Non-Local News Releases

  Washington, D.C., May 6, 2025 — Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will require States to make certain all records associated with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and allotments are shared with the federal government.

"President Trump is rightfully requiring the federal government to have access to all programs it funds," said Secretary Rollins, "and SNAP is no exception. For years, this program has been on autopilot, with no USDA insight into real-time data. The Department is focused on appropriate and lawful participation in SNAP, and today's request is one of many steps to ensure SNAP is preserved for only those eligible."

The FBI and Albuquerque Police Department are asking for the public's help to identify a man who robbed BMO Bank at 5401 Central Ave NE, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 12pm. 

Suspect description:

Race: White

Height: 5'10"- 6'0"

Build: Thin

Clothing: Black pants, black shoes, black hoodie, black hat

Other: described to have red or light-colored facial hair 

The suspect entered the bank and demanded cash from a teller, who handed over an undisclosed amount of money to the robber. He was observed leaving the bank on foot going eastbound then northbound on Madeira Dr.

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) is offering a new extension to the department's Destination Forward Program that focuses on improving accessibility at tourism-related facilities.

NMTD recently announced the creation of the Destination Forward Accessibility Pilot Grant which offers up a special $100,000 fund to exclusively support the construction and installation of universal changing tables in qualified facilities.

This special grant opportunity is designed to help empower New Mexico communities to become inclusive and welcoming destinations and enhance accessibility for tourism in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. NMTD will award projects that are designed to help make travel more accessible for people with disabilities and their caregivers by increasing public restroom access.

(Washington, D.C., May 6, 2025) – U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $23 million in grants to support transporting hazardous fuels – such as dead or downed trees – from national forests to processing facilities. Through the USDA Forest Service's Hazardous Fuels Transportation Program, these grants will reduce the hazardous fuels that pose wildfire threats to communities, critical infrastructure and recreation areas.

"President Trump has directed his cabinet to unleash domestic production of our natural resources, including timber. Our nation is blessed with an abundance of resources and there is no reason we cannot responsibly harvest and use these products right here at home. Investments like these are delivering on our commitment to protect communities, make forests healthier and more resilient," said Secretary Rollins. "Removing hazardous fuels not only reduces wildfire risk but also creates opportunities for businesses and workers in the wood products industry. These grants also reflect the Forest Service's dedication to active forest management, and we will continue working to keep our forests productive, sustainable, and safe for future generations."

 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Over $3 million in funding is available for Housing New Mexico's HOME Rehabilitation Program, which provides home repairs related to health and safety issues, substandard conditions, structural, electrical and code compliance, as well as fall reduction items and accessibility modifications as needed at no cost to eligible homeowners.

The Housing New Mexico Board of Directors approved an updated Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the HOME Rehabilitation program at its January meeting, streamlining the application process and allowing for more service providers to serve New Mexicans in all areas of the state.

Santa Fe, NM — In addition to appointing members to traditional interim committees, the Legislative Council also created an entirely new committee: the Federal Infrastructure Funds and Stability Interim Committee. This committee is tasked with monitoring and preparing the state for potential federal funding cuts, which President Donald Trump has promised to impose should state and local governments block the enforcement of federal law and undermine current executive orders. 

 Senator Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) has issued the following statement in response: 

(Washington, D.C., May 2, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump submitted his FY 2026 budget proposal to Congress:

"We have a once in a generation opportunity to save our country from fiscal ruin. President Trump's budget will put us on the path to reducing our deficit and lowering the national debt. We have to act now," said Secretary Rollins. "Lower federal spending combined with the largest tax cuts in the history of our country, strong deregulatory actions, and tariff & trade realignment will set the stage for the next generation of American greatness. At USDA we have already started by eliminating wasteful spending, reprioritizing our services to put farmers first, and cutting red tape."

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