Non-Local News Releases

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: 

I-25 Guardrail Replacement Project, Mile Marker 6 to 14.2, Las Cruces to Dona AnaLC00384

SANTA FE — New Mexico will direct $700 million into college and university infrastructure starting this fall, as the Higher Education Department begins a multiyear rollout of capital outlay funding approved by the state Legislature. 

The investment will fund new labs, training facilities and campus upgrades at institutions statewide.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the funding package this year alongside new state infrastructure mechanisms that give colleges and universities a clearer, faster path to plan large-scale projects.

"When we invest in education, we invest in the long-term success of our state," Governor Lujan Grisham said. "These capital improvements will modernize facilities, expand capacity and create safer, more efficient learning environments that support student success for generations to come."

SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Wildlife Commission will hold a meeting starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the New Mexico Highlands University Student Union Building, 800 National Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701. 

The full agenda and other information will be available on the New Mexico Department of Wildlife website.

Join the USPTO Southwest Regional Outreach Office

Serving Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri

Upcoming Events ~ August 2026

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is getting ready for hunting season, and you can, too! We've got plenty of classes and camps coming up, and our events calendar is regularly updated with more educational opportunities!

Sand Springs Wildfire Update

Mountainair Ranger District - August 6, 2026

MAP Below 

Albuquerque, NM – August 6, 2026 — Fire resources are actively engaged in direct suppression efforts on Sand Springs Wildfire on the Mountainair Ranger District.

Yesterday afternoon a weather system created outflow winds in the fire area adding additional challenges for ground response on the estimated 30 acres. Large air tankers provided multiple retardant drops yesterday to reduce fire spread. Despite rugged terrain and hot weather, ground crews are engaging in suppression operations to establish containment lines around the accessible portions of the fire. Personnel will secure the perimeter by identifying hot spots and removing burnable fuel from fire's edge. 

Evening Update on Sand Springs Wildfire

Mountainair Ranger District – August 5, 2026

MAP below 

Albuquerque, NM – August 5, 2026 — Fire resources are actively engaged in direct suppression efforts on Sand Springs Wildfire on the Mountainair Ranger District. Ground crews have been challenged by steep mountain terrain and rolling burning material. Fire became active during mid-day conditions with spread to inaccessible terrain. Fire growth is estimated at 30 acres. Air resources were utilized to support suppression efforts.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire areas.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that "If you fly, we can't!" 

Mountainair Ranger District- Manzano Mountain Wilderness: Sand Springs Fire (Update)

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 15 oil and gas parcels totaling 4,054 acres that may be included in a February 2027 lease sale in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The scoping period ends Sept. 4, 2026.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.