Non-Local News Releases
This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.
NMSU researchers to design with first responders in live innovation sessions
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 03 April 2023 03 April 2023
The future of technology-assisted search and rescue is already here, but a computer science professor at New Mexico State University is working on taking these tools to the next level.
Phoebe Toups Dugas’ research is focused on engaging first responders in designing information technologies to find the best ways to assist rescuers in saving lives during a disaster. The collaborative research is titled “Live Participatory Design Fiction,” which Toups Dugas’ team refers to as LPDF.
Thanks to a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation, Toups Dugas, who is the principal investigator of the project, is leading a team of researchers in designing a collection of open-source software and implementation processes to create a live collaboration with first responders.
“We're trying to capitalize on the popularity of streaming and interactivity with live-streaming audiences, then apply that to designing future systems,” Toups Dugas said.
Traffic Alert: US 70 roadway rehabilitation project will cause delays
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
NMDOT insists drivers respect construction zone
LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office in cooperation with Mountain States Construction, Inc. (Contractor) will continue with the roadway rehabilitation project on US 70 from milepost 143 (I-10 /US 70 Interchange) to milepost 161 (Organ).
Starting Monday, April 3, 2023, crews will be back on Nasa Rd. and Wiesner Rd. to complete a small portion of milling and paving. Traffic can expect one lane closed at a time. This project is expected to be complete on Monday with striping scheduled within the next week.
Contractor’s hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Drivers should expect delays and plan accordingly.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is committed to the safety of the traveling public and thanks you for your cooperation during this work. For updated information go to: New Mexico Department of Transportation at www.nmroads.com or call 511.
State provides update on in-person wellness checks for disabled clients
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
Multiple state agencies involved in wellness checks
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reports progress in completing unannounced health and safety wellness checks for clients receiving services from the states’ Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver programs.
As of the end of day, Thursday, March 30, 2,558 in-person unannounced wellness visits have been completed statewide for the 6,815 individuals receiving services from DD Waiver programs. These visits identified 45 incidents of alleged abuse and neglect that can range from an environmental hazard in the home, missing staff, or other issues discovered by state agencies during the wellness checks. Every one of these incidents is being fully investigated.
“The number of incidents requiring investigation speaks volumes about the absolute necessity and importance of these unannounced visits,” said Department of Health Secretary Patrick M. Allen.
New Mexico Law Protects Preventive Services for Many in New Mexico, Despite Texas Judge’s Ruling
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
On March 30, 2023, a federal judge in Texas struck down major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that require insurers to cover certain preventative services at no cost to the patient. The ruling impacts services recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) as well as an HIV prevention medication known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The ruling is expected to be appealed by the Biden administration.
“This ruling undermines the health and well-being of 151 million Americans who rely on preventive services to stay healthy and detect medical issues early on while they are still manageable,” said Jennifer Catechis, New Mexico’s Interim Superintendent of Insurance. “Thankfully, our state had the foresight to ensure these protections are enshrined in state law.”
In 2019, the New Mexico passed a law adopting many of the ACA’s consumer protections for major medical plans that are regulated by the state. The law requires insurers to cover all preventive services, including those recommended by the USPSTF.
NMDOT Traffic Report for week of April 2 to 9, 2023.
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.
White Sands Missile Range Notification
For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.
TXDOT Closure
Monday April 3, 2023, I-10 eastbound exit ramp will be closed at milepost 0 (NM/TX Stateline) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please plan accordingly if you need to exit into Anthony, TX. For current roadway conditions in Texas visit www.drivetexas.org
NMSU, DACC to host Financial Wellness Fair during first week of April
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
New Mexico State University’s Nusenda Center for Financial Capability and Doña Ana Community College’s Financial Wellness Program is inviting the community to the Financial Wellness Fair April 5-6.
The two-day event will kick off at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, on the first floor of Corbett Center Student Union, through 3 p.m. DACC will host its fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in the Common Area of the Student Resources Building (DASR) East Mesa Campus.
Multiple businesses involved in financial services – banks, credit unions, investment firms and debt management companies – will be in attendance at the fair. These organizations will provide resources related to financial literacy such as information about identity theft; credit score and reports; responsible use of credit cards; student financial aid; and investments.
Members of the Financial Wellness Fair Planning team said the goal is to educate students about student loans, identity theft, managing debt, free annual credit reports, FICO score interpretation, and other valuable financial information.
State has reached $12 million statutory cap for solar tax credits for 2022 tax year
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
While 2022 applications are no longer accepted, it is not too early to apply for 2023 credits
SANTA FE, NM – The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) has issued certificates for the full $12 million in solar tax credits that were authorized in statute for the 2022 tax year. It is the third consecutive year that the cap has been reached under the popular Solar Market Development Tax Credit Program.
“New Mexico homeowners are showing great enthusiasm when it comes to adopting solar energy, and we think this tax credit program is helping many of them make that decision,” said Louise Martinez, director of the EMNRD’s Energy Conservation and Management Division, which administers the program. “Unfortunately, we received more tax credit applications than we could accommodate with the $12 million cap.”
New Mexico COVID-19 public health order ends today
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
SANTA FE – New Mexico’s COVID-19 public health order, declaring an emergency will expire today Friday, March 31. This will not have any significant impacts on New Mexicans, since a previous version of this order aligned the state’s COVID-related requirements with the federal government there will not be any significant changes at this time. The federal government plans to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.
Health care facilities continue to abide by federal licensure requirements. They are also advised to follow CDC guidelines and can make their own decisions above what is federally required as guided by their organization.
“Three years ago, when COVID-19 first hit, we were all caught off guard,” said Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen.