News

Trump Border Wall Clash: Judge Authorizes Federal Deposit to Buy Church Land

A legal battle over 14.259 acres at Mount Cristo Rey has pitted the Trump administration against the Diocese of Las Cruces, which argues that border wall infrastructure would transform one of the Southwest's most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites into a symbol of division. While a federal judge allowed the government to deposit compensation for the land, the Church's constitutional challenge remains unresolved.

Lightning Barrage Sparks New Wildfires in Santa Fe National Forest — Firefighters Racing to Contain as Smoke Drifts

Firefighters are working to fully contain several lightning-caused wildfires that started across the Santa Fe National Forest after a strong thunderstorm moved through northern New Mexico on Monday. The Oso Fire is 0.1 acres, the Cebolla 2 Fire is 0.5 acres, and the Pelada Fire reached nearly 5 acres before forward spread was stopped.

Tree Deaths Are Accelerating Faster Than Scientists Expected—and Bark Beetles Are Winning

New Mexico's forests are facing growing pressure from drought, rising temperatures and a dramatic increase in bark beetle infestations, according to a new state report. Scientists say climate-driven stress is leaving ponderosa and piñon forests increasingly vulnerable, raising concerns about the long-term health of one of the Southwest's defining landscapes.

What’s In With ‘Operation Cool Down’ as Albuquerque Experience Triple-Digit Heat

Albuquerque's heat now reaches triple-digit temperatures. The City Government has now established 'Operation Cool Down' to ease residents' heat-related problems.

Goodbye, Texas U-Turn? NMDOT Wants to Rename the ‘Texas U-Turn’ as It Debuts on I-25

The famous "Texas U-turn" is coming to Albuquerque's I-25 corridor, but New Mexico officials aren't eager to give Texas the credit. Through a public contest, the New Mexico Department of Transportation is asking residents to help rename the traffic feature, transforming a routine highway upgrade into a celebration of New Mexico identity and creativity.

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‘We’ll Take Your Hand’: Tomasita’s Employees Find Temporary Work After Fire Forces Restaurant Closure

After a fire forced Tomasita’s to close last week, more than 25 of its employees have found temporary jobs at other establishments, allowing them to stay employed and earn income during the Balloon Fiesta.

‘It sounded like an F-16’: Pipeline Blast Near New Mexico-Colorado Border Sends Flames Into New Mexico Sky, Sparked Wildfire

Residents near the New Mexico-Colorado border described a terrifying pipeline explosion that shook the ground, knocked out power and sent flames towering into the sky before igniting a wildland fire.

Just Like a Movie: “Up”-Inspired 94-Balloon Cluster Soars at 2026 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

A 94-balloon cluster inspired by the iconic Disney-Pixar film “Up” became one of the standout sights at this year’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday. The cluster made its way to Arizona early Sunday morning.

New Mexico Launches State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, Becoming 31st State to Offer In-State Alternative

New Mexico has launched a state-run meat and poultry inspection program, giving local producers and processors a new pathway to inspect and sell products within state lines under Livestock Board supervision rather than federal oversight. Developed with the USDA, the program aims to ease access for smaller operations and strengthen local food systems.

Wrong-Way Crash Kills Four on Interstate 40, NMSP Confirms

Authorities reported a deadly wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 after a commercial truck crossed the median and hit two vehicles on Sunday.