New Mexico Sun

News from December 2024


Sen. Brantley: 'all plans, no action' in CYFD budget request

Senator Crystal Brantley said that the Children, Youth, and Families Department's (CYFD) request for a 6.1% budget increase lacks reform and collaboration.


Rep. Dow on medical malpractice bill passing by one vote: 'Elections matter'

Rep. Rebecca Dow emphasized the importance of elections, noting that the medical malpractice bill passed the New Mexico House by a single vote.


SPPI's Brenner: 'costs associated with undocumented immigrants exceed their tax contributions'

Patrick M. Brenner, founder and president of the Southwest Policy Institute, addressed the fiscal impact of undocumented immigration in New Mexico.


OPINION: Realize Las Cruces: City Council’s Vote Could Reshape Neighborhood Zoning

Zoning codes don’t sound exciting, but they impact many aspects of our City and daily lives.


New Elected NM Republican Party Chair: 'It’s a complete honor to be able to serve in this position ... and bring values back to New Mexico'

In an interview with the New Mexico Sun, newly elected chair of the New Mexico Republican Party Amy Barela outlined her goals for the party and the state as she prepares for 2025. Barela highlighted her commitment to aligning Republican values with meaningful action, addressing legislative priorities, and building a stronger future for New Mexico.


U.S. Customs and Border Protection break up smuggling scheme at Alamogordo station checkpoint

Agents with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Alamogordo station recently intercepted a smuggling attempt, as reported in a December 15 post on X by CBP El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony "Scott" Good.


Rep.-Elect Dow: 'I will fight for young girls & women to maintain single sex spaces'

Representative-elect Rebecca Dow has pledged to advocate for single-sex spaces to protect women and girls as part of her priorities for the 2025 legislative session.


Nusenda Credit Union CEO Joe Christian announces retirement after nearly four decades

Nusenda Credit Union President and CEO Joe Christian has announced his retirement effective February 28, 2025, after a 39-year tenure.


NARF calls for donations to aid protection of Native American sacred sites

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is encouraging donations this holiday season to support its ongoing efforts to protect sacred places and the rights of Native American peoples.


New Mexico task force recommends changes in children's code

The Corinne Wolfe Center for Child & Family Justice at the University of New Mexico School of Law hosts the Children's Code Reform Task Force (CCRTF), an initiative funded by the New Mexico Legislature.


New Mexico’s economic freedom ranking declines in 2024 Report

New Mexico has seen a drop in its economic freedom ranking, falling from 45th to 47th place in the 2024 Economic Freedom of North America index.


New Mexico unveils $10.9 billion budget with focus on infrastructure and healthcare

The state's increased spending is aligned with the surge in revenue collections, reaching unprecedented levels.


Survey reveals dissatisfaction among New Mexico parents with state's educational system

Despite increased spending, New Mexico remains at the bottom of national education rankings.


UNM-backed children's TV show wins Rocky Mountain Emmy

The television program "The Early Show with Alax" has been honored with a Rocky Mountain Emmy.


State Bar of New Mexico announces holiday closure dates

The State Bar of New Mexico has announced its holiday schedule for the upcoming festive season.


New Mexico Supreme Court upholds energy planning rule for electric utilities

The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld a regulatory rule requiring electric utilities to expand their planning for current and future energy needs.


Rep. Block: ‘We will not pay for subsidized tweaker/junkie homes!’

New Mexico Representative John Block has announced his opposition to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's subsidized housing initiatives, citing a lack of transparency.


OPINION: Vindicated but not consoled: congressional report and the toll of ill-conceived mandates

Many of us remember 2020 as the year of COVID, when our lives were upended and nothing would ever be the same again. What began as a novel illness quickly cascaded into “2 weeks to flatten the curve,” followed by lockdowns, school closures, mask mandates, and vaccine mandates.



IPAA advises Trump team on future U.S. energy policy priorities

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) has outlined a series of energy policy recommendations for the Trump transition team.