Non-Local News Releases

Santa Fe, NM – Representatives Rebecca Dow (R–Truth or Consequences) and Stefani Lord (R–Sandia Park) have formally requested that the New Mexico Truth Commission fully meet the scope of its investigation into activities connected to Zorro Ranch, including a comprehensive review of the systemic failures that allowed misconduct to occur.

In a letter sent to Commission Chair Andrea Romero, the lawmakers emphasized that while identifying individual wrongdoing is critical, the Commission must also examine the institutional breakdowns that may have enabled those actions.

"This cannot be a surface-level investigation," said Rep. Dow. "If we fail to fully examine what happened and learn from it, we risk allowing the same failures to happen again. Victims deserve nothing less than a complete accounting of the truth and real reforms that ensure this never happens in New Mexico again."

SANTA FE — New Mexico veterans and their families can get hands-on help filing benefits claims, connect with service providers and attend sessions on emerging treatments and mental health resources at the state's annual veterans conference next month in Las Cruces.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services (NMDVS) will host the free, two-day event April 17-18 at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, 705 S. Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88011.

Conference sessions will include legislative updates, program briefings from state, federal and community partners, and presentations on resources available to veterans and their families. Special sessions will address women veteran mental health and service needs, tribal veteran issues and resources, and emerging medical treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Volunteers clean a two-acre American flag at Spaceport America in March of 2026 (photo credit: Spaceport America)LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Wednesday, March 18, 2026) — One of the largest flags ever produced made its way to Spaceport America on the weekend of March 13-15, 2026, for comprehensive cleaning.

Josh Dorfman and AJ Rehberg, co-founders of the Great American Flag Preservation Group, transported the world's second-largest American flag to Spaceport America where it was unfurled, cleaned, and refurled by a group of nearly 100 community volunteers.

"We spent six years trying to find the right location to do this, and there were a number of factors we considered," said Josh Dorfman, co-founder of the Great American Flag Preservation Group. "First, there had to be a facility large enough to keep the flag. Second, security was important to us, and Spaceport America has a top-notch security team. We also needed a partner that was willing, and we found that."

LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is urging motorists to take extra precautions as a March heat wave brings elevated temperatures across southern New Mexico.

High temperatures can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the risk of vehicle-related issues. NMDOT encourages all travelers to plan ahead and prioritize safety before heading out on the road.

Motorists are advised to:

US Marshals-led Operation Triple Beam-Shadow Break Results in 920 Arrests

Operation Focused on Violent Fugitives, Unlawful Gun Possession, and Narcotics in Albuquerque, NM and the immediate surrounding areas

Albuquerque – A large-scale, 17-week-long multi-federal, state and local operation led by the United States Marshals Service District of New Mexico, focused on violent fugitives, firearms and narcotics related offenders has concluded.

Operation Triple Beam-Shadow Break commenced on November 3, 2025, and concluded on February 28, 2026. The United States Marshals Service partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal, state and local agencies as a force multiplier in Operation Triple Beam – to achieve a common goal – apprehending violent fugitives, targeting firearm related offenders, narcotics trafficking, and systematically collecting tangible criminal intelligence to reduce violent crime.

New cabin at Coyote Creek State Park (exterior) Modern RV sites also included in milestone State Park upgrades 

MORA, N.M. – The New Mexico State Parks Division will open a newly constructed campground at Coyote Creek State Park on Saturday, March 28, adding the first cabin accommodations in the Division's 93-year history and introducing modern camping amenities designed to improve access for a wider range of visitors. 

The new campground includes five recreational vehicle (RV) sites with modern shelters, electricity and water hookups, including one accessible site. The new Aserradero (Spanish for sawmill) Loop also includes five cabins, including one that is fully accessible. All cabins include electric power, interior lighting, wood stoves and a dedicated water hydrant. 

Defensible Space and insurance: IBHS & Firewise

The Spark: Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round

Start with the first 5 feet.

This month's edition of The Spark bulletin delves into the Wildfire Prepared Homesprogram and how it could help you retain your insurance.  

Read The Spark and share it around!

Warn Silence Undermines Public Trust

Santa Fe, NM — Senators Nicole Tobiassen (R–Albuquerque) and Crystal Brantley (R–Elephant Butte) are calling for immediate transparency and accountability following troubling findings regarding the use of legislative appropriations within the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD).

Last week, the Senators formally requested that the Office of the State Auditor and the Office of the Child Advocate provide lawmakers with the complete audit materials and deliver a joint briefing to an appropriate legislative interim committee. The request follows findings indicating that millions of dollars appropriated by the Legislature for children's behavioral health services may have been used for unauthorized purposes.