New Mexico News & Current Events | Public News Service

A proposal by a far-right think tank would increase funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall, should Republicans retake the White House in November. (Jeff/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

NM voters get lowdown on far right's 'Project 2025'

A sweeping conservative plan to shape a possible second Donald Trump presidency is making headlines, even as the GOP candidate claims to know little …

In New Mexico, immigrants account for 22% percent of the state's construction workforce. (NicholasFelix/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Political scapegoating of immigrants surges ahead of U.S. elections

Polls show a significant number of Americans believe immigration is the most important issue facing the U.S. but experts argued claims of immigrants …

In New Mexico, 12 small family-operated farms have provided food for over 1,000 children at more than 30 preschools. (American Friends Service Committee)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

NM preschoolers discover purple carrots, plant organic veggies

Like kids everywhere, New Mexico preschoolers balk at eating fresh vegetables. But an educational project has found that with a creative nudge…

President Joe Biden is expected to address the nation this week about his decision to drop out of the 2024 Presidential race and endorse his Vice President, Kamala Harris. (Wiki commons)

NM professor expects VP Harris to face racism, sexism after Biden drops out

Vice President Kamala Harris is now the frontrunner for the 2024 Democratic Presidential nomination after, President Joe Biden exited the race on …

New Mexico is home to 22.9 million acres of public lands, including the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. (MarthaMarks/Adobe Stock)

First win-win for affordable housing, public lands

Environmentalists are applauding a Bureau of Land Management decision to allow the sale of a small national public land parcel for an affordable housi…

Nationwide, 55% of U.S. mental health visits are remote, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. (JPC-PROD/Adobe Stock)

New Mexicans invited to join virtual telehealth conference today

Until the pandemic, telehealth and telemedicine were still outliers in health care but they have gone mainstream, especially benefiting underserved …

The New Mexico Department of Health estimated 42% of Americans know someone who has died of drug overdose. (VictorMoussa/AdobeStock)

New Mexico expands opioid treatment options

Expanded treatment for opioid addiction is now available in New Mexico. The state's Department of Health is offering medication-assisted treatment …

Diminishing snowpack in northern New Mexico due to climate change will shorten the season for skiing and other forms of winter tourism and recreation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (RaisaNastukova/AdobeStock)

Boosting ‘Hope’ about climate-change among NM's next generation

New Mexico teachers educating young people about climate change don't want them to feel hopeless - and they've developed an educational curriculum to …

On a single night in 2023, about 20 of every 10,000 people in the U.S. were experiencing homelessness, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (majorosl66/AdobeStock)

Advocacy groups want NM's Governor to halt special legislative session

New Mexico advocacy groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to cancel next week's special session where lawmakers are scheduled …

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…

Recent wildfires and subsequent flooding have made some low-income households in New Mexicans eligible for federal disaster food assistance. (AdobeStock/goodmanphoto)

NM wildfires prompt precautions, new food assistance

New Mexicans affected by recent wildfires and subsequent flooding may be eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutritional Program benefits. The …

New Mexico was the 15th state to expand access to community-based mental health and substance use crisis care through President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Mental health hotline helps thousands in New Mexico

Residents of Western states, including New Mexico, are at a high risk of suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but …

The New Mexico Secretary of State says paper ballots are used in 100% of elections to ensure there's always physical ballots that can be recounted if necessary. (AdobeStock: PX Media)

Expert: America's erosion of democracy has accelerated

A political expert known for his research on authoritarian regimes says American democracy is threatened by minority rule, which is enshrined in the …

Like New Mexico Senate candidate Cindy Nava, nearly one in 10 New Mexico residents is an immigrant. (Photo courtesy of Nava)

New Mexico 'Dreamer' sets sights on state legislature

A "Dreamer" running for the New Mexico Senate said a Biden administration plan to create pathways allowing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals bene…

New Mexico's Save the Children organization has previously engaged kids on summer break from school to help create a 9-foot paint-by-numbers mural. (Photo courtesy of Save the Children)

Helping prevent the summer slide among NM's school-aged kids

Some New Mexico kids hope summer never ends, while others cannot wait to get back in the classroom and both groups are at risk of falling behind in …

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…

A New Mexico wildfire has killed two people, burned at least 200 homes and forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents in the mountain town of Ruidoso. (wiki)

FBI to take closer look at NM's uncontained South Fork, Salt wildfires

The FBI has joined New Mexico's local, state, federal and tribal partners to investigate the cause of two drought-fueled wildfires that have yet to …

The World Health Organization says globally, one in two people can be considered

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

Members of the group Radical Elders are participating in a Chicago tech conference this weekend to explain the impact of technology on older Americans…

Only 28% of Hispanic people and 37% of Black people have taken swimming lessons, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (cabq.gov)

'World's Largest Swimming Lesson' comes to Albuquerque pools

It is the first day of summer and time for a global event called the "World's Largest Swimming Lesson." Albuquerque's West Mesa Aquatic Center will o…

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 …

States ranked lowest in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation tend to have more children of color in their populations, highlighting institutionalized and systemic racism. (Diego Cervo/Adobe Stock)

Children's advocates: NM 'cradle to career' investment pays off

Advocates for New Mexico's kids say at the heart of an annual report on child welfare is positive news for the state's families. The Annie E…

The grandparent of a multi-generational family with children attending Albuquerque's Los Padilla Elementary School picks up food at a monthly free food distribution site. (photo courtesy Roadrunner)

'Map the Meals Gap' shows rural NM counties have highest food insecurity

There's no shortage of food in America, but there's a huge food insecurity gap in New Mexico and other states. Feeding America's latest report - …

The U.S. per capita consumption of pork amounted to 51.1 pounds in 2022, according to Statista. (zyabich/AdobeStock)

Report: U.S. restaurant chains continue controversial ag practices

For 15 years, U.S. restaurant chains have pledged to stop using gestation crates for pregnant pigs but a new report from an animal welfare group …

As of today, there are 154 days until the November General Election. (simbos/Adobe Stock)

In unseasonably warm temperatures, NM voters head to the polls

New Mexico voters are headed to the polls today, where all 42 state Senate and 70 state House seats technically are up for grabs - although many are …

The white-nosed coatimundi, classified as an endangered species in New Mexico, roams and hunts during daytime hours in the Gila Wilderness. (National Park Service)

New Mexico celebrates 100 years of Gila Wilderness preservation

New Mexico's Gila Wilderness is special - not only for its natural beauty, but also because it received the world's first-ever "wilderness" …

More Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 die from opioid overdoses than any other cause, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (JITB/AdobeStock)

Rural New Mexico struggles to prevent, treat drug overdoses

More than 1,000 New Mexicans die from drug overdoses each year, and while there's been a slight drop in overdoses from opioids nationwide, it's …

Some 42 million people count on SNAP benefits each month and nearly four in five are children, seniors, people with disabilities or veterans. (WavebreakmediaMicro/AdobeStock)

Anti-hunger advocates warn NM SNAP benefits at risk in Farm Bill

Anti-hunger groups are alarmed over a draft of the next Farm Bill which significantly cuts benefits for those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition A…

Ice cream makers in the U.S. produce more than 1.38 billion gallons of ice cream annually, with consumption usually peaking in July. (auremar/Adobe Stock)

Will summer heat melt New Mexicans' cravings for ice cream?

In addition to honoring fallen service members, Memorial Day has come to be known as the unofficial start of summer, which can mean lots of ice cream…

New Mexico has received two and a half times the amount of federal money awarded last year to fortify wildfire defenses. (photo BLM)

NM among states with longer, more intense fire weather seasons

Areas of northern New Mexico now see 60 more annual fire days than 50 years ago, creating longer, more intense fire seasons. A report from Climate …

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Wednesday for the community's new Rural Minority Business Center. (Photo courtesy NMRMBC)

Rural NM community hit hard by 2022 wildfire opens new business center

A small New Mexico community working to get back on its feet following a devastating wildfire has opened a new rural business center. Two years ago…

New Mexico is seventh among states with the most illegal street racers, according to Insurify. (AKGKStudio/Adobe Stock)

Understaffing hampers proactive police efforts in NM, nationwide

A new survey shows there's been an increase in the number of police officers on the streets since the COVID-19 exodus, but some Americans are still …

Emerson Elementary is one of Albuquerque's public schools where crossing guards keep kids safe. (City of Albuquerque)

ABQ school crossing guards host 'Seats and Feets' clothing drive

Crossing guards see a lot of kids who could use some new duds. But for the second year, the "Seats and Feets" Albuquerque clothing drive is …

Among adults in their 50s and early 60s, 57% express support for legal abortion, as do 59% of those ages 65 and older, according to The Pew Research Center. (triocean/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Women want 2024 election results to deliver reproductive justice

Surrounded by states banning nearly all abortions, its legalization in New Mexico has made the state a top place to travel for the procedure and a …

The USDA has identified bird flu among dairy cows on 41 farms in nine states. (Parilov/Adobestock)

Experts: More bird flu testing needed to prevent spread, protect humans

The number of avian flu cases in dairy cows is holding steady in New Mexico but experts say more testing is needed to prevent its spread and protect h…

Revenues from oil and gas extraction in New Mexico are higher than ever, having grown by about 10% over the past year. (Adwo/AdobeStock)

NM agency considers new rule on fracked wastewater

What the extraction industry calls "produced water" is the subject of hearings this week in New Mexico. The term applies to water coming out of the …

New Mexico volunteers will join their counterparts in more than 10,000 cities and towns this Saturday for the annual

NM's postal carriers go to bat for hunger May 11

It is nearly summer, and time to go to bat for those struggling with hunger in New Mexico. This Saturday, letter carriers with the U.S. Postal …

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)

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…

The Kids Online Safety Act could necessitate that platforms verify users' ages. (momius/Adobe Stock)

NM LGBTQ group fears far-reaching effects of 'Kids Online Safety Act'

Legislation meant to protect minors on social media platforms could be voted on in Washington this week. But some in New Mexico's LGBTQ community …

Stalactites cling to the roof of what's called the

NM's Chaco, Carlsbad parks gain protection from new BLM rule

New Mexico's diverse national parks located adjacent to extraction sites will enjoy greater protections under a new federal rule. Changes to how the …

It is estimated 30% to 40% of the world's population now has some form of allergy, everything from hay fever to eczema and asthma. (auremar/AdobeStock)

Ignoring effects from New Mexico's seasonal allergies could lead to asthma

Toughing it out during spring allergy season is not in your best interest if you want to avoid asthma later in life. New Mexico has plenty of grass …

In 2022, New Mexico joined the ranks of states offering free college for most through its Opportunity Scholarship. (theartofpics/AdobeStock)

NM studies financial equity among higher-education institutions

New Mexico is taking a deep dive into its funding of public colleges and universities to determine if inequities need to be addressed. The Higher …

New Mexico is the second sunniest state in the nation after Arizona, creating maximum opportunities for solar development. (KristinaBlokhin/AdobeStock)

NM tribal communities benefit from EPA's "Solar For All" program

New federal funding aims to revolutionize solar energy access within New Mexico's Native American communities and benefit the state overall. The …

New rules should be in place by Thanksgiving requiring that airlines offer customers cash refunds before vouchers if flights are cancelled. (Sk�rzewiak/Adobe Stock)

Friendly skies get friendlier with cash refunds for flight cancellations

Just in time for the fall holidays, air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new …

New Mexico has yet to adopt setback rules governing oil and gas wells near schools and other educational institutions. (Courtesy Becca Grady)

NM officials press for setbacks amid pushback from oil and gas industry

New Mexico members of the group Elected Officials to Protect America are renewing their call for rules regulating how close fossil fuel companies can …

The number of Americans with health coverage under the American Care Act has doubled since its 2014 launch, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (NLawrenson/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

NM aims to reduce out-of-pocket health-care costs for consumers

New Mexico saw record enrollment numbers for the Affordable Care Act this year and is now setting its sights on lowering out-of-pocket costs - those n…

A new study concludes that while anti-bullying protections in schools are effective, they are likely insufficient to address the mental health struggles of LGBTQ youth. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Study: NM's laws help reduce suicide among LGBTQ youth

A new study suggests laws in New Mexico and 22 other states to protect school-aged LGBTQ youth are having a positive impact. According to research …

The Bureau of Land Management's newly issued Public Lands Rule is designed to safeguard cultural resources such as New Mexico's Chaco Culture National Park. (Photo courtesy SallyPaez)

BLM's 'Public Lands Rule' could reform conservation, access in NM

Balancing the needs of the many with those who have traditionally reaped benefits from public lands is behind a new rule issued Thursday by the Bureau…

The Land of Enchantment has plenty of sunshine and some of the best solar incentives in the U.S. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Personal energy electrification plans offered at NM Earth Day event

Saving New Mexico residents money as they adapt to climate change is the goal behind an Earth Day event in Albuquerque Sunday. The Rio Grande …

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