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Working-class representation in state legislatures is 1.6% according to a new report, down from 1.8% percent two years ago. (ZackFrank/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

NM's working-class folks are MIA among state legislators

Tracking down a New Mexico state lawmaker from the working class is like hunting for a needle in a haystack, a new study showed. The share of U.S…

Seg�n un nuevo informe, la representaci�n de la clase trabajadora en las asambleas legislativas estatales es del 1.6%, frente al 1.8% de hace dos a�os (ZackFrank/Adobe Stock).

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Clase trabajadora de NM ausentes entre los legisladores estatales

Localizar a un legislador estatal de Nuevo México procedente de la clase trabajadora es como buscar una aguja en un pajar, según un nuevo …

A Republican-led provision included in legislation to avert a government shutdown last week effectively bans LGBTQ+ pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies. (Hodim/AdobeStock)

NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates

After 30 years of championing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, Equality New Mexico has its finger on the pulse of supportive legislation and has made its …

Many New Mexico lawmakers travel hundreds of miles for annual legislative sessions and must rent lodging for 30 to 60 days. (JohnMcGrawPhotog/Adobe Stock)

Women in NM Legislature make the case for an annual salary

New Mexico's Legislature is becoming more diverse but its lawmakers are still the only ones unpaid in the nation, limiting who can afford to serve…

Se espera que la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos se pronuncie r�pidamente sobre si Colorado puede mantener el nombre del expresidente Donald Trump fuera de su boleta electoral de noviembre. (JudithAnne/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS se muestra escéptico sobre excluir a Trump de la boleta presidencial

Las preguntas de los miembros del Tribunal Supremo de EE.UU. el jueves parecían sugerir que la mayoría no sacará al expresidente …

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule quickly on whether Colorado can keep former President Donald Trump's name off its November ballot. (JudithAnne/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS appears skeptical about barring Trump from Presidential ballot

Questions from members of the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday seemed to suggest the majority won't boot former President Donald Trump from Colorado's …

Since 2005, research shows the number of journalists employed by newspapers has declined by 60%, a loss of 43,000 reporters and editors. (junce11/AdobeStock)

Study: Shuttered small-town newspapers sink community vitality

Three million residents in more than 200 U.S. counties don't have access to a single local news source, according to a new study. In New Mexico…

Immigrants start more than 25% of all businesses in seven of the eight sectors that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to grow the fastest over the next decade. (Adriana/Adobe Stock)

Santa Fe's economic vitality depends on immigrants

From construction and hospitality to business creation and consumer spending, a new report shows the oversized contributions immigrants are making to …

New Mexico was peripherally involved in the 2020 fake elector scheme, where President Joe Biden easily won the state's five electoral votes, 54.3% to 43.5%. (Grandbrothers/AdobeStock)

Voters Face New Tests Ahead of 2024 Presidential Election

The next presidential election is still 15 months away but New Mexico election officials are absorbing the latest details about a fake elector scheme …

It's estimated that 200 million Americans are drinking water contaminated with PFAS, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. (Rachel Conn)

NM Activists Secure Hearing on 'Forever Chemicals' Used in Extraction

Environmental groups and concerned citizens scored a victory in New Mexico on Thursday that could lead to better regulation of PFAS, also known as …

Roughly 26% of teenagers and college students volunteer in their communities. (motortion/AdobeStock)<br />

NM Schools Use 'Real-life' Experiences to Ready Students for College, Career

A New Mexico program is offering high school students more real-world experiences to boost their interest in college and a career. Future Focused …

Women's state legislative representation is at a record high in New Mexico, but nationwide they hold less than 33% of all seats, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (theartofpics/AdobeStock)

New Mexico Women Move Toward Gender Parity in State Legislature

Voters in western states are more likely to elect women to the state Legislature, according to a new Center for American Women and Politics report…

New Mexico has provided benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2003. (LeonardoBorges/AdobeStock)

Equality NM Celebrates 30 Years of Transformation for LGBTQ+ Community

Equality New Mexico will advocate for new LGBTQ protections during this year's legislative session as it celebrates 30 years as a leading advocacy org…

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 Respect for Marriage Act will not force states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but they would be required to recognize marriages performed in other states that issue valid licenses. (Mario/Adobe Stock)

NM's LGBTQ Advocates Await Final Passage of Respect for Marriage Act

New Mexico's LGBTQ community is celebrating passage of the "Respect for Marriage Act" by the U.S. Senate - but also surprised it came about so …

Se estima que 29 millones de latinos ser�n elegibles para votar en los EE. UU., con un r�cord de 11,7 millones de votantes en las elecciones de medio t�rmino de 2018. (Niyazz/Adobe Stock)

Campaña de última hora lleva al presidente Biden a Nuevo México

El presidente Joe Biden comentó sobre su programa de alivio de la deuda estudiantil en una parada en Nuevo México el jueves, mientras hac…

An estimated 29 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the United States, with a record 11.7 million voting in the 2018 midterms. (niyazz/Adobe Stock)

Last-Minute Campaigning Brings President Biden to New Mexico

President Joe Biden delivered remarks about his student loan debt-relief program at a stop in New Mexico Thursday, while campaigning for Gov…

About 63% of the 18,000 naturalized citizens welcomed in New Mexico between 2016 through 2022 arrived from Mexico. (somosunpueblounido)

NM's Newly Naturalized Citizens Encouraged to Vote in Midterms

Many newly naturalized citizens will be eligible to vote for the first time next week, including about 18,000 in New Mexico. According to the …

The states of Texas, Florida and Missouri stand to lose the most money following implementation of extreme abortion laws, according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research. (erikawittlieb/Pixabay)

Will Anti-abortion Red States Face Professional 'Brain Drain?'

By Linda Burstyn for Ms. Magazine Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection/Public News Service Bad Business: Anti-abortion …

Certification of primary results came down to the deadline in several conservative New Mexico counties after both elected officials and voters floated unspecified concerns with voting systems. (fairvote.org)

Will Tuesday Primary Losers Encourage New Mexico-Like Chaos?

States holding primaries could be facing a repeat of New Mexico's election chaos if challenges take hold, and one watchdog argued it will further …

Seven states, including New Mexico, hold primary elections on June 7, 2022. (AngelaYurikoSmith/Pixabay)

LGBTQ+ Advocates Endorse NM Primary Candidates

While lawmakers in many states have introduced legislation to roll back LGBTQ+ rights within their borders, New Mexico is not one of them, and …

In 2018, the last non-presidential primary, only about one in five eligible New Mexico voters cast a ballot. (bernco.gov)

Early Voting Continues for New Mexico's June Primary Election

Early and absentee voting is underway for New Mexico's June 7 primary, with some speculating if higher prices at the grocery store and gas pump will …

What Does Musk Takeover Mean for 'Black Twitter?'

Users of "Black Twitter," a community keeping in touch via Twitter about issues of interest to Black Americans, are watching for changes after Elon …

Geneva Ortiz, Tom Elmhorst and Mildred Griffee sort surplus bread as weekly volunteers for Albuquerque's Roadrunner Food Bank. (courtesy photo: rrfb)

Purpose, Better Health Drives New Mexico Volunteers

COVID-19 shutdowns sent many New Mexico volunteers home to isolate, especially those 60 and older. This month, volunteer contributions are being …

The latest redistricting cycle, still under way in some states, resulted in partisan maps by both Republicans and Democrats, according to the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. (fairredistricing.org)

Will Courts Again Decide Fate of New Mexico's Redistricting Map?

Lea County in southeast New Mexico has joined a previously-filed lawsuit asking that a redistricting map be thrown out. The state's Republican …

New Mexico is trying to buck the trend in at least 19 states, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, by expanding rather than limiting voter access. (unitedstatesofcare.org)

Landmark 'New Mexico Voting Rights Act' Stalls in Senate

Amid support and criticism, a marathon public hearing and debate over a bill to bolster voting access ended in the New Mexico Roundhouse Friday …

In 2021, bills prohibiting health care for trans youth were introduced in more than 20 states according to a tally from the American Civil Liberties Union. (Flimbetrachter/Pixabay)

LGBTQ Leaders to NM Governor: Prioritize Anti-Discrimination Laws

New Mexico's short, 30-day legislative session starts today with a focus on budget issues. Nonetheless, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer …

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…

Forty-eight percent of respondents to the New Mexico 2020 census identified ancestry linked to Latin America and other Spanish-speaking areas - the largest percentage of any U.S. state. (fairdistricts.org)

NM Redistricting Map Sent to Governor for Approval

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The New Mexico Legislature has settled on a new redistricting map based on 2020 census data, but it is not one recommended by the …

The Princeton Gerrymandering Project awarded an

NM Legislature Set to Meet on Redistricting Maps

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The New Mexico Legislature will consider three possible redistricting maps for the House and Senate when it meets for a special …

The Native American Voting Rights Act, recently introduced in Congress, would give tribes a say in where and how many polling places are located on tribal lands. (idigenousaction.org)

NM Museum to Highlight History of Indigenous Voting

SANTA FE, N.M. - A New Mexico museum is in the first stage of creating an exhibit devoted to the history of indigenous voting. As recently as 1962…

New Mexico is one of a dozen states giving residents access to the software and web tools needed to participate in 2021 redistricting. (New Mexico Legislature)

Fairness, Transparency Urged as NM Redistricting Advances

SANTA FE, N.M. -- In less than two weeks, proposed maps will be available to New Mexico residents who are following the once-a-decade redrawing of U.…

Language barriers make it difficult for New Mexico's immigrants and refugees to complete government forms, navigate the public school system and make use of computers and other technology. (Adobe Stock)

"Eligible But Excluded" – NM Families Left Out of Pandemic Relief

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Many New Mexicans seeking pandemic relief face an uphill battle due to language barriers, according to a new report. In addition …

Women of color are much less likely to enter contests for statewide executive offices than white women, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (8385/Pixabay)

Women Face Money Crunch on Road to Political Office

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Women have voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1984, but a new study shows when they run for a …

The New Mexico redistricting committee plans to hold a dozen public meetings, including at least two on tribal lands, as 2020 Census data is used to draw new electoral district boundaries. (fairdistricts.org)

NM Redistricting Committee Knocked for Lack of Diversity

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico is considered one of the 10 most ethnically diverse states, but its new redistricting committee is anything but…

Just 21% of Americans believe relations between Republicans and Democrats will improve this year, according to the Pew Research Center; 37% expect them to worsen, and 41% think they'll stay about the same. (mediamodifer/Pixabay)

Could Curiosity Help Americans Bridge Deep Divides?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Polarization is seen as a growing problem in the United States, and many blame social media. But polls show Americans agree on …

Career women in their 60s and beyond are looking to President-elect Joe Biden to smash some stereotypes about aging with his Cabinet picks. (legabbiedelcuore/Pixabay)

Will Biden Presidency Change Age, Gender Stereotypes?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - President-elect Joe Biden is 78-years old, and advocates for redefining retirement are encouraged by early signs that he could …

At least 131 women - 100 Democrats, and 31 Republicans - will serve in Congress in 2021, surpassing the record of 127 set two years ago, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (bellaluna222/Pixabay)

2020 Election Produces Historic Inroads for Women of Color

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- When the U.S. Congress convenes in January, a record number of women will be representing their states. Republican and …

Only 22% of Americans believe tomorrow's election will be

Voters of All Stripes Fear 2020 Election Hijinks

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Unless there's a landslide for one of the presidential candidates tomorrow, Americans will go to bed uncertain of the winner…

New Mexico State University is open and operational this fall, but efforts to get students registered to vote is largely virtual. (nmsu.edu)

College Campuses Capitalize on National Voter Registration Day

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- The youth vote in American elections always has been elusive, but this year, 63% of Americans age 18-29 say they will "definitely …

Oct. 20 is the last date absentee-ballot requests can be received by county clerks in New Mexico. (ncsl.org)

NM League of Women Voters Encourages Online Registration

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The League of Women Voters of New Mexico is confident new voter registrations will increase after the state saw an almost 80% …

Albuquerque is one of at least three new cities with Democratic governors where President Donald Trump plans to send federal agents to

Trump to Send Federal Anti-Crime Agents to Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr announced yesterday that 35 federal agents will be deployed to …

Afraid? Outraged? "Fake News" Could Be the Culprit

SANTA FE -- With the presidential election approaching, there's renewed concern that consumers again will fall prey to "fake news" on social media…

Volunteers unload boxes of water on the Navajo Nation as part of a grassroots food-distribution effort to help the 180,000 tribal members during the coronavirus pandemic. (Deidra Peaches)

Navajo, Hopi Families' COVID-19 Relief Fund Nears $1M

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A relief fund to help Navajo and Hopi families in the Navajo Nation cope with the coronavirus pandemic has raised more than $800,…

The Bureau of Land Management is proceeding with plans to lease more New Mexico public lands to the oil and gas industry, despite the recent energy market collapse. (sej.org)

BLM Barrels Ahead with NM Oil and Gas Leases

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Despite a global pandemic, it's down to the wire for New Mexico residents who want to comment on the May sale of oil and gas leases …

The Urban Institute estimates that as many as 36,900 New Mexico residents may go without being counted in the 2020 census. (May/Pixabay)

Stuck at Home? Time to Complete Your 2020 Census Form

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The new coronavirus health crisis has more people self-isolating, and that makes it a good time to complete your 2020 Census …

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed nearly 100 environmental rollbacks. (FullThrottle6969/Pixabay)

Hearing Today on Revisions to Landmark Environmental Law

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- In order to speed up construction of infrastructure and energy-development projects, the Trump administration has proposed …

A climate change lawsuit rejected by a federal court last week argued that the U.S. government is violating young Americans' constitutional rights to a clean environment. (greenpeace.org)

Supporters of Youth Climate Lawsuit Not Deterred by Court Ruling

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The young people who took the federal government to court to force action on climate change say they'll continue their battle…

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NM: Civic Engagement & Voting