New Mexico News & Current Events | Public News Service

Recent research shows the mentally ill and drug addicted account for only about one quarter of the homeless population, while families with children make up one third and are the fastest-growing segment. (vinsky2002/Pixabay)

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

NM Eviction Moratorium to End, Homelessness Spike Worrisome

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Tents and sleeping bags not only make living on the streets more bearable this time of year, they can often mean the difference …

New Mexico and Colorado are considered leaders among states trying to curb air pollution from oil fields. (blogs.edf.org)

EPA Concludes Public Hearings on New Methane Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- People who live on the Navajo Nation near the San Juan Basin are closely following work by the Environmental Protection Agency (…

The Princeton Gerrymandering Project awarded an "A" for partisan fairness to all three New Mexico legislative maps adopted by a citizen committee. (climate-xchange.org)

NM Legislature Set to Meet on Redistricting Maps

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The New Mexico Legislature will consider three possible redistricting maps for the House and Senate when it meets for a special …

Nearly 2,000 children in New Mexico's foster care system will be recipients of new EcoCare Kits to help them connect to nature and their court-appointed advocates. (3330852/Pixabay)

NM Nature Kits Connect Foster Children with Court Advocates

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The 800 children living in foster care near Albuquerque are some of the first to receive a new therapeutic kit designed to help …

Climate activists say market-based solutions to climate change are no panacea for the disproportionate harm being done to mostly Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. (Yes! Magazine)

People of Color Want "Real" Solutions for Climate Change

By Sonali Kolhatkar for YES! Media.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

The 1.5-million-acre Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico offers trout fishing, hiking, skiing and other recreational opportunities. (nationalforest.org)

NM Groups Want Free-flowing Rivers Protected in National Forest

TAOS, N.M. - In Northern New Mexico's Carson National Forest, many rivers are eligible for federal "Wild and Scenic" designation, and conservation …

This week's interactive "Conference on Aging" in New Mexico includes prizes for poetry, recipes and photo submissions. (BruceEmmerling/Pixabay)

NM Conference Urges Seniors to “Adapt, Overcome & Thrive”

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Forced isolation from the pandemic has made it hard for seniors' voices to be heard in the past couple years, and New Mexico's …

The Four Corners Power Plant, built in 1962, is one of the largest coal-fired generating stations in the U.S. (serc.carleton.edu)

NM Utility Provider Under Fire Over Aging Power-Plant Investments

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Critics of a plan by New Mexico's largest utility company to abandon one of the oldest coal-burning plants in the country say …

Currently, New Mexico averages 20 days a year classified as dangerous - a number expected to climb to almost 40 days per year by 2050, according to Climate Central. (orange31/Pixabay)

COP26: Readying Children for Their Climate Change Role

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The acceleration of global warming from fossil-fuel production, along with drought and wildfires, have been top-of-mind for New …

Urgency for the U.S. Congress to designate the Gila River as a Wild and Scenic River follows one of the worst years ever recorded for water levels on the Colorado River. (state.nm.us)

Heinrich, Lujan Reintroduce NM Gila River Protection Bill

SILVER CITY, N.M. -- New Mexico's U.S. senators are making another attempt to protect the last remaining free-flowing rivers and tributary systems to …

To draw Hollywood to New Mexico, the state reimburses filmmakers 25% of everything they spend. (riograndefoundation.org)

NM Sheriff: 'Suspected Live Round' Killed "Rust" Cinematographer

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The sheriff of Santa Fe County said the projectile that killed a cinematographer on a movie set last week was a "suspected live …

More than 70% of documented Mexican gray wolf deaths are human-caused, according to the environmental law firm Earthjustice. (Rebecca Bose/Wolf Conservation Center)

Judge: Plan for Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Must Address Poaching

ALBUQUERUE, N.M. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has six months to develop new language in its Mexican gray wolf recovery plan, after a judge …

Since the pandemic, New Mexico has started 49 new food-distribution points in seven counties, according to the Roadrunner Food Bank. (NAACP)

As Pandemic Wanes, Food Insecurity Lingers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As the pandemic wanes, hunger and food insecurity are also on the decline, but the need is still far above pre-pandemic levels…

The Native American Voting Rights Act, recently introduced in Congress, would give tribes a say in where and how many polling places are located on tribal lands. (idigenousaction.org)

NM Museum to Highlight History of Indigenous Voting

SANTA FE, N.M. - A New Mexico museum is in the first stage of creating an exhibit devoted to the history of indigenous voting. As recently as 1962…

New Mexico's Community Solar Act was signed into law earlier this year, after failing during previous legislative sessions. (energy.gov)

NM Governor: 'Build Back Better' is Future for Renewable Energy

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico's governor said no state is better prepared to deliver climate change mitigation solutions, but it will need funding …

The upper Gila is surrounded by wilderness that offers fishing for native trout, hunting, backpacking, horseback riding, and camping. (Nathan Newcomer)

Casting a Wide Net to Protect New Mexico's Gila River

SILVER CITY, N.M. -- Those who enjoy outdoor activities in the Southwest, say the Gila River and surrounding public lands have it all, and they want …

An international conference this week featuring linguists, educators, and practitioners will address ways to preserve indigenous languages. (marxelocinema/Pixabay)

Protecting the Future by Restoring Indigenous Languages

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- In anticipation of a new, decade-long focus on preserving indigenous languages, the first-ever conference on "Restoring and …

As many as 30 million pronghorn once roamed the plains and grasslands of North America. (magazine.wildlife.state.nm.us)

At-Risk Pronghorn Make Other Species Vulnerable

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Millions of pronghorn used to roam the West freely. But impediments such as roads and fences, as well as a changing climate…

Las Cruces' Camp Hope provides temporary, transitional shelter in the form of tents, showers and cooking facilities while people experiencing homelessness transition to permanent housing. (nmcommunityofhope.org)

Desert Hope: A Las Cruces Option for People Who've Been Homeless

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - A new apartment complex built to serve people who've been chronically unhoused in Las Cruces was three-quarters full when it …

Doctors say medicines given to livestock, including ivermectin, frequently contain other ingredients that are not meant for human consumption. (carola68/Pixabay)

New Mexican Residents Die Treating COVID-19 with Ivermectin

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A veterinary drug doctors call unsafe for treating COVID-19 has caused the deaths of two people in New Mexico, according to the …

PNM is New Mexico's largest electric generation, transmission and distribution utility, serving more than 530,000 customers around the state. (Wikipedia)

Proposed Utility Merger Generates Wariness in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. - A decision over a proposed utility merger in New Mexico is expected before year's end, but opponents warn approval could spell …

Violence and maltreatment remain widespread in juvenile corrections and detention facilities nationwide, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (johnhain/Pixabay)

Debate Over Youth Prison Sentences Continues in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A New Mexico legislator is optimistic a bill will pass in the 2022 session to prohibit life sentences for juveniles convicted of …

Experts say regular outdoor learning opportunities promote greater physical well-being and improved brain function in children. (isakarakus/Pixabay)

Advocates to Congress: Kids Need More Outdoor Learning

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As Congress considers making significant investments in the nation's child-care system, children's advocates argued now is the …

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

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 …

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PNS Daily Newscast - December 8, 2021

2021Talks - December 8, 2021

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