New Mexico News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Friday, April 25, 2025

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)

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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)

Monday, April 21, 2025

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…

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…

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…

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…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - April 25, 2025

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