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New Mexico Launches Statewide Broadband Affordability Program to Aid Low-Income Households

New Mexico Launches Statewide Broadband Affordability Program to Aid Low-Income Households

New Mexico is initiating a statewide broadband affordability program called the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program (LITAP). This program is designed to provide financial assistance for broadband services to low-income households, following the expiration of federal funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2024. The program was established through Senate Bill 152, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla and co-sponsored by State Representatives Pamelya Herndon and Debra Sariñana. It officially took effect on July 1 and will begin enrolling participants in December. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has proposed rules to ensure that high-speed internet discounts reach low-income, unserved, and underserved communities. These rules require state-approved internet providers to inform customers about available discounts and verify their income eligibility through a federal database.

State official outlines proposed federal cuts to Colorado River water for Arizona, California and Nevada

State official outlines proposed federal cuts to Colorado River water for Arizona, California and Nevada

By Andrew Hay July 27 (Reuters) - A U.S. plan for sharing the waters of the drought-stricken Colorado River would require Arizona, California and Nevada to cut their water use by a fifth in the next two years and to make even deeper reductions later, a senior water official from one of those states

New Mexico CYFD Criticized for Handling of Teen's Border Reunification

New Mexico CYFD Criticized for Handling of Teen's Border Reunification

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is facing criticism for its handling of a case involving a teenage boy who was left at the U.S.-Mexico border to reunite with his mother. The agency conducted virtual home visits before escorting the boy to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The boy, who was in temporary foster care, reportedly did not want to cross the border and spent days in a Texas shelter. CYFD defended its actions, stating that the virtual visits confirmed the mother's home was safe. However, critics argue that the agency should have collaborated with Mexican authorities for a more thorough assessment.

Tina Cordova to Address UN General Assembly on Radiation Exposure Compensation

Tina Cordova to Address UN General Assembly on Radiation Exposure Compensation

Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, announced at a vigil in Tularosa, New Mexico, that she will address the United Nations General Assembly. This marks the first time the communities of Alamogordo, Tularosa, Carrizozo, and Otero County will be mentioned together at the UN. The announcement comes amid efforts to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include more victims of the 1945 Trinity nuclear test. The proposed legislation seeks to extend the application deadline, increase compensation, and broaden the list of qualifying illnesses. The vigil honored over 900 victims of radiation sickness, with representatives from various political offices in attendance.

USDA to Resume Mexican Cattle Imports Amid Screwworm Concerns

USDA to Resume Mexican Cattle Imports Amid Screwworm Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to resume cattle imports from Mexico starting August 24, 2026, despite ongoing concerns about the New World screwworm outbreak. The decision comes after the screwworm was detected in the U.S. earlier this summer, marking the first confirmed cases in decades. The USDA plans a phased reopening of cattle ports, beginning with Douglas, Arizona, and later expanding to New Mexico. Each animal will undergo inspection to ensure it is free of screwworm. The USDA's efforts include releasing sterilized male screwworms to curb the population, a method previously successful in the 1960s. However, Texas agriculture leaders express concerns that the USDA's response has been insufficient, urging for more robust measures to protect the livestock industry.

Agricultural Groups Support U.S.-Mexico Border Reopening for Cattle Trade

Agricultural Groups Support U.S.-Mexico Border Reopening for Cattle Trade

Agricultural Groups Support U.S.-Mexico Border Reopening for Cattle Trade

NTSB chair urges Congress to pass aviation safety legislation

NTSB chair urges Congress to pass aviation safety legislation

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - The head of the National Transportation Safety Board on Monday urged Congress to resolve a months-long standoff over competing aviation safety measures and approve significant reforms.

U.S. House Introduces Bills to Support Kinship Families and Grandparents

U.S. House Introduces Bills to Support Kinship Families and Grandparents

Two bills have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at providing support to grandparents and kinship families raising children. Led by Congressman Glenn Thompson, the Supporting Grandfamilies Act seeks to reauthorize and fund the National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies & Kinship Families for another five years. This initiative, co-sponsored by Suzanne Bonamici, Zach Nunn, and Danny Davis, aims to alleviate the burden on the foster care system by supporting these caregivers. Additionally, the Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act, introduced by Mary Gay Scanlon, focuses on providing access to services for families who have experienced trauma, ensuring they can navigate the child welfare system effectively.

American Franchise Act Moves to U.S. House Floor After Committee Approval

American Franchise Act Moves to U.S. House Floor After Committee Approval

American Franchise Act Moves to U.S. House Floor After Committee Approval

U.S. House Introduces Bills to Support Grandparents and Kinship Families

U.S. House Introduces Bills to Support Grandparents and Kinship Families

Two bills have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at providing support and resources to grandparents and kinship families raising children. Led by Congressman Glenn Thompson, these bills seek to alleviate the burden on the foster care system by supporting relatives who take on caregiving roles. The Supporting Grandfamilies Act, co-sponsored by Suzanne Bonamici, Zach Nunn, and Danny Davis, aims to reauthorize and fund the National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies & Kinship Families for another five years. This initiative is designed to help older adults who are primary caregivers access necessary resources. Additionally, the Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act, supported by Mary Gay Scanlon, focuses on ensuring that grandfamilies and kinship families are eligible for services under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). It also calls for specialized training to help caregivers navigate available services.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Friendship Bell to ring on Hiroshima anniversary | Georgiana Vines

Friendship Bell to ring on Hiroshima anniversary | Georgiana Vines

The International Friendship Bell in Oak Ridge will ring 81 times at dawn Aug. 6 to honor victims of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

Altafiber to Build Fiber Network in Westerville, Ohio

Altafiber to Build Fiber Network in Westerville, Ohio

Altafiber, formerly known as Cincinnati Bell, has announced a public-private partnership with the city of Westerville, Ohio, to build an XGS-PON fiber network. This three-year project will connect 15,000 locations in and around Westerville without using capital dollars. The construction is set to begin this summer, with Altafiber establishing a long-term presence in the city's community-owned data center, WeConnect. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance broadband infrastructure across the U.S.