Featured Stories
Pueblo leaders, federal lawmakers ramp up calls to keep Chaco drilling buffer
Representatives from 20 pueblos joined New Mexico’s congressional delegates at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to repeat a simple message: “Chaco Canyon is not for sale.”
CYFD pilot programs: Mixed results with money left on table
Lawmakers criticized CYFD’s failure to spend allotted funds and said the state has not seen enough return on its spending.
Despite massive spending, New Mexicans aren’t getting healthier
Federal policy changes are expected to make the problem even worse, as rates of uninsured New Mexicans and unpaid care increase.
New Mexico Highlands University faces another whistleblower retaliation lawsuit
Former university official Paul Grindstaff said he faced retaliation after alerting campus leaders to unsafe athletic facilities and equipment.
Ahead of governor change, CYFD says progress made on obligations
Despite some gains, the agency fell short in reducing caseloads, a problem that has a major impact on the morale of employees.
New Mexico advocates push Congress to expand program for newborns and mothers
Legislation making newborn supply kits available to families nationwide has progressed slowly, despite reported benefits.
Why pregnancy-related deaths remain a New Mexico problem.
The new analysis found more than 40% of pregnancy-related deaths were caused by underlying behavioral health issues.
State solicits contracts for three new Albuquerque-area foster youth group homes
Some have expressed concerns at the agency’s apparent commitment to continue using group homes, arguing they can endanger kids.
Complaint alleges potential conflicts at Environment Department amid high-stakes proceedings
ProgressNow New Mexico submitted the complaint Friday to the Office of the State Auditor, outlining concerns about an AI-related contract.
Heinrich, Leger Fernández introduce bill to reverse rate reductions for veterans’ home healthcare
Between 2025 and 2026, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs slashed reimbursement rates for home health care in New Mexico by nearly 20%.
New Mexico implements new strategies to expand free childcare system
The efforts are aimed at streamlining the licensure of new daycare and preschool facilities and boosting the number of available slots.
Health
On Trinity Test anniversary, downwinders advocate Tina Cordova continues fight for New Mexicans
Cordova speaks on her decades of work with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium to fight for compensation and acknowledgment for New Mexico’s downwinders.
New Mexico disability community urges further state protections amid federal uncertainty
Policies such as a state accessibility act, universal text-to-911 and widespread closed captioning, advocates say, are priorities.
Why have opioids taken a hold on New Mexico?
State data shows a 21% increase in opioid deaths in 2025, with 900 death last year, even as overdose fatalities nationwide have been on the decline.
child & Family Welfare
Childcare providers say New Mexico’s proposed rule changes would hurt business
Public commenters say the changes would create rigid budgeting requirements and could potentially violate educators’ privacy.
Behavioral health reforms approved for Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Los Alamos counties
The plan stems from a law passed in 2025 that mandated regional behavioral health plans in hopes of expanding access to services.
CYFD denies that it refused to produce records in NMDOJ’s investigation
CYFD is asking the Justice Department’s lawsuit be dismissed with prejudice, meaning it would not be able to be refiled.
Government
U.S. Underestimates Peril if Los Alamos Were to Leak Plutonium, Study Says
An accident at the lab that produces America’s nuclear bomb cores could lead to more fatalities than previously estimated by the federal government, according to new research.
Searchlight New Mexico’s Second Life
Executive Director Bill Church is joined at the table with Searchlight editor Ed Williams as the two talk to Executive Producer Jeff Proctor about the future of the recently acquired investigative news site.
UNM reappoints law school dean amid scrutiny over diversity, admissions
UNM’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs announced the decision to renew Carey’s contract Monday.
Want to see more? Click here to view our full archive.
Support investigative journalism.
We are independent and nonpartisan.
We are focused on New Mexico issues.
We hold people in power accountable.
