Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE, N.M. – As New Mexicans head outdoors to enjoy warmer weather, the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is reminding residents to stay mindful of how small actions can make a big difference in preventing devastating fires.

OSI is reminding New Mexico residents to stay vigilant of outdoor activities that can unintentionally spark wildfire if proper precautions are not taken. As residents are getting outside and having fun this spring and summer, follow these tips and tricks every day to help mitigate the start of wildfire:

Never leave campfires unattended and always fully extinguish them with water, not just dirt, ensuring ashes are cool to the touch. You should douse your campfire, stir it, check for heat, and repeat.

SANTA FE, N.M. — The Department of the Interior generated over $4 billion in total receipts from a Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico and Texas, underscoring strong industry demand for domestic energy development on public lands. 

The Bureau of Land Management leased 74 parcels totaling 33,530 acres during the quarterly lease sale. Combined bonus bids and rental payments from the sale totaled approximately $4,007,944,870. Revenue generated through lease sales is shared between the federal government and the states where the parcels are located. 

Otto Aerospace's laminar-flow technology UAV readies for a test flight at Spaceport America in early May 2026 (photo credit: Otto Aerospace)Otto Aerospace Test Flight Video

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) – A next‑generation unmanned aircraft featuring cutting‑edge laminar‑flow technology completed a series of successful test flights at Spaceport America earlier this month, marking a major milestone in high‑efficiency aerospace design.

The campaign was conducted by Texas-based Otto Aerospace in collaboration with Spaceport America's longtime customer, Swift Engineering. The aircraft's laminar‑flow airframe is engineered to maintain exceptionally smooth airflow across its surfaces—dramatically reducing drag and enabling long-endurance flight with minimal energy use.

SANTA FE — Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and many New Mexicans will head outdoors over the next few days to enjoy warm weather and fun with friends and family.

This includes a number of off-highway vehicle users who will hit the trails, heading into some of the state's most remote and spectacular landscapes. With that in mind, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife is encouraging anyone riding in an OHV, whether as an operator or passenger, to abide by all safety regulations.

"Accident injuries can be greatly reduced when users follow the manufacturer's recommended guidelines, wear DOT-approved helmets properly, wear eye protection, and use seatbelts," said Conservation Officer Desi Ortiz, the Department's OHV program manager. "Other operating guidelines to abide by include being aware of other users and checking trail conditions before your ride."

New Fire Start on Magdalena Ranger District

Firefighters respond to Mill Fire in northwest Magdalena Mountains  

(Albuquerque, NM – May 20, 2026) — Firefighters are actively responding to suppress the Mill Fire in northwest Magdalena Mountains.

Reported start date / Time: May 20, 2026 / 0619

Cause: Undetermined.

Size: Estimate 6 acres.

Location: Remote mountainous terrain of Mill Canyon area within western Magdalena Mountains on the Magdalena Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Smoke may be visible from south of NM60, east of NM107 and south of Magdalena, NM.

Resources on scene: Forest Service. Additional resources are in route.

Santa Fe, NM — Senator Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque) today responded publicly to a petition filed with the NM Supreme Court yesterday by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and several progressive lawmakers. Tobiassen blasted the petition, which seeks to prevent the temporary removal of drug-exposed newborn infants from homes in which they are patently unsafe.

"The ACLU, together with their leftist partners in the legislature, are taking an extreme position," observed Sen. Tobiassen. "Even blue states such as Maryland and Minnesota define drug exposure in newborns as abuse or neglect and require interventions to remove children from unsafe living conditions.  New Mexico can and should continue to prioritize the best interest of the child in such cases."

Santa Fe, NM — The Republican members of the legislature's interim Courts, Corrections, & Justice (CCJ) Committee are seeking the inclusion of three key topics in its annual work plan:

Juvenile Justice reform- to address the increased incidence of younger offenders and the increase (in frequency and severity) of violent juvenile offenses

Pre-Trial Detention- to consider mechanisms which will ensure that violent offenders, especially repeat offenders, are not released back into our communities

District Firewood Permits Sale Dates
for Mt. Taylor, Mountainair and Magdalena Ranger Districts

(Albuquerque, NM – May 19th, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will be selling firewood permits in person only (no mail in) on the following ranger districts: