As the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test approaches this week, New Mexico radiation exposure victims are closer than ever to receiving federal compensation, but face new threats to their healthcare access from proposed Medicaid cuts. Senator Ben Ray Luján called for federal agencies to quickly establish guidelines for the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act […]
Author Archives: Kevin Hendricks
Kevin Hendricks is a local news editor with nm.news. He is a two-decade veteran of local news as a sportswriter and assistant editor with the ABQ Journal and Rio Rancho Observer.
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
Sen. Pope enters 2026 race for lieutenant governor
By Connor Currier New Mexico Senator Harold Pope has officially entered the race to become the state’s next lieutenant governor. His candidacy comes after current lieutenant governor Howie Morales’ announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Morales, who has served in the role since 2019, spent the past seven years working alongside Governor […]
Posted inNM State Gov.
Peeing gets partisan: Republicans challenge new Roundhouse restroom policy
The legislature’s Facilities Review Subcommittee voted last week to convert a shower into a gender-neutral restroom and build a dedicated lactation room on the fourth floor of the New Mexico State Capitol. The project will also include an adult changing table for people with disabilities. But Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) said in a […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
City Council candidate to challenge ballot ruling after falling short by seven signatures
City Council hopeful Stephanie Telles said she plans to formally contest the City Clerk’s decision that found her campaign seven signatures short of qualifying for the ballot. In a message sent to supporters Friday, Telles said she will request an audit of the petition signatures submitted, arguing that voters’ intent should carry weight in determining […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Sen. Luján warns against public broadcasting cuts amidst deadly flooding
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, delivered a Senate floor speech Wednesday, criticizing the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate $1.1 billion in federal funding for public radio and television stations across the nation. The senator’s address comes as New Mexico and Texas grapple with deadly […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
How did a bus driver end up stabbing a passenger to death? Police docs provide new details
An Albuquerque city bus driver faces murder charges after allegedly stabbing a passenger to death following an argument that began on the bus and spilled onto the street, according to court documents reviewed by City Desk ABQ. The 41-year-old driver was charged with murder, tampering with evidence and criminal damage to property in connection with […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Federal emergency declaration approved for Ruidoso flood recovery, but full aid still pending
New Mexico has received partial approval for a federal emergency declaration following devastating flash floods in Ruidoso that killed three people and damaged dozens of homes, but the state is still awaiting approval for the bulk of disaster assistance residents desperately need. The emergency declaration approved provides immediate federal personnel for life-saving activities like urban […]
Posted inNew Mexico, Politics & Elections
Haaland to launch rural tour focused on affordability as 2026 governor’s race takes shape
Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will launch her “Lift Up New Mexico Tour” on Saturday, July 12, with stops in rural communities across the state as she campaigns for the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial nomination with a focus on making life more affordable for New Mexicans. The tour comes as affordability pressures mount statewide, despite […]
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Silver Avenue closed downtown through 2025
Access to downtown’s main government building will be restricted through the end of the year as Silver Avenue closes for an 18-month construction project to fix water damage issues at the county’s $67 million headquarters. Silver Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets will remain closed to vehicle traffic through the end of 2025 as Bernalillo […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
New Mexico airports receive $4.3 million in federal funding for infrastructure upgrades
New Mexico’s airport system will receive over $4.3 million in federal funding to improve infrastructure at three key facilities, supporting an industry that contributes $2.3 billion annually to the state’s economy and sustains more than 18,500 jobs. The Federal Aviation Administration grants will fund critical upgrades at Albuquerque International Sunport, Artesia Municipal Airport and Socorro […]