Public News Service

Desde el fallo de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos a favor de Citizens United en 2010, un pu�ado de donantes ricos han dominado las donaciones y el gasto electoral en las campa�as pol�ticas de Estados Unidos. (AddMeshCube/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Contribuciones de mujeres en las elecciones al Congreso son inferiores a hombres

Un nuevo análisis de las contribuciones económicas aportadas a los candidatos al Congreso de 2024 muestra que las mujeres contribuyen con ta…

A new U.S. Census Bureau report shows the rate of children without health insurance in New Mexico was 5.9% in 2023, compared to 5.4% nationwide. (FotoAndalucia/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

A new federal report shows anti-poverty policies enacted by New Mexico are making a big difference. This month, the U.S. Census Bureau has released …

In New Mexico, 70% of extremely low-income renter households face a severe cost burden, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (qingwa/AdobeStock)

America's 2-decade-long housing shortage needs a fix

New Mexico houses cost less to buy than in many other states but there's also less inventory and one data expert does not expect a building boom to re…

According to a survey by SafeWise.com, 42% of New Mexicans rely on guard dogs to protect their property while 36% use security cameras. (RobertWilson/AdobeStock)

NM lawmakers return to Roundhouse to address public safety

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called lawmakers back to the state Capitol this month for a legislative session about public safety…

The average college scholarship recipient in New Mexico is under 25 years old, female and Hispanic. (Julie/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico earns high marks, boosts enrollment with no-cost college

New Mexico consistently ranks low in childhood educational achievement, but its path to a college degree is being recognized at the highest levels…

New Mexico is among states with the most diverse species of animals, including the African oryx, or gemsbok. (NationalParkService)

Advocates: Communities, wildlife benefitting from clean energy investments

Wildlife advocates say the current transition to clean energy will not only protect people in New Mexico communities, but also will have a huge …

Nuevo M�xico se encuentra entre los estados con las especies de animales m�s diversas, incluido el oryx africano o gemsbok. (NationalParkService)

Comunidades y vida silvestre se benefician de inversiones en energía limpia

Los defensores de la vida silvestre dicen que la transición actual hacia la energía limpia no solo protegerá a las personas en las comu…

New Mexico is one of 10 states where 20% of school districts have funding below adequate levels, according to a new report. (exellentschools.org)<br />

Report: NM school funding suffers from lack of 'economic capacity'

A new report says state funding for public schools has fallen off a "fiscal cliff" in 39 states, and that New Mexico is one of 10 states where some 60…

A bill before the New Mexico Legislature would halt approval of new drilling permits within a mile of school facilities starting in July. (Photo courtesy of Consumer Watchdog)

A trio of NM bills could rein in lucrative oil, gas industry

A trio of bills to curb oil and gas pollution is under consideration by New Mexico lawmakers. New Mexico is the country's second-largest oil …

Mexican, red and gray wolves were nearly hunted to extinction in the lower 48 states, but the gray wolf is making a limited comeback in the Great Lakes, northern Rockies, California and the Pacific Northwest. (gnagel/AdobeStock)

America's Endangered Species Act turns 50

Five decades after passage of the Endangered Species Act, extinction no longer threatens more than 50 species. Success of the law was demonstrated …

Farmers and ranchers steward about 44% of the United States' landmass. (ZoranZeremski/Adobe Stock)

Delayed Farm Bill could affect millions of Americans

The Farm Bill, typically renegotiated every five years will likely be extended to six years this time around, as Congress seems months away from …

New Mexico's Healthy Foods Market, operated by Roadrunner Food Bank, distributes fresh produce and perishable food items monthly in nine urban, rural and tribal communities. (Photo courtesy RRFB)

New Mexico's Food Activists Shine Light on Hunger

The lines at hunger relief organizations are longer now as pandemic-related benefits have ended, but you can help your neighbors with grocery …

It's estimated nearly 3,400 New Mexicans have had some student loan debt reduced since 2021 through a U.S. Department of Education program that offers loan forgiveness to college graduates who work in qualified public service jobs. (fizkes/AdobeStock)

NM Student Loan Borrowers Urged to Plan Ahead for Payment Restart

The reboot on student loan payments has financial strategists encouraging New Mexicans with debt to figure out what's doable, what's impossible…

New Mexico used federal pandemic funds to expand child care assistance, which was replaced by state funding during the 2023 legislative session to prevent a reversal. (nmvoices.org)

NM Kids' Well-Being Falls Short; Child Advocates Expect Turnaround

New Mexico ranks last in a new report on kids' overall well-being by state, but children's advocates said the two-year-old data does not tell the …

A report based on federal data shows New Mexico's rate of homelessness is 12 individuals per 10,000 people, compared with 18 per 10,000 nationwide - lower than neighboring Colorado, also at 18 per 10,000, but higher than Texas at eight per 10,000. (M-SUR/AdobeStock)

NM Homelessness Declines, But Rural Folks Face Barriers

In the past two years, homelessness in America has risen only 1%, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - which …

In 2022, a stretch of the Rio Grande flowing through Albuquerque ran dry for the first time in 40 years. (LeoYorkPhotos/AdobeStock)

NM Lawmakers Urged to Allocate More Money to Purchase Water

New Mexico lawmakers are considering a bill this session to fully fund the Strategic Water Reserve, a management tool deemed critical as the state …

Rural Americans pay more when gas prices rise, because they tend to drive farther as part of their day-to-day activities. (SaschaBurkard/Adobe Stock)

Inflation's Impacts on Rural America Likely Higher than Known

Many economists believe inflation will further ease this year, which cannot come soon enough for overburdened rural Americans, including those in New …

Currently, New Mexico is one of the few Western states without a dedicated land and water conservation funding. (Don/AdobeStock)

NM Legislature Considers Dedicated Funding for Land, Water Conservation

As New Mexico recovers from its worst wildfire in history, lawmakers are considering a proposal to create the "Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund" to …

Starting next year, the federal government will end noncompetitive oil and gas leasing on federal lands and require lessees to pay higher rents and royalties. (EUDPic/Adobe Stock)

Oil and Gas Leasing Reform to Continue in 2023

New Mexico residents are expected to testify next month in virtual hearings on a draft rule to curb methane pollution from the oil and gas sector…

In a 2018 ruling, a state District Court judge found New Mexico was failing to prepare students equally for college and a career, specifically citing a lack of sufficient education for Native Americans. (AdobeStock/mmg1design)

NM's Boost in Early Education Funds Included in Federal Omnibus Bill

New Mexico voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question in November to spend more money on early childhood education and public schools, and now …

The expansion of tax credits and free school meals during COVID-19 temporarily lifted more than three-million children out of poverty during the latter half of 2021, according to a Child Trends report. (disha1980/AdobeStock)

Study: Lifting Children Out of Poverty Losing Momentum

A new study found progress made to reduce child poverty over the past 25 years in the U.S. is at risk of stalling or being reversed. Child poverty …

If passed by Congress, legislation to recognize

NM "Downwinders" Continue Fight for Radiation Exposure Relief

A New Mexico group seeking financial compensation for those suffering negative health effects from the 1945 Trinity atomic bomb tests has two more yea…

In New Mexico, 32% of roads are in poor condition and each motorist pays $767 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair, according to the 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. (suwichanpralomram/Pixabay)

USDA Pilot Program Launches in Nine NM Counties

New Mexico will be one of the first states to receive help from the Rural Partners Network, a new government initiative aiming to reset the way …

Gasoline prices are higher in California than New Mexico, but drivers could pay over $5 and even $6 a gallon for unleaded during peak summer driving season, according to AAA. (Obelixlatino/Pixabay)

NM Legislature Convenes to Consider Relief for Gas, Food Prices

With the goal of providing financial relief for New Mexicans struggling with higher prices for gas and food, legislators convene today for a special …

Child well-being in New Mexico was steadily improving prior to the onset of the pandemic, according to a new report from the state's Voices for Children. (AlexandraKoch/Pixabay)

Report: NM's Hispanic Families Hurt Most by Pandemic

New Mexico's families of color, Hispanic families in particular, have been hit hardest by income losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to …

NM Environmental Groups Mark MLK Day with Climate Walk

New Mexico climate activists commemorate today's Martin Luther King Jr. Day by walking to the State Capitol in Santa Fe from four directions…

President Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill would have reauthorized the expanded Child Tax Credit but is now in jeopardy after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reversed his support. (marcinjozwiak/Pixabay)

Endangered Tax Credit Impacts Thousands of New Mexico Children

Expansion of the Child Tax Credit during the COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge difference for many New Mexico families, but payments will not resume …

In the second cohort of the Magnolia Mother's Trust, the percentage of moms able to keep up with their bills increased from 37% to 80%. (Adobe Stock)

With BBB In Doubt, A Push for Guaranteed Income for Low-Income Families

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

If New Mexico opts into Advanced Clean Car standards, it will join Colorado, Nevada and 15 other states. (swenergy.org)

NM Coalition Makes Speedier Push for Electric Vehicles

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexicans who want to impact climate change by driving an electric vehicle have several roadblocks, and they won't end soon if …

To create a route for the southern border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, the Trump administration used blasting techniques typically reserved for mining operations. (John Darwin Kurc)

Border Wall Map Reveals Damage to Landscape, Migration Routes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A newly-released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and for conservation …

Wind and solar account for about 5,000 jobs in New Mexico, but solar and other advanced energy technologies are expected to boost the state's job growth to 7% this year, according to a report by Advanced Energy Economy. (westernresourceadvocates.org)

Advanced Energy Expected to Boost NM 2021 Job Growth

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Advanced energy technologies, including solar, wind, electric vehicles and smart grid improvements, are expected to boost job …

Conservation groups say land bridges can help migrating wildlife by preventing collisions between animals and vehicles on highways and rail lines. (creativenature/Adobe Stock)

State-Federal Cooperation Needed to Help Migrating Wildlife

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Wildlife migrations are a part of the American West's lore and history, but many of those centuries-old passages are now obstructed …

New Mexico's Early Childhood Education Trust Fund will help provide a long-term funding source to invest in New Mexico's youngest children, according to New Mexico Voices for Children.(Victoria_Borodinova/Pixabay)

Pluses Outweigh Minuses in NM Kids Count Data Despite Pandemic

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A report on New Mexico's children and families showed steady improvement in child poverty since 2016, declining from nearly 31% to 2…

With the pandemic exacerbating educational inequities, New Mexico Democrats say they want to finish a decades-long fight to withdraw more money from the state's largest and oldest endowment to fund early education. (ePhotographyAustralia/Pixabay)

Poll: NM Voters Support Boost to Early-Education Funding

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A new poll shows a majority of New Mexico voters support a constitutional amendment to permanently fund early childhood …

Construction of a wall along the border between the United States and Mexico has hampered the natural migration of wildlife, including the Mexican gray wolf, bighorn sheep, ringtail cats, ocelot and jaguar. (wiki.org)

Biden to Decide Future of Trump's Border Wall

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- President-elect Joe Biden has said there will not be another foot of wall constructed along the border between the U-S and …

The CARES Act provided $13.5 billion to the nation's public education system, but educators say a larger installment for public school systems is needed. (Lihuihuiycg/Pixabay)

COVID-19: Educators Want More Federal Dollars for Public Schools

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - School teachers in New Mexico are calling on the federal government to step up funding for state and local governments due to the …

The U.S. Treasury Department announced Tuesday it would release coronavirus relief funding to the nation's 574 federally recognized tribes, weeks after states, cities and counties received their funding. (Wikipedia)

Tribes Receive Partial COVID Funds: Too Little, Too Late?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Tribal communities now will begin receiving federal coronavirus relief funding, a week after the government missed a …

The U.S. Department of Labor says more than one in 10 U.S. workers have lost jobs in the past three weeks due to economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak. (JayMantri/Pixabay)

COVID-19 Slashes New Mexico Jobs, Jabs Economic Outlook

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The new coronavirus pandemic has sabotaged what was a booming U.S. economy, and some experts don't expect it to come roaring …

A lack of access to food, shelter and basic hygiene by those experiencing homelessness make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. (Leroy_Skalstad/Pixabay)

NM Homeless Shelters Seeking Help During Coronavirus Pandemic

SANTA FE, N.M -- New Mexico's homeless advocates say local communities, with help from the state government, need to make arrangements to house those …

Consumer spending in the U.S. accounts for roughly 70% of economic growth, making the new coronavirus and associated disruptions in the global supply chain a significant risk to the U.S. economy. (alex80/Pixabay)

First COVID-19 Cases in NM; Pandemic Highlights Lack of Paid Sick Leave

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico announced its first presumptive positive COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, the first confirmed cases in the state…

New Mexico is one of the nation's top three oil and gas producers, and new state rules to limit methane emissions are expected by the end of the year. (sierragrandesierraclub.org)

Final Day for New Mexicans to Voice Suggestions on Methane Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- This is the last day for New Mexico residents to have their say before draft rules are written by the state to govern methane …

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the state's current budget surplus could allow tuition-free college for state residents, and that New Mexico should do everything it can to make student debt

Governor: We Must Transform NM Into a "Place People Want to Be"

SANTA FE, N.M. -- In a state highly reliant on revenues from oil and gas drilling to fund its budget, New Mexico's governor would like to ease that …

New Mexico is not adequately providing opportunity for children of color, who make up 75% of the state's child population, according to New Mexico Voices for Children. (sonamabcd/Pixabay)

Well-Being Disparities Persist for New Mexico's Children

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- There is positive news for children in the annual data book released Wednesday by New Mexico Voices for Children. But the …

A new analysis shows $61.3 million per year over two years and a one-time investment of $48 million in state capital outlay funds to build permanent supportive housing could solve homelessness in New Mexico. (fantareis/Pixabay)

New Proposal Aims to Solve Homelessness in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Service providers in New Mexico say homelessness is a solvable problem, but only if lawmakers step up funding for two evidence-…

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has said she hopes to get $35 million approved this legislative session to offer students free in-state college tuition. (LeoFontes/Pixabay)

NM's 2020 Legislative Session to Again Focus on Education

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico is losing experienced educators every day, according to the president of the state's teachers' union, who says steps to …

A 2018 study found that designation of White Sands National Monument as a national park could increase visitation by 21 percent and boost spending in local communities by $7.5 million. (nps.gov)

White Sands to Become Nation's Newest National Park

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A 120-year-old idea to make New Mexico's White Sands National Monument a national park could be realized before the end of the …

State economists say New Mexico state government is increasingly reliant on surging income from the oil and natural gas sectors. (progressnownm.org)

Is "Dark Money" Influencing New Mexico's Oil and Gas Conversation?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico's oil and gas industry is currently providing the state's economy with a historic financial boost, but …

According to a new analysis, 70% of New Mexico families with children are expected to benefit from a change in the state income tax code. (U_8f8rxx56/PIxabay)

Report: Majority of NM Families to Benefit from State Tax Cut

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A new analysis shows 70% of New Mexico families with children will get a break on their state personal income taxes when …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 20, 2024

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NM: Budget Policy & Priorities