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.

NMSU to recognize ‘unsung heroes’ during celebration Thursday

New Mexico State University Provost Alan Shoho will host a special celebration Thursday to honor the university’s unsung heroes.

The celebratory luncheon will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at La Posta de Mesilla in Mesilla, New Mexico. Seventy-one NMSU faculty and staff members will be recognized at the luncheon.

 
“NMSU has so many unsung heroes,” Shoho said. “They do a great job without formal recognition. The unsung heroes luncheon is one small way to honor their dedication and commitment to NMSU. I am proud to recognize each and every one of them.”

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Road Advisory: Bridge Closure – Hatch Area

NM 26 at milepost 47.7 over Interstate 25 will be closed tonight starting at 5 pm.  The contractor will be replacing the bridge bearings and sole plates during evening/nighttime hours.  During this time, the bridge over the Interstate will be closed northbound at exit 41(Hatch).  I-25 northbound traffic wishing to exit into Hatch should use Exit 35(Rincon), follow detour signage.  Travel lanes along I-25 may be reduced to a single lane depending on the work location, drivers should be vigilant for construction signing.  This work is expected to last one week with the bridge being closed nightly and reopening by 5 a.m. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and be cautious of personnel and equipment in the area. Please expect delays.  

NM House Republicans Say “not So Fast” To Ped, Reject New Rule Change

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico’s Public Education Department received widespread scrutiny, statewide, for its recent proposed rule changes for public schools. One of the proposed requirements forces school districts to implement a 5-day instructional week, which sparked overwhelming frustration from students, parents, teachers, and school staff and administrators, many of them vocalizing their dissent in a public forum held in December.

 House GOP Caucus Chair, Representative Gail Armstrong, is cosponsoring a bill with Representative Brian Baca (R-Los Lunas) that designates local school boards and governing bodies of charter schools to be recognized as the entity authorized to determine the length of the school year and the number of instructional days that will be offered each week.

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Arguments in RPNM Lawsuit Against Gov. MLG Heard Today by NM Supreme Court

January 8—Today, the New Mexico Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the lawsuit filed by the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) in conjunction with every GOP member of the state House and Senate, the National Rifle Association (NRA), former law enforcement and private citizens against Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and NM Secretary of the Department of Health Patrick M. Allen for their usage of public health orders to remove New Mexicans' Second Amendment rights.

Jessica Hernandez, legal counsel for RPNM and all plaintiffs, argued that the governor's emergency order exceeded the emergency statutes and are an invalid use of emergency power.

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ENMU Greyhound Sound Wins Competition

Eastern New Mexico University Greyhound Sound Wins “For Whom The Band Tolls” Marching Band Competition

Portales, NM – January 7, 2024 – The band Metallica challenged marching bands at all levels to craft the most exciting, unique, and impressive performances of Metallica's music. After months of fan voting and a final selection by Metallica, The Eastern New Mexico University Greyhound Sound was awarded the College (Divisions 2 and 3) winner for the “For Whom The Band Tolls” marching band competition.

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Cook Center for Human Connection

The  Cook Center for Human Connection has recently been awarded a $3.99 million Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) for its groundbreaking program, “Helping Helpers Help.” 

The program targets 83 middle schools in New Mexico and Arizona, addressing systemic access inequalities and reducing barriers to mental health support and suicide prevention materials. (The DOE's recent announcement of $277 million in grant awards included $87.2 million for social-emotional well-being, underscoring the urgency of the youth mental health crisis.)

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Support Mimbres Desert Peaks National Monument

A Call to Action:
The proposal to designate the Mimbres Peaks National Monument in Luna County needs your support.

The Luna County Commission is set to vote on a resolution opposing the monument designation at its meeting Thurs., Jan. 11. Supporters of the monument proposal should attend the work session before the meeting and express support for the designation and opposition to the resolution.

Luna County Commissioner Ray Trejo is a strong proponent of the monument. He spoke last month at the ceremony that publicly launched the monument proposal. He has emphasized that it would conserve indigenous and cultural resources on nearly a quarter-million acres of federal lands administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

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New Mexico State Police Coordinated 2nd Gun Buyback

NMSP1New Mexico State Police Coordinated 2nd Gun Buyback to Promote Gun Safety and Reduce Gun Violence

Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Espanola, and Farmington NM – On Saturday, January 6, 2024, the New Mexico State Police coordinated a 2nd Gun Buyback event in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Espanola, and Farmington. 

People voluntarily and anonymously handed in unwanted firearms and received Visa gift cards in return. Buybacks are intended to prevent unwanted guns from causing harm or being used to commit acts of violence.

A total number of 1,289 guns were collected from all four locations.  1,256 guns were bought back from the four locations. Albuquerque collected 150 handguns and 422 rifles and/or shotguns.  Las Cruces collected 136 handguns and 307 rifles and/or shotguns.  Espanola collected 27 handguns and 64 rifles and/or shotguns. Farmington collected 42 handguns and 108 rifles and/or shotguns.  33 total donated guns were turned in for the entire event.

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