New Mexico News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Monday, April 29, 2024

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)

Friday, April 26, 2024

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 …

The New Mexico Public Education Department has more than 9,000 educators and administrators enrolled in its Science of Reading training. (lithiumphoto/Adobe Stock)

NM program aims to improve kids' reading skills

In the past four years, the way New Mexico children are taught to read has undergone a major shift. Following passage of a state law in 2019…

It is estimated 5,000 gun shows are conducted in the United States every year. (Roman/AdobeStock)

NM gun-control advocates praise federal rule closing 'gun show loophole'

Background checks on those who purchase firearms at gun shows may soon be expanded. The Justice Department last week issued a directive to close the …

A New Mexico researcher suspects sports gambling and drinking feed off each other. (motortion/AdobeStock)

NM Research: Sports betting and booze fuel risky behavior

In just six years, the U.S. has pivoted from a complete ban on sports betting to a place where it is legal in most states, and young men could be …

Government-sponsored poisoning and trapping campaigns in the 1930s mostly exterminated the U.S. wolf population. (WikiCommons)

Lawsuit over Endangered Species Act follows outrage at wolf torture photo

A lawsuit over a federal agency's decision not to boost wolf protections in New Mexico and other western states has been filed, days after video …

More than 90% of available land in the Greater Chaco region, former home of Ancestral Puebloan civilizations, is dotted with oil and gas wells, according to WildEarth Guardians. (WildEarthGuardians.org)

Orphaned wells: Environmental, visual pollution for SW Indian Country

Tribal communities, including those in New Mexico, can now apply for grant funding and direct assistance to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells …

Vegetables make up nearly 30% of the food and meals distributed by New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank. (Courtesy: RoadrunnerFoodBank).

Individuals, groups contribute thousands of volunteer hours to NM food bank

Volunteering is a "leap of faith" - donating time and in-kind support to help others who are struggling - but research shows people who pitch in…

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 …

The Mario Atencio v. the State of New Mexico lawsuit is the first to focus on a 1971 environmental clause included in the state's constitution. (Austin/Adobe Stock)

NM oil and gas pollution lawsuit gets Santa Fe hearing

A court hearing is scheduled this week in a lawsuit claiming New Mexico is violating residents' rights to a clean and healthy environment by not holdi…

Mexican gray wolf pups born to captive parents have been successfully introduced to wild wolf packs in an effort to improve genetic diversity. (WildCaliforniaWolfCenter)

More lobos roam NM wilderness, but genetic diversity is missing

Since a reintroduction campaign began in 1998, about 10 Mexican gray wolves have been placed in the Southwest each year, and for them to further …

One study shows in 2023 alone, almost 51.2 million square feet of self-storage space was rented - an area that would cover the whole of New York City's Central Park. (DavidGales/PhotoShop)

Spring means 'out with the old' – unless you can't part with clutter

Spring is often a time many of us get rid of unwanted stuff, but one New Mexico expert says that's harder than it sounds for people addicted to …

Tourism and outdoor recreational are top drivers of New Mexico's economy. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

NM ambassadors travel east to advocate for West's Gila River

New Mexico has one of the nation's last "wild" rivers, free of human-made structures and community representatives will be back in the nation's …

Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello received both the Beazely Award and the International Award for their project

ABQ museum installs teeter-totter from U.S.-Mexico border wall

An art installation intended to jump-start social commentary about the treatment of immigrants has found a permanent home in Albuquerque. In 2019…

In 2014, an instrument aboard the International Space Station spotted the largest methane cloud ever measured above New Mexico's San Juan Basin. (NASA.gov)

Environmental nonprofit launches satellite to detect methane leaks

The first satellite launched by a nonprofit organization is now circling the globe, getting ready to deliver data on methane pollution from oil and …

The U.S. military opens the Trinity bomb site, 210 miles south of Los Alamos, New Mexico, to the public twice a year. (Nina/Adobe Stock)

NM activist seeking atomic bomb reparations invited to State of the Union

A New Mexico resident will attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address tonight as legislation is pending to expand the Radiation Exposure …

Four large corporations control 85% of the U.S. beef market, up from 25% in 1977. (Courtesy Carruth Cattle)

New Mexico panelists tackle food, farming and fairness

Food, farming and fairness will be the topics in Albuquerque this week, at a gathering of those who support the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming …

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…

Attendees at a New Mexico summit discuss how to help in a state ranked one of the most food-insecure in the nation. (Courtesy Roadrunner Food Bank)

SW food banks meet to brainstorm hunger solutions, create action plan

People who receive emergency food services from New Mexico food banks and other charitable organizations were among those at a strategic summit Friday…

The population of New Mexico's red-headed woodpecker has declined more than 70% in the past 50 years.(RGLPhotography/AdobeStock)

NM wildlife advocates work to accelerate human, wildlife coexistence

Wildlife advocates say there's been a shift in public opinion about the value of wildlife over the past few decades, with people supporting …

Authors of a new study on racism hope local communities and governments will use the findings to help create more just and equitable cities. (SusanVineyard/AdobeStock)

Study: Racial prejudice related to where you live and learn

The city where you live could be making you, your family and your friends more unconsciously racist, or by contrast, it could make you less racist…

In New Mexico, three-quarters of new survey respondents said they do not want protections rolled back on national monuments. (National Park Service)

Poll: Voters in NM, other Western states consistently support conservation

A new poll showed New Mexico voters expressed a deep affection for lands, water and wildlife and want policies offering greater protections. The 14…

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 …

Almost all of New Mexico's 2,000 school buses run on diesel fuel. (Thomas/AdobeStock)

Advocates for electric school buses want NM to follow Colorado's lead

Studies show the health of New Mexico children who ride school buses could improve if the buses were electric instead of diesel, and efforts are …

Black and Latino youths are more likely to experience a gun homicide closer to their home when compared with white youths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock/Bettencourt/peopleimages.com)

NM lawmakers move gun-control bills forward

Gun control legislation is making headway in the 2024 New Mexico legislative session. On Wednesday, the New Mexico Senate passed a bill to ban guns …

In the United States, some 200 food banks feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community-based agencies. (Roadrunner Food Bank)

How hunger disproportionately impacts rural communities

Some 44 million Americans are struggling with hunger, including 250,000 in New Mexico, and a nationwide food bank network wants Congress to help…

The opioid crisis led to more arrests across the U.S. including New Mexico, which now offers services to combat recidivism in 14 of 33 counties. (JUN LI/AdobeStock)<br />

NM counties reduce recidivism through RISE program

By Anya Petrone Slepyan for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Co…

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 …

The rate of New Mexico high school students not graduating on time was down from 33% a decade ago to 23% in 2019-2020. (Julie/Adobe Stock)

Report: New Mexico's child well-being slowly improving

Child well-being in New Mexico appears to be slowly improving with a marked decline in child poverty. Data from New Mexico Voices for Children found …

A 2022 New Mexico legislative report found providing health care coverage for low-income or unemployed individuals and families can lead to higher labor force participation. (Dee/AdobeStock)

Improved policies could boost purchasing power for U.S. households

It is a neck and neck race in the U.S. between consumer prices and wages allowing the typical worker to keep up. Economic data show consumer prices …

On average, the 20% of taxpayers who make the least money face a state and local tax rate nearly 60% higher than the top 1% of households, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (narawit/Adobe Stock)

NM child advocates seek more 'tax equity' from 2024 legislative session

It is no secret the majority of state and local tax systems favor the wealthy but New Mexico is making progress in turning it around. The latest …

Economic uncertainty, severe weather and other factors beyond their control can lead to mental-health challenges for farmers and ranchers. (KornFlakes/Adobe Stock)

NMSU program aims to reduce suicide rates among farmers, ranchers

A program has launched in New Mexico to help farmers and ranchers experiencing mental-health issues that could lead to suicide. Workload, debt…

Hydrogen use is expected to grow sixfold from today's levels to meet 10% of total energy consumption by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency. (malp/Adobe Stock)

Navajo Nation hydrogen project raises red flags in New Mexico

Hydrogen power is touted as a game-changer in curbing climate change. But in New Mexico, those who feel exploited by the fossil fuel industry have …

Latinos account for 47% of agricultural field workers and 46% of construction laborers in the U.S. and face extreme summer heat threats due to climate change. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Report: How climate change threatens Latinos' health and heritage

As climate change makes extreme weather events more common globally, Latinos often face the most significant effects to their health, safety…

A recent food and fund drive by Albuquerque's Corrales Elementary School raised $2,500 and collected more than 1,200 pounds of food. (Courtesy Roadrunner)

Hosting a food drive could be your best ever New Year's resolution

The new year is an opportunity to reset and presents an opportunity to give back to your community by hosting a food or fund drive. New Mexico's …

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 …

A diet devoid of indigenous foods is known to have a dramatic effect on the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. (Courtesy: Save the Children)

Navajo Nation children embrace cafeteria's native foods

Across the globe, hunger is an enormous threat to children. To combat the problem, one rural school district in northwest New Mexico is bringing …

New Mexico's largest energy company has expanded its fleet of electric vehicles. (Courtesy: Public News Service-New Mexico)

NM's new rules for clean cars, trucks include EV purchase incentives

New Mexico's air quality is not the worst in the nation but it could be better, and the recent adoption of new standards for clean cars and trucks …

Following participation in a guaranteed income pilot program, 12% of rural New Mexico families said their child was on track to complete their grade level. (Fernanda/Adobe Stock)

NM cash-assistance program eased hardships for immigrant households

A new report from the nonprofit advocacy group New Mexico Voices showed a guaranteed cash assistance program designed for immigrants improved work and…

The pi�on jay follows the bounty of nuts from the pi�on pine, which only produce riches of nuts every seven to 10 years. (Hulshofpictures/Adobe Stock)

NM's bird watchers commence annual count of feathered friends

Volunteers will fan out across New Mexico starting today to help the Audubon Society add to more than 120 years' worth of data about bird populations…

A red handprint across the mouth has become a symbolic representation of violence that affects Indigenous women, in the United States and beyond. (tloventures/Adobe Stock)

NM restores Council on Missing, Murdered Indigenous People after protests

New Mexico has more missing Indigenous people than any other state, so the announcement that a disbanded investigative committee will be restored is …

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…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - April 29, 2024

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