Non-Local News Releases

Albuquerque, NM --- In a groundbreaking civil action, plaintiff Thomas Newsome filed a lawsuit against the University of New Mexico (UNM), alleging systemic violations of the New Mexico Records Management Act and the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA).  The complaint asserts that UNM failed to meet its legal "duty to document" evidence of the public activities of the institution, resulting in the denial, delay, and obstruction of Newsome's lawful right to access government records.

According to the lawsuit [attached below], filed Thursday in Bernalillo County District Court, UNM's chronic failure to create, manage, and preserve essential public records undermines the openness and accountability owed to the citizens of New Mexico, creating a "transparency vacuum."

The New Mexico-filmed documentary AMERICAN HEMP FARMER premieres on PBS March 14. Folks can watch AMERICAN HEMP FARMER from anywhere starting March 14 on the PBS Passport App. Folks can also stream at AMERICAN HEMP FARMER.com  starting the same day. And AMERICAN HEMP FARMER will air on KWRG New Mexico in April. Presented by The Family Farmer Adventure Hour. Thank you so much to all for the watch.

Urban tree-planting efforts branch southward to T or C, Silver City 

SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proclaimed March 2026 as Arbor Month and the second Friday – this year, March 13 – as Arbor Day, occasions that highlight the vital role trees play in our lives.

The New Mexico Forestry Division is celebrating Arbor Month 2026 by spotlighting its partner Tree New Mexico, which builds and cares for urban forests, focusing on heat-burdened neighborhoods.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A former federal wildlife disease expert is now leading New Mexico's Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS) Division, bringing specialized experience in animal disease protection and surveillance to the state's agriculture agency.

Dr. Aaron Phillips, who served as a diagnostician with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, began his role Feb. 16 at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's (NMDA) Albuquerque facility. At USDA's National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Phillips led wildlife disease diagnostics, research and surveillance.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) has launched a free, web-based planning tool to help water systems across the state find funding, fix vulnerabilities and plan for a more reliable water future. 

Across New Mexico, many communities—especially small and rural ones—depend on local public water systems that often have limited capacity to sift through complex technical information, funding pathways, and resilience strategies. WaterTAP is built to reduce that burden by organizing trusted information into a clear workflow that supports decision-making and next steps. New Mexicans are invited to customize their experience at WaterTAP.MainStreamNM.org.

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for beef jerky products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products may contain soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

The ready-to-eat beef jerky items bear best by dates of February 17, 2027 or prior. The following products subject to the public health alert are [view labels]:

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-25 Roadway Rehabilitation Project, Mile Marker 124-125, Socorro County CN1102180

SANTA FE — For the upcoming 2026–2027 license year, the Department is reducing the number of Persian ibex licenses based on the most recent population data. These adjustments are necessary to support long‑term population stability and maintain future hunting opportunities.

The Department will discontinue female/immature (F/IM) ibex licenses, reduce the number of either‑sex (ES) licenses, and eliminate the over‑the‑counter ibex hunt. For updated information please refer to the IBEX Hunt Table. 

For customers that have questions please contact the Department's Information Center at 888-248-6866 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..