

Pay Now and Pay Later
By Ed Williams / Searchlight New Mexico / Nearly half of New Mexico’s population relies on a dysfunctional computer system for access to government-funded health coverage, food assistance, heating and other benefits. That system has repeatedly failed them, cutting off tens of thousands of children and families from their financial lifeline. Developed by the multinational […]

Oil leases bring jobs, strains to southeast NM
By John L. Smith / Searchlight New Mexico / LOVINGTON—The 61-mile drive on US 82 from Artesia to this southeast New Mexico town crosses the heart of the Permian Basin oil field’s extension into the state. Pump rigs bob like great iron dinosaurs come to life, and the smell of petroleum fills the air. Flare […]

NM making slow progress on traffic safety
By Sol Traverso / NM News Port / “New Mexico has the worst drivers because the average cop doesn’t enforce the law.” “I think New Mexicans are the worst drivers because we get distracted easily…” “We are the worst drivers…in NM because we have the most crashes, the most DWI’s and no one really pays […]

NM rising on pro soccer circuit
The city of Albuquerque has taken a big step in its journey to becoming a home for an MLS (Major League Soccer) team. Albuquerque has been awarded with a USL (United Soccer League) franchise. The team will compete in the league beginning with the 2019 season. The new team will be named New Mexico United. […]

Marijuana industry anticipates legalization for recreational use in N.M.
By Cade Guerrero and Daniel Zuniga / NM News Port / Sweeping victories by New Mexico Democrats in the November midterm elections may open the door for the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state. Encouraging the industry was prioritized in the party’s political platform as a means of economic development. “You look at Colorado, […]

New Mexico police decline to comment on marijuana legalization
By Bethany Johnson / NM News Port / Multiple New Mexico Police Departments have declined to comment on the potential legalization of recreational marijuana in the state. The issue is rising in political circles based on the latest wave of Democrats elected into state and national office. On Nov. 6, voters elected Michelle Lujan Grisham, […]

Campus pub sparks change to alcohol policies at UNM
By Jennifer West and Courtney Salinger / NM News Port / The University of New Mexico opened its first-ever on-campus beer tap room, Draft & Table, on Oct. 1, 2018 in the Student Union Building. Although students may now enjoy a convenient place to grab a beer, some campus officials see the potential for problems. […]

Taking their shot: Mexican players train at NM high school
By Taylor Rains, Brooklyn Green and Alea White / NM News Port / The Highland Hornets recently defeated the Cibola Cougars 66-63 on Cibola’s basketball court. The season opener on Dec. 3 included an exciting finish, as the Hornets staved off a final attack — but the game was also notable for featuring three rising […]

Citizens want Rio Rancho to be commercialized
By Daniel Zuniga / NM News Port / Citizens want Rio Rancho to ditch the title of being a suburb of Albuquerque and put more focus on increasing commercial land use. Rio Rancho is expected to grow from 96,000 residents to 143,000 residents over the next two decades, an increase of 33 percent Citizens of […]

New Mexico looks at possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana
By Shayla Cunico and Makayla Grijalva / NM News Port / A bill allowing the recreational use of marijuana in New Mexico has a high chance of making it to the Roundhouse in the upcoming legislative session– and this time, it could pass. Democrats took over the governor’s seat and increased their majority in the […]