Non-Local News Releases

 (Washington, D.C., April 16, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins wrapped up a visit to Lubbock, Texas, where she joined House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) for a tour and roundtable discussion at the USDA Cotton Classification Complex on the Texas Tech University campus. During the roundtable, she was joined by sorghum, beef, peanut, dairy, and corn producers as well as agricultural leaders from across Texas.

SANTA FE – Judge Jacqueline R. Medina is the new Chief Judge of the New Mexico Court of Appeals.

She is serving a two-year term, and succeeded Judge Jennifer L. Attrep, who held the position since 2023. The chief judge is the administrative authority over the 10-member court's budget, personnel and general operations, and continues to hear cases.

"It is a great honor and privilege to lead the Court of Appeals and work with its dedicated judges and staff for the people of New Mexico," said Chief Judge Medina.

Chief Judge Medina is the first native of Taos to serve on the Court of Appeals. She was elected to the court in 2018, and before that served for more than 16 years as an assistant attorney general. She was an assistant district attorney and Children's Court attorney early in her legal career.

Chief Judge Medina received her juris doctor (J.D.) from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1991, and earned an undergraduate degree in political science at UNM.

Events across the state highlight theme of building a sustainable future

SANTA FE, NM – Multiple New Mexico State Parks are hosting Earth Day-related events during April, and everyone is invited. 

April 22 is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, which is now recognized throughout the month. This year's theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," highlights the importance of renewable energy and continuing to work hard toward a sustainable future.

"Working toward a sustainable future is a priority for the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham administration," said EMNRD Sec. Melanie Kenderdine. "That is why our state parks are enthusiastically supporting events that highlight this year's Earth Day theme."

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department, through its Office of Strategy, Science & Technology, has awarded $100,000 in competitive non-dilutive grant funding to Mesa Quantum Systems, Inc. in the inaugural round of the Quantum Technologies Award Pilot Program.

Launched in December 2024, the program is a competitive, state-funded grant awarding non-dilutive funds to early-stage companies working in quantum technologies located in New Mexico or establishing a presence with employees in New Mexico. Non-dilutive funding allows recipients to retain all equity in their company, which is particularly important for startups. 

 (Little Rock, AR, April 15, 2025) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins joined Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today as the Governor submitted a waiver to USDA to ban soda and candy from and include hot rotisserie chicken in Arkansas's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

"Governor Sanders is confronting childhood disease head on, and it starts with what families consume. Today's waiver announcement is a welcome one, and I look forward to moving through the approval process swiftly. I encourage more states across the nation to follow the bold lead of states like Arkansas as we Make America Healthy Again," said Secretary Rollins.

 SANTA FE — Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined four other Democratic governors in sending a letter to the director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 

 The letter opposes the Trump administration's Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule, which would restrict states' ability to regulate their health insurance marketplaces.

 The joint press release is below. 

Albuquerque Man Charged in Connection with Arson Attacks on Tesla Dealership and Republican Party of New Mexico Office

WASHINGTON — Federal charges have been filed against Jamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, in connection with recent arson attacks targeting the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence.

“Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

Santa Fe, NM — Today, the United States Department of Justice announced the filing of several federal criminal charges against 40-year-old Jamison Wagner in connection to the Republican Party of New Mexico headquarters firebombing as well as other acts of domestic terrorism involving the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom.  In response, the Senate Republican Leadership team have issued the following joint statement: