Non-Local News Releases

Santa Fe, NM — Today, Senator Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) announced he will vacate the position of Majority Floor Leader in the NM State Senate. In response to this development, Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) has provided the following statement: 

"I appreciate Leader Wirth's service to his constituents and the New Mexico State Senate. Senator Wirth and I have not always agreed, and we never pretended otherwise. But from my first day in this role, he treated me and our caucus with respect, and I hope I returned the same. That kind of relationship does not happen by accident. It takes two people who care more about doing the job right than scoring points, and Senator Wirth has always been that kind of leader.

Ruidoso, NM — A newly released Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) audit, secured by Republican legislators in both the House and Senate during last year's special session, confirms what taxpayers across New Mexico have known for years. New Mexico's food assistance system is broken, being exploited by bad actors, and the people responsible for ensuring accuracy are enabling this fraud. 

The audit found that New Mexico's SNAP payment error rate has climbed from a low of 3.7 percent in FY12 to approximately 16.6 percent in FY25, the fifth worst rate in the entire country. That is not a one-year problem. That is more than a decade of the error rate climbing every single year under this administration, while the people in charge of implementing the program seemingly took little or no action to remedy the problem. 

Audit below

Bilingual community engagement, partnerships with local voices, and new advertising will help residents learn more about Project Jupiter's economic, community, and environmental benefits

AUSTIN, TEXAS —June 16, 2026—Residents throughout New Mexico have new opportunities to learn more about the benefits of Project Jupiter through expanded community outreach efforts announced today. Building on its recently launched public awareness campaign, Project Jupiter is expanding its efforts to provide residents with information and answer their questions about the project 's expected economic impact, workforce opportunities, community investments, fuel cell-powered energy strategy, and innovative approach to water conservation.

To the Great Sioux Nation Tribes, there is great spiritual value of this land located in western South Dakota. There is an intricate connection to the natural world. The Sioux believe that every creature, plant, stone, and element embodies a spirit or "nagi," in their native tongue.

Caring for the earth, stewardship of the northern plains, was an everyday practice of the Oceti Šakowiŋ, also known as the Sioux. They lived not just on the land but in relationship with it, caring for "Grandmother Earth."

The relationship with the land, is being built upon with a new memorandum of understanding between the Forest Service and the Great Sioux Nations, one of co-stewardship and shared commitment to care for the land.

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SANTA FE — New Mexico will open applications on July 1 for the Trails+ Grant program, making $12 million available for community outdoor recreation projects that expand outdoor trail access, support local economies and preserve the state's natural and cultural resources.

Demand for the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant has surged, with a record-breaking $27 million in funding requests in FY26 — a $2 million increase from FY25 —  underscoring the growing need for improved outdoor access across the state.

SANTA FE – New Mexico Adult Protective Services has received approximately 18,000 allegations of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation so far in 2026, state officials said, as the state marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month with a push to help New Mexicans recognize the warning signs and report suspected abuse. 

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and scams. This includes scams that often target older adults, including fraudulent phone calls, impersonation schemes, and romance scams. These situations are often underreported, leaving many older adults isolated or without the support they need. 

NRCS is reaffirming its commitment to putting Farmers First by updating its strategic priorities, motto and mission and vision statements. These updates complement NRCS's historic role in providing practical, voluntary and locally led conservation solutions for producers.

Link to National Release

Museum Members Get Front Row Seats!

Alamogordo, New Mexico – The International Space Hall of Fame Foundation is pleased to announce that the City of Alamogordo's July 4th fireworks show returns to the New Mexico Museum of Space History grounds, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and kicking off the 50th anniversary of the museum.

"In 1978, city leaders and Museum of Space History founders started the tradition of hosting the city's annual July 4th fireworks show on the grounds of the museum and we are delighted that this long-standing partnership continues in 2026," said ISHFF President Johnny Powell. "The City's fireworks show for America's 250th shows their commitment to our community and to celebrating our country's anniversary," he added.