New Mexico Sun

News from December 2025


Feed New Mexico Kids director says child hunger drives broader risks: 'Food insecurity is the tip of the iceberg'

Tracy Rodden, executive director for Feed New Mexico Kids, has highlighted the connection between food insecurity and increased risks of trafficking, drug use, and low graduation rates.


New Mexico urges residents to claim $390M in unclaimed property

The New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department is urging residents to check if they have any unclaimed property held by the state.


Albuquerque mayoral candidate Armijo blames APD staffing crisis on leadership

Mayling Armijo, a mayoral candidate for Albuquerque, has said that the city's police staffing crisis is due to leadership failures rather than pay issues.


Think New Mexico director says malpractice premiums drive health workers from state

Fred Nathan, executive director of Think New Mexico, said that the state's high medical malpractice premiums—approximately double those of neighboring states—along with low Medicaid rates, are prompting health workers to leave.


John Moore Associates CEO Cochran says tax bill offers savings for couples

Brian Cochran, president and CEO of John Moore Associates, said that despite criticism from both sides, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides meaningful tax savings for average working couples and retirees.


NM Shooting Sports Association president: 'Youth shooting sports is a bunch of stellar high school students'

Zachary Fort, president of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, addressed concerns about rising youth crime in a recent podcast.


Rep. Block on Albuquerque runoff election: 'Please join me in donating to Darren White and helping save the largest city in NM'

John Block, a state representative for the New Mexico House of Representatives, has urged supporters to contribute and volunteer for Darren White's Albuquerque mayoral campaign.


Rep. Dow on state spending: 'The problem isn’t a lack of money — it’s failed policies'

Rebecca Dow, a state representative for the New Mexico House of Representatives, has expressed concerns regarding new government spending plans.


Rep. Dow on child welfare: 'NM kids in foster care are in crisis'

Rebecca Dow, a state representative for the New Mexico House of Representatives, has condemned the state's child welfare agency and called for immediate action to protect foster children.


Rep. Block: 'I’ve helped successfully bring back dollars to reinvest in our community'

John Block, a state representative for the New Mexico House of Representatives, recently summarized a week of committee work and local engagement across the state.


Sen. Block on nuclear industry workers: 'We’re redefining what healthcare can be for former atomic workers'

Jay Block, a state senator for the New Mexico Senate, has encouraged former nuclear industry workers to apply for benefits available through Nuclear Care Partners.


Sen. Block on veterans support: 'We had so many veterans needing help and we got them started'

Jay Block, a state senator for New Mexico, said that his veterans fair attracted strong participation and connected service members with essential resources and legislative discussions.


Think New Mexico economic director: Food tax repeal 'is a regressive tax'

Katie Gutierrez, Economic Reform Director of Think New Mexico, said that eliminating the tax on food would reduce the burden on low-income families who must allocate a significant portion of their limited income to groceries.


Jose Murillo named Lone Star Conference defensive player of the week

Senior forward Jose Murillo of Eastern New Mexico University has been named the Lone Star Conference defensive player of the week.


New Mexico Medicaid seeks public input on behavioral health assessment

The New Mexico Health Care Authority is inviting Medicaid members, providers, and other stakeholders to participate in a series of virtual public meetings focused on behavioral health needs.


New Mexico honors early learning programs for using locally grown food

A record number of early learning centers in New Mexico will be recognized for their efforts to serve locally grown food to children and seniors.


State offers up to $25K grants for established creative businesses

Established creative businesses in New Mexico now have the opportunity to apply for state grants of up to $25,000.