Non-Local News Releases

ALBUQUERQUE — A Texas man pleaded guilty last week to stealing more than $160,000 in federal unemployment relief funds issued by New Mexico during the pandemic. 

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the guilty plea by Marc Long — the result of continued work by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to prosecute pandemic-era fraud.

The case underscores the Department of Workforce Solutions' continued commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraud involving unemployment benefit programs. 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at the New Mexico State Library, 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87509. The full agenda, and other information, will be available on the Department of Game and Fish website.

If you are interested in participating or providing comments, but cannot attend the meeting in person, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. For those who wish only to view the meeting, there will be a live webcast on the Department's website.

Calling all birders: Join the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year Contest!

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish invites birders statewide to participate in the 2026 Birding Big Year Contest, a friendly competition to identify as many bird species as possible in New Mexico between January 1 and December 31.

"New Mexico has the fourth-highest bird diversity, in terms of overall species, in the nation," Curt Coffman, Assistant Chief of Education, said of the contest. "Bird watching has become very popular and is a great way to introduce people to the incredible natural areas found throughout New Mexico. We hope to see a wide variety of individuals participate in the Birding Big Year, including teens, beginners and the most seasoned bird watchers."

Final spending plan prioritizes child care, protects against federal uncertainty

SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today released a fiscal year 2027 executive budget recommendation that deploys $11.3 billion to protect New Mexico against federal spending cuts and to fully invest in universal child care while maintaining the state's historically strong financial position. 

The budget recommendation includes $11.33 billion in recurring spending — a 4.6% increase over current year spending. The recommendation keeps reserves strong at 30%, totaling $3.4 billion. 

Symposium held in late January will feature special Shroud of Turin discussion and debate 

Albuquerque, New Mexico – The School of Archaeology at Veritas International University (VIU) is pleased to present the International Symposium on Archaeology & the Bible IX (ISAB IX), a premier gathering for scholars, students, and anyone seeking to engage the world of the Bible through its material culture. The symposium will run January 28-31, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at The Courtyard by Marriott Journal Center.

This four-day symposium features leading voices in biblical studies and archaeology offering fresh research, field updates, and informed perspectives on Scripture, history, and geography. ISAB IX continues its tradition of providing a safe and respected academic forum, free from audio or video recording, allowing presenters to share new findings with honesty and candor. 

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. Planning ahead before a disaster allows you to identify personal needs, prioritize tasks, and make thoughtful decisions without the pressure of an active emergency. Being prepared before wildfire strikes is critical.

Staying prepared for wildfire and other disasters involves three key actions: create an action plan, assemble an emergency supply kit, and develop a family communication plan. Preparing these elements in advance, and updating them annually, helps you stay focused and act quickly if evacuation becomes likely or necessary.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2025 – Olympia Provisions, a Portland, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,930 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) holiday kielbasa sausages that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The RTE holiday kielbasa was produced on Oct. 14, 2025. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:

16-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing one, fully cooked "OLYMPIA PROVISIONS UNCURED HOLIDAY KIELBASA" with "BEST IF USED BY" date "02/19/26" printed on the side of the label.

Edgewood, New Mexico – The Strike It Rich Pack Burro Race Series has announced its 2026 event schedule, bringing one of New Mexico's most unique and heritage-rich outdoor sporting events to four historic communities across the state.

The 2026 series will include four Saturday races: