Economic Freedom in New Mexico Takes a Hit in 2024 Index

Economic Freedom in New Mexico Takes a Hit in 2024 Index

The Rio Grande Foundation’s mission can be summed up in two words: “economic freedom.” Everything the organization does is focused on enhancing economic freedom for New Mexicans. Unfortunately, New Mexico’s standing has worsened in the annual Economic Freedom of North America 2024 index, which was released by the Canada-based Fraser Institute and the Bridwell Center…

New Mexico Caregivers Face Abuse Charges as State Struggles with Facility Oversight

New Mexico Caregivers Face Abuse Charges as State Struggles with Facility Oversight

Four caregivers in New Mexico have been criminally charged for allegedly abusing elderly residents in assisted living, group homes, and home care facilities in Rio Rancho, Las Vegas, and Santa Fe. The charges follow investigations by the state’s Department of Justice (NMDOJ). In three of the cases, disturbing video evidence of the abuse was captured,…

Get Your Mobile Driver’s License and State ID in New Mexico for Apple and Google Wallet

Get Your Mobile Driver’s License and State ID in New Mexico for Apple and Google Wallet

State officials clarified on Thursday that these mobile IDs are optional and do not replace physical driver’s licenses or state IDs. Residents are still required to carry their physical licenses when driving. The mobile IDs can be used at participating TSA checkpoints across the country, at selected businesses and venues, Apple Store locations, and in…

New Mexico Braces for Winter Storm with Snow, Strong Winds, and Freezing Temperatures

New Mexico Braces for Winter Storm with Snow, Strong Winds, and Freezing Temperatures

A winter storm is forecast to impact New Mexico early next week, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and a significant drop in temperatures, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. While the weather will remain relatively mild through the weekend, a weak system is expected to bring light rain and mountain snow to southern areas…

Cucumber Recall: Arizona Albertsons and Safeway Remove Deli and Produce Items

Cucumber Recall: Arizona Albertsons and Safeway Remove Deli and Produce Items

Albertsons and Safeway have voluntarily recalled several produce and deli items due to potential salmonella contamination linked to cucumbers. The affected cucumbers were supplied by PennRose Farms, which sourced them from SunFed Produce. The recall impacts Albertsons stores in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Nevada, Texas, and Utah, as well as Safeway stores in Arizona. The…

New Mexico’s Unique Swale Paintbrush Flower Receives Endangered Status

New Mexico’s Unique Swale Paintbrush Flower Receives Endangered Status

A flower native exclusively to New Mexico has officially been declared endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The swale paintbrush, a striking yellowish-red flower, is now known to exist only in one private location in southwest New Mexico. The FWS announced the endangered status of the flower on Wednesday, Dec. 4, and…

State of New Mexico Plans Revitalization of 200-Acre Fairgrounds Site

State of New Mexico Plans Revitalization of 200-Acre Fairgrounds Site

New Mexico has unveiled an ambitious plan to redevelop the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque’s International District. The proposal envisions transforming more than 200 acres of state-owned land into a vibrant hub that could include homes, businesses, and entertainment venues. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the redevelopment strategy yesterday, calling it a collaborative effort involving state,…

Albuquerque Police Tackle Car Theft Surge as New Mexico Ranks 5th Nationally

Albuquerque Police Tackle Car Theft Surge as New Mexico Ranks 5th Nationally

Car thefts remain a significant issue in New Mexico, with the state ranking fifth in the nation for vehicle thefts, according to a report from Tires Easy. In the past year, over 10,000 vehicles were stolen across the state, equating to an alarming rate of 534 thefts per 100,000 vehicles—74% higher than the national average….

Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Lynx Habitat Designations by Fish and Wildlife

Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Lynx Habitat Designations by Fish and Wildlife

On November 27, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) unveiled its finalized recovery plan aimed at bolstering the conservation efforts for the threatened Canada lynx population in the lower 48 states. The updated plan proposes changes to critical lynx habitat designations, now spanning approximately 19,112 square miles across six states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana,…

New Mexico Caregivers Charged with Abuse After Disturbing Incidents at Care Facilities

New Mexico Caregivers Charged with Abuse After Disturbing Incidents at Care Facilities

Recent reports from the New Mexico Department of Justice highlight disturbing cases of abuse involving staff at various care facilities. In Santa Fe, Salomon Sanchez, an employee at a Developmental Disabilities Waiver group home, is allegedly seen on video refusing to assist a resident. Officials state that after his refusal, Sanchez physically shoved the resident…