New Mexico

'One life lost out there is one too many': Taos leaders discuss safety of Gorge Bridge

Published

2 years ago

June 15, 2024

'One life lost out there is one too many': Taos leaders discuss safety of Gorge Bridge

TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been a conversation in northern New Mexico for years. Now, after another apparent suicide this week at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos, community leaders said there is a dire need to find a solution to help save lives.

“One life lost out there is one too many. It weighs heavy on the community as a whole,” said Taos County Commissioner Darlene Vigil.

It’s a tourist destination, but it also has a dark history.

“The Gorge Bridge is definitely a place that many folks come to see. It has beautiful views, and unfortunately, it is being used often for suicide,” said Vigil.

On Tuesday, Taos County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, once again, for a possible suicide. Deputies recovered a body; this marks the third time they believe someone took their life this year.

The sheriff’s office said there’s continued concern for those on the bridge but also his deputies, who spearhead recovery efforts.

“It’s extremely challenging and dangerous. Every step, it could transition from a recovery to a rescue for the emergency personnel,” said Taos County Sheriff Steve Miera.

There have been years of discussion about putting more safety features on the bridge, like tall fencing or possible netting underneath. However, a 2019 study suggested the bridge would need improvements to support it.

“A complete structure analysis of the bridge would have to be done and also put the footings because that’s where all the weight goes,” said NMDOT Public Information Officer Jim Murray.

Vigil said the county plans to move forward with safety plans like adding memorials of those who have committed suicide there in the past, hoping it could act as a distraction to those considering suicide.

Since 2021, the state has continued to sit on $150,000 in capital outlay money for safety upgrades, which could be used to add fencing or cameras.

“We need action. We need to move that talking and conversation into action,” said Vigil.

Right now, there are crisis hotline phones at the bridge as well as an intervention security unit.

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New Mexico

Route 66 stamps will make their debut later this year

Published

56 minutes ago

March 11, 2026

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Route 66 stamps will make their debut later this year

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Postal Service is commemorating the centennial anniversary of Route 66 with a set of eight stamps.

The stamps feature eight different photographs from each state that Route 66 runs through. For New Mexico, a photo shows a old Grants Cafe sign.

Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps and stamp pane using existing photographs by David J. Schwartz.

The stamps will make their debut at the National Postal Forum, also known as the NPF, at the Phoenix Convention Center on May 5. The event will be free and open to the public.

Route 66 was established on Nov. 11, 1926. It originally stretched about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Dubbed “The Mother Road” by author John Steinbeck, Route 66 became a national symbol of freedom and adventure.

News of the stamps is being shared online with the hashtag #Route66Stamps.

Lowrider stamps

In another nod to local car culture, the USPS will begin issuing its Lowrider Forever stamps in sheets of 15 beginning Friday.

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New Mexico

Federal court orders New Mexico prison officials to allow magazine’s delivery

Published

13 hours ago

March 11, 2026

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Federal court orders New Mexico prison officials to allow magazine’s delivery

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New Mexico

Tanya Tucker to perform at New Mexico State Fair

Published

1 day ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Tanya Tucker to perform at New Mexico State Fair

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tanya Tucker will perform at the 2026 New Mexico State Fair, officials announced Tuesday.

Tucker will take to the stage Friday, Sept. 18, after the Chevron PRCA rodeo. The Grammy Award-winning icon has racked up 10 No. 1 country hits since her first hit, “Delta Dawn,” at age 13.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring the legendary Tanya Tucker to the New Mexico State Fair,” said Dan Mourning, general manager of the New Mexico State Fair. “Tanya is one of the greatest icons in country music history and is the perfect fit for the Fair.”

Tucker has 23 Top-40 albums and 56 Top 40 singles on the Billboard country music charts. She has won two Country Music Association awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, three CMT Awards and two Grammys for Best Country Album and Best Country Song.

Tickets are set to go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m.

Here is the full 2026 New Mexico State Fair rodeo-concert lineup:

Friday, Sept. 11

Turnpike Troubadours with Chevron PRCA Xtreme Bulls

Saturday, Sept. 12

Ian Munsick with Chevron PRCA Xtreme Bulls

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Chevron PRCA Standalone Rodeo

Thursday, Sept. 17

Everclear with Chevron PRCA Rodeo

Friday, Sept. 18

Tanya Tucker with Chevron PRCA Rodeo