Non-Local News Releases

Record expansion part of strategy to add health providers in NM 

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today announced a major expansion of New Mexico's Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, the latest in a series of administration actions to address a physician shortage that has left 32 of the state's 33 counties with critical gaps in care. 

Under the expanded Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, licensed physicians — including part-time physicians — will receive $75,000 per year for student debt relief over a four-year service commitment, for a total of up to $300,000. That makes New Mexico's program the most generous state-funded physician loan repayment offer in the nation — more than double Georgia's $37,500 per year, nearly triple Ohio's offering, and three times Rhode Island's annual award. 

Department urges public to leave young wildlife alone

Animals may appear abandoned, but mothers are usually nearby foraging for food

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is reminding the public to leave young wildlife undisturbed as spring transitions into summer.

New Mexico offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife and this time of year marks the birth of many species across the state. As temperatures rise, fawns, elk calves, bear cubs and other young animals are born daily. While these encounters can be exciting, the Department urges residents and visitors to respect wildlife by keeping their distance.

SANTA FE, N.M.– The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 53 oil and gas parcels totaling 13,453 acres that may be included in a November 2026 lease sale in Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The scoping period ends June 22, 2026.

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.

Requirements designed to prevent the introduction of invasive species in New Mexico

SANTA FE — Clean, drain and dry: these three words represent requirements for boating in New Mexico and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife, along with New Mexico State Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and other stakeholders are asking boaters to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY their boats to stop the spread of harmful invasive mussels. Boaters should be prepared for mandatory inspections throughout the state designed to help ensure that New Mexico's waters remain mussel-free.

Firefighters respond to the Canon Del Terrero Fire

Mountainair, NM – 25, 2026 — Firefighters are actively responding to suppress the Canon Del Terrero Wildfire
Reported start date / time: May 25, 2026
Cause: Undetermined/Under Investigation
Size: Approximately 1 Acre
Location: Off of USFR-321 – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. Northwest of Tajique, New Mexico
Resources on scene: 3 USFS Type 6 Engines, 1 Torrance County Engine and 1 Torrance County Water Tender.

Fire Behavior and Strategy: Firefighters are using a Direct Extinguishment Strategy. The Canon Del Terrero Fire is exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior. The fire is burning in timber within an area that has previously been treated.

SANTA FE — New Mexico honored two officers killed in the line of duty at the annual Law Enforcement Memorial on May 22:  Doña Ana County Sheriff's Deputy Antonio De Jesus Aleman and Bloomfield Police Department Officer Timothy Ontiveros, both lost in 2025. 

The event, held at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, featured speakers: Lt. Governor Howie Morales and DPS Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie.

"Today we honor not only the service of Deputy Antonio De Jesus Aleman and Officer Timothy Ontiveros, but the courage and character that defined their lives," said DPS Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie. "Their commitment to protecting our communities reflects the very best of New Mexico, and their legacy will continue to guide and inspire us to lead with integrity, compassion and unwavering resolve."

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 Business Loop 22, Pine St. Resurfacing Project, Mile Marker 0 to 4.2, Deming

 FINAL Update for Mill Fire

Northwest Magdalena Mountains - Magdalena Ranger District

(Albuquerque, NM – May 21, 2026) — Fire crews made significant progress on the Mill wildfire yesterday utilizing direct extinguishment strategy with ground and aerial resources. Forward progression was stopped using crews constructing handlines supported by helicopter water drops. Pockets of interior fuels continue to burn, and residual smoke may be visible. Fire crews will continue to monitor the fire footprint and mop up as necessary.

Reported start date / Time: May 20, 2026 / 0619