[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN ON ITS 175TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2024

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my 
hometown newspaper, the Santa Fe New Mexican, on its 175th Anniversary. 
The first issue of the paper was printed on November 28, 1849. The New 
Mexican has brought stories to life about gold strikes, floods, votes 
on prohibition, and debates on statehood. It has shared stories of the 
struggles and strength of the survivors of wildfires, informed voters 
about their local candidates, and anointed the best chile in the city. 
To keep democracy strong, it made sure voters understood the positions 
and perspectives of local candidates for office.
  Stories matter, and who tells them matters just as much. That's why 
it's important that an independent paper with integrity, like the New 
Mexican, has been telling stories about our communities since it was 
founded. Papers like the New Mexican help us be well informed, active 
citizens.
  In 2023, 34 reporters from the New Mexican won first place in the New 
Mexico Press Association Better Newspapers contest. Amongst the awards 
were best investigative reporting, best news writing, best feature 
photo, and best special section on the recovery from the Hermit's Peak/
Calf Canyon fire in 2022.
  Independent journalism is a crucial foundation of democracy. That's 
clear now more than ever, as we ward off fake news and alternative 
facts in the battle for our nation's very soul.
  I still get a copy of the New Mexican delivered to my door every day. 
Their stories, from high school sports to national news are crucial to 
the work that I do. Most importantly, however, they are vital to the 
fabric of New Mexico.
  I like to think that future generations will sit with their cup of 
cafe and turn the pages to learn about their hometown from the Santa Fe 
New Mexican.

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