New Mexico OKs its 1st wildlife bridges to limit collisions
March 24, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will build its first wildlife highway overpasses for free-roaming cougars, black bears, bighorn sheep and other creatures large and small and will also set aside $100 million for conservation projects, under two bills signed Thursday by Gov.
New Mexico gov to abusive caregivers: ‘We’re coming for you’
March 21, 2023 GMTAny caregivers who mistreat and abuse developmentally disabled or otherwise vulnerable people will be held accountable, New Mexico’s governor and top health officials warned Monday.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, members of her cabinet and law enforcement officials gathered at the state Capitol to provide an update on ongoing investigations into an alleged abuse and neglect case involving a developmentally disabled person that was brought to the state's attention March 1.
New Mexico passes bill to safeguard abortion providers
March 18, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators raced against the clock Friday to advance hard-fought proposals aimed at safeguarding abortion access, delivering tax relief and reducing gun violence in the final hours of a 60-day legislative session.
Native American groups blast governor for agency appointment
March 18, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A coalition of advocates dedicated to stemming the tide of violence and missing persons cases in Indian Country is demanding more transparency from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, saying there should be greater accountability in the system for vetting state-appointed positions that serve Indigenous communities.
New Mexico governor says tax cuts could hurt schools, police
March 17, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is urging legislators to reevaluate the magnitude of proposed tax changes that would forgo $1 billion in annual state government income each year.
Record $9.6B spending plan heads to New Mexico governor
March 16, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's Democratic-led Legislature sent an annual spending plan Wednesday to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for consideration that would increase annual general fund spending by 14% to underwrite tuition-free college, bolster rural rural health care networks and expand no-pay day care and prekindergarten.
Voting rights bill in New Mexico wins Senate endorsement
March 9, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Democratic-sponsored voting rights bill aimed at expanding access to the ballot in New Mexico won state Senate approval Wednesday, clearing its last major hurdle in the Legislature.
Nomination of Native American leader in New Mexico in limbo
March 4, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s Democratic governor says she believes vetting of her Cabinet members is crucial. But with two weeks left in the legislative session, she has yet to submit her pick to lead the state Indian Affairs Department to the Senate for confirmation.
New Mexico bill advances to keep guns away from children
March 4, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico bill that would make it a crime to store firearms in places that children could access cleared a major hurdle with the endorsement of the state Senate on Friday.
New Mexico is among the top 10 states for firearms deaths per capita.
New Mexico’s COVID-19 public health orders to end March 31
March 3, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is extending health orders related to COVID-19 one final time through the end of the month.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made the announcement Friday that she is renewing an executive order but will let it expire after March 31.
New Mexico nomination spurs concerns among Native Americans
March 2, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s governor is standing firm in her decision to nominate a former tribal leader who once faced sexual assault charges to head the state’s Indian Affairs Department, fueling anger among Native American advocates who have been working to address violence and missing persons cases within their communities.
New Mexico governor pans Forest Service amid wild cow fight
February 25, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s governor has stepped into the fight over how federal land managers are eradicating wild cows in the Gila Wilderness.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement Friday saying she was disappointed by what she described as the U.S.
New Mexico bills safeguard abortion, gender-affirming care
February 23, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico legislative panel advanced a bill to protect abortion providers and patients from out-of-state interference, prosecution or extradition attempts, as Democratic leaders seek to shore up existing rights to abortion access for residents as well as visitors from states with bans on the procedure.
Challenges await new education secretary in New Mexico
February 22, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tapped a Hispanic school superintendent from southern New Mexico on Tuesday to oversee the state's K-12 education system as secretary of the Public Education Department.
Democratic governors form alliance on abortion rights
February 21, 2023 GMTDemocratic governors in 20 states are launching a network intended to strengthen abortion access in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision nixing a woman’s constitutional right to end a pregnancy and instead shifting regulatory powers over the procedure to state governments.
New Mexico law signed to help wildfire, flooding recovery
February 20, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday signed to use zero-interest loans to help local governments in the arid, Southwest state repair or replace public infrastructure damaged by wildfires or subsequent flooding.
New Mexico House endorses $1B state spending increase
February 17, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's House of Representatives endorsed a 12% increase in annual state general fund spending Thursday, in a bill that would expand public support for early childhood education, shore up rural health care providers, and boost salaries and benefits for state workers and public school teachers.
New Mexico governor seeks revamp of child-protection agency
February 17, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday an overhaul of the state's lead agency for protecting children from neglect and abuse, condemning what she described as an “antiquated” and “siloed” agency that struggles to adequately care for roughly 1,800 youths who are in state custody.
New Mexico Senate approves landmark conservation bill
February 15, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A measure that would create recurring funding for land and water conservation projects in New Mexico cleared the state Senate on Tuesday, with supporters describing it as a landmark measure that would help the state grapple with drought, wildfires and flooding.
Interior secretary hires Native American as policy adviser
February 15, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Native American attorney who oversaw New Mexico’s Indian Affairs Department has been tapped to serve as a top policy adviser to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
New Mexico may seek veto power over spent nuke fuel storage
February 14, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Senate on Monday approved a proposed ban on the local disposal of spent nuclear fuel, unless the state provides its consent first.
Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows
February 11, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — ABC’s “This Week” — Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.; Reps. James Comer, R-Ky., and Pete Aguilar, D-Calif.
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NBC’s “Meet the Press” — Govs. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, and Phil Murphy, D-N.J.; Rep.
Pretrial detention change could cost New Mexico $15M a year
February 7, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposed state Senate bill that calls for people accused of certain violent crimes to remain jailed without bond until trial could cost New Mexico up to $15.3 million annually, according to a legislative analysis obtained by a newspaper.
New Mexico legislators may block local abortion ordinances
February 3, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A standoff over abortion in politically conservative regions of New Mexico escalated Friday as Democratic state legislators advanced a bill that would prohibit local governments from interfering with women's access to reproductive health care.
New Mexico governor names new Indian Affairs secretary
February 3, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former governor of a New Mexico pueblo has been chosen to be the state's next secretary of Indian Affairs.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the appointment Friday of James R.
New Mexico losing 3rd public education secretary in 4 years
January 29, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s third public education secretary in four years has announced his retirement, saying he has a critical need to focus on his family and his health.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, Kurt Steinhaus last day of work was Friday.
US sweetens pot to study siting for spent nuke fuel storage
January 26, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. government has long struggled to find a permanent solution for storing or disposing of spent nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear power plants, and opposition to such a site is flaring up again as New Mexico lawmakers debate banning a facility without state consent.
New Mexico governor vows bipartisan effort to fight crime
January 26, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vowed Wednesday to work with state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to address New Mexico’s crime problems, a situation she described as untenable.
Violence looms over New Mexico Legislature as work begins
January 18, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called for new gun control laws and greater accountability for firearm manufacturers while denouncing recent drive-by shootings of the homes of Democratic lawmakers in Albuquerque in her State of the State address Tuesday at the start of the annual legislative session.
New Mexico lawmakers seek preschool expansion with oil money
January 13, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Leading New Mexico legislators recommended a billion-dollar increase Thursday in annual state spending to expand preschool access and increase mandatory classroom instruction time at K-12 public schools.
New Mexico appointee resigns from powerful regulatory panel
January 11, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recent appointees to a powerful utility regulatory commission has resigned, citing a lack of education qualifications.
The Democratic governor announced Brian Moore’s resignation Tuesday, saying she is filling his spot with a principal analyst from Sandia National Laboratories who has worked on grid modernization and energy storage projects.
Top prosecutor in busy New Mexico district aims for justice
January 5, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A prominent defense attorney who has taken the reins of the district attorney’s office in New Mexico’s busiest judicial district vowed Wednesday to be relentless in his pursuit of justice as the Albuquerque metro area struggles to stem violent crime.
New Mexico governor will undergo knee replacement surgery
January 3, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will travel to Washington to undergo knee replacement surgery, her office announced Tuesday.
Lujan Grisham was scheduled to depart Tuesday and return next week after the replacement of her right knee with an artificial joint.
Sam Bregman picked as Second Judicial District attorney
January 3, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Longtime New Mexico attorney Sam Bregman has been appointed as the top prosecutor in the Albuquerque-based Second Judicial District to fill a vacancy created by the election of Raúl Torrez as the state’s new attorney general.
Sam Bregman picked as Second Judicial District attorney
January 3, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Longtime New Mexico attorney Sam Bregman has been appointed as the top prosecutor in the Albuquerque-based Second Judicial District to fill a vacancy created by the election of Raúl Torrez as the state’s new attorney general.
Lujan Grisham begins second term as New Mexico governor
January 2, 2023 GMTDemocrat Michelle Lujan Grisham officially started her second term as New Mexico governor on New Year's Day with promises of “launching the state into the future” by building on the work her administration has done over the past four years.
Tribes get advisory role in New Mexico utility regulation
December 31, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed a former state lawmaker and two energy policy experts on Friday to a powerful regulatory commission whose decisions have direct economic and environmental consequences for the state's utility customers.
New Mexico governor appointed a new top health official
December 30, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Oregon's top health official will be taking the reins of New Mexico's Health Department as the state builds a new veterans home and grapples with the enduring hardships of COVID-19 and the toll of alcoholism, drug-overdose deaths and gun violence.
New Mexico state government reaps budget windfall from oil
December 13, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state of New Mexico is likely to inherit a new, multibillion-dollar financial windfall largely from surging oil production and robust energy prices in the era of war between Ukraine and Russia, economists told a panel of leading legislators on Monday.
Lawsuit: Governor threatened retaliation for records request
December 10, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former state senator says he was threatened by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham through an emissary with "escalating consequences" if he did not withdraw a request by his law firm for public records concerning the administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a lawsuit filed this week.
Slate of New Mexico regulatory candidates sparks concern
December 7, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Many decisions by New Mexico’s most powerful regulatory panel have had direct economic and environmental consequences for one corner of the state, and yet not one candidate nominated to fill the Public Regulation Commission is from northwestern New Mexico.
New Mexico governor wants free lunch for all students K-12
December 7, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wants New Mexico to help provide school lunches without charge to all K-12 students across the state.
Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett confirmed Tuesday that the governor will pursue legislation when lawmakers meet in January 2023 to ensure that every student has access to free and nutritious school meals by covering the cost of breakfast and lunch for students that don't already qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Panel picks finalists for New Mexico regulatory commission
December 2, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s governor will have nine candidates to choose from as she fills a powerful regulatory commission that oversees utility rates and will help chart the state’s course toward more renewable energy development.
New Mexico visits new political landscape in four-day trip
December 2, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is traveling to a convention of Democratic governors in New Orleans on the heels of her reelection victory, with additional engagements in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Colorado expert hired as New Mexico education adviser
December 1, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has hired an expert from Colorado to serve as her education policy adviser as the state struggles to reverse a long-term trend in which the majority of public school students fall short of reading and math standards.
Lujan Grisham positive for COVID-19, not celebrating holiday
November 24, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the second time she has gotten the virus.
In a statement, the governor said she was experiencing mild symptoms and was isolating.
New Mexico’s top finance official to retire
November 23, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Deborah Romero, the head of New Mexico’s Department of Finance and Administration, will retire in December, marking the end of a career in state government that has spanned nearly 50 years.
Gov. Lujan Grisham to hold inauguration on New Year’s Day
November 22, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will kick off her second term with the new year.
A website launched by her administration devoted to inaugural festivities announced a governor's inaugural ball slated for Jan.
New Mexico Indian Affairs’ cabinet secretary leaving the job
November 10, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department’s cabinet secretary will be leaving her job at the end of this month.
Lynn Trujillo was appointed to the position by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in January 2019.
New Mexico reelects Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
November 9, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham won reelection Tuesday to a second term by defeating Republican Mark Ronchetti on pledges to safeguard access to abortion and sustain public spending on social safety-net programs.
New Mexico city adopts ordinance to block abortion clinics
November 9, 2022 GMTHOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Commissioners in a southeastern New Mexico city have adopted an ordinance designed to block abortion clinics from operating, although the procedure remains legal in New Mexico.
The all-male city commission voted 7-0 Monday night for the so-called “sanctuary city for the unborn” ordinance, the Hobbs News-Sun reported.
New Mexico embraces early, absentee voting in midterm
November 8, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Voter participation by early and absentee balloting in Tuesday's election has nearly surpassed participation by those methods in New Mexico's 2018 midterm election.
The New Mexico secretary of state's office on Monday said that nearly 440,000 ballots have been cast through the close of early in-person voting on Saturday and by absentee voting, with more than a day remaining in the election.
Biden trying to save incumbent Democrats in campaign sprint
November 4, 2022 GMTCrime opens political lane for GOP in Democratic New Mexico
November 1, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republicans are funneling resources and determination into a law-and-order campaign for governor of New Mexico led by a local TV celebrity with a hard-line message about criminal justice — hoping to dislodge an incumbent Democrat who staunchly defends abortion access.
Trump weighs in regarding New Mexico race for governor
October 31, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican nominee for governor Mark Ronchetti in a social media post.
It's unclear how the endorsement influences Ronchetti's prospects in the Nov.
Biden to travel to New Mexico days before midterm election
October 27, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to travel to New Mexico next week, days before the Nov. 8 midterm elections.
The White House in a statement said Biden will take part in events with Democratic Gov.
Obama video boosts incumbent governor in New Mexico
October 27, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Former President Barack Obama is urging voters to support incumbent Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in her campaign for reelection against former television broadcaster Mark Ronchetti.
New Mexico Supreme Court to take on redistricting case
October 14, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court will take up a legal challenge over a congressional map that divvies up a conservative area of the state, ordering Friday that the parties prepare to make oral arguments in early January.
New Mexico governor pins reelection to support for abortion
October 13, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham hitched her reelection campaign squarely to support for abortion access in the second head-to-head debate of the campaign season with Republican nominee Mark Ronchetti on Wednesday night.
Early and absentee voting begins across New Mexico
October 12, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Early voting began Tuesday across New Mexico on a limited scale at county clerk's offices, as election regulators began mailing absentee ballots by request to registered voters.
Governor voids territorial orders targeting Native Americans
October 10, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s governor on Monday voided four pre-statehood proclamations that targeted Native Americans during what was a tumultuous time across the western frontier as federal soldiers tried to defeat Navajos, Apaches and others.
New Mexico governor seeks FBI reinforcements amid crime
October 6, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Democratic governor of New Mexico has asked the federal Department of Justice to assign more FBI agents to the state in response to violent crime.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday in a statement that she wants to replicate the success of a recent surge in FBI resources and agents in Buffalo, New York.
1st debate highlights stakes in New Mexico race for governor
October 1, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican nominee for governor Mark Ronchetti sounded a rallying cry for residents who are dissatisfied with crime and public education in a live-broadcast debate Friday, while incumbent Gov.
New Mexico previously bused migrants during Trump years
September 21, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — When migrants overwhelmed cities and shelters in New Mexico in 2019, Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham moved several dozen of them by bus from border communities to Denver, where Christian congregations volunteered to provide shelter and aid.
New Mexico governor embraces US law on climate, health care
September 13, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The governor of New Mexico is using a visit to Washington to celebrate Democrats' flagship U.S. climate and health care bill and to advocate for addition federal wildfire relief.
New Mexico governor pledges $10M for new abortion clinic
August 31, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s governor on Wednesday signed a new executive order that pledges $10 million to build a clinic that would provide abortions and other pregnancy care.
New Mexico governor issues pardons to 6 people
August 29, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday pardoned six people for convictions ranging from fraud and larceny to burglary and drug trafficking.
The pardons represent another round of clemency decisions for the first-term Democratic governor who is seeking reelection.
New Mexico governor tests positive for COVID
August 25, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday morning and was receiving an antiviral drug treatment.
Lujan Grisham said in a statement that she was experiencing mild symptoms and is working in isolation from the governor's mansion in Santa Fe.
Governor: Film company relocating headquarters to Las Cruces
August 17, 2022 GMTSANTA FE. N.M. (AP) — California-based 828 Productions will relocate its headquarters to Las Cruces, joining Netflix and NBCUniversal as film partners with the state, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday.
SUV barrels through Native American parade; 15 injured
August 5, 2022 GMTA New Mexico man who was driving drunk without a valid license barreled through a parade that celebrates Native American culture in the western part of the state, injuring at least 15 people, officials said Friday.
New Mexico launches fund to train new police officers
August 3, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico hopes to bolster the ranks of small law enforcement agencies around the state with a new fund that will be dedicated to helping with the costs of training and equipping new police officers.
Virgin Galactic planning an astronaut campus in New Mexico
August 2, 2022 GMTSIERRA COUNTY, N.M. (AP) — Aerospace and space travel company Virgin Galactic announced Tuesday that it's planning to build an astronaut campus and training facility in southern New Mexico.
Company officials said in a statement that it has secured land for the facility outside Truth or Consequences near the location of Spaceport America.
Crowd protests relocation of abortion clinic to New Mexico
July 20, 2022 GMTLAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Anti-abortion activists from across the U.S. converged in southern New Mexico on Tuesday to protest relocation plans by the Mississippi clinic at the center of the court battle that overturned the Roe v.
Crowd protests relocation of abortion clinic to New Mexico
July 20, 2022 GMTLAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Anti-abortion activists from across the country converged in southern New Mexico on Tuesday to protest relocation plans by the Mississippi clinic at the center of the court battle that overturned Roe v.
New Mexico, ‘Stranger Things’ backdrop, hits production peak
July 15, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's film and TV industry has hit a new peak, with record spending by video production companies in a state that drew projects including the Netflix series “Stranger Things."
$1.7M committed for Roswell bridge repair, flood mitigation
July 10, 2022 GMTROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state is committing $1.7 million to repair a collapsed bridge in Roswell and implement additional flood mitigation strategies in the area.
Lujan Grisham made the announcement Saturday next to the damaged bridge in northeast Roswell.
New Mexico plans for more electric vehicle charging stations
July 8, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The first in a series of electric vehicle charging stations that will be paid for with state and federal infrastructure money will be installed in Socorro, one of the few populated areas along a major interstate that spans New Mexico, Gov.
New Mexico governor withstands lawsuits over pandemic orders
July 6, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico residents who say they endured constitutional rights violations, depression and anxiety under aggressive public health restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak have abandoned a lawsuit against Democratic Gov.
New Mexico certifies primary election results after standoff
June 29, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s state election board on Tuesday certified results of a primary that was nearly derailed by county officials amid voter anger and distrust fueled by unfounded conspiracies about vote-counting equipment and election procedures.