This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

Southwest Climate Outlook - Dec.2023

Welcome to this month's edition of the Southwest Climate Outlook!

In this Issue:

  • Precipitation & Temperature
  • Drought
  • Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
  • Snowpack
  • Water Supply
  • ENSO Tracker
  • Seasonal Forecasts
  • Public Health Corner
  • Southwest Climate Podcast 

NM Outdoor Recreation Division Awards $1.74M For Outdoor Infrastructure

12 new projects approved for Trails+, nearly 70% in Tribal and rural areas 

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has awarded outdoor trails and infrastructure grants to 12 projects as part of the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant initiative, ORD Director Karina Armijo announced today.

The 12 awardees for fiscal year 2024 total $1,746,310, while organizations will be bringing in an additional $2.53 million in matching funds.

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December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Car Seat Safety Also Highlighted During Event

LAS CRUCES – Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and SAFER New Mexico Now, local law enforcement, and distinguished guests and community members held a press conference to kick off the Holiday Season Impaired Driving Campaign.

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Haunting tales wanted: Second annual film festival video contest begins

If you have a hair-raising short film that illuminates the lore and mystery of the Las Cruces area, get ready to submit your video to the second annual “Visit Las Cruces Stories” contest. The Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF) in collaboration with Visit Las Cruces is now accepting submissions through Feb. 28, 2024.



This year’s theme is Las Cruces folklore. Well-known stories include La Llorona, and other spine-tingling tales such as the haunting of the Doña Ana County Courthouse, the Double Eagle murder and haunting, Pat Garrett’s mysterious death or the hermit of La Cueva. Participants may bring to light lesser-known narratives that define Las Cruces and its history.

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Heinrich Resolution Affirming Support for Medication Abortion

Heinrich, Baldwin, Warren, and 37 Senators Introduce Resolution Affirming Support for Medication Abortion

Action follows last week’s announcement that the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to medication abortion access 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and 37 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion. 

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Henderson selected as NMSU’s new general counsel

Lisa Henderson has been selected as New Mexico State University’s new general counsel and chief legal affairs officer, the university announced this week. In this position, Henderson will serve as NMSU’s primary attorney, providing legal guidance and services. Henderson previously served as associate general counsel at Oklahoma City Community College. She began her new position at NMSU on Friday, Dec. 15. 



“Lisa brings to NMSU a wealth of knowledge about the legal issues facing higher education and a track record as a highly effective public attorney,” NMSU President Jay Gogue said. “We are excited to have her on board.” 

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NMDA hires veteran journalist as new Director of Public Affairs

Haga clic aquí para español.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has hired Shelton Dodson to serve as its new Director of Public Affairs. Before joining NMDA, Dodson worked as a broadcast journalist for 24 years in New Mexico and Texas, covering news in southern New Mexico for 22 years.

A native New Mexican and graduate of Los Lunas High School, Dodson earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from New Mexico State University in 1994 and accepted his first job at KVIA-TV in El Paso the same year. During his time at KVIA, Dodson reported and anchored in both news and sports and worked as a videographer and editor for many stories. Dodson also held similar roles at KENS5-TV in San Antonio, Texas, KOB-TV in Albuquerque, and KFOX-TV and KDBC-TV, both in El Paso.

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Traffic Report for week of December 17 to 24, 2023

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue 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.

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