U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) wrapped up a week-long tour Friday of northern and central New Mexico communities, holding public events and private meetings to address constituent concerns about federal budget cuts and economic policies. The senator visited Taos, Santa Fe, Española, Albuquerque and Santa Ana Pueblo, conducting a town hall, business roundtables and […]
Communities
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Albuquerque mayor launches housing initiative to address affordability crisis
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller launched a comprehensive housing initiative Thursday aimed at reducing rents and preventing displacement through a combination of affordable housing development and home repair assistance. The “Housing Now” campaign centers on a proposed program called PATCH that would provide zero-percent interest, forgivable loans to help low-income homeowners make critical repairs to avoid […]
Posted inBernalillo County
Bernalillo County awards grants to 19 neighborhood associations
Bernalillo County has awarded grant funding to 19 recognized neighborhood associations for community projects designed to strengthen local neighborhoods and promote civic engagement. The Neighborhood Grant Program, administered annually by the county’s Planning & Development Services Department, provides up to $7,500 for large projects and $2,500 for small projects. Recipients will use the funding for […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Luján secures $12 million for New Mexico health, education projects
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján has secured more than $12 million in federal funding for New Mexico projects focused on health care, workforce training and education through a committee-approved spending bill for fiscal year 2026. The funding comes through the Senate Appropriations Committee’s passage of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies […]
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Albuquerque firefighters receive pay raises as new contract takes effect
Albuquerque firefighters are seeing significant pay increases in their paychecks following the implementation of a three-year contract that delivers millions in compensation improvements and expanded benefits. The agreement between the city and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 244, which represents Albuquerque Fire Rescue personnel, provides $17.8 million in total compensation enhancements over three years. […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Stansbury introduces bill to protect Social Security Administration from federal cuts
Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) announced legislation Thursday aimed at protecting the Social Security Administration from proposed federal cuts and policy changes under the Trump administration. The “Hands Off Our Social Security Act” seeks to prevent reductions in Social Security Administration staffing, block the closure of field offices, and restrict access to beneficiaries’ personal data. The […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
ABQ BioPark plans $22 Million gorilla habitat renovation
The ABQ BioPark is moving forward with plans for a major renovation of its gorilla habitat, a $22 million project that will create two expansive areas specifically designed for the park’s gorillas. The new habitats will incorporate the space previously used for orangutans, which were moved to the park’s award-winning Asia expansion that opened in […]
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Bernalillo County honors lifeguards for heroic rescue
By Connor Currier In a heartfelt ceremony at its Aug. 4 meeting, the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners recognized a dedicated team of lifeguards for their swift, coordinated actions that saved the life of a young swimmer at the South Valley Aquatic Center on June 23. The lifeguards’ quick thinking, teamwork and professionalism were pivotal […]
Posted inHealthcare, New Mexico
Federal judge protects New Mexico Planned Parenthood clinics from Medicaid funding cuts
A federal judge’s nationwide ruling has temporarily shielded New Mexico’s five Planned Parenthood health centers from losing Medicaid funding, protecting healthcare access for residents who rely on the program in a state where nearly 885,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid. The preliminary injunction issued July 28 by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts blocks […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Heinrich, Luján warn public broadcasting cuts could cost lives in New Mexico
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján convened a roundtable discussion Thursday with New Mexico public broadcasting leaders to address the devastating impact of federal funding cuts that will eliminate $5.8 million in annual support for stations across the state. Speaking at KANW-FM in Albuquerque, Heinrich warned that the cuts pose serious risks to […]