NMDOT Developing Aesthetics Masterplan For Roadways
NMDOT News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) invites residents to contribute to a visionary Statewide Aesthetics Plan that will shape the visual character of our roadways for generations to come.
This comprehensive initiative will establish design guidelines for bridges, interchanges, sound walls, rest areas, and landscaping throughout New Mexico’s highway system. Your perspective is valuable in ensuring these elements authentically reflect our state’s unique character.
“The aesthetic treatments we implement are powerful expressions Read More
New Mexico State Police Set To Host Free Human Trafficking Training In Ruidoso April 1-3
NMSP News:
April 1-3, 2025, the New Mexico State Police, the NM Law Enforcement Academy, and the Human Trafficking Training Center will host a free training session on human trafficking recognition and interdiction at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort.
This free training is being offered to police officers, prosecutors, educators, analysts, advocates, probation, and medical professionals, who would like to increase their knowledge about human trafficking, what signs to look for, and what to do if you suspect someone may be a victim. A few of the topics covered will be interdiction, operations, Read More
Legislative Roundup: 10 Days Remaining In Session
Academy Award-winning makeup artist Barney Burman applies makeup to Sid Linkletter as he transforms her into the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Roundhouse. Photo by Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
Sid Linkletter, dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, takes a selfie with fans as she walks the halls of the Roundhouse Thursday, March 13, 2025. Photo by Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
Sen. Leo Jaramillo, D-Española
The Santa Fe New Mexican Staff:
Cruising through the Senate: Your car may not feature hydraulics, chrome accents Read More
Governor-Endorsed Bipartisan CYFD Reform Legislation Unanimously Clears New Mexico Senate
CYFD News:
SANTA FE — The bipartisan Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Omnibus Bill Senate Bill 42 unanimously passed the Senate Thursday.
This comprehensive legislation represents the most comprehensive and thoughtful plan introduced in this session to reform and strengthen New Mexico’s child welfare system.
“We have consistently supported CYFD reform legislation, and SB 42 provides lawmakers and our state with the wide-ranging solution we’ve been seeking,” CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados said. “The CYFD omnibus bill is a crucial step in the right direction for New Mexico’s Read More
State Police Investigate Homicide In Guadalupe County
NMSP News:
ANTON CHICO — Feb. 24, 2025, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate a homicide that occurred at a residence in Anton Chico.
New Mexico State Police agents were called to 1003 Poco Seco Road, in Anton Chico, NM for a house fire where a deceased individual was located inside the residence with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Agents later obtained surveillance footage showing a vehicle leaving the residence shortly after the house was engulfed in flames. The victim was identified as Paul Jaramillo III. Agents identified the person responsible Read More
After Weeks Of Waiting, Lawmakers Set To Consider Key Medical Malpractice Reform Bill For New Mexico
Sen. Linda López
Chair
Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee
By MARGARET O’HARA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Why the wait?
Senate Bill 176, a major piece of medical malpractice legislation, was introduced just days after the start of this year’s legislation session.
And since the session’s start, New Mexico lawmakers from both parties have listed reforms to the medical malpractice system among their top priorities, framing the issue as a major step toward alleviating the state’s acute shortage of health care providers.
Though the proposal has garnered strong opposition from medical malpractice Read More
House Unanimously Passes Bill To Better Protect Seniors
Lead Sponsor Rep. Joseph Sanchez D-Alcalde
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Wednesday, the House of Representatives unanimously voted Wednesday to advance legislation updating the state’s Silver Alert notification system that alerts the public about missing seniors.
House Bill 197, would broaden the scope of the program to allow Silver Alerts for anyone over the age of 50 who displays signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, cognitive decline, or impairment. Currently, only individuals who show a “clear indication” of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms Read More
New Mexico’s IPRA Overhaul Bill Would Add Fees And More Exemptions For Public Records
Sponsor Rep. Cathrynn Brown, R-Carlsbad
By CARINA JULIG
During a legislative session heavily focused on public safety, a bill that would limit the public’s access to police records as part of a major overhaul of state open records law is set to be considered.
House Bill 497, or “Inspection of Public Record Act Change” sponsored by Rep. Cathrynn Brown, R-Carlsbad, would also add fees to many records requests, extend the timelines agencies have to respond and make it more difficult for requesters to seek damages for violations of the law, among other changes.
The bill was introduced on Feb. 20 and Read More
Hilltopper Track & Field Teams Get 2025 Season Off To A Good Start At Albuquerque Academy Quad Meet March 8
Jenna Montoya won the long jump with a State Qualifying leap of 16′ 10-1/4″. She also won the 400 m in a time of 65.65 seconds. Photo by Blake Wood
Raina Passalacqua completes the handoff to anchor Allie Holland in the 4×100 m relay. With teammates Evangelina Gutierrez and Colette Bibeault, the Hilltoppers posted a State Qualifying time of 50.22 seconds. Photo by Blake Wood
By BLAKE WOOD
Assistant Coach
LAHS Track & Field
Cold weather couldn’t chill the Hilltopper Track & Field teams, as they got the 2025 season off to a good start at the Albuquerque Academy Quad Meet on Read More
Op-Ed: Nation’s Report Card Should Be A Warning
By CARTER SWANSON
Policy Analyst
Opportunity for All Kids
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as “The Nation’s Report Card”, was released in January. Released every two years, this report provides the most comprehensive data on educational performance nationwide. It is a stark reminder of what SHOULD be the most important issue facing New Mexico’s Legislature and Governor. Unfortunately, the results barely garnered media attention in New Mexico.
For the last two reports, 2022 and 2024, New Mexico has been 52nd (behind all 50 states, plus the District of Read More
