New Mexico News & Current Events | Public News Service

Polling from the Pew Research Center found 72% of Americans have a favorable view of the postal service. (tomalu/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 20, 2025

ABQ's USPS workers join today's nationwide rally against proposed DOGE cuts

A National Day of Action is being held at post offices around the country today, including Albuquerque, amid looming cuts proposed by Postmaster …

Aquaculture, particularly aquaponics, can improve food security by providing locally grown, fresh and nutritious food in food deserts. (Adobe Stock/B.Rath Photography)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Expanding NM's aquaculture-based fish farming could improve food security

New Mexico may never be a leader in aquaculture but some fish farmers are finding success in the arid state. Rossana Sallenave, professor and …

Protests are increasing nationwide as the Department of Government Efficiency fires tens of thousands of workers and dismantles entire federal agencies. (AdobeStock/serg3d-AI enhanced)

NM protests against Musk's Tesla dealerships expand to Sandoval County

Activists who believe Tesla CEO Elon Musk is overstepping his role in the Trump administration will protest today at a Tesla dealership in New Mexico'…

It is estimated climate change could increase New Mexico's average temperature by up to 7 degrees over the next 50 years. (rd.usda.gov)

NM farm tackles climate change one freeze-dried apple at a time

New Mexico is one of five U.S. states that frequently encounters exceptional drought that can damage crops but one farmer is doing her part to reduce …

There currently are 330,000 unaffiliated voters in New Mexico, making up nearly 24% of the electorate.(Adobe Stock/karenfoleyphoto)

NM lawmakers consider bill for 'open primaries' in future elections

To cast a primary election ballot in New Mexico, voters must declare a political party. But that could change if lawmakers pass Senate Bill 16 this …

As of January, the Aldo Leopold House became the first cabin rental on National Forest land in New Mexico. (fsusda.gov)

NM conservationists celebrate Aldo Leopold amid cuts to Forest Service

Amid U.S. Forest Service firings and layoffs by the Trump administration, conservationists are honoring a former employee this week considered by …

Immigration law allows ICE agents to enter public areas of a university campus without a warrant, but students have the right to remain silent. (UNM.edu)

Higher ed leaders steer response to ICE presence on NM campuses

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now are allowed to make arrests near colleges and universities, and higher education leaders are …

Public health officials said measles typically causes a rash, red eyes, cough and high fever and can sometimes lead to more severe health problems. (airdone/AdobeStock)

NM measles outbreak prompts new helpline, web resources

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 an…

New Mexico plans to build wildlife crossing corridors across the state to keep vehicles and wildlife from intersecting each other's path. (Adobe Stock)

NM Legislature advances appropriations bill with funding for wildlife corridors

The New Mexico state House of Representatives has advanced an appropriations bill advancing funding for new wildlife migration-crossing corridors to k…

Latinos in NM, nation urged to boycott national retailers over DEI curbs

In a nationwide movement, Latinos are being urged to boycott retail stores tomorrow that have curtailed programs promoting fair hiring practices…

Drones are among the many new tools now used to detect methane leaks at drilling sites. (tostphoto/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico's methane mitigation jobs beat national average

A study commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund showed the industries developed to find and repair methane leaks have grown by 88% over the pas…

Firings of staff at the U.S. Forest Service by the Trump administration could have a negative impact on vacationers' visits this summer. (fs.usda.gov)

NM's Gila National Forest loses workers to Trump firings

Conservation advocates say the Trump administration's firing of probationary U.S. Forest Service workers in New Mexico and other Western states could …

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program currently helps feed more than 40 million low-income Americans. (New Mexico Association of FoodBanks)

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Antihunger advocates and relief organizations are gathering at New Mexico's State Capitol today as part of "Hunger Action Day." Advocates will urge l…

As a federal cost-cutting measure, approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees have been fired by the Trump administration. (nps.gov)

Conservationists claim 'Save Our Forests Act' could worsen climate change

Environmentalists said a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives meant to curtail forest fires in New Mexico and elsewhere will do no such …

Life expectancy for New Mexicans is 73 years, compared to almost 80 years for top-rated Hawaii. (niyazz/Adobe Stock)

NM lawmakers weigh bills to protect air, land, water for future generations

Recognizing climate change is not isolated to certain parts of New Mexico, legislators are considering bills to help protect the state's air…

Medicaid is the single largest health insurer for children in New Mexico. (MonaM�kel�/AdobeStock)

GOP budget eyes Medicaid cuts, a significant impact for Native communities

A preliminary federal budget unveiled by Republicans this week includes cuts to Medicaid, which a recent study reveals would disproportionately …

New Mexico's Aztec Ruins National Monument, established in 1923, consists of preserved structures constructed by the Pueblo Indians. (nps.gov)

NM's national monuments face new development threats from Trump

Areas surrounding New Mexico's Aztec Ruins National Monument, and other monuments, are at risk of losing federal protections from the "Unleashing …

Nordic countries lead the world in press freedom, according to the World Press Freedom Index, which saw the U.S. fall three notches in 2023 to 45th place. (yavuzsariyildiz/AdobeStock)

NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection

A former community organizer and newly-elected lawmaker is responding to the Trump administration's escalating attacks on the press with a proposed la…

Sex education programs including information on both abstinence and birth control have a better track record, according to Planned Parenthood. (AI generated: anaumenko/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

NM could buck trend of states scaling back sex ed in schools

A coalition of New Mexico groups is supporting a bill this session to require "Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education" for public school students…

New Mexico's immigrants represent only 9% of the state's population but 11% of the state's workers. (Dejan/Adobe Stock)

ABQ hosts 'know your rights' sessions for immigrants, business owners

The City of Albuquerque and local business partners have launched a "Know Your Rights" campaign to help immigrants navigate the Trump administration's…

Federal data show New Mexico has the third-highest property crime rate in the United States. (Nats/Adobe Stock-AI enhanced)

Governor urges NM lawmakers to address crime

Reducing crime and improving public safety are among this year's priorities for New Mexico's governor, who has called the state's crime rate "out of …

Executive orders signed by President Donald Trump significantly expand the legal authority to deport immigrants living in the U.S. (FArmstrong/Adobe Stock)

Trump policies could mean deportation, discrimination for NM immigrants

Nearly one in four Americans is an immigrant or the child of an immigrant but President Donald Trump has promised to shrink those numbers through arre…

Many Americans with a minimum wage or low-paying job often need a second job to make ends meet. (Seika/AdobeStock)<br />

Study reveals pros, cons of New Mexicans juggling two jobs

Millions of American workers are now juggling two jobs to make ends meet, while some moonlight to pay for extras such as vacations or hobbies…

Women now make up nearly two-thirds of the New Mexico House of Representatives, and just over one-third of the state Senate. (AdobeStock/ZackFrank)

NM's largest-ever female legislature seeks traction on bills, advocacy

A long-time New Mexico community organizer is one of several women who have put the state on the map this year for having the largest percentage of wo…

In 2023, Roadrunner Food Bank distributed more than 46 million pounds of food to communities in New Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Roadrunner)

NM's 'Souper Bowl' returns to raise money for neighbors in need

The Chiefs are back in this year's Super Bowl but first, the chefs are back for Albuquerque's annual "Souper Bowl." Roadrunner Food Bank will open …

Studies suggest up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

NM bill would help domestic abuse survivors get legal assistance

Women surveyed about why they stayed in an abusive relationship often said they did not have the money to leave. Now, a bill introduced in the New …

A new report from Georgetown University showed the effects a proposed cut to Medicaid would have on rural New Mexico, where residents already have worse health outcomes than those in cities. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

With President Donald Trump back in office, Congressional Republicans are eager to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which likely means slashing the Medicaid …

Threats to U.S. poll workers, ballot counters, county clerks and secretaries of state increased significantly after President Donald Trump said the 2020 election was stolen. (MariaVitkovska/Adobe Stock)

NM voters urged to make a stand for free, fair, safe elections

The post-election period leading up to today's inauguration has been decidedly calmer than the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. But …

Climate change threatens many New Mexico crops, including chiles, onions, garlic and pecans. (TatianaEvdokimova/Adobe Stock)

Stakes high for New Mexico ag growers awaiting new farm bill

Experts agree climate-smart agriculture will be critical in the fight against climate change. But with a divided Congress and no update to the Farm …

When they convene for the 2025 session, New Mexico and neighboring Colorado will become majority-woman legislatures for the first time. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

NM 2025 Legislature makes history with number of women lawmakers

New Mexico's 2025 Legislature will make history next week, convening with the largest percentage of women in the U.S., based on its total number of …

Millions of Americans, especially in rural areas or on tribal lands, lack reliable high-speed internet because service there is not profitable for internet companies. (NatalieBoard/Adobe Stock)

NM's rural school kids set to benefit from high-speed internet expansion

By the end of June, students in seven very remote rural New Mexico school districts will get access to high-speed home internet through a state grant …

In a newly released book, Adriana Romero Olivares, assistant professor of biology at New Mexico State University, shared her not-so-perfect journey to a science career. (NMSU)

NM biology professor's success recognized in award-winning book

A New Mexico professor who was once encouraged to pursue a "more ladylike" career is now featured in a book about high-achieving women in STEM fields…

New Mexico's whitewater rafting companies and other outdoor recreation businesses are expected to benefit from the EXPLORE Act. (VisitAlbuquerque.org)

'EXPLORE Act' expected to bolster NM’s outdoor industry

Western states such as New Mexico could see recreational opportunities expand under the EXPLORE Act, now awaiting President Joe Biden's signature …

Extreme political polarization in the U.S. has led to a significant increase in threats of violence against election officials and members of Congress, according to the Brennan Center.

NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical 'word of the year'

Between endless doomscrolling and nonstop negative headlines, a New Mexico political science professor said it's no surprise the Merriam-Webster …

In the small but popular New Mexico community of Taos, entry level homes are in short supply for purchase by first-time homebuyers. (KristinaBlokhin/Adobe Stock)

NM nonprofit aims to broker affordable housing solutions in Taos

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 joined more than a dozen other states in 2023 offering child tax credits meant to boost economic security. (courtesy New Mexico Voices for Children)

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

Child tax credits offer a financial lifeline to parents and can lift children out of poverty, according to a report from New Mexico's Voices for …

To avoid phishing and smishing scams, more than 40 million people have already signed up for

USPS warns NM customers awaiting packages not to fall for 'smishing'

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known …

Baskets made by craftspeople in New Mexico are often equal parts utilitarian and works of art. (NelsonSirlin/Adobe Stock)<br />

New Mexico artisans offer 'Made in America' holiday gifts

Weekend shoppers in New Mexico may want to buy holiday gifts produced in the U.S. but a new report showed one in five purchases are likely to say…

In 2013, New Mexico became the 16th U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. (RobertPeak/Adobe Stock)

NM's LGBTQ+ advocates say 'now is not the time to panic'

Inauguration Day is still five weeks away and gay married couples are already watching for signs conservative lawmakers and the courts may attempt to …

In addition to thousands of jobs, analysis shows outdoor recreation annually contributes $3.2 billion to New Mexico's economy. (Upper Pecos Watershed Association)

NM designates 250 miles as 'Outstanding National Resource Waters'

A New Mexico agency has stepped up vigilance of the state's limited water resources. On Tuesday, the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission …

Nearly 23 million acres of public lands in Utah, representing about 42% of the state, fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. (AdobeStock/AlcornImagery)

Utah leads effort to sell off public lands in NM, other states

Utah is leading a battle over control of public lands, with New Mexico and other Western states caught in the crosshairs. Utah's Republican …

Antimicrobial consumption in farm animals is on the rise in the U.S., while declining in Europe by 44% from 2014 to 2021. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Antibiotic use in livestock, once in decline, is creeping back up

By Sophie Kevany for Sentient.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

New Mexico's Don Bustos has passed on his organic farming knowledge to more than 225 farmers around the state. (Photo courtesy FarmersMarketInstitute.org)

400-year-old New Mexico farm thrives after switch to organic, solar

A 4.5 acre farm surrounded by New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains is where owner Don Bustos fuses centuries of tradition with modern advances to f…

The Rio Grande and its tributaries provide drinking water for about 13 million people in the United States and Mexico. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit limbo over disputed NM, TX water rights

A delegation of New Mexico lawmakers is asking the federal government to quickly resolve long-standing litigation affecting water users in the Rio Gra…

New Mexico immigrant advocacy groups said mass deportations promised by the next Trump administration would destabilize local economies. (LRafael/AdobeStock)

NM human rights groups promise to defend immigrants against deportation

New Mexico immigrant-based and immigrant-serving organizations are developing strategies to defend those workers and their families in the new year…

Researchers say when a larger group of people are walking together, the risk of being hit by a car is generally lower. (Viam/Adobe Stock - AI enhanced)

NM researcher studies why pedestrian, bicyclist deaths are on the rise

The number of pedestrians and bicyclists killed on roadways in the U.S. has nearly doubled in the past 12 years and a New Mexico researcher wants to …

Building generational wealth is the goal behind New Mexico's proposed

Child advocates want NM to eradicate poverty through 'baby bonds'

New Mexico child welfare groups are behind an initiative they plan to introduce in the next legislative session to create a so-called baby bonds progr…

New Mexicans who qualify can receive benefits beyond doctor visits and prescription drugs through a Dual Special Needs Plan. (Kzenon/Adobe Stock)

NM Medicaid, Medicare enrollees qualify for extra health insurance coverage

Nearly 13 million people nationwide, including 785,000 in New Mexico who receive Medicare and Medicaid, may also qualify for even more coverage under …

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