Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on 68 parcels across 197,852 acres in Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra counties that may be offered in a June 16 geothermal lease sale. This public feedback period ends May 11, 2026. The official sale notice will post to the BLM National NEPA Register on May 1. Leasing of these parcels will allow lessees to explore the potential for future geothermal development. A sale amendment may be issued prior to the sale due to potential resource concerns identified during the public comment period.

For each parcel leased, 25% of the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties will go to the U.S. Treasury, 25% will go to the county where the lease is located, and the remaining 50% will go to the State of New Mexico.

Tusas Fire - Update - April 26

Highlights: This will be the last daily update for the Tusas Fire unless fire behavior changes significantly.

Yesterday, crews focused on securing and patrolling containment lines and on mopping up along the fire perimeter. Despite strong winds, the fire remained within the established lines. Crews also began suppression repair work, including repairing bulldozer lines along the northern perimeter.

Road closures and Ready, Set, Go statuses remain lifted, but the public should proceed with caution, as firefighting operations continue on NM 266 and the surrounding area.

Highlights: Yesterday, fire crews made good progress completing handline around the perimeter of the Tusas Fire, helping to raise containment to 39%. Road closures and Ready, Set, Go statuses have been lifted but the public should proceed with caution, as firefighting operations continue on NM 266 and the surrounding area. 

Operations: Today, fire crews will focus their efforts on mop-up, which means extinguishing or removing burning material near firelines. Hot spots are still active within the interior, and smoke may be visible. 

Highlights: Yesterday, fire crews used a bulldozer to construct new fireline and continued strengthening existing lines to reduce the potential for spot fires within the Tusas Fire perimeter.

The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management team, led by Incident Commander Steven Griego, took command of the fire on Friday, April 24, from the New Mexico Forestry Division ad-hoc incident management team. Road closures in the area are still in effect; however, residents of NM 266 are allowed to return. Previous evacuation zones have all been downgraded to Ready status including NM 266 from CR A3 to HWY 94; HWY 94 to CR A4A.

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: 

I-10 Business Loop 22, Pine St. Resurfacing Project, Mile Marker 0 to 4.2, Deming

LAS CRUCES - White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) has planned two road closures on U.S. 70 for Monday, April 27, 2026.

Highway 70 is scheduled to be blocked two times, once at 8:25 a.m. and once at 12:25 p.m. Each block will last approximately one hour, lifting around 9:25am and 1:25pm respectively. These blocks will be located at Blue Block (2 miles east of the access road - Mile Marker 172) and Brown Block (located at Mile Marker 192).  San Augustin Pass and LC Gate are NOT affected. However, Nike Ave will be affected by this block.

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

Environmental Protection Agency

Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and Enable Small Public Water Systems to Provide Safe Drinking Water

Closes 05/13/2026

SANTA FE, NM — House Republican Caucus Chair Rebecca Dow (R- Truth or Consequences) and Representative Randall T. Pettigrew (R- Lea County) are urging the State Purchasing Division within the General Services Department to review a growing number of sole source contracts across state government.

A sole source contract allows an agency to award a contract without a competitive bidding process when only one vendor is deemed able to provide the service.

In a joint letter, the lawmakers warned that agencies are bypassing standard procurement rules meant to protect taxpayers and ensure fair competition. They noted 46 pending requests totaling more than $49.1 million.