New Mexico

New Mexico lawmakers update caregiving requirements

Published

9 months ago

June 28, 2025

New Mexico lawmakers update caregiving requirements

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The death of a New Mexico woman with a disability, allegedly at the hands of her caregivers, woke state leaders up.

For State Rep. Liz Thomson, it’s personal. Her son has disabilities that require him to live in a group home.

“I’ve been aware of this for a long time, but a lot of folks have not,” said. Rep. Thomson, who chairs the state’s Legislative Health and Human Service Committee.

On the committee, Thomson is able to push for changes to programs, like the Developmental Disabilities Waiver. They also provide services and support for thousands of New Mexicans with disabilities.

“There’s definitely gaps. We have a good program, but there are holes,” Thomson said.

The death of Mary Melero seemingly made those holes became obvious. Prosecutors accused three of her caretakers of neglecting her to the point of death.

U.S. Border Patrol agents found Melero when the group tried to take her to Mexico for treatment. She died shortly after that.

“There’s no more of a worst case scenario than that,” said Joseph Martinez, the acting director of the Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Division of the New Mexico Department of Justice.

Martinez is helping prosecute that case. He said they’ve worked with state agencies over the past two years to better communicate and investigate claims.

“We’ve taken multiple steps to increase potential referrals. We’ve done a ton of outreach, letting you know we are available to hear those complaints,” Martinez said.

Rep. Thomson also helped pass a bill this past session that adds a few crimes to the list of what makes someone ineligible to be caregivers.

“We’re always open to, if we learn more, if something there’s new technology, if there’s, you know, another horrific case, fingers crossed that there won’t be. That shows us some places where we’re not as robust as we should be,” Thomson said.

Her next goal is to land more funding and benefits for caregivers.

“You can make more money flipping burgers at a fast food joint than you can caring for people like my son. So, I think we need to invest in our system and put people who really want– it’s a calling, but you have to be able to make a living,” Thomson said.

Recently, a judge decided two of Melero’s alleged killers will stay in jail after violating their conditions of release.

MORE: 3 New Mexico women arrested, accused of torturing disabled woman

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New Mexico

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Published

4 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Regional gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $3.60 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week’s price of $3.41 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Gas prices are jumping around because traders are trying to price in how long the Iran war will disrupt oil flows from the Middle East, on top of the usual spring run‑up in demand as driving season approaches. Markets are baking in higher risk and “additional volatility” but not a long-term shutdown, and prices could retreat if it becomes clear the tensions are short-lived, petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said.

Analysts say another 20 to 30 cents a gallon is still likely in the weeks ahead.

The average fuel price in the Gulf Coast region rose about 107 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the region in the last year have been as low as $2.37 on Jan. 5, 2026, and as high as $3.60 on March 23, 2026.

A year ago, the average gas price in the Gulf Coast region was 31% lower at $2.74 per gallon.

>> INTERACTIVE: See how your area’s gas prices have changed over the years at data.lcsun-news.com.

The average gas price in the United States last week was $3.96, making prices in the Gulf Coast region about 9.0% lower than the nation’s average. The average national gas price is higher than last week’s average of $3.72 per gallon.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s tally of prices in the Gulf Coast states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

USA TODAY Co. is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here. This story was written by Ozge Terzioglu.

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New Mexico

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

Published

17 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

QUAY COUNTY, N.M. – A grass fire has burned an estimated 1,000-2,000 acres near San Jon in Quay County.

Emergency crews say the Old 66 Fire is threatening structures, and remains 0% contained.

The New Mexico Forestry Division said crews discovered the fire at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County.

Smoke is visible from Interstate 40 and surrounding areas.

The fire is on private land and the cause remains under investigation.

State Road 469 is closed at Main Avenue. Officials said local residents should use caution and avoid the area.

Structures threatened include a wind farm to the southwest.

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