The New Mexico legislative session began yesterday, launching a 30-day period during which legislators from across the state will work to advance higher education and workforce training initiatives aimed at strengthening communities and fostering change for all New Mexicans. During the session, Western New Mexico University will highlight key priorities focused on campus modernization and the advancement of critical statewide initiatives, including the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, expanded rural access to care through the School of Nursing, and the development of a centralized hub for student success services.
The Silver City Ranger District of the Gila National Forest plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on January 22 and 23, pending all required approvals. Planned activities include burning slash piles in the Pinos Altos and Little Walnut wildland–urban interface (WUI) project areas, with pile burn units located within the Gomez Peak trail system and near the Feeley and Wagon Wheel subdivisions. Smoke is expected to affect residents in the Little Walnut area of Silver City and may be visible from Little Walnut Road and New Mexico Highway 15 near Pinos Altos. These prescribed fire operations are anticipated to continue through the month of January as weather conditions permit.
A $2 million project funded by the New Mexico Border Authority (NMBA) will deliver significant infrastructure improvements along C-001 in southern Hidalgo County, including critical drainage upgrades and 24 miles of paving south of Highway 9. Once completed, the project will enhance safety and provide reliable access for daily travel and emergency response. In addition, the NMBA has invested $400,000 in a comprehensive economic assessment for Hidalgo and Luna Counties to evaluate key systems such as transportation, water and wastewater, utilities, drainage, land use, and border infrastructure.
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In 2025, New Mexico’s Breaking Bad Habits campaign mobilized more than 19,000 volunteers who collectively removed over 10.5 million pounds of litter from communities across the state. The statewide litter prevention program coordinated 250 cleanup events in partnership with 190 local organizations, demonstrating a broad, collaborative effort to keep New Mexico clean and beautiful. Residents are encouraged to support these efforts by taking the pledge, finding cleanup opportunities, or reporting illegal dumping at website.
