Democratic candidate for governor Sam Bregman unveiled a sweeping set of policy plans Thursday and challenged his chief rival for the party’s nomination, Deb Haaland, to engage him in a policy debate on the campaign trail. “She can bring her plans, or if she doesn’t have them, she can debate mine. I am sure we […]
Category: Beats
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov
What’s happening with the Rail Trail?
What happened to the ABQ Rail Trail? The Rail Trail was pitched as a 7-mile loop linking downtown, Old Town and the Rail Yards with public art and architecture telling Albuquerque’s story. Now the project faces its biggest setback. The Trump administration pulled $11.5 million in promised funding last week, leaving city officials scrambling to […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Former Sen. Udall endorses Haaland for New Mexico governor
Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Tom Udall endorsed Deb Haaland for New Mexico governor on Thursday, marking his first endorsement in a gubernatorial primary race. Udall, who served New Mexico in Congress for more than two decades before being named Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa by President Joe Biden, cited the stakes of the […]
Posted inNew Mexico, Politics & Elections
Miyagishima optimistic about chances to win Democratic nomination for governor
Despite being often overshadowed by his two more high-profile opponents in the headlines, former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said he is confident that there is a path for him to capture the Democratic nomination for governor next year, and is satisfied with how his campaign is going. “I think we’re doing pretty good. I […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Albuquerque city council passes $75,000 home repair loans for low-income homeowners
The average Albuquerque home is 44 years old, and a lot of families can’t cover the big repair bills that come with aging houses. On Sept. 15, the City Council approved a program to help, passing the measure 5-3. The Preserving Albuquerque Through Critical Housing (PATCH) program will provide up to $75,000 in forgivable loans […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
From homelessness to hope: One mother’s journey through Albuquerque’s Gateway Family
When Gabrielle, a Gateway Family resident, called 311 for help, she was homeless and had spent a decade battling addiction that cost her custody of her children. Nearly two years later, she is sober, has full custody of her one-year-old, visits her older children regularly and is preparing to move from Gateway Family into her […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
New Mexico delegation, Pueblo leaders urge Trump administration to maintain Chaco Canyon drilling ban
New Mexico’s congressional delegation joined with Pueblo leaders Wednesday to demand the Trump administration maintain protections against oil and gas development on federal lands surrounding Chaco Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site threatened by potential drilling and extraction. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Sen. Martin Heinrich and Rep. Gabe Vasquez stood with governors […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov, New Mexico
Sen. Lujan assails feds for canceling funding for minority-serving institutions
New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan is decrying a decision by the U.S. Department of Education to terminate federal funding of grants for Minority Serving Institutions. “In New Mexico and across the country, Minority-Serving Institutions have long played a vital role in expanding access to education and creating pathways to economic opportunity. The Trump […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Albuquerque City Council approves $7.1 million Gateway West contract despite accountability questions
Albuquerque City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday, Sept. 15, to approve Executive Communication 481, giving Gateway West an extra $3.55 million, doubling Chicanos Por La Causa’s (CPLC) annual contract to $7.1 million and extending operations through June 2026, even as councilors and residents questioned whether the city’s $121 million Gateway program is producing results. Councilor Dan […]
Posted inNM Legislature
Lujan Grisham, GOP at odds over special session
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) and legislative Republicans are openly clashing about the necessity for next month’s special legislative session and what the priorities should be taken up when lawmakers return to Santa Fe. Top Republicans, in a letter to the governor released on Monday, called for her to provide them with additional information, including […]