Non-Local News Releases

Tree deaths tripled across New Mexico in 2025 amid drought, heat

Annual survey of 14 million acres shows beetle kill up 211 percent

SANTA FE – Tree deaths tripled in New Mexico during the second warmest year on record, according to a new report that shows a mixed portrait of resilience and vulnerability across New Mexico's forested landscapes.

Each year, the New Mexico Forestry Division and U.S. Forest Service conduct aerial surveys to map insect and disease activity across 14 million acres of state, private, Tribal, and federal forests and woodlands. The subsequent report captures a comprehensive analysis of forest health across New Mexico.

"It's important to contextualize that this report is a snapshot of New Mexico's forests at a specific time," said State Forester Laura McCarthy. "However, this snapshot is a good predictor of what to expect for the next few years if such meager precipitation and warm winter temperatures persist."

SANTA FE – A new judiciary-operated information service offers assistance to the public about courts in New Mexico and civil legal matters.

Trained staff with the New Mexico Courts HelpLine are available six days a week by telephone to provide legal information and answer questions about state courts.

The no-cost service guides people to court forms and rules for filing or responding to lawsuits, self-help videos on legal topics, and other resources for understanding court procedures in civil actions, including landlord-tenant housing disputes, consumer debt matters and family law issues such as divorce and child custody.

State urges action to stop elder financial exploitation in New Mexico

SANTA FE — Financial exploitation remains a growing threat to older New Mexicans, and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a great reminder to revisit what you know about financial exploitation and take steps to prevent it from happening to you or someone you know.

In the last year, the New Mexico Securities Division has received hundreds of reports of suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, including older New Mexicans. The FBI reported nearly $56 million in losses from elder fraud complaints for New Mexico in 2025.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Eastern New Mexico University Campus Union Building, 1500 S. Avenue K, Portales, NM 88130.

The full agenda, and other information, will be available on the Department of Wildlife 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.

(Albuquerque, NM) – PNM is reminding customers that they have several convenient, secure, and fee‑free options to pay their monthly bill. These fee-free choices are designed to make managing household expenses easier, more flexible and more accessible for all customers.

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Customers can make quick, secure payments anytime at PNM.com using their bank routing and account number. It's fast, safe and completely fee-free.

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New Mexico Wildlife Bulletin June 2026

Please click the link below to find out what's happening:

Governor's Special Hunt Auction online for 2026

Proceeds to benefit Game Protection Fund, efforts related to Department's mission

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is auctioning nine premium hunting opportunities through June 23 to raise funds for wildlife conservation programs, with proceeds supporting the state's Game Protection Fund.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized the auction pursuant to 2007 legislation. The Department has partnered with Ducks Unlimited to offer the New Mexico Governor's Special Hunt Auction online in 2026. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for projects and programs directly related to the Department's mission.

LAS CRUCES — White Sands Missile Range has scheduled road closures on U.S. 70 for Thursday, June 11.

U.S. 70 will be blocked two times beginning at 9:30 a.m. and again at 12:30 p.m.Each block will last approximately one hour, with closures lifting by 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These closures will be located at Blue Block, 2 miles east of the access road at mile marker 172, and at the Brown Block at mile marker 192.

San Augustin Pass and the LC Gate will not be affected. However, Nike Avenue will be affected by the closure.

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice. For updates, call White Sands Missile Range at 575-678-2221 or 575-678-2222, visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation at  www.nmroads.com or call 511.