A bill that temporarily allows New Mexico to formulate its own immunization policy was signed Wednesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Senate Bill 3, which passed on a party-line vote during last week’s special session but had not yet been acted upon by Lujan Grisham, requires that immunization policy for children and the state purchase […]
Category: Beats
Reader-supported
Letter to the Editor: Vote Uballez to keep Darren White out of the run-off
This letter was submitted to City Desk ABQ by Sandra Ortsman, Albuquerque. She is a community planner and community member who cares deeply about immigrants rights, mom and small business owner who has lived in and loved Albuquerque since 2002. Have an opinion? Of course you do! Send it to pat@citydesk.org If there is anyone […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov, New Mexico
Leading NM House Republican calls on U.S. Senators to support government funding bill
A leading Republican state legislator is calling on New Mexico’s two Democratic U.S. Senators to reverse their opposition to a short-term government funding bill, after the Legislature passed its own fix to address the expiration of federal health insurance tax credits. Last week, New Mexico House Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) posted a screenshot […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
KOAT debate excludes two mayoral candidates, sparks controversy
A televised mayoral debate next Wednesday will spotlight just four of six active candidates for mayor of Albuquerque, but Mayling Armijo is pushing to be included, arguing voters deserve to hear from all six contenders — including the race’s only woman — while more than a third of voters remain undecided. The Oct. 15 debate […]
Posted inHealthcare
As more New Mexico hospitals become owned out-of-state, legislators debate how to improve local care
New Mexico Lawmakers on Tuesday heard a presentation about the potential harms of private equity’s role in healthcare, something many New Mexico Democrats have argued has siphoned dollars away from addressing New Mexico’s healthcare needs while profiting out-of-state interests. The Legislative Health and Human Services Committee heard the presentation from Olivia Kosloff, a senior fellow […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
What happens if the mayor’s election goes to a runoff? How much will it cost?
If Burque’s crowded mayoral race goes to a runoff election in December, the city has set aside $750,000 to cover the cost, though county officials warn costs will “significantly exceed” previous elections, potentially requiring City Council approval for additional funding. The Bernalillo County Clerk’s office has not set a final price tag for a possible […]
Posted inNM Legislature
New Mexico allocates $5.9 million to public broadcasting after federal funding cuts
New Mexico lawmakers have allocated $5.9 million to support in-state public television and radio stations statewide after Congress eliminated federal funding for public broadcasting. The state funding includes $1.7 million specifically for New Mexico PBS, which faced an 18% budget cut totaling $1.7 million for fiscal year 2026 due to the congressional rescission vote, according […]
Reader-supported
Anti-Exxon protestors removed from Balloon Fiesta after daring visitors to drink fake ‘produced water’
Visitors to opening weekend of the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta were greeted by an unexpected protest against the event’s main sponsor. Satirical protestors supported by WildEarth Guardians and the The Yes Men dressed as sales representatives of a fake oil and gas company, Exxtreme Energy, and offered samples of the company’s “new hydration and […]
Reader-supported
How and where to vote in the city election in 2025
Every Albuquerque voter has a reason to vote in 2025. The only citywide elected office, mayor, is on the ballot along with five of nine city councilors and a long list of local bond questions for the city, school districts, and some local governments. Other local communities including Los Ranchos and Tijeras also have local […]
Posted inNM Legislature
Gov signs 3 of 4 special session bills to soften impacts of federal cuts
By Alex Ross, NM Political Report New Mexico lawmakers concluded a two-day special legislative session on Thursday, where they shored up state food assistance and health care programs amid looming cuts in federal funding and spiking health insurance premiums. The New Mexico Senate adjourned Sine die shortly after noon, and the New Mexico House of […]