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Sunday, March 16, 2025

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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

NM measles outbreak prompts new helpline, web resources

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Monday, March 3, 2025   

Most New Mexicans are vaccinated against measles but a recent upsurge in Texas has led the state's health department to launch a new phone helpline and additional online resources.

Some 150 cases have been reported in West Texas, where the disease killed an unvaccinated school-aged child last week.

David Morgan, public information officer for the New Mexico Department of Health, said Lea County, which borders Texas, has documented just nine cases so far but awareness is key.

"No state has 100% vaccination rates, so you are going to encounter people who are unvaccinated or potentially under-vaccinated," Morgan pointed out.

New Mexico offers free vaccinations for children under 17. The Department of Health helpline is staffed by nurses who speak English and Spanish. Call 833-796-8773 if you have questions about where to go or what you should know about vaccinations.

Morgan said adults born before 1957 usually have immunity against measles, and for many born later, one dose of the measles vaccine is usually enough protection. He acknowledged there are high-risk populations such as college students, health care workers, people who travel internationally and those with preexisting health conditions.

"Measles was largely eradicated in the United States for a time but what matters is the here and now," Morgan emphasized. "And in the here and now, measles is out there. And the best way for anybody to be able to protect themselves is getting vaccinated."

The death of the Texas child from measles marked the first fatality from the disease in the U.S. in a decade.


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