NM Oks $24.4M For Behavioral Health Services Statewide
Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico has approved $24.4 million in early access funding to expand behavioral health services statewide, allowing communities to address gaps in care while longer-term regional plans are developed.
The funding, to be administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, totals $24,473,462 and will support immediate investments to improve access to behavioral health across the regions.
“This funding puts decisions closer to the communities delivering care,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary at New Mexico Health Care Authority. Read More
NMSP Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting In Artesia
NMSP News:
ARTESIA — Jan. 21, 2026, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested by the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force to investigate an officer-involved shooting (OIS) involving one of their detectives.
Investigations Bureau agents learned earlier that day, the United States Marshals Service requested assistance from the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, in apprehending Aaron Cane Vasquez (27). Vasquez was wanted on a no-bond probation violation warrant with nationwide extradition. Vasquez was also identified as a person of interest in Read More
Pile Burning Planned In Jemez Ranger District Jan. 26
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations as early as Monday Jan. 26 in the Jemez Ranger District, pending all required approvals. The 239-acre Horseshoe Piles Project is located adjacent to the Horseshoe Springs community near La Cueva and north of the village of Jemez Springs, N.M. Ignitions are planned for one to four days.
Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, Read More
Rep. Gabe Vasquez On Lack Of Reform And Accountability In Department Of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement today ahead of his vote opposing the FY26 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill. In July 2025, DHS received a $150 billion “blank check” under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now being used to fund ICE with no guardrails or oversight.
“As long as Secretary Noem continues to run DHS as a rogue agency that directs masked agents to create chaos in our communities and detain our citizens with impunity and no regard for our rights Read More
FBI: Dulce Man Pleads Guilty To Assault
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Dulce man pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an incident in which he discharged a handgun in a vehicle, striking the victim.
According to court documents, July 21, 2025, Leandrew Cody Velarde, 22, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, became intoxicated in a park. The victim and another individual offered to drive him home, and he got into their vehicle. During an argument in the car, Velarde handled a handgun he had with him, and the firearm discharged, striking the victim. The victim required airlift transport to a hospital but survived the injury. Read More
