Valerie Bonk News
'We're always exploring where we can drive greater impact:' McDonalds to end plastic in Happy Meals
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 30, 2021
McDonald's is working on eliminating the plastic toys in its Happy Meals while keeping the fun.
'Not just a laboratory research project': Los Alamos National Lab wants hydrogen-powered trucks on highways
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 26, 2021
A project manager for the Los Alamos National Lab Fuel Cells and Vehicle Technology Department says that they are working on getting hydrogen-powered commercial semi-trucks on the roads.
No more bus fares in 2022: Albuquerque pilots zero fare program
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 23, 2021
A pilot program just approved by the Albuquerque City Council will help those struggling to pay for transportation through a 12-month "zero fare pilot program."
'We're looking for smart solutions': New tech aimed at jamming up speeders along Albuquerque's Lead and Coal corridor
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 23, 2021
New equipment is ready to hamper speeding drivers along Albuquerque's Lead and Coal corridor.
GlobalVetLink introduces 'Pet TravelPass' to make international pet travel easier
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 23, 2021
Changes to a software platform will help veterinarians prepare the compliance certificates required for international travel.
Albuquerque's new Preventative Pet Care Clinic aimed at low- to moderate-income owners
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 23, 2021
A pet care center that allows pet owners to bring pets in for care no matter what they can pay just opened its doors in Albuquerque.
Herrell: Holloman Air Force Base's vetting of Afghan refugees 'dangerously vague'
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 23, 2021
Rep. Yvette Herrell is demanding answers after she toured Holloman Air Force Base and investigated the conditions surrounding the Afghan refugees housed there.
New Mexico Public Education Department hasn't yet seen a district meet COVID-19 testing goals
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 20, 2021
Parents are being asked to sign their children up for COVID-19 testing with the New Mexico Public Education Department but the school system is not getting the numbers they expected.
Officials claim 'Devious Licks' TikTok challenge has Rio Rancho students stealing from schools
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 19, 2021
Students in Rio Rancho Public Schools are taking part in a new TikTok trend that is making it way across the country.
New Mexico GOP official: Peer education program for prisoners gives them 'a better education than our kids'
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 19, 2021
A new project and initiative for the New Mexico Corrections Department is under fire from a local Republican Party official.
Wife of injured Albuquerque Police officer 'not going away,' concerned by inadequate staffing, political climate surrounding department
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 19, 2021
At a news conference last week, the wife of an injured officer addressed the Albuquerque Police Department's staffing shortage the day that her husband was shot, according to KOAT.
Rio Rancho approves hazard pay for city employees who worked during pandemic
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 19, 2021
City of Rio Rancho employees who worked during the coronavirus pandemic will receive hazard pay.
'Move Ahead' trial in Santa Fe aims to lessen COVID-19 spread among household members
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 19, 2021
The "Move Ahead" trial is looking for people to participate and help find new ways to prevent and treat the coronavirus.
Study ranks New Mexico 'least hard-working state' in the country
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 18, 2021
A new study by WalletHub placed New Mexico last in the most hard-working states in the nation.
'It's been my honor to serve': Albuquerque's Armstrong won't seek re-election
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 16, 2021
State Rep. Debbie Armstrong thanked her supporters as she announced that she will not be running for reelection.
'Not shying away from climate action,' El Paso Electric turns to solar power to diversify portfolio, cover anticipated 2022-23 shortfall
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 15, 2021
El Paso Electric Company says that its generation mix for 2022-2023 includes purchasing bids for natural gas, solar and battery storage, according to a press release.
'Grave concern': Herrell joins group letter to Biden on Afghan refugee vetting
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 12, 2021
NM Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-Santa Fe) along with a group of other reps. have written a letter saying they're concerned with the "inadequate criminal and security background checks" for the Afghan refugees coming into the U.S, according to a Twitter post by Rep. Herrell.
Thirsty cannabis could struggle in severe New Mexico drought — and leave rest of state's farming industry high and dry
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 10, 2021
A severe drought in New Mexico could severely impact cannabis growth and the state's farming industry.
Republican Party of New Mexico holds meet and greet with 'true conservative radio station' host and Albuquerque mayoral candidate Aragon
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 5, 2021
Voters will be able to meet local radio host Eddy Aragon, who joined the Albuquerque mayoral race, at an event by the Republican Party of New Mexico.
'I'm thrilled at the response we've had:' University of New Mexico extends 'Vax the Pack' vaccination incentive program
By Valerie Bonk | Sep 5, 2021
Offering a $100 incentive, the University of New Mexico is extending its coronavirus vaccination program after it says it was very successful in getting students to get the shot.