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New Mexico lawmakers monitor federal funding freeze fallout

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New Mexico lawmakers monitor federal funding freeze fallout


The New Mexico legislature can only watch and wait for a formal resolution of the issues caused by a temporary federal funding freeze.

SANTA FE, N.M. — By the time the New Mexico legislative finance committee director was able to update lawmakers today, the federal funding freeze was essentially over. But that doesn’t mean New Mexico was spared from the temporary consequences.

Charles Sallee, the LFC director, confirmed to lawmakers that New Mexico’s Medicaid funding portal was shut down Tuesday — like many other states — but he said no services were interrupted.

However, he did reveal that the health care authority is still missing $40 million worth of federal funding it was expecting to receive on Monday, but it’s not exactly clear what that money is earmarked for. Other than that, it seems things are back to normal.

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But the big question is whether or not state lawmakers need to prepare a contingency plan.

New Mexico receives billions of dollars in federal funding every year, and the LFC director revealed those payments are often reimbursements, meaning the state fronts the cost for things like Medicaid and the feds pay them back. And there’s only so much money in New Mexico’s bank account.

“If it were a two-week period, then we’d have to work around that reimbursement process to make sure services don’t stop,” Sallee said. “But we know that we’re going to be able to have enough money in the treasury that would be longer than that would be problematic.”

That’s where state lawmakers left it today. They do have a lot of other stuff to think about, after all, and New Mexico’s federal delegation is working on this as well.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined fellow senate democrats to speak out against the funding freeze this morning, saying federal money earmarked for drug enforcement operations, sexual assault victims’ resources and even natural disaster aid was all in jeopardy.

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“So, you’re going to tell people who are the victim of these fires, one of which was actually the result of actions of the federal government that impacted these communities, that that we’re going to hold up your disaster assistance funding until we figure out whether giving you that funding is somehow woke,” Heinrich said. “I mean, this is just ridiculous, folks.”

A spokesperson with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office said she’s working with attorney general Raul Torrez, lawmakers and her cabinet secretaries to determine the implications in New Mexico.

“Our initial assessment indicates serious constitutional concerns that require immediate attention,” the spokesperson said.

The governor’s office is expected to provide a more detailed response to this in the coming days. And legislative leaders said they’ll be keeping a close eye on the developments, but it does not seem there’s plans for an alternate state budget right now.

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New Mexico

Rio Fire grows to 128 acres

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Rio Fire grows to 128 acres


Northern New Mexico Type 3 Team ordered


Santa Fe, NM, June 17, 2026
—The Rio Fire located in the Espanola Ranger District on Mesa De La Gallina three miles northeast of Chicoma Mountain has grown to 128 acres. Red flag conditions, heavy dead-and-down fuels and limited safe access to the fire contributed to the fire’s growth. Today, crews focused on building safe access to suppress the fire. Additional personnel have been ordered including a Type 1 Interagency Handcrew (hotshot crew), Rapid Extraction Module, and a short haul capable helicopter. Aerial resources such as the Type 1 helicopter and air tankers have been working all day on the fire dropping water and retardant to reduce fire growth. Two large air tankers have been ordered to the fire in addition to scooper planes. Values at risk include private property inholdings north of the fire. Smoke from the Rio Fire may be visible from Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Espanola and the surrounding communities.

Due to the complexity of the fire the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered to take command of the fire. The team will in brief with the Santa Fe National Forest at 10:00 am tomorrow.

Fire information is available on the Santa Fe National Forest website, Inciweb, NM Fire Information, and social media pages (Facebook and X).

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About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.



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New Mexico

New Mexico has received 18,000 reports of elder abuse this year

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New Mexico has received 18,000 reports of elder abuse this year


The state is warning about signs of abuse, such as unexplained injuries and sudden changes in behavior, like withdrawing from social activities.

SANTA FE, N.M. — So far in 2026, New Mexico has received 18,000 reports of elder abuse and Adult Protective Services warns there could be many more unreported cases.

The abuse can include neglect, exploitation or even scamming. If you suspect someone may be a victim of abuse, call Adult Protective Services at 1-866-654-3219.

The signs to look for include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior or unusual banking activity. You could also notice them withdrawing from social activities or communication and being fearful around caregivers.

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Edgewood approves tax funds for fire, EMS deal with Santa Fe County

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Edgewood approves tax funds for fire, EMS deal with Santa Fe County


Edgewood commissioners approved tax funding for fire and emergency medical services, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether the town would keep coverage.

EDGEWOOD, N.M. – Edgewood commissioners approved tax funding for fire and emergency medical services, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether the town would keep coverage.

At Tuesday night’s town hall, commissioners unanimously approved using gross receipts tax revenue to pay the town’s share of the joint powers agreement with the Santa Fe County Fire Department.

The town’s former deal with Santa Fe County was set to expire after June 30.

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The vote followed weeks of questions about whether the small mountain town would continue to have fire and emergency medical services.

Commissioners took action after back and forth between the town and county over the agreement.

At one point, some people in Edgewood signed a petition to disincorporate the town.

The vote gives residents an answer on how the town plans to keep those services in place.

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