Non-Local News Releases

Santa Fe, NM — Republican members of the New Mexico House of Representatives have formally requested that the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico initiate a federal investigation into the state's Developmentally Disabled Waiver program after continued inaction at the state level.

In February 2024, a bipartisan group of 63 legislators urged the New Mexico Attorney General to investigate concerns surrounding the DD Waiver program and report findings to the Legislature. Despite months of bipartisan concern, no report was ever delivered.

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced $50 million in grants to support the development and expansion of recreational facilities, trails and parks across New Mexico. 

"From splash pads in Hatch to walking paths in Carlsbad to rodeo arena improvements— these investments give New Mexicans more places to gather, play, and stay active," said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

With this grant cycle, DFA has funded 128 projects, representing a $142.5 million investment as part of the state's ongoing commitment to improving quality of life, strengthening community well-being, and expanding regional recreational opportunities for residents. 

Sandia Ranger District

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – December 10, 2025 – Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) fire crews successfully completed ignitions yesterday on the Sandia Ranger District Sulphur unit pile burning. Fire crews will continue mop up cooling ash pits and monitor until the unit is declared out.

Residual smoke from the Sulphur unit pile burning operations may be visible from Albuquerque, Tijeras, Edgewood and Moriarty, NM. Map attached. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app.

SANTA FE — Deteriorating roads cost New Mexico drivers $3.6 billion a year, and the state has $5.6 billion in unfunded transportation needs. 

The New Mexico Department of Transportation will present its $487 million nonrecurring request for fiscal year 2027 to the Legislative Finance Committee on Wednesday, citing declining fuel tax revenues, rising construction costs and diverse transportation sector needs. 

The department's proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget is $1.3 billion — a $29.9 million decrease from the current fiscal year. As in past years, NMDOT's operating budget does not include any funding from the state general fund. 

Order Number 03-03-04-25-17

Albuquerque, NM, December 10, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF&NGs) has issued a temporary winter road closure order (Order 03-03-04-25-17) for National Forest Road 245, starting at the gate at New Canyon Campground up to Capilla Peak Campground as shown on the attached map.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent natural resource damage from vehicular traffic during the winter months while the ground/soil is saturated within the closure area.

The Las Cruces Public Safety Legislative Task Force has changed venue due to a scheduling conflict. The Task Force is still planned for December 15th, 2025 from 9am to 3pm. The new venue is now the Las Cruces Public Schools Board Room 505 S. Main Street, Suite 249, Las Cruces, NM 88001 and will still be available to view via social media livestream. (see House & Senate Republican social media pages) 

Below, please find contextual information about the Task Force. 

Republican Legislators to Host Las Cruces Public Safety Task Force Focused on Juvenile Crime 

LAS CRUCES- White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) will have a planned road closure on US 70 for Friday, December 12, 2025.

US 70 is scheduled to be blocked twice at 6:40 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. These blocks will last around one hour each and should be lifted at or by 8:40 a.m. These blocks will be located at RED Block (Top of San Augustin Pass/Mile Marker 164) and YELLOW Block (White Sands National Park /Mile Marker 200).  The Las Cruces Gate, Owen Road, and Nike Avenue will also be affected. 

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice, please call WSMR at 575-678-2221/2222 for updates or go to New Mexico Department of Transportation:  www.nmroads.com or call 511.

Madrid, NM – On August 9, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the New Mexico State Police responded to a report of an individual suffering from a gunshot wound on NM Highway 14 near Milepost 29.

The victim, identified as Patrick Wheeler, was struck by gunfire after an unidentified male riding a motorcycle fired into Wheeler's vehicle. Mr. Wheeler succumbed to his injuries. Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect or providing any information related to this incident. Members of the public may submit information, including photos, videos, or statements, using the contact options below.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the New Mexico State Police at 505-841-9256 or use the submission link provided.

https://publicsafetynm.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/nmspr2509885