‘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.
Governor Lujan Grisham commits $1.7 million for bridge repairs and flood mitigation in Roswell

933 Views Bridge collapsed during flood event in June Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced plans to commit $1.7 million, to repair a bridge in Roswell that collapsed after a flood event in June. The bridge is located near the intersection of La Jara Rd. and East Mescalero Rd.
FBI creates new initiative to help New Mexico businesses prevent cyber-attacks

1,088 Views ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Cyber attacks can happen to anyone. “The threat has been out there. It’s been attacking individuals. It’s been attacking businesses. It’s attacking private industry,” said Raul Bujanda, the special agent in charge of the Albuquerque FBI Field Office.
Second round of tax rebate checks for New Mexicans being sent this week

944 Views The next set of tax rebates are starting to hit bank accounts today. During the 2022 regular legislative session, legislators approved House Bill 163 which sends tax rebates to many New Mexicans.
Navajo Nation becomes first tribe in the U.S. to meet special criteria aimed at helping veterans

985 Views Navajo Nation veterans can now get help with VA paperwork in Gallup. Before, they would need to drive hours away for assistance. GALLUP, N.M. — The Navajo Nation is the first tribe in the country to get a special accreditation to help veterans.
Arroyo safety top of mind this monsoon season for Albuquerque Fire Rescue

796 Views ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Last year, five people were swept away in Albuquerque’s arroyo system. “It’s incredibly unfortunate any time anybody loses their life in such a manner,” said Tom Ruiz with the Albuquerque Fire Department.
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.