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.

Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round

Celebrate with One Less Spark!

Santa Fe – Every New Mexican knows the beginning of July marks the traditional start of monsoon season. While monsoons bring lightning, they don't always bring as much rain as we would like. As Fourth of July weekend approaches, remember fireworks are illegal on most public lands, and always illegal on National Forest Land no matter what day of the year.

The New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Forestry Division reminds everyone to work together to reduce unwanted human-caused fires during this holiday weekend, especially when some natural wildfire starts could be around the corner. This month's Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round Message: Celebrate with One Less Spark!

Leaving fireworks to the professionals reduces the risk of injury, unintentional wildfire starts, roof damage, and litter. Consider celebrating with safer, alternative methods:Glow sticks – safe for all ages!

• Glow sticks – safe for all ages!
• Noisemakers.
• Red, white, and blue silly string.
• Outdoor movie night with a projector.
• Finding professional fireworks show nearby.

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Heinrich Highlights Legislation to Support LGBTQ+ Community

Heinrich Fights to Protect Equal Rights, Highlights Legislation to Support LGBTQ+ Community

Legislation Heinrich supports recognizes June as LGBTQ Pride Month, bans so-called "conversion therapy," and remedies unequal tax treatment for married same-sex couples

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced legislation he cosponsored during the month of June to reaffirm his commitment to equal rights by strengthening protections for the LGBTQ+ community in New Mexico and across the country.

"LGBTQ+ Americans deserve to live openly and freely as their authentic selves. But right now, too many MAGA Republicans are pushing for hateful and discriminatory laws at the state and federal levels," said Heinrich. "MAGA Republican's efforts are fueled by intolerance, hatred, and bigotry, and I will do all that I can to fight against them. I remain committed to the unfinished fight to ensure every one of us receives equal rights under federal law."

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IPANM Issues Statement on Announcement of State Senator Gay Kernan Stepping Down

IPANN (June 29, 2023) – In response to the announcement by State Sen. Gay Kernan that she will step down on August 1, 2023, after 21-years in the New Mexico State Senate, IPANM Executive Director Jim Winchester offered the following statement:

"IPANM deeply appreciates Sen. Gay Kernan's tireless efforts as a strong supporter of the oil & gas industry and independent producers throughout her 21-years of public service representing her Southeast New Mexico district in the heart of the Permian Basin. Not only did Sen. Kernan work hard behind the scenes with IPANM on important industry legislation, but she consistently spoke-up for independent producers in countless committees and floor sessions. Her ability to respectfully sift through political noise and focus specifically on the issues at hand rightfully garnered the respect and admiration of many on both sides of the aisle. We congratulate her on decision to deservedly step back from her hard work in Santa Fe, but know she will continue to be a kind, loyal advocate for independent producers outside of the political spotlight."

--Jim Winchester
Executive Director, Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico

New Mexico State Parks join Operation Dry Water

OperationDryNew Mexico State Parks join Operation Dry Water to increase awareness of the dangers associated with boating under the influence


Santa Fe, NM – In an effort to educate recreational boaters nationwide about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the New Mexico State Parks (State Parks) Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) will be participating in the annual Operation Dry Water campaign. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to decrease the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.

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Priority bill granted for Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire recovery

Nearly $47 million in funding from governor priority bill granted for Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire recovery. San Miguel County & Mora County receive zero-interest reimbursable loans

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today the state has approved $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties provided through Senate Bill 6, a governor's priority bill that she signed into law earlier this year.

The funding will be used for projects that replace or repair public infrastructure damaged by fire, flooding, or debris flows after the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. These funds are the first allocation from the bipartisan Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon fire recovery bill signed by Gov. Lujan Grisham during the 2023 Legislative Session. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Pete Campos, Rep. Ambrose Castellano, Rep. Joseph Sanchez and Rep. Liz Stefanics.

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N.M. Delegation Delivers $26.2 Million to Modernize Bus Fleets, Improve Public Transit

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are announcing $26,270,968 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the City of Albuquerque and North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) to enhance public transportation services and accelerate the transition to an American-made clean energy future.

Through their Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the delegation helped secure $18.2 million to allow the City of Albuquerque to purchase 20 new American-made electric buses. The delegation also delivered over $8 million to NCRTD, including a $5.9 million grant to modernize facilities and expand services in Taos and Española, and a $2 million grant to expand its fleet of new hybrid electric buses.

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Loans available for commercial facilities in  New Mexico

Application opens for the Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Fund 


SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico’s first-ever loan fund to jump-start the development of business-ready commercial and industrial space is now open for applications. 
 
The Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Fund (OERF), created in 2022 through HB7, is accepting applications for loans to be used to increase the inventory of commercial facilities in New Mexico, attract businesses to the state, grow jobs, and diversify the economy.   
 
“One of the biggest obstacles for businesses growth in New Mexico is the lack of commercial space,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “I signed this legislation because business owners, agents, and entrepreneurs need pathways to create office and production space designed to make it easier to expand, create jobs, and increase economic opportunities.” 
 
“These loans will support emerging businesses to create good jobs and help diversify our economy,” HB7 sponsor Rep. Meredith Dixon said. “By improving access to commercial space in New Mexico, we’re making it easier for local businesses to grow and succeed, which is key to a prosperous future for our state.” 

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Big Bang Festival Features Astronaut Appearance

DannyOlivasNASADannyOlivas portrait courtesy of NASAWhat: The BIG BANG Festival, sponsored by the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation, kicks off the Foundation's 50th anniversary celebration. The event features special guest Shuttle Astronaut Danny Olivas offering two free presentations in the New Horizons Theater and then he'll be the guest of honor for that evening's "Dinner with an Astronaut".

The museum and theater will open at 10:00 am on July 4 for "Members Day" and parking will be in the lower parking lot. Education tents and vendors will occupy the upper parking lot. During the day, join the museum's education department in their first annual Air Rocket Competition. Air rocket building starts at the top of each hour, with launching on the half hour throughout the day. Buy a model rocket from the gift shop and the educators will help you put it together (model rocket launches will take place on Saturday, July 8!).

When: Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 starting at 10:00 am

Where: New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo, NM.

Read more ...

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