It’s not just Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital that’s struggling to stay afloat. Small, rural hospitals across the state and the country are in the same boat, trying to keep up financially with their metro counterparts.

To try to fill the gap in New Mexico, legislators have introduced some bills this legislative session that would primarily help the state’s seven smallest hospitals, including RMCH.

Some offer short-term relief; at least one could improve the financial footing for small hospitals for the long term. Local officials are holding their collective breath to see which bills will pass.

What follows is a roundup of hospital rescue bills and their status at press...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council joined Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren on Jan. 31 as he signed Resolution CJA-11-24, appropriating nearly $6 million from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to help Navajo communities recover from the impacts of recent winter snow and mud conditions.

Legislation 0027-24 appropriates $3.85 million for the 110 chapters and approximately $2.1 million to the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management. Nygren requested the special council session held on Jan. 31, to consider the emergency legislation along with language to allow $35,000 to be distributed to each of the 110 chapters.

“Thank you, President Nygren, and...

Q: What is Jeff Goldblum up to these days? I only see him on commercials for apartments, but not in any movies lately. — P.T.

A: Despite having what is surely a lucrative gig as the spokesman for Apartments.com, Jeff Goldblum is still very much a beloved and sought-after actor in Hollywood. Originally from Pittsburgh, Goldblum started out as most actors do when they move to California — landing guest-starring roles on hit primetime shows. He landed small but memorable roles in movies like Annie Hall, The Right Stuff and The Big Chill.

In 1986, he starred in the sci-fi/horror film The Fly, but it would be the Jurassic Park movies that would bring him his greatest box-office success...

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham unveiled a water action plan at the State Capitol on Jan. 30 with the goal of ensuring New Mexicans will have access to clean water for the next five decades.

As one of the driest states in the west, New Mexico is no stranger to drought. Almost three-fourths of the state is currently experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. In 50 years, water experts predict the state will have 25% less water to use. Without decisive action, New Mexicans would have to dramatically alter their way of life to adjust to a bleak water reality.

Understanding this fact, the Lujan Grisham administration -- with the help of leading scientists...