‘We need to adapt’: Keeping up with longer New Mexico fire seasons

677 Views   “Fire is not a season anymore. It’s a year-round concern,” said State Forester Laura McCarthy. During this historic fire season, wildfires have burned over 800,000 acres in our state. KOAT spoke to New Mexico State Forestry and the National Forest Service about how they’re looking to better protect our forests.

What happens in New Mexico since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade?

936 Views   ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — What happens in New Mexico since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade? KOAT legal expert John Day said New Mexico would not be affected, meaning women could still access abortions in the state. It’s essentially a right by default. He said there are no laws banning abortions in New Mexico, but […]

Federal firefighter advocates say staffing shortages need to be addressed

587 Views   SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Firefighter groups are applauding steps taken by the Biden administration this week to temporarily raise wages for the men and women on the front lines of the nation’s largest wildfires. But they say the temporary wage hikes won’t be enough to combat staffing problems, as federal agencies compete […]

FEMA responds to New Mexico’s wet start to monsoon season

836 Views   Cole-Corde said, “Anywhere in the state could flood at any time from different sources. We have seen disasters in areas with water runoff from mountain areas and hills.” Monsoon rain is raising flood dangers, especially around burn scars. KOAT spoke to the Federal Emergency Management Agency about how you can better protect your […]

Studying lightning in New Mexico storms

532 Views   Lightning is no stranger to New Mexico. Any storm has the potential to generate dangerous lightning. Because New Mexico experiences lightning so frequently, there’s a facility built near Socorro that’s dedicated to studying lightning.