New Mexico Sun

News from June 2025


New Mexico expert critiques wind energy policies in popular interview

Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation, recently discussed energy policy in an interview titled "Blown Away: Exposing the Wind Scam."


Southwest Public Policy Institute: Lack of legal credit options drives rise in illicit payday advances

The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) has reported that overregulation in New Mexico's credit market has resulted in unlicensed payday advances by Positive Outcomes, Inc. Employees have been driven into exploitation due to a lack of legal...


Southwest Public Policy Institute links 36% APR cap to illicit emergency credit

The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) has announced that New Mexico's 36% annual percentage rate (APR) cap on small-dollar loans has led vulnerable borrowers to seek illicit emergency credit through unlicensed payday advances offered by...


ESPN Radio co-host Smallmon on her path to national morning drive: ‘Say yes to everything’

Michelle Smallmon, co-host of ESPN Radio’s "Unsportsmanlike," shared insights into her career trajectory in a recent podcast, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse roles and opportunities.


Deb Haaland discusses labor priorities with New Mexican union leaders

Deb Haaland, a candidate for governor of New Mexico, recently held a "Union Strong" lunch at her campaign headquarters in Albuquerque.


New Mexico approves tenth community solar project on state lands

New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has signed an agreement with Pluma Solar Alamogordo, LLC for a new community solar project on state lands in Otero County.


Joannie Suina named assistant secretary for Native American early childhood education

Joannie Suina has been appointed as the assistant secretary for Native American early childhood education and care, according to a recent announcement.


Michael Kueker appointed interim CEO of Lovelace Health System

Michael Kueker, the current CEO of Lovelace Medical Group, has been named interim CEO of Lovelace Health System.


New Mexico grants free park access to resident veterans starting July

Starting July 1, New Mexico veterans will have free access to state parks for day use and camping.


Unirac's Peter Lorenz to lead Greater Albuquerque Chamber Board

On June 26, Del Esparza, CEO of Esparza Advertising + Digital, chaired his final meeting as the head of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) Board of Directors.


Rep. Lord: Sen. 'Sharer is moonlighting as a spin doctor' and claims New Mexico is a 'national success story'

Stefani Lord, a House Representative from New Mexico, has criticized State Senator Bill Sharer for his support of higher alcohol taxes and alignment with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's agenda.


Rep. Block: Why does Sen. Sharer want 'to raise taxes 20% on alcohol?'

John Block, a House Representative from New Mexico, said that the Senate GOP leadership mirrors the Governor's policies on daycare, taxes, and impeachment.


Rep. Lord on education reform: 'Without a Republican governor and control of the House, we won't see any change'

Stefani Lord, a House Representative from New Mexico, said that real education reform modeled after successful states will require Republican victories and leadership in government.


Rep. Dow: 'Title IX was created to ensure equal opportunity & safe spaces for women in education'

Rebecca Dow, House Representative of New Mexico, said that Title IX was designed to protect equal opportunity and safety for women.


Rep. Dow on New Mexico's new transgender care law: 'They’re not even trying to hide it anymore'

Rebecca Dow, a House Representative from New Mexico, said that current laws allow and fund transgender care for minors of all ages without parental notification starting at age 14.


Rep. Block on immigration enforcement: Legal Americans have 'nothing to worry about because they’re American'

John Block, a New Mexico House representative, said that undocumented immigrants should anticipate immigration enforcement.


Sen. Thornton: We must focus on 'improving New Mexico's education system, which is currently ranked 50th in the nation'

Ant Thornton, Senator of New Mexico, has suggested that adopting strategies similar to Mississippi's education reforms could enhance student outcomes in a state currently ranked last nationally.


Sen. Block: The 'constant rhetoric and calls for violence from the left must end'

Jay Block, a Senator from New Mexico, has urged political leaders to denounce rhetoric and calls for violence following reports of an investigation into Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez.


Sen. Block on Iran strikes: 'We decimated their nuke weapons program for years to come'

Jay Block, a New Mexico state senator, said that recent military actions against Iran's nuclear program would enhance regional security and prevent nuclear escalation.


Roy Cooper named to New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame has announced the induction of Roy Cooper into its Class of 2024.