New Mexico

New Mexicans take part in People's March with prominent figure

Published

12 months ago

January 20, 2025

New Mexicans take part in People's March with prominent figure

The march brought people together to advocate for various issues, including women’s rights, and featured outgoing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a New Mexico native herself.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexicans took part in a national movement with a prominent figure at their side Sunday in Albuquerque.

A large crowd of people gathered for The People’s March, which brings people together to advocate for various issues, like women’s rights and immigration.

“I haven’t actually come out and stood up for what I believe in, and now’s the time to do it, I think, more than ever, honestly,” said Cat Edmonds, who marched for the first time.

There was a familiar face joining Edmonds in the march. Deb Haaland, the outgoing secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, made her way back home from Washington, D.C.

“I’m so happy to be here. I’ve been a part of this march for many years, and happy to be here once more,” Haaland said.

As the Interior Secretary under former President Joe Biden, Haaland became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. Her term ended Monday when Donald Trump took the oath of office and became president.

Haaland said she is proud of what she accomplished.

In 2023, her office took action to protect the Chaco region from new oil and gas leasing and mining claims. At the time, she was met with Navajo protesters who blocked the route to Chaco Canyon.

Tribal-led conservation was a big push for Haaland during her term but not the only key issue.

“I think that, generally, President Biden was just so great on conservation. So we were able to get a lot of conservation efforts across the finish line for here in New Mexico, but it’s everything else too,” she said.

Recently in New Mexico, her department agreed to a settlement with the Jemez Pueblo over land rights in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

“I’m a New Mexican, I’m a Pueblo woman. I take that perspective wherever I go. And so being in Washington, D.C., having the opportunity to manage a 65,000 career workforce, and manage all of our public lands, it was really a wonderful opportunity and such an honor,” Haaland said.

There is no official word on what Haaland’s next move will be.

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New Mexico

New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback

Published

43 minutes ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback

SANTA FE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) – The New Mexico Department of Health says it will continue to recommend the full schedule of childhood vaccines.

State officials announced the move Tuesday, directly defying a new federal policy that scaled back routine immunization guidance.

The announcement comes after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for all children.

The New Mexico Department of Health stated the federal changes were “not based on new scientific evidence or safety data.”

“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”

State health officials sought to reassure parents, emphasizing that vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.

“We know this is confusing for parents, but the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save children’s lives,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.

All childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered under programs like Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children Program.

The state encourages parents to consult their healthcare providers using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule.

RECOMMENDED: CDC cuts childhood vaccine list, sparking healthcare professionals’ concerns

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New Mexico

Texas man charged with selling artist Fritz Scholder fakes to New Mexicans

Published

13 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Texas man charged with selling artist Fritz Scholder fakes to New Mexicans

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New Mexico

Fourth Republican candidate announces bid for New Mexico governor

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Fourth Republican candidate announces bid for New Mexico governor

SANTA FE, N.M. — Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison is running for governor as a Republican, he announced on social media Tuesday.

Ellison is running on affordability, opportunity and trust in government as the key points of his campaign. His experience includes serving on the NMPRC in 2023 and 2024.

“New Mexico deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results. Our state has enormous potential, but too often that potential is held back by policies that don’t serve everyday New Mexicans,” he said on his website. “I’m running to bring practical solutions, honest accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest.”

A Georgia native, Ellison has lived in New Mexico for 20 years and currently lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.

Ellison is aiming to get 5,000 signatures by Feb. 2, to appear on the primary ballot with at least three other Republicans who have announced their candidacy.

Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez announced his campaign in December and recently confirmed to KOB 4 that he received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Steve Lanier are also running.

Three Democrats are running – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.

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