Non-Local News Releases

Motorists should avoid the area and expect an extended detour

SOCORRO, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Transportation has closed U.S. 60 at mile marker 131.5, just west of Socorro, after heavy rainfall and flooding caused severe damage to the embankment supporting a bridge.

Floodwaters caused significant erosion near Bridge 6358, leaving the structure in a vulnerable condition. For the safety of the traveling public, U.S. 60 will remain closed at the bridge until a full assessment is completed and necessary repairs can be made.

SANTA FE – Acting Governor Howie Morales today signed five executive orders declaring a state of emergency due to flooding across New Mexico, making up to $3.75 million available to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) for response and recovery.

"Communities across New Mexico need help staving off these torrential floodwaters, and they need it now," said Lt. Gov. Howie Morales. "The State of New Mexico stands with every county, city and village working around the clock to keep their neighbors safe, and we are bringing every resource to the effort."

Leader Armstrong "Appalled" After Invoices Show Truth Commission PR Firm Conducted Political Opposition Research on Legislators

Calls on Chair Romero to publicly explain the invoices, release all work product and answer who directed the research

SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) said today she was appalled after reviewing an invoice showing that the taxpayer-funded public relations firm hired by the New Mexico Survivor Truth Commission conducted political opposition research on members of the New Mexico Legislature, less than three months before a critical election and without the knowledge of the full Commission.

Representative Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis), a member of the Commission, requested the invoice from the Legislative Council Service and brought them to Leader Armstrong. The invoice was submitted by Dini von Mueffling Consulting (DVMC), the firm retained under Chair Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe).

ALBUQUERQUE — Diraq, an Australia-founded quantum computing company, today announced plans to establish a new research and development laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in another boost to the momentum of the state's growing quantum ecosystem.

Diraq has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish operations at the Roadrunner Quantum Lab (RQL), powered by the State of New Mexico, a joint effort of Roadrunner Venture Studios and the New Mexico Technology and Innovation Office (TIO). Roadrunner Quantum Lab is a shared facility giving quantum startups, industry partners and national laboratories space to accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. Diraq's space will include Maybell cryogenic equipment that supports device characterization and other research and development activities. Diraq's lab is expected to begin operations by the end of the year. 

SANTA FE, N.M.– The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 15 oil and gas parcels totaling 4,054 acres in New Mexico and Oklahoma in a February 2027 sale. The comment period ends Oct. 30, 2026.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in September 2026 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

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.

Statewide, NM - State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver's license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during October 2026.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

These checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the right decision not to drive impaired.

Recent rains reduce wildfire threat; public urged to remain cautious during fall burning season

SANTA FE – The New Mexico state forester is rescinding statewide fire restrictions in response to recent rains which have reduced the threat of wildfire across the state.

"Late season precipitation has helped to alleviate wildfire spread," said State Forester Laura McCarthy. "While fire restrictions are lifting, the public should continue to be vigilant about preventing human-caused wildfires, especially when conducting fall agricultural burns and at hunting camps."

Magdalena Ranger District Hop Patterson Prescribed Fire – Final Update

Successful Ignitions Lead to the Reduction of Hazardous Fuels

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 25, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) has finished ignitions on 390 acres of the Hop Patterson Pile Burns, successfully reducing hazardous fuels within the project area.

Fire crews will continue with the mop-up phase to put out remaining heat, turn over debris, and ensure piles are fully extinguished safely within their footprint. Smoke may still be visible from Alamo and Magdalena, NM in the coming days as moisture moves in and out of the project area causing residual smoke to settle into low-laying areas. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas while the burn operations wrap up and resources remain in the area.