Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos

Senate Democrats reintroduce comprehensive child care bill amid criticism of Trump policies

A group of Senate Democrats led by New Mexico Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján reintroduced legislation last week aimed at making child care more affordable and accessible, while criticizing President Donald Trump’s approach to early childhood education funding. The Child Care for Working Families Act would cap child care costs at no more […]

Posted inWestside Albuquerque

Valles Caldera National Preserve receives approval for enhanced fire management strategy

Valles Caldera National Preserve has received federal approval to implement an expanded fire management plan designed to reduce wildfire risks and promote ecosystem health, the National Park Service announced Wednesday. The NPS approved a Finding of No Significant Impact for the preserve’s Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment, clearing the way for new wildfire response protocols […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque

National initiative to end gun violence coming to Rio Rancho

More than 48 communities across the United States will present readings of short plays written by teenagers about gun violence on Oct. 6, including a performance in Rio Rancho featuring local youth performers. The nationwide reading of “ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence” will take place at 6 p.m. at the Rio Rancho Event Center, […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos

New Mexico DOJ challenge to Trump funding freezes helps New Mexico AmeriCorps recover $2 million for local programs

New Mexico’s AmeriCorps programs will see funding restored after the Trump administration declined to pursue a funding freeze challenged by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and other attorneys general. 2 million for AmeriCorps, initially withheld by the Trump administration, after th The New Mexico Department of Justice announced Friday that $2 million initially withheld […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos

Rep. Stansbury: Epstein cover-up goes ‘all the way to the top’

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., accused government officials of orchestrating a massive cover-up in the Jeffrey Epstein case after meeting with victims who shared their stories publicly for the first time, as House Republicans face mounting pressure to release unredacted federal investigation files. Stansbury said Tuesday that victims revealed “not only the trauma of hundreds (maybe […]

Posted inNew Mexico State Gov., Westside Albuquerque

Torrance County manager warns of economic ruin if detention facility closes

A potential ban on federal immigrant detention facilities in New Mexico would have a devastating impact on Torrance County, according to a local official. Jordan Barela, the Torrance County manager, told a bipartisan group of state legislators at an Aug. 26 meeting of the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee, in Las Cruces, that one such […]

Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy, Pueblos

Rep. Vasquez introduces bill to grant legal status to workers in critical industries

Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-NM, introduced legislation Tuesday that would provide a pathway to permanent legal status for undocumented workers in critical sectors such as health care, agriculture and emergency services. Vasquez’s “Strengthening Our Workforce Act” would grant two-year conditional status to non-citizens who meet strict requirements and work in essential industries, according to a news […]

Posted inPueblos, Westside Albuquerque

Republican candidates to meet voters at Torrance County event

The Republican Party of Torrance County will host a candidate meet-and-greet event Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at the East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation Complex in Estancia. The event will feature state Sen. Anthony “Ant” Thornton, R-District 19, who assumed office in January after winning the election in 2024, according to party officials. Congressional […]