Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) issued the following statement after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland announced she will not participate in any debates with Republican nominee Gregg Hull before the November 3 election.

"A governor's race without a single debate is nearly unheard of in New Mexico, and Deb Haaland's decision to walk away from every opportunity is a slap in the face to the voters she is asking to trust with this state. After months of excuses, she handed her opponent a 48-hour ultimatum, rejected every offer on the table, and dismissed the entire process as a sideshow. She has found time for national cable interviews, yet she will not spend a single hour answering to New Mexicans.

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: 

Americans living in some states face far higher burglary rates than those elsewhere, according to a new study comparing reported burglaries across 48 states.

The analysis by Liberty Home Products examined the number of burglaries recorded in each state alongside the burglary rate per 100,000 residents.

New Mexico ranked first, recording 8,607 burglaries and a rate of 404.9 per 100,000 residents, the highest of any state included in the study.

SANTA FE— The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) requests a total budget of $273,165,600 for Fiscal Year 2028 to support statewide public safety operations, including critical personnel, technology, training and systems relied upon by law enforcement agencies and communities throughout New Mexico.

Of the total request, $231,756,900 is requested from the General Fund to support the Department's three primary programs: the Law Enforcement Program, Statewide Law Enforcement Programs, and Program Support. Together, these programs provide law enforcement services, training, technology, records, forensic testing, and operational support that strengthen New Mexico's criminal justice system.  This represents an increase of $18,236,200, or 8.5 percent, over the FY2027 General Fund allocation.

Temporary Seasonal Hiring
Begins for Winter

Applications Open Now Through October 5

(Albuquerque, NM – September 25, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is hiring temporary seasonal employees! Local residents are encouraged to apply.

Our seasonal recreation employees will assist in maintaining and improving campgrounds, trails and recreation sites and facilities. Archeologist seasonal positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience, and the chance to support public lands close to home. 

Learn more about the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands at:www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola

Applications are open now through October 5 on USAJobs.gov.

Fire Restrictions Lifted on Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands

Effective Friday, September 25

(Albuquerque, NM, September 25, 2026) – Due to weather patterns and increased moisture, fire officials on the Cibola National Forest are lifting fire restrictions for the Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands effective Friday, September 25, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

Fire restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. The decision to lift fire restrictions was made based on fuel moisture levels and the amount of precipitation received on the Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands.

New Mexico expands surveillance following second NWS case

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MIMBRES, N.M. – New Mexico animal health officials have confirmed the state's second case of New World screwworm, identified Sept. 17 in a horse in Grant County.

In response, state and federal officials are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping around the affected location to identify any additional cases and determine whether the pest has spread beyond the affected animal.

"We are working as quickly as possible to increase surveillance, inspect animals and monitor for additional cases in and around the affected area," said State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck with the New Mexico Livestock Board.

SANTA FE — Parents and caregivers across New Mexico can have their child's car seat inspected for free by a nationally certified technician on Saturday, Sept. 26, as the New Mexico Department of Transportation joins National Seat Check Saturday with events statewide.

The events are part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, observed Sept. 20-26, an annual campaign led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to educate parents and caregivers about properly securing children in vehicles.

The need for proper seat installation in New Mexico is significant. In 2024, 73% of child safety seats inspected at New Mexico car seat clinics were found to be misused, according to the NHTSA New Mexico Traffic Safety Division Annual Report.