New Mexico News & Current Events | Public News Service

The iconic New Mexico chili pepper is under threat from climate change as extreme heat and drought result in dwindling water supplies. (Wikipedia)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Climate Week Follows Unprecedented "Code Red" Predictions

SANTA FE, N.M. - A nonpartisan group of mothers and climate scientists is on a nationwide education campaign to engage more people about the effects …

Researchers say education, race and political ideology often are major factors in vaccine hesitancy. (Pixabay/pixunfertig)

Study: Vaccine Hesitancy is Predictable

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A new study showed people who do not have a close friend or family member who has experienced a run-in with COVID-19 are more …

The definition of "waters of the United States," identifies the waters covered by the Clean Water Act. (lasacequias.org)

Undoing of Trump-Era Clean-Water Rule Creates Optimism, Uncertainty

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Opponents of rollbacks to the Trump-era Clean Water Act say 90% of New Mexico's waters were left unprotected and hope a recent …

People in states where air quality plummets due to smoke from wildfires are advised to close windows, doors and vents. (folio flare-designer/Pixabay)

Wildfires Make Outside, Inside Air Quality Unhealthy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Smoke from the massive wildfires, along with the summer heat, is driving millions of Americans indoors. Experts advised people …

Some seniors experiencing food insecurity collect too much in Social Security benefits to qualify for federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits, and must rely on a local food bank to tide them over. (Queen/Pixabay)

Albuquerque Food Bank Joins National Hunger Action Month

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The number of people struggling to put food on the table in New Mexico has decreased since the onset of the pandemic, but those …

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.…

About 12% of the nation's lands and one-quarter of its waters are currently protected, according to research by the Center for American Progress. (tn.gov)

New Mexico Joins Other Western States in Conservation Challenge

SANTA FE, N.M. -- As Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order to adopt what is known as the "30-by-30" plan promoted by the Biden …

New Mexico has been a major producer of oil and natural gas since hydrocarbons were first discovered in the state during the early 1920s. (San Juan Citizens Alliance)

NM Engages With Biden's Energy Secretary on Methane Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As New Mexico leans into renewable-energy goals, clean-air advocates highlighted both progress and challenges during a recent …

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 …

A directive signed by New Mexico's governor Monday aims to broaden LGBTQ inclusivity by providing better state services. (SatyaPrem/Pixabay)

NM Advances Sexual-Orientation and Gender-Identity Data Collection

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Bridging gaps in services for LGBTQ New Mexicans is the goal of an executive order signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Monday…

COVID-19 daily cases could reach 1,000 in New Mexico by the end of August, according to data modeling by Los Alamos National Laboratory. (hed.state.nm.us)

NMSU/UNM Classes Resume, COVID Protocols Announced

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Administrators at New Mexico State University know they're headed into a fall semester this week facing a spike in COVID-19 cases…

Exercise enthusiasts recovering from COVID are advised to slowly regain strength by incrementally increasing their workouts five to 10 minutes each day. (karabulakastan/Pixabay)

Study: Are Physical Fitness and COVID-19 Immunity Connected?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A researcher at the University of New Mexico wants to know if exercise helps fight off COVID, and is recruiting folks to help…

There are 40,000 to 45,000 pronghorn in New Mexico, according to recent estimates from state wildlife officials. (Brianna/Adobe Stock)

Researchers Study Effects of Fences on Western Wildlife

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Wildlife is being fenced in across the West, and researchers are now mapping these lines to understand how they affect animals…

Climate scientists predict a significant jump in extreme weather events over the next 20 or 30 years, according to a new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (Hermann/Pixabay)

Climate Scientists: Window Closing to Stabilize Global Temperatures

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- According to a new United Nations report, it has never been more important to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, but it probably …

As schools prepare to kick off fall semester, there are many unknowns as new waves of COVID-19 outbreaks could emerge. (educadormarcossv/Pixabay)

NM Schools Resume In-Person Learning with Mask Protocols

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The youngest students, along with faculty and staff, will need to mask up in the Rio Rancho schools when classes begin next …

New Mexico Voices for Children says, as in many states, families of color in New Mexico were hit hard by the pandemic, in terms of school closures and job losses. (nappy.co)

NM Families Start School Year with Extra Money for Child Care

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Pandemic fallout still has U.S. states clawing their way back to normalcy, and New Mexico believes its decision to provide more …

More than 3 million adults nationwide are at risk of eviction in the next two months, after a federal eviction moratorium expires tomorrow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (HeatherPaque/Pixabay)<br /> — More than 3 million adults nationwide are at risk of eviction in the next two months, after a federal eviction moratorium expires tomorrow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (HeatherPaque/Pixabay)

New Mexicans Dodge Imminent Evictions Faced by Many U.S. Renters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Millions of Americans soon could find eviction notices on their front doors, but New Mexico renters will not be among them - as …

Because of river-flow reductions and habitat alteration and loss, the southwestern willow flycatcher teeters on the brink of extinction. (eBIrd.org)

Saving America's Wildlife Earns Bipartisan Support

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Wildlife experts say about one third of all wildlife species in the U.S. are in decline or vulnerable - which makes revived …

If New Mexico opts into Advanced Clean Car standards, it will join Colorado, Nevada and 15 other states. (swenergy.org)

NM Coalition Makes Speedier Push for Electric Vehicles

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexicans who want to impact climate change by driving an electric vehicle have several roadblocks, and they won't end soon if …

To create a route for the southern border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, the Trump administration used blasting techniques typically reserved for mining operations. (John Darwin Kurc)

Border Wall Map Reveals Damage to Landscape, Migration Routes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A newly-released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and for conservation …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has estimated that one in six New Mexico individuals and one in four children live in homes without consistent access to food in order to live healthy, active lives. (rrfb.org)

NM Food Bank Reports Pandemic-Induced Record for Food Distribution

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The COVID-19 pandemic is waning, but its devastating impact has changed just about every aspect of normal life, including levels …

The parent company of Avangrid, which seeks to merge with the Public Service Company of New Mexico, already owns nearly 2 gigawatts of wind and solar capacity in New Mexico and Texas. (distelAPPArath/Pixabay)

Fears Raised Over Merger Between Avangrid, NM Utility Provider

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico's Public Service Company (PNM) said it can provide the state with more renewable energy by merging with Avangrid…

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 …

Weight gain was a common pandemic side effect, but experts say just adding a few more steps to your routine can help shed the pounds. (stevepb/Pixabay)

Experts Advise Kindness, Not Dieting, to Lose Pandemic Weight Gain

SANTA FE, N.M. - More than 60% of adults reported weight problems during the pandemic, according to the American Psychological Association. So…

While the Gila is the longest river in the state, New Mexico also offers recreational opportunities on the San Juan, Pecos, Rio Grande and Canadian Rivers. (americanrivers.org)

Wild & Scenic Designations for NM Rivers Benefit Local Economy

SILVER CITY, N.M - Rivers, wetlands and riparian areas make up only 1% of the New Mexico landscape, and they're getting attention this month for …

Wind and solar account for about 5,000 jobs in New Mexico, but solar and other advanced energy technologies are expected to boost the state's job growth to 7% this year, according to a report by Advanced Energy Economy. (westernresourceadvocates.org)

Advanced Energy Expected to Boost NM 2021 Job Growth

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Advanced energy technologies, including solar, wind, electric vehicles and smart grid improvements, are expected to boost job …

New Mexico had a 45% improvement in children without health insurance in 2019, compared with the previous year, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (darkside-550/Pixabay)

NM Notes Marked Improvements in Child Well-Being Report

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A New Mexico child-advocate group is expressing cautious optimism about incremental improvements in the latest Kids Count report…

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

The Permian Basin, in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, has the worst air pollution from oil and gas in nation, according to an April report by the Environmental Defense Fund. (priceofoil.org)

NM Residents Provide EPA with Real-World Methane Stories

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Fifty New Mexico residents are providing comments at listening sessions hosted this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection …

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…

Monthly oil and gas royalties from New Mexico lands hit an all-time high at $110 million in April. (news.unm.edu)

NM Youth Activists Deliver Signatures to Governor on Fracking Permits

SANTA FE, N.M. - A group of youth activists in New Mexico heads to the Roundhouse today to deliver more than 1,000 signatures. They're calling on Gov…

An increase in people visiting public lands during the pandemic in 2020 led to gridlock in some states and locations, according to the U.S. Forest Service. (MarciaGilles/pewtrusts.org)

Headed to the Woods

SANTA FE, N.M. -- At the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Americans hit the road, with the U.S. Forest Service reporting an increase of 19 …

The Biden administration's 30x30 goal to fight climate change by creating new national wildlife refuges, national parks, and wilderness areas won't be possible without congressional action. (nmwild.org)

Will 30x30 Initiative to Protect Land and Water Gain Traction?

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The 30x30 initiative, also called the "America the Beautiful" campaign, aims to preserve 30% of the nation's lands and water by 2030…

A family of endangered Mexican gray wolves will be released on property owned by communications magnate Ted Turner, where work to breed endangered Bolson tortoises, aplomado falcons and threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs has been successful. (rewilding.org)

Mexican Gray Wolf Family Relocates to Friendlier NM Hunting Grounds

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The Mexican gray wolf is so threatened with extinction it was not included in the Trump administration's order to remove other …

When the pandemic-related federal eviction moratorium expires at the end of next month, renters will need to provide a written statement to their landlord to receive additional protections. (aga2rk/Pixabay)

NM Renters Get Eviction Reprieve, But Filing Paperwork is Key

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Since the pandemic began, thousands of Americans haven't been able to afford rent - creating fear among those facing evictions …

U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered a broad review of the Trump administration's wildlife policies, including the decision to strip Endangered Species Act protections from gray wolves. (wolf.org)

Biden Administration Urged to Restore Gray Wolf Protections

ALBUQUERQUE N.M. - With a new administration at the White House, a group of scientists is asking that federal protections be reinstated for gray …

New Mexico boasts 23 million acres of public lands and 300 public land sites for recreational opportunities. (blm.gov)

New Pick for BLM Encourages Conservationists

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- President Joe Biden's pick to head the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is getting high marks from conservationists…

Gas wasted by extraction companies on Navajo lands is more than double the national average and could meet the usage needs of every home on the Navajo Nation for five months, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (bobbymagill/climatecentral.org)

Study: Navajo Nation Bears Brunt of Oil, Gas Methane Pollution

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency is considering adopting an air-permitting program to address methane emissions -…

World Migratory Bird Day, May 7, is the largest global event that calls attention to the importance of protecting birds and their migratory habitats. (NataliaKollegova/Pixabay)

Wildfires, Toxic Gases Blamed for 2020 Migratory Bird Deaths

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Migratory birds are returning to New Mexico after a 2020 migration that resulted in a mass die-off, but wildfires due to climate …

President Joe Biden is seeking to extend existing tax incentives for solar and wind development through 2030. (reia-nm.org)

Biden's Climate and Jobs Goals Cheer NM's Renewable-Energy Advocates

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- New Mexico's renewable resources provided more than a quarter of the state's electricity in 2020, and renewable-energy advocates …

New Mexico's Eddy County is one of two rural counties in the United States that are ranked among the top 25 counties for high ozone pollution in the 22nd annual report from the American Lung Association. (sierrclub.org)

Air Quality Report Shows Ozone Increases in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- This year's State of the Air report from the American Lung Association found mixed air-quality results in New Mexico for the …

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 …

New Mexico has joined 10 other states and the District of Columbia in offering a medical aid-in-dying option, through the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act. (helpguide.org)

New Mexico Joins End-of-Life Movement with Governor's Signature

SANTA FE, N.M. - New Mexico residents who are terminally ill but remain mentally capable will soon be able to get medication that allows them to die …

Nearly three million people have died worldwide from COVID-19 since last March, and the pandemic has triggered significant emotional issues for people of all ages. (jhu.edu)

Will Spring Relieve Post-COVID Stress Disorder?

SANTA FE, N.M. -- As New Mexicans welcome spring temperatures, many hope to put the coronavirus pandemic in the rear-view mirror. At the same time…

If legislation passes in a special session of the Legislature this week, New Mexico would be the 15th state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana. (my.lwv.org)

NM Legislature Convenes for Special Session on Legalizing Marijuana

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico's 2021 legislative session officially ended 10 days ago, but within hours, the governor called a special session to …

From raccoons to bald eagles to domestic pets, at least four million animals die in traps each year, according to the Humane Society of the United States. (apvnm.org)

NM Governor to Decide Fate of "Roxy's" Trapping Law

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A dog that died through no fault of its own on a hike with its owner near Santa Cruz Lake in 2019 could leave a lasting legacy if a …

Conservation groups say land bridges can help migrating wildlife by preventing collisions between animals and vehicles on highways and rail lines. (creativenature/Adobe Stock)

State-Federal Cooperation Needed to Help Migrating Wildlife

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Wildlife migrations are a part of the American West's lore and history, but many of those centuries-old passages are now obstructed …

Jaguars are considered an Endangered Species across their range along the border of Mexico and state-level protections exist in Arizona and New Mexico. (defenders.org)

Scientists Identify More Jaguar Recovery Habitat in NM, AZ

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Jaguars once roamed much of the Southwest, and wildlife scientists say they've identified plenty of land where they could thrive …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 21, 2021

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