The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is joining other utilities in offering a break to furloughed federal workers, allowing them to defer water bill payments without penalties as the government shutdown enters its fourth week. The Water Authority announced Oct. 21 that it will let furloughed federal employees defer payments without late fees or […]
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Former GOP legislative candidate jumps into Congressional race to oust Vasquez
By Alex Ross — A third Republican has joined the field of contenders vying to take on Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) next year in a key congressional swing district. Records from the Federal Election Commission show that on Oct. 16, Jose Orozco of Albuquerque filed a statement of candidacy to run for the Republican nomination […]
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Early voting data reveals which Albuquerque voters are showing up — and who’s staying home
Democrats are leading early voting turnout ahead of Albuquerque’s Nov. 4 municipal election, with 7.3% of registered Democrats casting ballots compared with 6.6% of Republicans, according to Bernalillo County Clerk data. As of Oct. 23, 21,456 Burqueño voters have cast early or absentee ballots since voting began Oct. 7. That includes 12,164 Democrats, 6,492 Republicans, […]
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Heinrich, Luján push back against claims that USDA can’t access funds for SNAP due next month
By Alex Ross — New Mexico Democratic Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday disputed claims made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that they lack the funds to cover the cost of next month’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Heinrich and Lujan were among 45 Democratic Senators who signed […]
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The secret is out: Toulouse Oliver launches bid for lieutenant governor
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 […]
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New Mexicans to see insurance rate hikes 35% – 52% on exchange plans in January, but state subsidies help some buyers
By Jesse Jones, with research assistance from Noah Gollin – About 75,000 New Mexicans who buy coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange will see health insurance rates increase between 35% and 52% starting in January, though state subsidies could help mitigate those increases for lower income families. Earlier this year, the State’s Superintendent of […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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“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 […]