Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management leased 31 parcels totaling 20,399 acres in New Mexico and Oklahoma for $326,811,240 in total receipts during a quarterly oil and gas lease sale. Combined lease bonus bids and rentals are distributed between the federal government and state where parcels are located. 

"This sale brought in over $218,751 for a single acre, the highest ever earned during a BLM competitive oil and gas lease sale since at least the 1987 Leasing Reform Act and shows the bureau's ongoing commitment to fulfil President Trump's mandate to unleash American energy," said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. "This sale is also the second highest for total bonus bids received at over $316 million and third highest for both bid on a single parcel at over $70 million and average bid per acre at over $16 thousand." 

Statewide funding helps shelters expand capacity, provide essential winter supplies

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Office of Housing has distributed more than $820,000 to shelters and service providers statewide to help people experiencing homelessness stay safe and warm this winter. 

"Cold weather can be dangerous for people without stable housing across our state," said New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. "By distributing funding for winter readiness, we are helping service providers expand capacity to ensure people not only have access to warmth and safety but also connect to essential services that can help them stay off the streets for good."

Gila River: Brian Culligan caught two Gila trout using flies in the west fork on Dec. 16.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced his nominees to the United States Service Academies. A nomination is required to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Being nominated is a significant honor. The application process is rigorous, and only the most qualified and meritorious candidates receive a nomination.

"Our nation's service academies offer a rigorous education and hands-on training that develop future leaders for the armed forces while equipping graduates with skills that last beyond their time in uniform," said Heinrich. "I'm proud to announce and congratulate my nominees for 2025. These students represent the very best of New Mexico, showing incredible dedication and a strong commitment to service. I applaud their decision to step forward and serve our country."

Santa Fe, NM — Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Rex Wilson to serve as State Senator to represent New Mexico Senate District 33. Rex Wilson's district covers Lincoln, Otero, and Chaves Counties who will now have representation in the New Mexico State Senate heading into the 2026 Legislative Session. 

Rex Wilson brings a strong background in public service, healthcare, and rural New Mexico to the New Mexico State Senate. He previously served two terms as a Lincoln County commissioner and spent 18 years as a healthcare administrator, working to improve access to care for local families. A multigenerational rancher in Lincoln County, Wilson has deep roots in the community he hopes to represent.

Wilson also founded Camp Sierra Blanca at Fort Stanton, a nationally recognized alternative education program that gives at-risk youth a second chance through non-traditional learning pathways. His work with young people there, along with his leadership directing early childhood services at Presbyterian Health Services, has prepared him to serve New Mexico families in the State Senate.

Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) has issued the following statement: 

State to provide assistance for strategic investment that will create more than 340 jobs and generate over $200 million in economic impact, while supporting state's energy goals

SANTA FE, NM — Electric vehicle manufacturer GreenPower Motor Company (NASDAQ: GP) today announced they have reached an agreement with the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) to establish operations in Santa Teresa, NM. 

Internationally headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with current operational facilities in southern California and West Virginia, GreenPower is a leading manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space, and school bus sector. 

Farmington, NM – On January 2, 2026, at approximately 1:47 a.m., New Mexico State Police responded to a report of a crash scene located on New Mexico Highway 371 near County Road 8501 in Farmington, New Mexico. A deceased female was discovered lying near the northbound shoulder of the roadway.

The investigation indicates the crash occurred between approximately 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations despite the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) decision to reduce the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all children. 

The HHS changes, announced by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were not based on new scientific evidence or safety data. 

"New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice," said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. "Our recommendations remain unchanged." 

State health officials echoed the Governor's commitment.