Non-Local News Releases

Legislative Finance Committee full agenda below

SANTA FE – A state employee can proceed with a whistleblower protection lawsuit against his governmental employer after deciding to arbitrate a job demotion allegedly in retaliation for his testifying about wrongdoing by state agency workers, the state Supreme Court ruled today.

The Court unanimously concluded that a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) did not preclude Frederick Garcia, who worked for what was formerly called the state Human Services Department, from separately filing a lawsuit under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). The lawsuit stems from the same disciplinary action being arbitrated.

"Here, the plain meaning of the CBA does not clearly and unmistakably waive Garcia's statutory right to bring his WPA claims in district court, and require him to bring these statutory claims to arbitration," the Court wrote in an opinion by Justice Julie J. Vargas.

SANTA FE – New Mexico's highest court ruled today that former state Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla's convictions for embezzlement were properly vacated because she was charged too long after the alleged crimes occurred.

The state Supreme Court unanimously rejected arguments by prosecutors for the State of New Mexico who sought to reinstate Padilla's convictions. The justices affirmed a decision of the Court of Appeals, which set aside her convictions on two second-degree felony counts of embezzlement.

In an opinion by Chief Justice David K. Thomson, the Court concluded that Padilla's case was not covered by a provision in state law that pauses or "tolls" the time limits on bringing charges after a crime occurred. Under certain circumstances, the tolling provision suspends the statute of limitations during the time between the dismissal of charges and later refiling.

Tourism Department issues record number of grant funding to 20 communities

SANTA FE – Now entering its fourth year, the New Mexico Tourism Department's (NMTD) Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability Program will support a record number of partner events through a record amount of grant funding in fiscal year 2026.

The Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability Program offers eligible New Mexico entities that host tourism-related events with technical assistance, marketing resources and sponsorship support for those events. For FY26, NMTD is awarding $551,702 in support to 44 events, both a record for the program.

(Washington, D.C., July 14, 2025) — While scooping ice cream on the steps of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Headquarters, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins congratulated the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announcement on the dairy industry's commitment to eliminate artificial food dyes from their ice creams. This is a voluntary, proactive pledge to eliminate the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts by 2028.

"I appreciate IDFA members for spearheading this new initiative and finding ways to promote President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda. Each one of these endeavors helps families make better choices and pursue healthier lives," said Secretary Rollins.

NEW MEXICO July 13, 2025 - One year ago today, our nation witnessed a tragic and cowardly attempt to silence a leader through violence. On July 13, 2024, an assassin's bullet nearly claimed the life of President Donald J. Trump. It was an assault not only on one man, but on the millions of Americans who stand behind the principles of free speech, liberty, and the America First agenda.

By divine intervention and God's grace, President Trump turned his head at the precise moment that spared his life. We thank the Almighty for His protection that day. Evil may have aimed to take a life, but instead, it only strengthened the resolve of a nation determined to reclaim its voice and future.

We honor the life and legacy of Corey Comperatore. And we stand with President Trump's commitment to seeking justice in his name.

Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer; Discharging a Firearm During, in Relation to, and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence

A twelfth individual has been charged for his role in the shooting of an Alvarado police officer at the Prairieland Detention Center, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson. 

According to a criminal complaint filed today, Benjamin Hanil Song, a former United States Marine Corps reservist, joined ten others in an organized attack against officers at the Prairieland Detention Center just after 10:30 p.m., Friday, July 4.

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.

Interstates: 

I-25 Roadway Rehabilitation Project, Mile Marker 58 to 78, CaballoCN1102160