New Mexico News & Current Events | Public News Service

New Mexico's peak fire season is still a week away, but firefighters already are working round-the-clock shifts to battle blazes in the southern part of the state. (swfireconsortium.org)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Forest fires in Southwest NM force evacuations, emergency orders

Forest fires have broken out in parts of New Mexico that state forecasters had already warned would see an elevated wildfire risk this summer due to h…

More than nine in 10 non-LGBTQ+ Americans believe Pride individuals should have the freedom to live their life without discrimination. (alexmak/Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

Despite backlash, NM residents support purveyors of LGBTQ+ Pride products

Boycotts over a Bud Light advertisement featuring a transgender customer and the Target Corporation for sales of Pride merchandise have not dampened N…

Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently arrested 11 undocumented workers at a New Mexico dairy farm. (Lawrey/Adobe Stock)

Amid migrant roundups, 'No Kings' rallies scheduled in 17 NM cities

New Mexicans will join what's expected to be thousands of "No Kings" rallies across the country tomorrow to protest against the Trump administration…

In 2022, New Mexico voters approved a constitutional amendment to dedicate funds to early childhood education and care. (Bonsales/AdobeStock)

Report: NM's child well-being shows mixed momentum

A traditional marker used to measure child well-being in the U.S. shows New Mexico notched both improvements and declines in several areas. The …

It is estimated 250,000 workers in New Mexico will endure the summer without any protection rules from heat Illness or injury. (RCP/Adobe Stock)

Another summer without heat-protection rules for NM's outdoor workers

A New Mexico coalition is stressing an urgent need for the state to adopt the strongest possible heat risk standards for indoor and outdoor workers…

Nearly 150 of New Mexico's 500 bird species are in need of conservation, according to the draft 2025 New Mexico State Wildlife Action Plan. (spatesphoto/Adobe Stock)

Final day to comment on NM's State Wildlife Action Plan

New Mexico residents have until the end of today to comment on a draft of the new State Wildlife Action Plan. It identifies more than 500 species …

New Mexico's Bandelier National Monument, where many of its Ancestral Pueblo structures date back to 1150 and 1600, is the oldest in the state, designated in 1916. (recreation.gov)

Las Cruces, Taos host rallies in support of national monuments, public lands

New Mexicans will gather in Las Cruces, Taos and other locations tomorrow for a day of action to defend national monuments and public lands. The …

U.S. Senators are digging into the Trump administration's 1,116 page budget reconciliation bill that was already passed by House Republicans. (CreativeMania-AI enhanced/Adobe Stock)

Legal experts: Does rule of law still matter in second Trump term?

A government watchdog group is joining others in raising concerns about last-minute additions to the budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of…

A new study showed more than 40% of U.S. university students now feel uncomfortable sharing their views on controversial political topics. (photo courtesy unm.edu)

Study: NM university students' views diverge over campus free-speech climate

A new study revealed free speech is increasingly under threat on college campuses, from both right and left. The nonpartisan, nonprofit Foundation …

A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that for the first time in history, women are now binge drinking more than men. (Roman/Adobe Stock)

Women contribute to NM's high alcohol-related death rate

Problem drinking among women is on the rise, according to the National Institutes of Health, and New Mexico is no exception. In the past two decades…

In the Southwest, many rural, frontier and tribal communities feel overlooked or forgotten as Congress debates cuts to local services. (A/Adobe Stock)

NM's health care, hospitals face pressures in GOP's 'big beautiful bill'

One in three New Mexico residents lives in rural areas, and groups that represent them are calling on state and federal lawmakers to prioritize their …

It is estimated New Mexico's free child care program has lifted 120,000 people in the state above the federal poverty line. (olgademina/Adobe Stock)

NM's near-universal child care a 'life-saver' for many families

Predominantly free statewide child care is helping lift many New Mexico families out of poverty. Three years ago, the state became the first in the …

In recent years, New Mexico has offered tax credits and rebates for the purchase of elective vehicles. (AndriiYalanskyi/AdobeStock)

Federal tax credits for NM's EV owners face elimination

Supporters of electric vehicles in New Mexico cite a number of advantages to owning one, but 2026 budget negotiations underway in Washington include …

The Medicaid safety net program covers more than 70 million low-income and disabled Americans. (Singh/Adobe Stock)

NM's outsized reliance on Medicaid has advocates prepping for worst-case

Unprecedented cuts to Medicaid under consideration by lawmakers in Congress would be a heavy blow to New Mexico, where more than one-third of the …

Gallup, New Mexico, has a disproportionately high number of

FBI promises missing Indigenous investigations but deletes historical data

The FBI has said it will add resources in 10 states including New Mexico to tackle unresolved crimes, with a focus on those related to missing and …

In New Mexico, 89% of those responding to the 2025 Colorado College poll said existing national monument designations from the last decade should be kept in place. (Randy/Adobe Stock)

NM's Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks targeted for energy development

The sale of public lands along with a rollback of protections for national monuments is back on the table now that Republicans control both houses of …

Workplace hazards kill approximately 385 U.S. workers each day or 40,000 workers each year, according to a report from the AFL-CIO. (realone/AdobeStock)

Report: NM fourth highest in more workplace deaths nationally

In 2023, more than 5,200 American workers died on the job, with New Mexico ranking fourth in the nation. A report from the AFL-CIO on work-related …

Department of Government Efficiency cuts to AmeriCorps will affedct New Mexico's Boys & Girls Clubs. (bgcsantafe.org)

Program elimination, job loss as DOGE cuts funds for NM's AmeriCorps

The dismantling of the 30-year-old AmeriCorps national service program by the Department of Government Efficiency will have significant effects in New…

New Mexico's snowpack is significantly below normal for this time of year, with levels at 36% across the state. (Photo courtesy Isabelle Jenniches)

NM groups work to improve soil health, mitigate effects of changing climate

New Mexico's decades-long drought combined with climate change have more farmers and ranchers embracing the six healthy soil principles, tailoring …

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption in New Mexico. (See Less/Adobe Stock)

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

A bipartisan group of current and former elected officials said the continued use of fossil fuels threatens global security and they want funding for …

After a series of challenging health issues, Angelo Jimenez completed Roadrunner Food Bank's job training program and was offered a full-time role with the nonprofit. (rrfb.org)

New Mexico job training program returns to lift all boats

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank is again offering job training after its program was temporarily suspended during the COVID pandemic. Teresa …

Residents of rural communities rely on Medicaid more than do their urban counterparts because of lower incomes, fewer private insurance options and higher unemployment rates. (ISKPRODUCTION/Adobe Stock)

GOP budget cuts to Medicaid could fray NM's safety net

Medicaid is a lifeline for many of New Mexico's families, making it one of six states that could be severely affected by cuts Congressional …

Americans' privacy protections have not kept pace with rapidly evolving surveillance technologies. (Liubomir/Adobe Stock)

NM LGBTQ+ advocacy group pushes for new data privacy laws

Anyone who uses a cell phone or laptop shares hundreds of personal data points, and a New Mexico advocacy group wants that information better …

Data show 25% to 35% of first-year college students do not return for their second year. (NMSU)

NMSU's 'ringtone strategy' helps keep students enrolled, engaged

Today's college students may prefer communicating by text but New Mexico State University still finds person-to-person phone calls from faculty and st…

A total of 16,000 NOAA workers, including those who forecast severe storms, have been fired by DOGE. (Derrick Neill/Adobe Stock)

Second wave of weather employees fired ahead of NM wildfire season

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

The U.S., New Zealand, Norway and Canada are among the countries with the highest rates of volunteer participation. (theotherhouse/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico's food bank volunteers provide millions of meals

More than 6,000 volunteers who support New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank are being recognized during National Volunteer Week, which starts today…

America's 63 national parks and 433 National Park Service-managed sites such as New Mexico's White Sands have been ordered to remain open, despite significant worker cuts. (nps.gov)

DOGE cuts at NM's national parks create alarm, anxiety

New Mexico's national parks generally operate year-round - but they might not operate at 100% efficiency this year due to employee firings, layoffs …

Global food security depends on work done by U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. Its scientists and funding are on the DOGE chopping block. (s1llu/Adobe Stock/AI enhanced)<br />

America's historic crops at risk as DOGE cuts funding for seed bunkers

Working without fanfare, federal scientists at 22 U.S. sites maintain the nation's agricultural plant species collected since 1898, including crops …

National Library Week was first observed in 1958 to celebrate the contributions of the nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. (amaxim/Adobe Stock)

April celebrates the creative combo of libraries, poetry

April is both National Poetry Month and National Library Month, and younger generations are embracing both. The American Library Association says …

Federal, state and local taxes paid by New Mexico's immigrant population help support public schools, hospitals, roads and more. (Sweeann/Adobe Stock)

NM group calls ICE agents' access to immigrant tax data a 'breach of trust'

A New Mexico immigrant advocacy group says all Americans should be alarmed that the IRS has agreed to share immigrants' taxpayer information with ICE …

Residents of rural counties with a large share of tribal lands are more likely to rely on Medicaid for coverage for all age groups, including seniors, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. (Nailotl/Adobe Stock)

Federal budget cuts to Medicaid would significantly impact New Mexico

Nearly 800,000 people receiving Medicaid live in New Mexico, and a federal budget proposal could possibly cause major cuts to the program. Senate …

A national day of protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for unprecedented policy changes is scheduled across all 50 states tomorrow. (third act.org)

NM protestors join nationwide 'Hands Off! Day of Action' Saturday

Protestors in more than a dozen New Mexico cities will join thousands nationwide Saturday in what is expected to be the largest single-day protest sin…

As states spend millions responding to natural disasters, New Mexico's proposed Community Benefit Fund could prove beneficial ahead of a new crisis. (MarthaMarks/Adobe Stock)

Climate change activists see hopeful signs in New Mexico's next state budget

New Mexico conservation advocates say the state's budget awaiting the governor's signature would make great strides in addressing climate change and p…

New Mexico's minimum wage and cost of living combination don't squeeze people as much as other states, according to the website Upworthy.com. (ArenaCreative/Adobe Stock)

NM research shows deep influence of money, even in the workplace

New research showed when employers struggle with personal money problems, they do not always leave their stress at home, and can instead take it out …

A Trump administration executive order this week aims to bypass congressional approval typically needed to change election laws. (JM_GUERRERO/Adobe Stock)<br />

Trump tests presidential authority in revamping NM, U.S. voting laws

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump to dramatically overhaul voting laws is unlikely to stand up in court, according to an election …

Food banks in New Mexico and across the country were informed Wednesday that federal food shipments meant for distribution to needy residents had been suspended. (rrfb.org)

Federal funding freeze affects NM's food, farms, housing

A federal funding freeze affecting a broad swath of U.S. programs has left many organizations in limbo, with new fallout coming every day. Court …

New Mexico's nine medal of honor recipients include Hiroshi

Gallup native, others remembered on National Medal of Honor Day

Military bravery and sacrifice is recognized today, with the nation's recipients of the National Medal of Honor being celebrated for their service…

New Mexico's highways are hazardous when dust storms called

NOAA employee cuts could curb forecasts of NM 'haboobs'

One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…

New Mexico's 2021 methane waste rules require oil and gas operators to capture 98% of their produced natural gas by Dec. 31, 2026, and prohibit routine venting and flaring. (RobertCoy/Adobe Stock)

NM's state methane regulations expected to thwart federal rollbacks

Federal rules meant to better control harmful methane emissions will not take effect since Congress and President Donald Trump have intervened but the…

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

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)

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…

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