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N.M. regulators recommend lower ambulance rates, mileage charges

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N.M. regulators recommend lower ambulance rates, mileage charges


By Nicholas Gilmore
The Santa Fe New Mexican

SANTA FE, N.M.—State regulators have an extended deadline this week to reach a deal with a nonprofit ambulance organization that is seeking to double its rates and hike its mileage charges.

Albuquerque Ambulance Service, affiliated with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, is the highest-volume provider of emergency and nonemergency medical transportation in New Mexico, serving patients in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties.

Staff of the state Public Regulation Commission recommended a 35% increase to the nonprofit’s various ambulance rates and a 10% increase in mileage fees, significantly lower than what was requested in a January rate case application.

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Although an initial deadline for a stipulated agreement between commission staff and Albuquerque Ambulance Service has passed, commission spokesman Patrick Rodriguez wrote in an email an extension was granted, setting a new deadline Wednesday.

If a settlement is not reached, the commission will hold a hearing on the case on April 15.

Rodriguez declined to provide a comment from commission staff but wrote there would be an opportunity for public comment on the proposed increase at the beginning of the hearing, and written public comment is now being accepted.

Albuquerque Ambulance Service, which already has some of the highest ambulance costs in the region, has proposed increases that would double its base charges for the first mile of service at different levels and increase mileage costs by 25%. Under the proposal, charges for specialty care transport would rise from $1,072 to $2,144. That number is down from even higher increases of about 175% sought in August. The nonprofit attributed the more modest request to an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates that became effective retroactively to July 1.

According to testimony from commission staff filed in March, an analysis of the nonprofit’s finances showed it has operated at a loss for four years due to increasing costs for labor and supplies.

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The CEO testified a competitive job market for emergency services has forced the company to recruit out of state. The total costs to the nonprofit for sign-on and retention bonuses has risen from about $15,000 in 2014 — when Albuquerque Ambulance Service last received approval for a rate increase — to nearly $1.07 million in 2021, he said.

Commission staff analysts sought more information from the nonprofit regarding its cash balances over the last 10 years, any subsidies received from Bernalillo County and a breakdown of services and debt balances with Presbyterian in recent years.

Alyssa Armijo, a spokeswoman for Presbyterian, declined to provide such information or to comment on settlement negotiations but said the organization is preparing to submit documents to the commission.

Armijo wrote in an email Albuquerque Ambulance Service “experienced acute financial challenges during and post-COVID.”

“The economic changes stemming from the pandemic accelerated the need to request a tariff increase,” Armijo wrote. “We have typically held off on rate increases until absolutely necessary.”

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Asked whether the organization was concerned about the potential for higher rates to discourage people from calling for an ambulance, even if they need one, Armijo wrote the company would “continue to work with individuals who may have difficulty paying.”

(c)2024 The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, N.M.)
Visit The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, N.M.) at www.santafenewmexican.com
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NM Department of Wildlife warns of aggressive wildlife behavior

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NM Department of Wildlife warns of aggressive wildlife behavior


The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is now urging outdoor recreationists to use caution after two separate incidents involving unusually aggressive wildlife took place in Catron County.

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NM Department of Wildlife warns of aggressive wildlife behavior

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is now urging outdoor recreationists to use caution after two separate incidents involving unusually aggressive wildlife took place in Catron County.

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CHARGES, INCLUDING MURDER. HIS TRIAL DATE IS NOT YET SET. THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE IS URGING EVERYONE TO STAY ALERT AFTER TWO CASES OF AGGRESSIVE WILDLIFE IN THE GILA WILDERNESS IN CATRON COUNTY. A BOBCAT AND FOX APPROACHED AND ENGAGED WITH PEOPLE IN SEPARATE ENCOUNTERS. THEY WEREN’T BITTEN, BUT THAT BEHAVIOR RAISES SUSPICION OF RABIES. A BOBCAT JUST TESTED POSITIVE FOR THAT IN SIERRA COUNTY. STATE WILDLIFE AND HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID WILD ANIMALS, KEEP PETS LEASHED AND GET THEIR RABIES SHOT

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NM Department of Wildlife warns of aggressive wildlife behavior

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is now urging outdoor recreationists to use caution after two separate incidents involving unusually aggressive wildlife took place in Catron County.

Updated: 6:42 PM MDT Apr 8, 2026

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Editorial Standards

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is now urging outdoor recreationists to use caution after two separate incidents involving unusually aggressive wildlife took place in Catron County. According to the department, in different incidents, a bobcat and a fox approached and engaged with hikers and campers within the Gila Wilderness. Though nobody was bitten, these reports raise suspicion of rabies infections and come after a bobcat tested positive for rabies in Sierra County in March.They say rabies has been diagnosed in both bobcats and foxes in New Mexico. If you see a rabid animal, you should report it to your local animal control officer or your local New Mexico Department of Wildlife Conservation officer.The department says to keep you and your family safe from rabies:Always keep pets on a leash. Pets should be up to date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, call your pet’s veterinarian even if the wound is superficial.Horses and other livestock should also be considered for rabies vaccination to protect them from rabid animals that may attack them.Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and always keep a close eye on your children.If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal or comes into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible.If you or your pets are bitten or otherwise exposed to the saliva of wild animals, seek medical care immediately and contact the NMDOH Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (796-8773).

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is now urging outdoor recreationists to use caution after two separate incidents involving unusually aggressive wildlife took place in Catron County.

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According to the department, in different incidents, a bobcat and a fox approached and engaged with hikers and campers within the Gila Wilderness. Though nobody was bitten, these reports raise suspicion of rabies infections and come after a bobcat tested positive for rabies in Sierra County in March.

They say rabies has been diagnosed in both bobcats and foxes in New Mexico. If you see a rabid animal, you should report it to your local animal control officer or your local New Mexico Department of Wildlife Conservation officer.

The department says to keep you and your family safe from rabies:

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  • Always keep pets on a leash. Pets should be up to date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, call your pet’s veterinarian even if the wound is superficial.
  • Horses and other livestock should also be considered for rabies vaccination to protect them from rabid animals that may attack them.
  • Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and always keep a close eye on your children.
  • If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal or comes into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible.
  • If you or your pets are bitten or otherwise exposed to the saliva of wild animals, seek medical care immediately and contact the NMDOH Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (796-8773).

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Domino’s top franchisee got his start in southeast New Mexico, delivered pizza in Alamogordo – Alamogordo Daily News

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Domino’s top franchisee got his start in southeast New Mexico, delivered pizza in Alamogordo – Alamogordo Daily News


Staff reports Brian Bailey owns more Domino’s franchise stores than anyone else. And he got his start delivering the pies in southeast New Mexico. He…



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New Mexico reaction to Trump’s deadline on Iran war

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New Mexico reaction to Trump’s deadline on Iran war


New Mexico reaction to Trump’s deadline on Iran war

Sen. Ben Ray Luján says Trump is waging an illegal war

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THIS IS KOAT ACTION SEVEN NEWS. WE BEGIN WITH BREAKING NEWS AND THAT BREAKING NEWS IN THE WAR IN IRAQ. IF YOU’RE JUST TUNING IN, PRESIDENT TRUMP SAYING ON TRUTH SOCIAL, HE WILL AGREE TO A TWO WEEK CEASEFIRE ON THE CONDITION THAT IRAN AGREES TO REOPEN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ. HIS NEW OFFER, COMING HOURS BEFORE HIS DEADLINE FOR IRAN TO OPEN THE STRAIT, THREATENING IF THEY DIDN’T. QUOTE, A WHOLE CIVILIZATION WILL DIE TONIGHT, NEVER TO BE BROUGHT BACK AGAIN. NOW, HE SAYS HE’S HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH THE FIELD MARSHAL AND PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN AGREEING TO HOLD OFF FORCE BEING SENT TONIGHT TO IRAN. HE POSTED THIS. I’LL HOLD OFF THE DESTRUCTIVE FORCE BEING SENT TONIGHT TO IRAN AND SUBJECT TO THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN, AGREEING TO THE COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE AND SAFE OPENING OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ. I AGREE TO SUSPEND THE BOMBING AND ATTACK IRAN FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS. HE CALLED IT A DOUBLE CEASE FIRE AFTER GETTING A PROPOSAL FROM IRAN AND WORKABLE BASIS ON WHICH TO NEGOTIATE. PROTESTERS AND LAWMAKERS REACTING TO THE PRESIDENT’S EARLIER SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ABOUT ENDING A CIVILIZATION. IF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ WAS NOT REOPENED. PRIOR TO THAT TEMPORARY CEASE FIRE DEAL HAS BEEN SUSPENDED. NOW, GETTING REACTION FROM SENATOR LUJAN. YEAH. SENATOR LUJAN, TODAY REACTING TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF NEW MEXICO CALLING FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP’S IMPEACHMENT. BUT FIRST, PROTESTERS GATHERED IN ALBUQUERQUE THIS MORNING. THE WAR IN IRAQ, IN ALBUQUERQUE, A FAMILIAR SPOT IN FRONT OF KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE TUESDAY, WHERE PROTESTERS HAVE BEEN GATHERING. BUT TODAY’S TONE WAS A BIT DIFFERENT. WHAT WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY IS A UNIVERSAL PURGE OF THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE PENTAGON. THERE’S NO REASON TO HAVE THESE WAR CRIMINALS IN OUR SERVICE, OR EVEN IN OUR GENE POOL ANYMORE. THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF NEW MEXICO CALLING FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP’S IMPEACHMENT. IN AN EMAIL SENT TO KOAT, U.S. SENATOR BEN RAY LUJAN IN ALBUQUERQUE AND RESPONDING, DO YOU THINK HE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE? PRESIDENT TRUMP, WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WHICH IS WHERE THERE WOULD BE ANY IMPEACHMENT CONSIDERATION OR HEARINGS. SENATOR LUJAN, REACTING TO THIS SOCIAL MEDIA POST BY TRUMP WHERE HE CALLS FOR ATTACKS ON THE IRANIAN INFRASTRUCTURE, BRIDGES AND POWER PLANTS. IF A DEAL WASN’T REACHED, THERE HAS STILL NOT BEEN A VOTE THAT REPUBLICANS HAVE BROUGHT TO THE SENATE FLOOR, GIVING THE PRESIDENT THE TOOLS THAT ANY PRESIDENT WOULD NEED TO GO TO WAR. AN AUMF THIS PRESIDENT IS GOING AT IT AGAIN, RECKLESSLY. LUJAN FALLING SHORT OF CALLING TRUMP A WAR CRIMINAL. I BELIEVE THE PRESIDENT IS NOT FOLLOWING UNITED STATES LAW. WHEN THE PRESIDENT IS THREATENING THE ELIMINATION OF A CIVILIZATION OF PEOPLE, I WOULD ARGUE THAT THAT IS BREAKING U.S. LAW, FEDERAL LAW, GLOBAL LAW, AS WELL. OKAY. THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW MEXICO RELEASING THIS STATEMENT TO US JUST A SHORT TIME AGO, SAYING IN PART, MAKE NO MISTAKE, THE WAY PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS DEALT WITH IRAN HAS FUNDAMENTALLY MADE OUR COUNTRY SAFER. AS THE PRESIDENT HAS STATED, OUR MILITARY OBJECTIVES IN IRAN ARE NEARLY FINISHED. AND THE TWO WEEK CEASEFIRE ANNOUNCED TODAY PROVES THAT WE ARE IN TOTAL CONTROL OF THIS CONFLICT. IN THE STUDIO, JOHN POLO, KOAT ACTION SEVEN NEWS TONIGHT AT TEN. OUR WASHINGTON BUREAU WILL HAVE MORE ON THIS BREAKING DEVELOPMEN

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New Mexico reaction to Trump’s deadline on Iran war

Sen. Ben Ray Luján says Trump is waging an illegal war

Updated: 7:06 PM MDT Apr 7, 2026

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Protesters gathered Tuesday in front of Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, a familiar location for demonstrations, as tensions rose following the missed deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz. “What would make me happy is a universal purge of the White House and the Pentagon. There’s no reason to have these war criminals in our service, or even in our gene pool anymore,” one protester said. The Democratic Party of New Mexico called for President Trump’s impeachment in an email sent to KOAT on Tuesday. U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who was in Albuquerque that day, addressed the issue. “Do you think he should be removed from office?” asked KOAT reporter John Rupolo.”We’ll see what happens in the House of Representatives, which is where there would be any impeachment consideration or hearings,” Luján said. Luján also reacted to a social media post by Trump in which the president called for attacks on infrastructure, bridges, and power plants if a deal was not reached by Tuesday night. “There has still not been a vote that Republicans have brought to the Senate floor, giving the president the tools that any president would need to go to war and a umph. This president is going at it again recklessly,” Luján said. While Luján stopped short of labeling Trump a war criminal, he expressed strong criticism of the president’s actions. “When the president is threatening the elimination of a civilization of people, I would argue that that is breaking U.S. law. Federal law. Global law as well,” Luján said.We reached out to state Republican leaders, but they refused to comment. We also reached out to the New Mexico Republican Party and never heard back.

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Protesters gathered Tuesday in front of Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, a familiar location for demonstrations, as tensions rose following the missed deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

“What would make me happy is a universal purge of the White House and the Pentagon. There’s no reason to have these war criminals in our service, or even in our gene pool anymore,” one protester said.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico called for President Trump’s impeachment in an email sent to KOAT on Tuesday. U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who was in Albuquerque that day, addressed the issue.

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“Do you think he should be removed from office?” asked KOAT reporter John Rupolo.

“We’ll see what happens in the House of Representatives, which is where there would be any impeachment consideration or hearings,” Luján said.

Luján also reacted to a social media post by Trump in which the president called for attacks on infrastructure, bridges, and power plants if a deal was not reached by Tuesday night.

“There has still not been a vote that Republicans have brought to the Senate floor, giving the president the tools that any president would need to go to war and a umph. This president is going at it again recklessly,” Luján said.

While Luján stopped short of labeling Trump a war criminal, he expressed strong criticism of the president’s actions.

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“When the president is threatening the elimination of a civilization of people, I would argue that that is breaking U.S. law. Federal law. Global law as well,” Luján said.

We reached out to state Republican leaders, but they refused to comment. We also reached out to the New Mexico Republican Party and never heard back.

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