In a U.S. First, New Mexico Opens Doors to Free Child Care for All, and it’s certainly a bold move. It’s hard not to be optimistic when a state takes such a significant step towards supporting families. The potential impact is huge, and it’s something the wealthiest nation on Earth should be striving for. Considering the cost of childcare, this could be a massive relief for many families.
This initiative is a no-brainer, really. Investing in children is investing in the future. It’s a statement about what a society values. I’m eager to see how it plays out and if other states will follow suit.… Continue reading
Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, is proposing free childcare for all New Yorkers, potentially modeled after New Mexico’s new policy that eliminates income limits and copays. New Mexico funds its program through oil and natural gas revenue, allowing it to invest in a permanent fund and raise the minimum wage for childcare workers to $18 per hour. Mamdani’s plan would cost approximately $6 billion, funded by taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations, and also includes matching pay with NYC Schools teachers’ salaries. Universal childcare aims to boost economic stability for families and attract and retain workers within the industry.
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The American Prospect has obtained thousands of pages of documents related to the New Mexico attorney general’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, including interviews with accusers, land records, and flight logs. These documents reveal allegations of improper land deals and assaults at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, raising questions about the state’s oversight. Although the investigation was ultimately shut down, the documents also detail state investigators traveling to other states and communicating with federal prosecutors. The documents are heavily redacted, but calls for further investigation and transparency from both state and federal lawmakers have begun.
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In a historic move, New Mexico will become the first state to offer free child care to all residents, regardless of income, starting in November. This initiative builds on the state’s previous efforts to lower child care costs, removing income requirements and waiving family copayments, potentially saving families $12,000 per child annually. Funding for the program comes from a $1 billion operating budget for the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and a portion of a $10 billion fund, alongside a request for additional state funding. The program also aims to improve child care facilities and staff wages, with the goal of creating new child care centers and options, though reactions to the initiative have been mixed.
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New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the US Air Force due to its failure to address significant PFAS pollution from Cannon Air Force Base, contaminating drinking water and agricultural land. Despite acknowledging the source of a four-mile chemical plume, the Air Force has largely disregarded state orders, leading to a seven-year battle and the state incurring associated costs. The lawsuit seeks water treatment solutions, pollution controls, and compensation for affected individuals, as the Air Force’s inaction has been criticized. The situation at Cannon is not unique, as the Air Force is often slow to respond to PFAS pollution at other bases nationwide, even with funding available for remediation.
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Albuquerque, New Mexico, is using over $2 million in cannabis tax revenue to fund a $4.02 million basic income pilot program. This program provides 80 families in low-performing school districts with $750 monthly payments and financial counseling. The initiative aims to address wealth inequality and mitigate the harms of past cannabis criminalization, prioritizing marginalized communities. While proponents cite potential benefits like improved housing and mental health, critics view such programs as socialistic and potentially disincentivizing work. The city council emphasizes the need for measurable outcomes to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
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A federal judge dismissed portions of a lawsuit against Farmington police officers who fatally shot Robert Dotson during a mistaken raid. The judge ruled the officers’ use of deadly force was reasonable given Dotson’s actions of pointing a firearm at them, granting them qualified immunity. While acknowledging the officers’ error in going to the wrong address, the court found the threat posed by Dotson justified their response. The lawsuit will proceed on remaining claims under state tort law and the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.
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A mass shooting at an unsanctioned car show in Las Cruces, New Mexico’s Young Park left three dead—a 16-year-old and two 19-year-old men—and fifteen others injured. The incident stemmed from an altercation between two groups escalating into gunfire, affecting both participants and bystanders. Police Chief Jeremy Story reported recovering 50-60 shell casings and are pursuing multiple leads, with no arrests yet made. The park, known for past crime and unsanctioned events, is currently closed as multiple agencies assist in the ongoing investigation.
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Following a series of immigration arrests in New Mexico, 48 individuals have disappeared into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting a federal complaint from the ACLU. ICE has not disclosed the detainees’ locations or conditions, leaving families in distress and attorneys unable to provide legal representation. This lack of transparency and accountability violates constitutional and international human rights standards, according to the ACLU. The situation highlights broader concerns regarding ICE’s detainee locator system, its accuracy, and potential deliberate obfuscation of detainee whereabouts.
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U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez is demanding answers after Border Patrol agents boarded a bus of Las Cruces High School students traveling to a swim meet, questioning students and causing distress. While Customs and Border Protection (CBP) claims the stop was a routine inspection at a checkpoint, Vasquez and parents criticize the agents’ actions, citing the students’ visible distress and the inappropriateness of targeting minors. The incident has sparked concerns about broader ICE enforcement practices and the potential for similar events. Vasquez has called for a full investigation and policy changes to prevent future occurrences.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker