Non-Local News Releases

The Republican Party of New Mexico wishes all New Mexicans a safe, prosperous, and happy New Year!

We are heading into 2025 optimistic and with a reignited commitment to improving the quality of life for all New Mexicans. May 2025 bring you new opportunities, good health, wealth, and love! God bless you all!

Statewide, NM - State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver's license checkpoints in all New
Mexico counties during January 2025.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

These checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

(Albuquerque, NM) – PNM issued a request for proposals (RFP) for new resources to serve the growing need for electricity from 2029 to 2032. The request seeks electric generation and technologies that will continue to support our customers with the electricity they rely on in their day-to-day lives.

"Our resource plan balances the needs of our customers, community and environment by focusing on low-cost options and technologies that advance New Mexico's carbon-free electricity goals," said Laurie Williams, the vice president of integrated planning for PNM. "The request encourages bids for energy resources within the Navajo Nation or Central Consolidated School District to support the Northwestern New Mexico region's economy which will be evaluated along with other proposals."

Statewide, NM—During the Christmas holiday, the New Mexico State Police participated in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) operation, which was implemented across all roadways in the state. The initiative aims to enhance motorist safety and decrease the number of crashes by maintaining a strong law enforcement presence.

Due to the increased traffic volume during the holiday, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) enhanced patrol presence on roadways across all twelve State Police districts. This initiative took place during the busiest travel days leading up to the holidays, specifically from Tuesday, December 24th, 2024, to Thursday, December 26th, 2024.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at the New Mexico State Library, Piñon Room, 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87509. The full agenda, and other information, will be available on the Department of Game and Fish website.

If you are interested in participating or providing comments, but cannot attend the meeting in person, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. For those who wish only to view the meeting, there will be a live webcast on the Department's website.

EAGLE NEST, NM – The New Mexico State Parks Division has announced the temporary closure of Eagle Nest Lake to ensure public safety amid hazardous winter conditions. The closure will remain in place until the lake's ice thickens sufficiently to support safe activity.

As winter sets in and the lake begins to freeze over, all watercraft—including canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, and motorboats—are prohibited. Additionally, the lake is closed to foot traffic. Visitors are strongly urged to stay off the ice and remain cautious near the shoreline.

SANTA FE, NM – Celebrate the start of 2025 by stepping into the great outdoors with a First Day Hike at one of New Mexico's stunning state parks. On New Year's Day, January 1, 2025, visitors are invited to join in the nationwide initiative, America's State Parks First Day Hikes, with guided hikes and polar plunges taking place across the Land of Enchantment.

A total of 14 New Mexico State Parks will host a variety of activities, including guided hikes for all skill levels, stunning views of New Mexico's landscapes, and the chance to make a splash at polar plunges at select locations. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, there's an activity for everyone.

"First Day Hikes are a fantastic way to begin the new year by focusing on health and well-being,"said Toby Velasquez, Director of New Mexico State Parks. "Spending time outdoors, breathing in fresh air, and engaging in physical activity can boost both mental and physical health. We encourage everyone to join us for a hike, embrace nature, and start the year feeling energized and connected to the outdoors."

Hike, Explore, and Celebrate
Guided hikes are free and open to the public, with options suitable for a wide range of abilities. Knowledgeable guides will lead participants through picturesque trails while sharing information about the local wildlife, habitats, and history of New Mexico's treasured state parks.

In addition to the hikes, some parks will host invigorating polar plunges for those who want to take a daring dip into cold, clear waters on the first day of the year.


Participating Parks & Activities

Brantley Lake State Park
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Cerrillos Hills State Park
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Eagle Nest Lake State Park New Year's Polar Plunge
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM


Eagle Nest Lake State Park First Day Hike Polar Stomp
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Elephant Butte Lake State Park First Day Walk on Dam

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Fenton Lake State Park  First Day Hike
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

First Day Hike
Hyde Memorial State Park
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

First Day Hike
Living Desert State Park
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

First Day Hike
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

First Day Hike
Pancho Villa State Park
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

First Day Hike
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Polar Bear Plunge
Storrie Lake State Park
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

First Day Hike Snow Stomp
Sugarite Canyon State Park
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

First Day Hike
Sumner Lake State Park

1:00 PM to – 2:00 PM

First Day Hike/Bring a Picnic
Ute Lake State Park
12:00 PM to – 2:00 PM

Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside walk or an adventurous hike up a mountain, there's something for everyone. Plus, if you'd rather relax and take in the scenery, visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, or simply spending the day outdoors.

Share Your Hike and Adventure
Visitors are encouraged to share their First Day Hike experience on social media using the hashtags #FirstDayHikes and #NewMexicoStateParks. For more information on the First Day Hikes and to find the park nearest you, please visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/  and click on the Event Calendar tab.

Hanukkah, the eight-night Jewish festival of lights, commemorates the rededication of the temple in Israel. This holiday is marked by miracles. The Maccabees were a Jewish family who bravely fought against Antiochus, a Greek tyrant, and his army. Antiochus tortured and killed Jews for practicing their faith and defiled their holy temple.