Public Safety

Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act Executive Committee Special Meeting

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COURT News:

The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the Administrative Office of the Courts announce a special meeting from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Thursday, July 9, of the Executive Committee established under the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (Senate Bill 3). This Committee oversees the ongoing implementation of SB3 (2025), including statewide coordination, regional planning, and progress toward building a stronger behavioral health system. It brings together leaders from all three branches of government, along with community partners, to support a more responsive and equitable Read More

FBI: Navajo Man Charged With Arson

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo man is facing federal charges for burning down a dwelling.

According to court documents, on May 13, 2026, Rashaan McMillan, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, set fire to and burned down the dwelling of John Doe and Jane Doe.

McMillan is charged with arson of a dwelling and will remain in federal custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, McMillan faces up to life in prison.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, Read More

Firefighters Contain Human Caused Wildfire At Clearcreek Campgrounds On Cuba Ranger District

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Forest Service News:

          • Firefighters have contained the fire using a full suppression strategy

The Divide Fire was detected on Sunday, June 21 on the Cuba Ranger District off N.M. 126 at the Clear Creek Campgrounds.

Fire is human caused. Fire was burning in willows and an adjacent log near the creek. Firefighters were able to contain the fire at 0.1 acres Sunday evening. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and extinguish any heat in order to ensure the fire is dead-out.

Fire information is available on the Santa Fe National Forest website, Inciweb, NM Fire Information, and social media Read More

New Mexico Foundation For Open Government Files Lawsuit For Release Of Communications About Project Jupiter

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NMFOG News:

LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (NMFOG) has filed a lawsuit against the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners for release of emails and other communications related to construction of a data center in Southern New Mexico known as Project Jupiter.

The county’s refusal to allow inspection of these public records violates the state Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), and NMFOG is asking the Third Judicial District Court to order the county to release the records as required by IPRA.

At a meeting on Sept. 19, 2025, the Doña Ana County commissioners met Read More

Rio Fire Daily Update: June 23, 2026

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Courtesy photo

New Mexico Fire Information News:

Acres: 147                                                                                                                               

Start Date: June 16, 2026

Location: Mesa De La Gallina, 3 miles northeast of Chicoma Peak

Fuels: Oak, Ponderosa, Locust

Containment: 31%                                                                                                       

Personnel: 124

Cause: Lightning                                                                     

Highlights: Read More

Farmington Trio Charged With Federal Drug Trafficking, Firearms Offenses

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A table displaying several boxed firearms, stacks of cash, and small clear evidence bags. Courtesy photo

A table displaying several boxed firearms, stacks of cash, and small clear evidence bags. Courtesy photo

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Three people in Farmington are accused of participating in a drug trafficking organization after investigators seized cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, ammunition and thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds.

According to court records, June 9, 2026, federal agents and members of the Region II Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at Read More

Governor Lujan Grisham Appoints Dylan O’Reilly To First Judicial District Court

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Dylan O’Reilly

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Monday announced the appointment of Dylan O’Reilly to serve as a judge on the First Judicial District Court, filling a newly created judgeship established by the New Mexico Legislature.

O’Reilly’s appointment commences July 4, 2026. Under state law, his term runs until the next general election following his appointment, at which point he may stand for election to a full term.

O’Reilly has practiced law in New Mexico for 26 years. He is a shareholder and director at Miller Stratvert P.A., where Read More

FBI: Las Cruces Man Sentenced For Robbery

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Las Cruces man was sentence to 18 months in prison for stealing merchandise from a Lowe’s store and threatening an employee with a firearm when confronted.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on Jan. 24, 2025, Saul Gonzalez, 36, stole several pairs of work gloves from a Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After store employees confronted him about the unpaid merchandise, Gonzalez brandished a derringer-style firearm, causing an employee to fear for their safety. Gonzalez then left the store with the stolen Read More

County: When And How To Scare A Bear 

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Mama black bear with her cub. Courtesy photo

COUNTY News:

With bear activity in the community, residents should be aware of when and how to safely scare a bear.

YES — If the bear is anywhere it should not be: eating garbage, bird seed or pet food; near a vehicle, building, chicken coop or garden. 

NO — If hazing the bear would chase it into people, dogs, a busy road or another unsafe situation. 

NO — If the bear is in a natural area where bears belong. 

NO — If the bear is running away or up a tree. 

NO — If the bear is a cub. You could easily injure the cub and cause the mother to react defensively. 

Safe Ways to Scare Read More

Rio Fire Daily Update: June 22, 2026

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Courtesy photo

New Mexico Fire Information News:

Acres: 184

Start Date: June 16, 2026

Location: Mesa De La Gallina, 3 miles northeast of Chicoma Mountain

Fuels: Oak, Ponderosa, and Locust.

Containment: 0%

Personnel: 172

Cause: Lightning

Highlights: The Navajo, Santa Fe, Sawtooth, and Texas Canyon Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs) assigned to the Rio Fire completed handline around the entire fire perimeter on Sunday. Aerial resources continued to support firefighters on the ground by conducting targeted water drops, reducing heat and increasing line integrity.

Operations: Firefighters Read More