Non-Local News Releases

FARMINGTON, N.M. – The Navajo Code Talker Museum moves forward with nearly $20 million in state funding.

The museum will be built on the Navajo Preparatory School's campus, on Navajo Nation land in Farmington. Funding will cover the museum construction and development of exhibits on the language and legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers.

"The United States owes the Navajo Code Talkers a tremendous debt — for their language, their courage and their heroic service to our state and nation," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "With two Code Talkers still living, there is no time to waste. New Mexico is proud of their legacy, and we are committed to sharing their story for generations to come."

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug 13, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is seeking nominations for membership on Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees. The committees were established under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self‑Determination Act of 2000 and operate in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. 

The committees help strengthen collaborative relationships for those who use and steward national forests.  Committee members provide recommendations to the Forest Service on projects consistent with Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act. Title II projects may include watershed restoration, road maintenance, forest health projects, habitat improvement, and other activities that enhance forest ecosystems and benefit local communities. 

SANTA FE — More than 7,000 additional veterans have benefited from expanded property tax exemptions so far in 2026. 

From March through June, 7,096 partially disabled veterans received property tax exemptions, due to a Constitutional amendment and the implementation of legislation signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2025 and 2026. These laws allow partially disabled veterans to receive prorated property tax exemptions based on service-connected disability rating, effective 2026. Previously, only 100% disabled veterans qualified for a full exemption.

This is the first year all disabled veterans are eligible to claim a prorated tax exemption on their primary residence.

Mexican Wolf Recovery Program Update

Second Quarter 2026 (April, May, June)

The Mexican Wolf Recovery Program quarterly updates are produced by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team and provide updates on program activities in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) in Arizona [including the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR) and San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR)], and New Mexico.

To view the Second Quarter 2026 (April, May, June) summary, click the photo above or the button below.

Santa Fe, NM — New Mexico Senate Republicans are celebrating a major victory for rural New Mexico following today's announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that it will cancel plans to move forward with the proposed Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor, known as the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC).

Senate Republican Whip Pat Woods (R-Broadview) praised the decision as a victory for private property rights, rural communities, agriculture, and New Mexico's way of life:
"This is a major win for rural New Mexico and for the families, ranchers, and communities who stood up and fought to protect their land and their livelihoods," said Sen. Pat Woods. "It took years of advocacy, education and persistence to get this right. I want to tip my hat to the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association, landowners, local communities, and every stakeholder who refused to back down."

Final Update

Four Mile Fire – Mount Taylor Ranger District

Sand Springs Fire – Mountainair Ranger District

Albuquerque, NM – August 12, 2026

Mount Taylor Ranger District- Zuni Mountains: Four Mile Fire (Final Update)

Reported Date / Time: August 9, 2026 / 1528             

Cause: Lightning.                             Size: 16 acres.                                                                 Containment:70%

Location: Northwest Zuni Mountains, south of Jamestown and I-40, southeast of Fort Wingate, and north of McGaffey on the Mount Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. 

Resources on scene: U.S. Forest Service. 

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico is selling fuelwood permits for personal use to the public. Fuelwood permits cost $5 - $20 per cord and are available in person at select locations and online. More information is available on the BLM New Mexico Wood Cutting Permits webpage. 

In almost all field offices, BLM fuelwood permits are valid for cutting only dead (down or standing) piñon and juniper (cedar). Cutting green trees or other trees not allowed by permit is strictly prohibited. Minimum and maximum cords for purchase vary by field office. Rules, regulations and timing vary slightly between field offices; please read all materials that accompany your permit.

Maps of open wood-cutting areas, along with all rules concerning fuelwood collection, will be available at the time of purchase. To access fuelwood area maps, please visit BLM New Mexico's frequently requested maps webpage

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) released a grant opportunity for Medicaid providers of obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) services and related infrastructure in Northwest New Mexico. 

The funding opportunity is designed to enhance access to Ob/Gyn care in Cibola, McKinley, San Juan, Valencia, and Catron counties. The Request for Application is open Medicaid-enrolled providers in those counties who serve Medicaid members. Applications are due 11:00 p.m. MT, Sept. 10, 2026. MT. Funding is available Oct. 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.