Non-Local News Releases

Count reveals more than 300 individuals in the wild

PHOENIX — The Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team has completed the annual population count and documented the population increased to a minimum of 319 at the end of 2025, which is up from the minimum count of 286 in 2024. This is a consistent growth pattern for more than a decade.

The importance of this data is that this moves the recovery program one step closer to getting to the point that will support the downlisting of the Mexican wolf and development of a 4(d) rule under the ESA (Endangered Species Act). Implementation of a 4(d) rule would add greater flexibility in implementing management actions intended to reduce conflict while continuing recovery of the subspecies to the point of delisting.

LAS CRUCES, NM — Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias announced today that Luis Javier Cobos Jr., 37, has been sentenced to 18 months in the custody of the New Mexico Corrections Department. Following a sentencing hearing before District Court Judge Conrad F. Perea, Cobos was taken into immediate custody to begin serving his term for Extreme Cruelty to Animals. In addition to the term of incarceration, Judge Perea imposed a $5,000.00 fine.

The conviction follows an investigation by the Las Cruces Police Department into a February 2025 incident in which Cobos was recorded striking two Basset Hounds, "Billy" and "Nani," with landscaping rocks. Medical records confirmed that there was significant trauma and acute distress due to the attack.

SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today announced the appointment of Matt Broom as interim chief of the New Mexico State Police, following the retirement of Chief Troy Weisler.

The governor also announced the promotion of Bryan Waller to interim deputy chief.

"New Mexico State Police is the backbone of public safety across this state — in our cities, our rural communities, and everywhere in between," said Governor Lujan Grisham. "Matt Broom brings 24 years of experience and tested leadership to this role, and Bryan Waller is a decorated officer who has served New Mexicans with courage and integrity at every rank. I have confidence they will both serve New Mexicans well."

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing 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-10 Bridge Deck Repairs, Mile Marker 102 to 105, Deming/AkelaHW2M700118

Wildfire isn't just a forest phenomenon. 

Fire season kicked off last month with the 2,674-acre 352 Fire near Tucumcari, followed by large fires in Oklahoma and Texas—all grassland fires, driven by strong winds through flashy fuels. A historic snow drought has in part brought fire season to our door earlier.

Speaking of fire at the door, there are crucial steps you can take around your home to prepare for wildfire season. This month, we dive into home hardening and defensible space. Wildfire Prepared Homes offers a roadmap to resilience—and might save your insurance, too. 

Read on for some home-hardening weekend work, your guide to reforestation, biomass pilot projects, spring microgrants, Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week and more. If you're enjoying this newsletter, pass it on to a friend! 

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SOUTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK

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 Escondida Lake: Bennie B, age 3, caught two trout using Garlic PowerBait. 

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.

Bill Evans Lake: Fishing for trout was very good when trolling Woolly Buggers.

Elephant Butte Lake: The South Monticello boat ramp is currently closed and access to Rattlesnake Island is currently restricted due to low water levels. The closures will be lifted when water levels rise and conditions allow.

Escondida Lake: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using Garlic PowerBait.

SANTA FE — New Mexico business incubators have until April 2 to apply for grants of up to $150,000 through the NM Incubator Certification Support (ICS) Grant program.

Administered by the Economic Development Department's Technology and Innovation Office, the competitive grant helps non-certified incubators meet the requirements of the NM Certified Business Incubator program.

Grants are open to all sectors, not just those in tech and innovation. All grantees are required to use these funds to pursue meeting certification requirements through the State's Certified Incubator Program upon completion of the grant period.

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2026 – Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., a Portland, Ore., establishment, is expanding its Feb. 19, 2026, recall of frozen not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The establishment is recalling approximately 33,617,045 additional pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) and NRTE chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumpling products, for a combined total of 36,987,575 pounds subject to recall.