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UN spotlights nuclear weapon states' refusal to ratify test ban treaty at divisive time

UN spotlights nuclear weapon states' refusal to ratify test ban treaty at divisive time

The United Nations is warning that any new nuclear test could trigger an arms race

New Mexico Proposes Methane Rule to Curb Oil and Gas Leaks and Wasted Fuel

New Mexico Proposes Methane Rule to Curb Oil and Gas Leaks and Wasted Fuel

New Mexico's Environment Department has submitted a proposed methane rule to the Environmental Improvement Board, aiming to significantly reduce methane leaks and wasted fuel from oil and gas operations. This proposal is a key part of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration's broader initiative to tackle air pollution from the oil and gas sector. The new rule would mandate faster responses to large methane leaks, requiring operators to investigate and repair them within three days of notification in most cases. It also expands existing requirements for equipment upgrades to prevent natural gas from venting into the atmosphere. The state estimates that without action, climate change could cost New Mexico $294 billion by 2050 due to infrastructure damage, health impacts, and agricultural losses.

Kazakhstan Proposes Enshrining SCO Principles in UN General Assembly Resolution

Kazakhstan Proposes Enshrining SCO Principles in UN General Assembly Resolution

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed that the key principles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) be enshrined in a special resolution of the UN General Assembly. This proposal was made during his address at the SCO Plus summit in Bishkek. President Tokayev highlighted that the international relations system is undergoing a significant transformation, leading to a new world order characterized by growing geopolitical tensions, a crisis of trust, and weakening global governance mechanisms. He emphasized Kazakhstan's consistent advocacy for multipolarity, which aims to strengthen the unity of the international community based on the sovereign equality of states and the rule of international law. According to Tokayev, the SCO's long-standing experience demonstrates that the 'Shanghai Spirit' serves as a model for international cooperation. He further stated that the principles of equality and consensus within the SCO have become a 'gold standard' for successful multilateral coop...

Rio Rancho Residents Challenge City's Use of Flock Safety Camera Network

Rio Rancho Residents Challenge City's Use of Flock Safety Camera Network

Four residents of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, have urged the city's governing body to discontinue its contract with Flock Safety, the vendor for the city's automated license plate reader (ALPR) network. The network, which has expanded to 19 cameras citywide, records every passing license plate. Residents argue that this constitutes warrantless mass surveillance and an infringement on privacy, with Joaquin Montoya of DeFlock New Mexico stating it creates a 'database of the innocent.' Matt Griffin called for more transparency regarding data access and storage, while Chris Adams expressed concern about building surveillance infrastructure that future governments could inherit. Another resident cited a Fourth Amendment violation. In response, Mayor Paul Wymer acknowledged the criticism but also noted receiving feedback from other residents who are content with the surveillance systems. Rio Rancho Police reported to councilors on August 18 that the cameras contributed to the recovery of 74 stolen vehicles, 50 stole...

Rep. Henry Cuellar Co-Sponsors Bill to Reverse VA Home-Based Care Reimbursement Cuts for Rural Veterans

Rep. Henry Cuellar Co-Sponsors Bill to Reverse VA Home-Based Care Reimbursement Cuts for Rural Veterans

Representative Henry Cuellar has joined as an original co-sponsor of the "Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act of 2026." This House bill aims to reverse recent reimbursement cuts made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for home-based care services. The proposed legislation seeks to restore reimbursement levels to those in effect before January 1, 2026. Additionally, it mandates a 90-day notice period before any future cuts are implemented and requires the VA to provide more detailed information regarding provider access and its rate-setting methodologies. Supporters of the bill highlight the adverse impacts of these cuts in states like Texas and New Mexico, while the VA has previously stated that earlier rates were above market levels. The bill has garnered bipartisan co-sponsors and endorsements from various veteran and home-care organizations. In related financial news, Cuellar disclosed $520,000 in fundraising during Q2 2026, with 65.2% from individual donors, and reported $245,900 ...

USDA Lifts Screwworm Restrictions in New Mexico Following Successful Containment

USDA Lifts Screwworm Restrictions in New Mexico Following Successful Containment

The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) has removed the restricted 'infested zone' in southeastern New Mexico, which was established to prevent a New World screwworm outbreak. The zone, a circular area with a roughly 12-mile radius, was demarcated on June 7 after the state's first screwworm case was detected in a pet dog in Lea County. USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins stated that no additional infections have been found in New Mexico since the initial case. State officials collaborated closely with federal agencies and animal owners to prevent further spread. New Mexico State Veterinarian Samantha Holeck recommended lifting the zone, confirming that the state met all USDA requirements outlined in a playbook for managing screwworm infections. This successful containment effort highlights effective state-federal collaboration in safeguarding livestock and wildlife.

The Santa Fe Trail Carried Traders Across Six Modern-Day States

The Santa Fe Trail Carried Traders Across Six Modern-Day States

The Santa Fe Trail, a historic 19th-century transportation route, connected Franklin, Missouri, with Santa Fe, New Mexico. While its primary functi...

New Mexico Attorney General Sues Federal Government Over Fentanyl Tactics Records

New Mexico Attorney General Sues Federal Government Over Fentanyl Tactics Records

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, seeking federal records related to allegations that Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents knowingly allowed fentanyl to enter the state. This action follows federal whistleblowers' reports in June detailing a controversial tactic known as 'fentanyl walking,' where agents monitored drug shipments without seizing them, hoping to apprehend higher-level traffickers. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed the state's intent to pursue civil damages from the federal government in response to these allegations. Torrez initially requested records in July, including DEA policies, communications between agents and prosecutors, and whistleblower complaints, but his request was denied in August, prompting the lawsuit.

President Trump Administration Policies Lead to Crisis-Level World Hunger and Starvation

President Trump Administration Policies Lead to Crisis-Level World Hunger and Starvation

The World Food Program (WFP), a major safeguard against global starvation, experienced a 40 percent funding drop in 2025, largely due to policy shifts by the President Trump administration. Upon taking office in January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order freezing all U.S. foreign assistance, citing misalignment with American interests. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provided the bulk of U.S. overseas humanitarian aid, was terminated by Elon Musk's DOGE operation, with Musk calling it a 'criminal organization.' Emergency food assistance was a primary target, leading to the termination of WFP funding for food programs in 14 impoverished nations in April 2025. Although some cuts were later restored, and an $800 million grant was provided in June 2025, the total U.S. contribution to the WFP for 2025 was $2 billion, significantly less than the $4.5 billion provided in the final year of the Biden administration. These cuts resulted in severe consequences, including star...

IAEA reports progress in Syria investigation, none in Iran

IAEA reports progress in Syria investigation, none in Iran

By Francois Murphy VIENNA, Sept 1 (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog has resolved its outstanding questions in an investigation into secret nuclear activities in Syria under the Assad family's rule but made no progress in Iran, it said on Tuesday in confidential reports seen by Reuters.

Nicaragua's Dictatorship Attempts to Ban Foreign Laws, International Obligations Remain Intact

Nicaragua's Dictatorship Attempts to Ban Foreign Laws, International Obligations Remain Intact

Nicaragua's government, led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, is pushing for a constitutional reform that would prohibit the application of foreign laws within the country. This move is part of a broader effort by the regime to consolidate power and isolate itself from international scrutiny. However, legal experts assert that this constitutional amendment will have no practical effect on Nicaragua's existing international commitments. The country remains bound by dozens of international treaties, agreements, and conventions, including those related to human rights, environmental protection, and trade, which are governed by their own rules and not by domestic constitutional changes. Despite the regime's attempts to refuse cooperation with international bodies, its international obligations persist.

Malaysia PM unveils measures to tackle living costs, support local businesses

Malaysia PM unveils measures to tackle living costs, support local businesses

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday introduced measures to address rising living costs and support businesses, including restoring higher quotas for subsidised petrol and diesel purchases, as well as more funding for schools and small traders.