Analysis & Commentary in NM Political ReportCommentary submitted by Stefi Weisburd, Tijeras, NM The forest outside my East Mountain home once filled me with joy. Now it fills me with dread. Rising temperatures, declining snow and rain, and diseases have wiped out trees with brutal speed. Wildfire is a constant threat. I’m getting too old […]
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Posted inBernalillo County, City Desk ABQ, Local Government
County to weigh strict rules for data center incentives
Bernalillo County commissioners are set to revisit a high-stakes resolution aimed at tightening oversight of large data center and AI infrastructure projects when they meet Tuesday in Albuquerque. The “Holding Data Center Projects Accountable in Our Community” measure, introduced at the Jan. 13 meeting, would condition county incentives on clear community benefits and sustainability standards. Under […]
Posted inNM Political Report
New Mexico’s Heinrich, Luján pledge ‘NO’ votes on ICE funding, risking partial shutdown
New Mexico’s two U.S. Senators joined a cohort of Democrats this weekend in pledging to vote against a critical government funding package needed to avoid a government shutdown later this week if it includes funding for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The weekend shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday by federal immigration […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy
Report: New Mexicans spent $1,355 more because of inflation during Trump’s first year
New Mexico families spent $1,355 more on everything from groceries to rent in 2025 according to new analysis by members of a Congressional committee tracking economic policy. The data from the Congressional Joint Economic Committee measured the costs of essential goods and services tracked by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statitics and Census data. Nationally, […]
Posted inOpinion & Analysis
Opinion: Punitive damages aren’t a windfall—they’re a safeguard for New Mexico consumers
Nicholas H. Mattison is a partner with Feferman, Warren & Mattison, in Albuquerque. During this year’s legislative session, there has been discussion about whether “punitive damages” should be limited in court cases. From my perspective as a consumer protection lawyer who helps people defrauded by big corporations, I know that the proposed changes would be […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Cockroaches, no water, no stairs: Downtown renters unite to demand action from neglectful apartment owners
In downtown Albuquerque, more than 65 renters at The Alvarado Apartments signed a formal demand letter accusing their management company, Apartment Management Consultants (AMC), of dangerous neglect, safety failures and “excessive” fees. They are demanding rent abatement and a written repair plan. The Alvarado Apartments and AMC did not respond to requests for comment on […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ, Local Government
“A complete betrayal”: Council rejects enforcement of renters rights against predatory landlords
Albuquerque renters will not receive local protection from excessive fees after the City Council rejected an ordinance Wednesday that would have enforced the state’s Senate Bill 267 in limbo. The 5-4 vote leaves the law, which caps application fees at $50 and limits late fees to 5% of rent, unenforced at the local level. Since […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ, Local Government
Who runs Albuquerque day-to-day? Meet the city’s reappointed CAO
When your trash is picked up, a pothole disappears or you spend an afternoon at the BioPark, you’re seeing the work of Samantha Sengel even if you don’t know her name. The Albuquerque City Council unanimously reappointed Samantha Sengel as chief administrative officer (CAO) Wednesday. The city’s most powerful non-elected position oversees 6,000 employees and […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ, Courts, Justice & Safety
ICE policy under fire: Bregman threatens criminal charges for unlawful ICE detentions
The Bernalillo County district attorney has warned federal immigration officials that certain detention practices could result in criminal prosecution under state law. Sam Bregman, district attorney for New Mexico’s Second Judicial District, sent a letter Wednesday to Bill Shaw, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement assistant field office director, raising concerns about ICE operations. The letter […]
Posted inUncategorized
More restrictions or fewer rules?: New Mexico lawmakers introduce competing visions on guns
New Mexico legislators are weighing four bills that would significantly reshape the state’s gun laws, with proposals ranging from permitless carry to enhanced penalties for felons and new restrictions tied to juvenile offenses and domestic violence protection orders. The bills, introduced during the 57th Legislature’s second session in 2026, reflect competing visions for firearm policy […]