Non-Local News Releases

Las Cruces, NM — District Attorney Fernando R. Macias announces the sentencing of Emily Elizabeth Portillo in connection with the tragic death of Roy Parra, who was fatally injured in a DWI-related crash. The District Attorney's Office requested a 15-year sentence, emphasizing the need for accountability in impaired driving cases. Judge Richard M. Jacquez ultimately imposed a 10-year sentence, with 7 years to be served in custody and 3 years suspended.

On February 29, 2024, Roy Parra was riding his bicycle on Lohman Avenue when he was struck by Portillo, who was driving at a high rate of speed while under the influence of both alcohol and cannabis. Mr. Parra succumbed to his injuries a few days later.

Applications for PNM's Reduce Your Use Grants are open to local nonprofits looking to make energy-saving upgrades that directly support their operations and the communities they serve. These grants enable nonprofits to reinvest savings directly into the heart of their mission driven work

With $300,000 designated for this year's grant cycle, eligible nonprofits can apply for up to $5,000 to fund projects that reduce energy use and operating expenses.

Projects can include insulation, updating heating and cooling systems, energy efficient lighting, energy saving appliances, and solar panel installations.

 (Washington, D.C., July 10, 2025) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins issued a statement following the Trump Administration's lawsuit against the State of California over the State's intrusive actions that have caused the price of eggs to skyrocket, harming consumers.

Yesterday, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other state officials over California laws that impose burdensome red tape on the production of eggs and egg products nationally in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

View the WASDE

ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (Department) has scheduled a public meeting with the Public Land User (Habitat) Stamp Citizen Advisory Committee.

Fish and wildlife habitat restoration project opportunities that have been jointly developed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and the Department will be presented. Members of the public are invited to attend this hybrid public meeting. An agenda will be posted on the Public Land User Stamp website prior to the meeting.

• Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 1 p.m.; continuing Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Attend in person at the Department's Northwest Area office, 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
  • Register in advance to attend virtually (Tuesday and Wednesday)

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment regarding potential changes to fees currently charged by hunting and fishing license vendors. 

Currently, all license vendors, including the Department, charge a fee of $1 per license sold. The passage of Senate Bill 5 by the New Mexico State Legislature during its 2025 session enables license collectors to "collect and retain a vendor fee for each license or permit issued; provided that the fee shall be just and reasonable; as determined by regulation of the State Wildlife Commission." 

Elephant Butte Lake: Valentin (Billy) Orrantia caught a striped bass on a lure on July 6.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Bear Canyon Lake: The lake is currently closed due to the Trout Fire. For more information, visit the official Trout Fire page on InciWeb.

Bill Evans Lake: The most recent report was received June 26. At that time, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using Green Garlic PowerBait.

Upgraded system eliminates dead zones, connects 78 agencies statewide

SANTA FE — In the rugged terrain of New Mexico, where a lost hiker or stranded motorist can quickly become a life-or-death situation, communication failures have long plagued emergency responders. Not anymore.

"Effective and hardened radio systems help keep first responders safe and connected," said Manny Barreras DoIT cabinet secretary. "Public safety radio isn't just technology it's the pulse of every emergency response."

The transformation is dramatic. Chris Starr of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Open Space Unit knows firsthand what the difference means.

"Before switching to the state's Motorola Radio System, we'd lose communication just a half mile into a search," said Starr. "Now, with enhanced coverage, integrated zones, and unified talkgroups, our fire, and search and rescue teams are instantly connected."