New Mexico’s senators are demanding answers about how a $50 billion federal fund will be distributed to rural hospitals, as up to eight facilities in the state could close within 18 months due to sweeping cuts to healthcare programs. Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich joined 14 other Democrats in a letter to Centers […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Veteran receives donated wheelchair after being ‘abandoned’ by VA
A Mountainair native and 13-year Army veteran received a donated wheelchair Saturday that his family desperately needed after encountering delays in the federal veterans’ system, highlighting challenges faced by disabled veterans across the state. James Greene, a Mountainair native who now lives in Rio Rancho with his wife Heather, was one of the first American […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Opinion & Analysis
Hope for the new school year
Submitted by Trey Smith, Executive Director of East Mountain As I prepare to send my own son off to his first day of Kindergarten in just a few days, I find myself riding a rollercoaster of emotions, probably not unlike what every parent feels this time of year. I’m feeling a little anxious: Will he […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
UNM Health offers free back-to-school vaccines amid statewide measles outbreak
University of New Mexico Health will host a free back-to-school vaccination clinic Tuesday at its Southwest Mesa Center for Family and Community Health, providing all state-required vaccines at no cost regardless of insurance status. The clinic comes as health officials urge New Mexico families to ensure children are vaccinated before school starts. The state is […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
Sen. Heinrich secures $69 Million for New Mexico projects, housing aid in Senate committee vote
Over $69 million in federal funding for New Mexico infrastructure, housing assistance for 11,000+ families and tribal programs cleared a key Senate committee hurdle last week, bringing the state closer to receiving critical investments in water systems, housing and economic development. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich secured over $69 million for New Mexico projects and programs […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
City offers free back-to-school resources for Albuquerque families
Albuquerque families preparing for the upcoming school year can get free backpacks, school supplies and shoe vouchers at a city event next weekend, while also accessing affordable year-round after-school programs that cost significantly less than commercial alternatives. The City of Albuquerque will host “Cruzin’ Into the School Year” events on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
ABQ BioPark endangered orangutan dies after brief stay at facility
A critically endangered Sumatran orangutan died Tuesday at the ABQ BioPark after suffering cardiac arrest during treatment for a sudden illness, just two months after arriving at the city-owned facility that welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors annually. Elok, a 24-year-old male, showed signs of gastrointestinal distress Tuesday morning when animal care staff arrived, according […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
New Mexico Rep. pushes federal bill to prevent power line wildfires
A fallen aspen tree that downed a power line sparked New Mexico’s largest wildfire in state history in 2011, burning 156,000 acres in the Las Conchas Fire. Now, U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández wants to give utilities better tools to prevent the next power line disaster. Leger Fernández and three other U.S. House members introduced […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
New Mexico Supreme Court upholds warrantless vehicle searches during brief decriminalization era
New Mexico drivers stopped by police during the state’s brief marijuana decriminalization period could still have their vehicles searched without a warrant based on the smell of cannabis alone, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a unanimous decision that clarifies police powers during a unique period in the state’s drug policy history. The ruling […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
New Mexico families can save during back-to-school tax holiday weekend
New Mexico families preparing for the school year can save money this weekend while supporting local businesses during the state’s annual back-to-school tax holiday. The gross receipts tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 25, and runs through midnight Sunday, July 27. During this period, qualifying back-to-school items are sold tax-free, potentially saving families […]