New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Experiment: A National Model or a High-Stakes Gamble in One of America’s Poorest States?

In a high-desert state long ranked near the bottom in child well-being, New Mexico has launched the nation’s first universal child care program. Families are saving thousands, but can providers, budgets and rural communities keep up?

Latest in New Mexico

I-25 is Shutting Down for 5 Nights. Here’s What You Need to Know.

The I-25 will be closed for five nights in late June to early July to make way for the I-25 Improved Comanche to Montgomery Project.

Parents Can Breathe a Massive Sigh of Relief. Free Child Care Is Officially Here to Stay After a District Judge Says So.

A New Mexico judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state's universal child care program, allowing free child care for families regardless of income to continue. The ruling marks a major victory for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and thousands of working parents who depend on the benefit, even as opponents vow to appeal.

145 New Violations Issued: Who Made It to New Mexico’s Environmental ‘Enforcement Watch’ List?

State regulators added 145 alleged violations to New Mexico’s Enforcement Watch list in May while closing 93 cases. From a $34,000 refinery fire penalty to water system and emissions violations, here’s who made the list.

A Flesh-Eating Parasite Is Back in Texas. Now Is the Time to Pay Attention.

A confirmed New World screwworm case in South Texas has prompted New Mexico officials to urge ranchers, pet owners and hunters to remain vigilant. While no cases have been detected in the state, authorities say early detection and reporting are essential to protecting livestock, wildlife and public health from the destructive parasite.

How Rail Yards Market and SNAP Helps Families In Need During Summer Break

Rail Yards Market, in partnership with SNAP, helps families in need ease their food budget burden by providing $3 for every $1 in SNAP benefits.

What a New Scholarship Program Means for Native American Students — and the Future of Tribal Communities

A new New Mexico scholarship will cover full in-state tuition for Native American students attending select colleges in Arizona, Colorado and Texas, expanding educational opportunities while strengthening tribal communities and future leadership.

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He Built CNN. But Ted Turner Wanted to Be Remembered for Saving the Wild.

The world remembers Ted Turner as the brash founder of CNN and owner of the Atlanta Braves. But across millions of acres in the American West, Turner quietly built another legacy: restoring wildlife, protecting wolves and proving conservation and profit could coexist. In his final years, those closest to him say the media mogul was searching for something deeper than success — redemption.

NMDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Alert as Work Zone Awareness Week Begins

The New Mexico Department of Transportation issued recommendations on...

New Mexico Push Lawsuit Over Disaster Spending

According to New Mexico House Republicans, the governor allocated...

Strong Winds and Hard Freeze Expected as Cold Weather System Moves In

A massive weather front is expected to hit New...

NMTD Welcomes Travelers from 50 States and 108 Countries in 2025

New Mexico Tourism Department welcomed an estimated 337,498 travelers from all 50 states and 108 countries in 2025.

New Mexico Women’s Tennis Absorbs Sweep by Zags in Road Trip Finale

A grueling three-match road stretch caught up with the New Mexico Lobos on Sunday as they suffered a 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Gonzaga Bulldogs in Spokane.

Latest in Education

Latest in Tech

Latest in Education

Latest in Technology

How Optical Interferometer Could Change Space Warfare and Commercial Tracking Forever

Scientists at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer have achieved a breakthrough once thought impossible: using a ground-based optical interferometer to observe a satellite in geosynchronous orbit. As the number of satellites around Earth surges, the capability could transform space surveillance, helping governments and commercial operators track spacecraft condition, orientation and activity while opening new frontiers in astronomy.

Latest in Finance

Albuquerque is Raising the Minimum Wage to $15 by 2030 — Here’s How it Could Reshape Paychecks, Families, and Local Businesses

The Albuquerque City Council has approved a gradual increase in the city’s minimum wage, raising it to $15 an hour by 2030. Supporters say the measure will help working families cope with rising living costs, while businesses argue the phased approach gives employers time to adjust. The decision highlights the ongoing debate over wages, affordability and economic growth in New Mexico’s largest city.

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Spending the Summer Break Wisely: Students Learn About Veterinary Science, Agriculture 

Students recently attended a free two-day agriculture program at Navajo Technical University, gaining additional learning opportunities during their academic break.

Judge Allows Federal Government to Deposit Funds, Take Possession of Church Land for Border Wall Project

A federal judge has authorized the U.S. government to deposit compensation funds and take possession of land owned by the Diocese of Las Cruces for a border wall project, even as legal disputes over the property's value and use remain unresolved.

I-25 is Shutting Down for 5 Nights. Here’s What You Need to Know.

The I-25 will be closed for five nights in late June to early July to make way for the I-25 Improved Comanche to Montgomery Project.

Trump Border Wall Clash: Judge Authorizes Federal Deposit to Buy Church Land

A legal battle over 14.259 acres at Mount Cristo Rey has pitted the Trump administration against the Diocese of Las Cruces, which argues that border wall infrastructure would transform one of the Southwest's most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites into a symbol of division. While a federal judge allowed the government to deposit compensation for the land, the Church's constitutional challenge remains unresolved.

$10M Won’t Solve It —But It May Decide Who Gets to Go to College Amid Affordability Crisis in Higher Education

New Mexico is investing $10 million to expand childcare on college campuses, aiming to support student parents and broaden access to higher education.

Strong Thunderstorms with High Winds, Lightning Expected Across New Mexico Thursday Night

Strong thunderstorms are expected to develop across much of New Mexico Thursday night, with forecasters warning of high winds, dangerous lightning, and heavy rainfall. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions as storm activity intensifies across the state.

A Guide to the 2026 ABQ Indie Film Festival

This Friday, June 19 will be the seventh annual ABQ Indie Film Festival, a local festival showcasing new films from international independent filmmakers. This year’s event will start at 6pm and is hosted by FUSION in Downtown Albuquerque.

Five Institutions Secure $10 Million to Expand Childcare Infrastructure 

The funding aims to expand childcare facilities and improve support for students, families, and communities.

Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork: How A Community Helped A Pizza Place Arrest The Break-In Thief

The culprit behind the break-in of a local pizza shop in Albuquerque is finally behind bars, thanks to the community's support.

New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Experiment: A National Model or a High-Stakes Gamble in One of America’s Poorest States?

In a high-desert state long ranked near the bottom in child well-being, New Mexico has launched the nation’s first universal child care program. Families are saving thousands, but can providers, budgets and rural communities keep up?

Lightning Barrage Sparks New Wildfires in Santa Fe National Forest — Firefighters Racing to Contain as Smoke Drifts

Firefighters are working to fully contain several lightning-caused wildfires that started across the Santa Fe National Forest after a strong thunderstorm moved through northern New Mexico on Monday. The Oso Fire is 0.1 acres, the Cebolla 2 Fire is 0.5 acres, and the Pelada Fire reached nearly 5 acres before forward spread was stopped.

Severe Weather Alerts Issued Across Parts of New Mexico as Storm Threat Persists

Parts of New Mexico remain under severe weather alerts as forecasters warn of thunderstorms, damaging rainfall, strong winds, and flash flooding.

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