It’s been one of the worst-kept secrets in Santa Fe, and on Thursday, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver confirmed the speculation about her ambition by declaring herself a candidate for lieutenant governor. Toulouse Oliver, who spent nearly a decade as the state’s chief elections official, kicked off her entry into the race […]
Category: Communities
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov
State warns food banks to prep for 400,000 in need; Feds warn SNAP will “not be issued to New Mexico families” next week
More than 400,000 New Mexicans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could see a halt to their food assistance next month due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to a top state health official. Healthcare Authority Secretary Kari Armijo told lawmakers on the Legislative Finance Committee at their Oct. 15 meeting that […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
ABQ fast-tracks solar permits as credits canceled by “Big, Beautiful Bill” are set to expire at year-end
Albuquerque homeowners wanting to install solar panels at home had better hurry before federal incentives canceled by President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” expire in December. Fortunately for procrastinators, the city is here to help. The City Council voted unanimously on Monday, Oct. 20, to fast-track residential solar permits through the end of 2025, helping residents […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Councilors question timing of “Gateway” rebrand of city’s “Juniper Flats” hotel converted to senior housing
City Councilors on Monday, Oct. 20, urged the Keller administration to rethink its plan to rebrand the under-renovation Juniper Flats senior apartments after signage with the “Juniper Flats” project name was already installed. During the City Council’s question-and-answer period, District 9 City Councilor Renée Grout said the new name could make the permanent affordable housing […]
Posted inNM State Gov.
“An enormous hit:” Billions in fed. mineral payments owed to New Mexico could stop by year end
State budget analysts warn that federal mineral leasing payments to New Mexico could be at risk if Congress does take action in the coming months. The payments are from royalties companies pay to the federal government when they extract oil, coal and other minerals from federal land in New Mexico. The state then gets a […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Out-of-state billionaire money floods APS board races
An unprecedented $300,000 from a group established by two out-of-state billionaires is flooding Albuquerque’s school board races — contests where only a small fraction of voters usually decide the outcome. Editor’s note: This story was updated to include comments from all candidates in races where NMKidsCAN PAC money was spent, not just those who reached […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Garcia Richard led Democratic contenders for Lt. Gov’s race in fundraising before dropping out
She has put her campaign for lieutenant governor on hold, but campaign finance reports issued last week show that Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard’s cash haul since April far exceeded those of her two rivals for the party’s nomination. The reports, which were due on Oct. 14, showed that $165,605 rolled into the campaign of Garcia […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Thousands attend “No Kings” march Downtown
Thousands of New Mexicans answered the call and gathered on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Downtown Albuquerque for the second national “No Kings” day of action protesting policies of President Donald Trump. The event, sponsored by Indivisible Albuquerque, was part of a national day of coordinated protests by Indivisble, a left-leaning organizing group. Marchers filled Central […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Major votes on deck for Albuquerque seniors, cyclists
The Albuquerque City Council could vote Monday, Oct. 20, on millions in senior housing bonds, expanded bicycle safety rules and a new downtown redevelopment plan. The meeting agenda had not been finalized as of Friday morning, but recent filings suggest councilors may take up initiatives that have been developing for months. Potential items include senior […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Independent audit questions integrity of Albuquerque’s anti-fraud office
An independent audit found Albuquerque’s fraud watchdog failed to meet professional standards in reports that uncovered $74,000 in waste. Now, two lawsuits are pushing the city to release six investigation reports that have been kept from the public for seven months. The audit, conducted by accounting firm REDW and released Oct. 1, reported that investigators […]