Carrie Jung

The economy took a serious hit with the last recession. And while it will take time to recover, New Mexico is faring much better than the rest of the United States. That’s according to a recent Headwaters Economics report.  The independent research group says New Mexico is creating jobs faster and has higher per capita income than the U.S as a whole.  Headwaters Policy Director Chris Mehl says public lands have been a significant factor in New Mexico's economic recovery.  He says it's not just the tourism industry.

The number of oil and gas wells in New Mexico is on the rise due to higher demand for domestic production, but the number of federal inspectors qualified to watch over them remains at less than 100.  

According to a report in the Santa Fe New Mexican, the Bureau of Land Management and the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division oversee about 100,000 wells, each of which is inspected an average of once every three years.

While the agencies say the inspectors are doing their jobs well, some New Mexicans are worried that there aren't enough of them to ensure the facilities won't harm the state's water and land, and damage the health of its citizens.

Community members and conservation groups met in front of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regional headquarters today to demand the release of more Mexican grey wolves.  The agency administers a controversial reintroduction program for the endangered species in the Gila Wilderness in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. 

Steven Capra, Executive Director of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, says a wolf population would be good for New Mexico.  He blames the lack of action on policy makers like Regional FWS Director Benjamin Tuggle.  "He is all about politics and hasn't shown the courage and determination he needs to.  We have a congressional delegation that's been mostly silent and now we have a Governor that completely opposes wolves in the wild."

The oldest of the baby boomer generation turns 66 this year, and while that age may technically qualify them as senior citizens, it’s not a label they’re taking sitting down.  Here's a closer look at how conservation groups are tapping into this pool of willing and able-bodied volunteers.

Trustees of the Valles Caldera National Preserve held their spring meeting today and expressed optimism about the ecosystem’s recovery after last summer’s Las Conchas fire. KUNM’s Carrie Jung has more.

New Mexico State land commissioner, Ray Powell, signed a conservation agreement today aimed at protecting the Lesser Prairie Chicken and the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard on the Permian Basin in Southeastern New Mexico.

Tuesday was the first day of New Mexico's legislative session, the day the governor gives the annual State of the State address. KUNM's Gwyneth Doland was at the capitol.

Local supporters of protesters in New York City are planning an event of their own this weekend to show their solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street Movement.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Border authorities say more smugglers have been using ultralight airplanes to ferry drugs across the US-Mexico border.

Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico advocates battle with state officials over documents.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico is suing Secretary of State Diana Duran. The ACLU believes she violated the state Information and Public Records Act by concealing documents that are usually considered public information.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Two of three men accused of branding a swastika on the arm of a developmentally disabled Navajo man have entered plea agreements. State prosecutors say Paul Beebe and Jesse Sanford both entered Alford pleas yesterday in state district court.

Albuquerque, NM – The organization that helps many low-income Albuquerque residents find a home has a new name and a new administration.

Albuquerque, NM – Monsoon rains will increase risk of flooding in northern New Mexico.