Non-Local News Releases

(Albuquerque NM January 13, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Travis L. Day is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of New Mexico. Director Day will implement President Trump's America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America's farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.

"When America's farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump's America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again," said Secretary Rollins.

"I am honored to serve as State Director for USDA RD in New Mexico. Rural communities are vital to the state's economy and culture, and I look forward to working with local leaders, farmers, and businesses to expand opportunity, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that federal programs and resources reach the communities that need them the most."-said Director Day.

Webinars for applicants set for Jan. 27; deadline is noon March 20

Haga clic aquí para español.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is accepting online grant applications for its Healthy Soil Program from Friday, Jan. 16, through noon Friday, March 20, Mountain Time.

NMDA will host two webinars on Jan. 27 – one for Eligible Entities and one for Individual Applicants – focused on completing the online Healthy Soil Program grant application. Registration is required. Visit the Healthy Soil Program website to register and learn the step-by-step process for your applicant type.

The Spark: Wildfire Preparedness is Year Round

When a wildfire is burning, a lot of things are out of your control. This month's edition of The Spark bulletin goes over the actions you can control: protecting your home from igniting. Read The Spark and share it around!

The USAF Thunderbirds aircraft and personnel arrived at Spaceport America Thursday (Jan. 8) to begin their winter training session (photo credit: Allan Turk II)

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Friday, January 9, 2026) – For the fifth time in as many years, the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds have touched down at Spaceport America. There, the team members will engage in an extensive training period leading up to their 2026 performances.

Throughout much of January, the Thunderbirds, comprised of roughly 70 team members (12 of whom are officers) serving in dozens of Air Force job specialties, will log dozens of training hours at the Sierra County site to hone their individual and collective skills.

Red Canyon Campground Piles starting as early as January 10

Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – January 9, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) is planning to burn the previously announced Red Canyon Campground Prescribed (Rx) Fire Piles on the Mountainair Ranger District as early as Saturday, January 10 pending all required approvals. This work will continue as a multi-day operation as weather conditions allow.

[Editor's Npte: I received this through a promotion, but as it's free today, thought somebody else might like to read it. The woman who wrote it is Vicki Johnson (not our Silver City VJ), with pen name of Georgia Monroe. I talked to her - nice lady!] 

On Thursday, January 8, you can download THE SECRET NOTECARD, (pen name is Georgia Monroe). The eBook will ALSO most likely be offered free on January 24. It is on Amazon.

The Secret Notecard follows a woman who discovers a note left behind by her late father — a quiet war hero — and sets out on a journey that spans decades, landscapes, and generations. At its heart, it's a love story: for family, friends, romantic partners, community, country, and the people who shape us, and for the courage it takes to remember.

This is an independently published work — indie in both spirit and execution. From its emotionally layered plot to its unconventional pacing and formatting, the book reflects the freedom and intimacy of independent storytelling.

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management leased 31 parcels totaling 20,399 acres in New Mexico and Oklahoma for $326,811,240 in total receipts during a quarterly oil and gas lease sale. Combined lease bonus bids and rentals are distributed between the federal government and state where parcels are located. 

"This sale brought in over $218,751 for a single acre, the highest ever earned during a BLM competitive oil and gas lease sale since at least the 1987 Leasing Reform Act and shows the bureau's ongoing commitment to fulfil President Trump's mandate to unleash American energy," said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. "This sale is also the second highest for total bonus bids received at over $316 million and third highest for both bid on a single parcel at over $70 million and average bid per acre at over $16 thousand." 

Statewide funding helps shelters expand capacity, provide essential winter supplies

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Office of Housing has distributed more than $820,000 to shelters and service providers statewide to help people experiencing homelessness stay safe and warm this winter. 

"Cold weather can be dangerous for people without stable housing across our state," said New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. "By distributing funding for winter readiness, we are helping service providers expand capacity to ensure people not only have access to warmth and safety but also connect to essential services that can help them stay off the streets for good."