New Mexico

What Happens When You Have an All-Women City Council? New Mexico Is About To Find Out.

The city of Las Cruces will soon have women representing all six of its city council district seats. It joins a short list of all-women or nearly all-women governing bodies.

  • By Barbara Rodriguez, The 19th

Booster Mandates Are a Tough Call for States, Businesses

New Mexico is the first and only state to require boosters for its employees.

  • By Matt Vasilogambros and Alex Brown, Stateline

As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen

State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

New Mexico Must Provide Internet, Devices to At-Risk Remote Learners, Court Rules

The ruling is the latest development in a years-long case alleging that the state’s education department failed to provide uniform public education to Native Americans, low-income children and others.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Longer, More Frequent Droughts Hit Western US

COMMENTARY | Periods of drought in the western United States have become longer over the past 50 years, according to a new study.

  • By Rose Brandt, Futurity

Ranking: The Worst States for Retirees

The least favorable places to live post-work years on the list, which was compiled from several sources, have high taxes and soaring housing costs, among other things.

  • By Brent Woodie

Interstate Water Wars are Heating Up Along With the Climate

COMMENTARY | Sates should put at least as much effort into reducing water use as they do into litigation, because there are no guaranteed winners in water lawsuits.

  • By Robert Glennon, The Conversation

Timber, Condos, Glamping? States Debate Land Use to Fund Schools

Some states are getting into the development business.

  • By Alex Brown, Stateline

Lawmakers in One State Hope to Create a New Broadband Office

About a quarter of New Mexico students don't have home internet access. Legislators are proposing to create a division in the state's IT department to help address this and other digital equity issues.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

12 Million People to Lose Unemployment Benefits This Month When Federal Programs Expire

Federal safety net programs that have provided additional unemployment benefits for workers who lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic are set to end.

  • By Andrea Noble

New Mexico, Oregon, Michigan and Washington State Issue New Shutdown Orders

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Jackson, Mississippi accuses biodiesel plant of illegal dumping … A high denial rate for Hawaii workers compensation claims linked to Covid … Gov. Gavin Newsom expresses regrets for attending outside restaurant gathering.

  • By Laura Maggi

Former City Council Candidate Arrested in Shooting at Albuquerque Statue Protest

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Iowa governor to sign order to allow people with felonies to vote … New Jersey police must report misconduct findings … Lawsuits filed against state-run nursing homes in New Jersey.

  • By Laura Maggi and Emma Coleman
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Medicaid Providers At The End Of The Line For Federal COVID Funding

State Medicaid directors say that without immediate funding, many of the health facilities that serve Medicaid patients could close permanently.

  • By Julie Rovner, Kaiser Health News

New Democratic Majorities Lead to Rush of Bills—and Conflict

With new trifectas, Democratic leaders in six states had the opportunity to push through many new laws. But there were also clashes, both internally and with Republicans.

  • By April Simpson

The Pros and Cons of 'Banning the Box'

New Mexico became the 12th state to prohibit private employers from asking about criminal records on job applications, a practice designed to reduce recidivism by helping ex-offenders gain employment.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Instead of a Border Wall, Why Not a ‘Clean Energy Corridor’?

Building solar panels and wind turbines along the U.S.-Mexico border, say scientists, could unite demands for a Green New Deal and stronger border security.

  • By Amal Ahmed, The Atlantic

Congress Could Could Move Quickly on Drought Contingency Plan for Colorado River

Seven states submitted their agreements on March 19 with water officials asking for action before the end of April.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

New Mexico Boosts Cap for Medical Marijuana Growers

The increase is temporary as state officials determine a permanent cap that will keep pace with growing patient enrollment.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Bill in New Mexico Aims to Stymie Trump’s Border Wall Construction

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | L.A. teacher strike resolution … D.C. Council overturns mayor’s veto … Dallas STD spike … and a statewide rent control proposal in Oregon.

  • By Michael Grass

Oil and Water: Finding New Uses for Fracking Waste Water

New Mexico eyes reusing fracking waste water, maybe even for drinking water.

  • By Rebecca Beitsch

Albuquerque Mayor OKs Netflix Deal

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | More recycling sector disruption … Minneapolis alcohol vote; and a “sex for speedbumps” scandal in Florida.

  • By Michael Grass