As Climate Threats Escalate, Rep. Leger Fernández Leads Charge To Weather-Proof America’s Energy Grid
U.S. CONGRESS News:
WASHINGTON D.C. — As wildfires rage, floods surge, and power grids strain under record-breaking heat, U.S. Reps. Leger Fernández (NM-03), Casten (IL-06), Castor (FL-11), and Ross (NC-02) introduced the Weather-Safe Energy Act of 2025. This landmark bill will equip utilities with the cutting-edge weather data, modeling, and support they need to withstand the growing threat of extreme weather. The bill addresses a critical need at a time when the nation’s energy infrastructure faces unprecedented threats from increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, Read More
NMED Reviews Stage 1 Abatement Plan For Former PNM Dump In Algodones
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department is reviewing a Stage 1 Abatement Plan to address contamination at a former Public Service Company of New Mexico waste site located on North Hill Road in Algodones.
PNM submitted its plan on June 23, 2025, to continue assessing environmental contamination resulting from the former dumping site, used to dispose of office waste like paper, packaging, and food scraps from the now-closed Algodones Generating Station. The station operated as a natural gas and fuel oil-fired steam electric power facility from 1954 to 1987.
ENMU Director Of Bands, Dustin Seifert, Named To New Mexico Music Educators Association Hall Of Fame
ENMU Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Dustin Seifert, has been named to the NMMEA Hall of Fame class of 2026. Courtesy/ENMU
ENMU News:
PORTALES — The New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA) announced that ENMU Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Dustin Seifert, has been named to the NMMEA Hall of Fame class of 2026.
“I wish to extend sincerest thanks to the Music Educators of the Southeast New Mexico Music Educators Association for their nomination. I’m so impressed by the wonderful work they all do in our public schools. I am very grateful to the members Read More
Company Reviving Long-Shuttered Ethanol Plant Receives Support Through New Mexico EDD
Courtesy/Navitas Global
EDD News:
SANTA FE — Navitas Global, an advanced ethanol production facility in Portales, has been awarded LEDA assistance to add jobs and expand operations through a program administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).
Navitas specializes in converting whey derivatives, a sugar-rich byproduct of dairy processing, into advanced biofuels and high-protein animal feed.
Ethanol, a renewable biofuel made from plants, is gaining attention as a green alternative to fossil fuels. Climate solutions and green and sustainable energy are top Read More
New Mexico Invites Public To 12 Community Meetings Across State To Help Shape Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan
PED News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is inviting the public to participate in 12 regional community meetings across the state in August to help shape the Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan.
The Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan is New Mexico’s response to the court’s finding that the state failed to meet its constitutional obligation to provide a uniform and sufficient education, particularly for Native American students, English learners, students with disabilities, and students experiencing poverty.
The regional meetings are being hosted in collaboration with Read More
McQuiston: What Exactly Is Road Rage?
By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
Road rage isn’t just getting mad behind the wheel. It refers to aggressive driving that escalates into intentional actions — brake-checking, tailgating, shouting, blocking other cars, or even causing a collision on purpose.
When things go from annoying to aggressive, insurance companies treat it very differently than a typical fender bender.
How Road Rage Impacts Your Insurance
Here’s where it gets serious:
If you’re found to have intentionally caused an accident — even in a heated moment — your insurance may not Read More
Laguna Fire Update: July 17
SFNF News:
Acres: 15,714
Start Date: 06/25/2025
Location: Gallina, NM
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 286
Fuels: Oak brush, Piñon-juniper, and mixed conifer
Containment: 44%
Resources: 4 crews | 9 engines | 3 helicopters | 1 unmanned aircraft system | 3 water tenders | 2 dozer | 4 ambulance
Highlights: Firefighters remain focused on securing containment lines, scouting containment line opportunities and reinforcing structure protection in areas at risk. The increase in fire behavior yesterday will be moderated by higher humidity and chance of rain that is predicted for today, providing Read More
Vasquez Leads Bipartisan Border Bill To Combat Cartels’ Exploitation Of American Youth, Crack Down On Smugglers
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the No More Narcos Act and the Stop COYOTES Act, two critical bipartisan bills designed to address the continued threat of organized criminal activity in border communities. The legislation targets drug cartels and human traffickers who exploit vulnerable populations, particularly children, and strengthens law enforcement’s ability to respond through enhanced coordination and accountability.
“Representing 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from law Read More
Supreme Court Permits State Worker’s Whistleblower Lawsuit To Move Forward
COURT News:
SANTA FE — A state employee can proceed with a whistleblower protection lawsuit against his governmental employer after deciding to arbitrate a job demotion allegedly in retaliation for his testifying about wrongdoing by state agency workers, the state Supreme Court ruled today.
The Court unanimously concluded that a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) did not preclude Frederick Garcia, who worked for what was formerly called the state Human Services Department, from separately filing a lawsuit under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). The lawsuit stems from the Read More
ENMU Social Work Program Secures Nearly $2 Million Grant To Boost Rural Behavioral Health
ENMU Students at Golden Student Success Center. Courtesy/ENMU
ENMU News:
PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University’s Social Work program has received nearly $2 million in federal grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
This four-year “Pathways to Excellence” grant, totaling $1,964,282.40, directly addresses the urgent need for more behavioral health professionals in rural communities, especially to provide services for children, teens, and young adults, as well as creating a strong, culturally aware workforce ready to provide Read More
