Featured Stories
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UNM moves toward more clinic time, less academic time for teaching doctors
The change — which comes as UNM endeavors to double medical school enrollment — has drawn concerns from some clinical faculty members.
Lawsuit claims New Mexico child welfare agency denied responsibility for runaway teen after shooting
CYFD’s alleged inaction left the boy in an unacceptable environment and without crucial resources, an attorney said.
New Mexico Highlands University regents deny wrongdoing in response to ex-president’s lawsuit
The regents and the former president have been publicly trading barbs since Woolf was abruptly placed on leave in May.
Health
‘Despicable act’: New Mexico governor vows all possible legal action against DEA
Lujan Grisham compared the agency’s reported fentanyl strategy to feds’ other major failures, such as the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
Pojoaque Pueblo graduates celebrate sobriety on the ‘Path to Wellness’
The program diverts people accused of nonviolent crimes related to substance use toward behavioral health services.
Childcare is tough to find in New Mexico. Eldercare might be even tougher.
New Mexico has just 31 adult daycare programs, which are designed to meet the needs of adults who can’t be left home alone safely.
child & Family Welfare
CYFD, some New Mexico police agencies continue secrecy in cases involving dead children
The obscurity has persisted despite a 2025 reform law requiring the state to release more information in those cases.
Albuquerque launches initiatives to curb youth violence, mental health woes
The initiatives will include $750 per month to 20 at-risk young people, and therapy to youth with behavioral health issues.
Higher Education Department announces $10M in on-campus childcare expansions
Officials stressed the importance of on-campus childcare, arguing it can make or break parenting students’ higher education.
Government
‘Punishing’ changes to New Mexico food regulations include fee hikes for restaurants
Changes to the New Mexico Administrative Code mean restaurants will soon front higher costs for late permit renewals, reinspections and certain types of applications.
Amid border wall battle with feds, New Mexico Catholic dioceses call upon the devout
A pilgrimage is planned Sunday at Mount Cristo Rey, near where the Trump administration wants a new border wall segment.
Fire ban, isolated closure planned for Santa Fe National Forest
The move comes as a wildfire that sparked this week in the Jemez Mountains has burned more than 300 acres and forced evacuations.
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