Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico House Republican leadership has sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urging immediate passage of the SAVE Act and calling for a standing filibuster if Senate Democrats attempt to block the legislation.

The lawmakers warned that continued failure to strengthen election safeguards will further erode public trust in the electoral process and threaten confidence in the foundation of the country itself.

House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong said the SAVE Act is necessary to restore faith in American elections before that trust is permanently damaged.

Legislative Finance Committee agenda below

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — White Sands Missile Range has scheduled a road closure on U.S. 70 for Wednesday, May 13.

U.S. 70 will be blocked one time beginning at 10:45 a.m. for approximately one hour, with the closure expected to be lifted by 11:45 a.m. The closure will be located at the Blue Block, 2 miles east of the access road at mile marker 172, and at the Brown Block at mile marker 192.

San Augustin Pass and the LC Gate will not be affected. However, Nike Avenue will be affected by the closure.

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice. For updates, call White Sands Missile Range at 575-678-2221 or 575-678-2222, visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation at  www.nmroads.com or call 511.

Six Mile Fire transitions to Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team

Acres: 396
Start date: May 8, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 171
Fuels: Short grass, brush, oak and pinyon/juniper
Location: 12 miles SE of Magdalena, NM

Operations: The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Management Team assumed command of the fire today at 07:00am and is working closely with the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands. The Six Mile Fire exhibited minimal growth yesterday due in part to the effective use of aerial resources over the past several operational periods. Three crews were inserted into the fire area as logistical support continues to be established for personnel working in remote terrain, including plans for crews to remain near the fireline overnight. Medical resources remain positioned nearby to support firefighter safety and provide rapid emergency response capability if needed.

Academy brings together all Forest Service and Department of Interior bases

Mariah Leuschen-Lonergan
Fire and Aviation Management
April 30, 2026

Pick your favorite theme song and imagine it hits the loudspeakers. You suit up, load up and head out to the plane. After a 20-minute flight you are briefed about the jump spot and the fire behavior. A tap on the back tells you to hone your focus and remember every day of training you've had as you free fall into the atmosphere. Five seconds, a tug and tranquility follows the rush of adrenaline when your parachute deploys.

This is smokejumping, a silhouetted parachutist against the smoke-hazed horizon. But one of the most important smokejumpers doesn't even jump from the plane.

Burn bans and fire restrictions, explained.

The Spark: Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round

Statewide fire restrictions, Stage I restrictions—what does it all mean?

This month's edition of The Spark bulletin delves into different types of fire restrictions and why they're necessary.

Read The Spark and share it around!

Crews continue building containment lines and improving access

Reported start date: May 8, 2026

Cause: Undetermined

Percent contained: 0%  

Size: 394 acres

Personnel: 129

Location: Mountainous terrain of Magdalena Mountains on the Magdalena Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Correction: Today’s U.S. Senate vote on S.R. 690 was a procedural vote, not a confirmation vote. Instead, New Mexico Senate Republicans applaud today’s vote as one step closer towards the inevitable confirmation of Steve Pearce as Director of the Bureau of Land Management. 

Santa Fe, NM — NM Senate Republican Leaders praised the United States Senate for confirming former Congressman Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Across New Mexico, the BLM manages approximately 13.5 million acres of federal land, much of it concentrated in the oil and gas regions of southeastern and northwestern New Mexico but also encompassing vast grazing ranges and recreation areas like the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

"We are grateful to President Trump for appointing New Mexico's own Steve Pearce to this important position," said Senate Minority Floor Leader Bill Sharer, "and we commend the US Senate for confirming Congressman Pearce to his new role as Director of the BLM!"