants to include murder, conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence of a murder, and conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence of a murder. 

Cardona was also wanted for a federal probation warrant, following a 2016 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Magdalena Ranger District - Hop Patterson Prescribed Fire

Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 16, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) is planning implementation on the Magdalena Ranger District Hop Patterson Prescribed (Rx) Fire as early as Sunday, September 20th. Work will continue on this project as multi-day operation as weather conditions allow.

Prescribed Fire planned for:

Hop Patterson Prescribed Fire: anticipated 200 acres of pile burning units in the project area located 3 miles south of Magdalena and adjacent to the communities of Hop and Patterson Canyon within the Magdalena Mountains, NM. Smoke may be visible from Alamo and Magdalena, NM. See map attached.