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Uranium mines pose first test for state-recognized Mount Taylor cultural landscape in New Mexico

Uranium mines pose first test for state-recognized Mount Taylor cultural landscape in New Mexico

Native communities in northwest New Mexico are concerned about the potential harm to Mount Taylor from resumed uranium mining

Clovis, New Mexico, Adheres to Mountain Time Zone Regulations

Clovis, New Mexico, Adheres to Mountain Time Zone Regulations

Clovis, New Mexico, located in Curry County, operates within the Mountain Time Zone, observing both Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). MST is UTC-7, while MDT, observed from March to November, is UTC-6. The city's adherence to these time zone rules is consistent with the rest of New Mexico, ensuring uniformity across the state. This standardized timekeeping is crucial for daily activities, including scheduling appointments, coordinating travel, and synchronizing with regional events. The system of standardized time zones was established in the late 19th century to improve safety and efficiency, particularly with the expansion of rail travel, replacing the previous system of local mean time. Clovis's geographical coordinates, approximately 34.32° North latitude and 103.08° West longitude, place it within the Mountain Time Zone, despite being slightly west of the theoretical 103° West longitude boundary.

Western Star Resources Expands Eagle Point Tungsten Project in New Mexico

Western Star Resources Expands Eagle Point Tungsten Project in New Mexico

Western Star Resources Expands Eagle Point Tungsten Project in New Mexico

Arizona Monsoon Season Brings Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Threat to Southwest

Arizona Monsoon Season Brings Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Threat to Southwest

Arizona is currently experiencing its monsoon season, which typically runs from June 15 to September 30. This seasonal wind shift brings increased humidity, leading to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Utah. A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat is in effect for these regions. Recent storms have already caused significant damage in areas like Tucson, Arizona, where strong winds and rain uprooted numerous trees, leading to widespread power outages. Residents are cleaning up from these events, with some describing the storms as the most intense they have witnessed. Arborists note that certain tree species, particularly non-native ones like eucalyptus with shallow roots, are more susceptible to being toppled during these monsoon microbursts. Native trees like mesquites and palo verdes generally have stronger root systems, though hybrid variations and watering practices can affect their resilience.

New Mexico Higher Education Department Launches Workforce Pell Application for Colleges

New Mexico Higher Education Department Launches Workforce Pell Application for Colleges

The New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) has initiated the application process for colleges to submit programs for the Workforce Pell program. This program aims to support students enrolling in short-term workforce programs. New Mexico Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez highlighted that tribal colleges are expected to be major beneficiaries, as they do not receive state funding and can leverage the Workforce Pell. San Juan College, however, will not be submitting programs this year, citing its existing and flexible Grow Funding, which provided $2 million over three years and served approximately 200 students last year. The college is currently evaluating its programs, such as the Commercial Driver’s License Certificate, Medical Assisting Program, and Heavy Equipment Operator Program, to determine if adjustments are needed for future Workforce Pell eligibility. Programs seeking approval must be 8 to less than 15 weeks in length, offer 150-599 clock hours of instruction or equivalent...

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Sues FEMA Over Denied National Guard Fire Expenses

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Sues FEMA Over Denied National Guard Fire Expenses

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on September 8 that the state has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The lawsuit seeks to compel FEMA to reimburse New Mexico for at least $61 million in National Guard expenses incurred during the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire. This fire, which covered approximately 534 square miles in northern New Mexico, became the largest in the state's history after two federal prescribed burns escaped containment and merged. The governor's office stated that the National Guard played a crucial role in evacuations, debris removal, and post-fire flood reduction efforts. Despite these contributions, FEMA's Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office has reportedly denied the state's Guard-related claims twice. New Mexico is pursuing a total of $128 million in compensation, with 22 additional claims still awaiting FEMA's review.

Rio Rancho Student Wins Super Bowl Tickets Through American Heart Association National Drawing

Rio Rancho Student Wins Super Bowl Tickets Through American Heart Association National Drawing

Sophia Farwell, a fifth-grade student from Ernest Stapleton Elementary in Rio Rancho, has won two tickets to the Super Bowl through a national drawing organized by the American Heart Association (AHA). The surprise announcement was made during an assembly on the NFL's opening day. Sophia earned her entry into the drawing by completing 'Finn's Mission' in fourth grade, an AHA program that teaches life-saving skills such as hands-only CPR, stroke warning signs, and healthy behaviors, while also encouraging fundraising for the AHA's mission. Sophia was one of only five students nationwide to win this prize, which is part of a partnership between the AHA and the NFL that became more robust after Damar Hamlin's on-field collapse in January 2023.

Mesa Verde National Park Plans Return of 85 Native American Ancestors and More Than 4,300 Funerary Objects

Mesa Verde National Park Plans Return of 85 Native American Ancestors and More Than 4,300 Funerary Objects

Mesa Verde National Park is preparing for its largest potential repatriation in recorded history, involving the return of 85 Indigenous human remains and 4,304 sacred objects. This initiative follows a two-year inventory process and aligns with the 1990 federal law known as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The collection includes various items such as ceramic bowls, animal bones, feather boxes, crystals, turquoise, buckskin bags, and items made of human hair. The National Park Service published a Notice of Inventory Completion in the Federal Register on July 31, allowing tribal members or tribes to submit formal repatriation requests. These remains and objects may be connected to tribes in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. The park, established in 1906, contains nearly 5,000 documented Ancestral Puebloan sites. This effort is part of a broader federal push, including revised NAGPRA regulations that took effect on January 12, 2024, which eliminated the 'culturally uniden...

New Mexico Advances Clean Energy Future with Focus on Hydrogen Storage

New Mexico Advances Clean Energy Future with Focus on Hydrogen Storage

New Mexico is continuing its commitment to a carbon-free electricity future, as outlined by the 2019 Energy Transition Act. Luis Reyes, CEO of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC), highlights the state's progress and the critical role of long-duration energy storage in this transition. While solar and wind are vital renewable resources, their intermittent nature necessitates storage solutions to ensure a consistent energy supply. Hydrogen energy storage is identified as a key technology to achieve this goal. KCEC, serving rural northern New Mexico, has been actively transforming its electricity provision over the past decade, stabilizing costs while increasing renewable energy use. The cooperative emphasizes that affordability and reliability are paramount for its members. The proposed hydrogen facility is designed with water stewardship in mind, prioritizing efficient and responsible water use through reuse systems and minimized consumption, with water managed within a controlled system and not released...

Record-Breaking Heat Persists in New Mexico, Cooler Weather Expected Next Week

Record-Breaking Heat Persists in New Mexico, Cooler Weather Expected Next Week

New Mexico experienced record-breaking heat on Saturday, with temperatures soaring into the 80s, 90s, and even triple digits in some areas. Carlsbad recorded the highest temperature in the state at a scorching 106°F (41.1°C). Other cities, including Hobbs, Roswell, and Santa Fe, also set new temperature records. The heatwave is expected to continue on Sunday, with Albuquerque forecasted to reach the low 90s°F (around 33°C), nearing its 2021 record of 93°F (33.9°C). However, relief is on the horizon as a surge of moisture and the departure of the monsoon high are expected to bring cooler temperatures and increased rain chances starting Monday. By midweek, temperatures in Albuquerque are predicted to drop to the low 80s°F (around 27°C), with highs in the 70s°F (21-26°C) and 80s°F (27-32°C) across much of the state.

New Mexico Monitors Dormant Volcanoes and Recent Earthquake Activity

New Mexico Monitors Dormant Volcanoes and Recent Earthquake Activity

An interactive map by VolcanoDiscovery highlights the status of volcanoes and recent earthquake activity in New Mexico. Most volcanoes in the region are currently dormant, marked as 'green' on the map. The map also categorizes volcanoes based on their activity levels, ranging from unrest to major eruptions. Earthquake data is also available, showing recent seismic events in the area. The map aims to provide real-time updates, although it may contain outdated information. Users are encouraged to contribute to keeping the data current.

Albuquerque Speed Cameras Significantly Reduce Speeding at Crash Hot Spots

Albuquerque Speed Cameras Significantly Reduce Speeding at Crash Hot Spots

Albuquerque's automated speed enforcement program, utilizing 40 speed cameras installed at identified crash hot spots, has led to a substantial reduction in speeding across the city. City officials informed state lawmakers that between May 2022 and July 31, the program issued over 845,000 citations. The data indicates a decrease in drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 mph, with reductions ranging from 54.7% to 96.2%. Jennifer Turner, a city official, stated that the cameras are strategically placed in areas with high rates of crashes and fatalities, emphasizing that the goal is to slow down drivers and enhance safety. Notably, 70% of drivers who received citations were ticketed only once, suggesting a significant shift in driver behavior. Specific areas like Gibson Boulevard, Unser Boulevard, and Coors Boulevard have shown considerable improvements, with Gibson Boulevard experiencing a 90% decrease in speeding between Carlisle and San Mateo.