Non-Local News Releases

Leader Sharer: Haaland and Stansbury Depositions Must Be Public, and Must Happen Before Election Day

Santa Fe, NM — Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) reacted today to news that the legislative Epstein "Truth" Commission is moving to depose former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury over their potential connections to Jeffrey Epstein, demanding the depositions be conducted publicly and completed before Election Day in pursuit of transparency. 

"New Mexicans deserve to know what two of this state's most powerful politicians knew about Jeffrey Epstein, and they deserve to know it before they vote, not after," Leader Sharer said. "This commission has subpoena power precisely so the public can finally get real answers. Burying these depositions behind closed doors, or letting them drag out past November 3rd, would defeat the entire purpose of calling it a so-called 'truth' commission in the first place."

Leader Sharer said the demand for transparency is made more urgent by the commission's own controversial record under its chair, Representative Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe.)

Southwest Catch of the Week

Bill Evans Lake:  Some of the best largemouth bass fishing can be found in New Mexico's smaller lakes. Clayton, Bill Evans and Lake Roberts can offer trophy-sized fishing opportunities. 

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Motorists should avoid the area and expect an extended detour

SOCORRO, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Transportation has closed U.S. 60 at mile marker 131.5, just west of Socorro, after heavy rainfall and flooding caused severe damage to the embankment supporting a bridge.

Floodwaters caused significant erosion near Bridge 6358, leaving the structure in a vulnerable condition. For the safety of the traveling public, U.S. 60 will remain closed at the bridge until a full assessment is completed and necessary repairs can be made.

SANTA FE – Acting Governor Howie Morales today signed five executive orders declaring a state of emergency due to flooding across New Mexico, making up to $3.75 million available to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) for response and recovery.

"Communities across New Mexico need help staving off these torrential floodwaters, and they need it now," said Lt. Gov. Howie Morales. "The State of New Mexico stands with every county, city and village working around the clock to keep their neighbors safe, and we are bringing every resource to the effort."

Leader Armstrong "Appalled" After Invoices Show Truth Commission PR Firm Conducted Political Opposition Research on Legislators

Calls on Chair Romero to publicly explain the invoices, release all work product and answer who directed the research

SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) said today she was appalled after reviewing an invoice showing that the taxpayer-funded public relations firm hired by the New Mexico Survivor Truth Commission conducted political opposition research on members of the New Mexico Legislature, less than three months before a critical election and without the knowledge of the full Commission.

Representative Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis), a member of the Commission, requested the invoice from the Legislative Council Service and brought them to Leader Armstrong. The invoice was submitted by Dini von Mueffling Consulting (DVMC), the firm retained under Chair Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe).

ALBUQUERQUE — Diraq, an Australia-founded quantum computing company, today announced plans to establish a new research and development laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in another boost to the momentum of the state's growing quantum ecosystem.

Diraq has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish operations at the Roadrunner Quantum Lab (RQL), powered by the State of New Mexico, a joint effort of Roadrunner Venture Studios and the New Mexico Technology and Innovation Office (TIO). Roadrunner Quantum Lab is a shared facility giving quantum startups, industry partners and national laboratories space to accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. Diraq's space will include Maybell cryogenic equipment that supports device characterization and other research and development activities. Diraq's lab is expected to begin operations by the end of the year. 

SANTA FE, N.M.– The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 15 oil and gas parcels totaling 4,054 acres in New Mexico and Oklahoma in a February 2027 sale. The comment period ends Oct. 30, 2026.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in September 2026 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.

Statewide, NM - State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver's license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during October 2026.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

These checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the right decision not to drive impaired.