New Mexico drivers stopped by police during the state’s brief marijuana decriminalization period could still have their vehicles searched without a warrant based on the smell of cannabis alone, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a unanimous decision that clarifies police powers during a unique period in the state’s drug policy history. The ruling […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
New Mexico families can save during back-to-school tax holiday weekend
New Mexico families preparing for the school year can save money this weekend while supporting local businesses during the state’s annual back-to-school tax holiday. The gross receipts tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 25, and runs through midnight Sunday, July 27. During this period, qualifying back-to-school items are sold tax-free, potentially saving families […]
Trump approves federal disaster aid for Lincoln County flooding
President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Lincoln County on Wednesday, unlocking federal funding to help residents recover from severe storms and flooding that killed three people and damaged up to 200 homes earlier this month. The declaration makes financial assistance available to individuals, households, and businesses in Lincoln County affected by flooding […]
Democrats say 112,000 New Mexicans could lose health insurance under Trump bill
Nearly 112,000 New Mexicans could lose health insurance under President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” according to a new Democratic Party analysis that warns the federal law will disproportionately impact the state’s rural communities and low-income families. The Democratic National Committee launched a website (https://democrats.org/trump-tax/) on Tuesday highlighting state-by-state impacts of Trump’s budget […]
Sen. Heinrich secures $6.5M for New Mexico crime fighting
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced that nine New Mexico law enforcement agencies will receive federal funding totaling $6,521,000 for forensic equipment, crime scene processing tools and safety improvements through the bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The funding comes as New Mexico grapples […]
Sen. Luján secures nearly $190 Million for New Mexico public safety, military infrastructure
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján secured nearly $190 million in federal funding for New Mexico communities through two major appropriations bills passed by Senate committees, with the bulk targeting major construction projects at military bases alongside public safety improvements across the state. The funding comes as New Mexico grapples with persistent crime challenges, with Albuquerque […]
Federal budget proposal could eliminate key Native American workforce programs
The Trump Administration’s proposed fiscal year 2026 federal budget has sparked fierce opposition from Native American advocacy groups, who warn that planned cuts could effectively eliminate critical workforce development programs serving Indigenous communities nationwide. At the center of the controversy is the proposed elimination of the Native American Employment and Training Program under the Workforce […]
NMED fines Utility Block Co. $41K for safety lapses
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) recently cited an Albuquerque-based concrete masonry manufacturer for multiple serious workplace safety violations that exposed employees to potential injury or worse. According to state records, Utility Block Company Inc. was fined a total of $41,384 for the violations by NMED’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB). In December 2024, […]
Local businesses team up to support New Mexicans with disabilities through beer campaign
New Mexico families facing decade-long waits for state disability services are getting help this month through an unusual partnership between two popular local businesses and a South Valley nonprofit. Steel Bender Brewyard and M’tucci’s Restaurants are donating 100% of proceeds from sales of Policy IPA throughout July to benefit Mandy’s Farm, an Albuquerque organization serving […]
Albuquerque research facility found monkey alive in body bag after botched euthanasia
A major Albuquerque research facility that employs more than 500 people has been cited by federal inspectors for two critical violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including an incident where a monkey was found alive in a plastic bag in a refrigerator after a botched euthanasia procedure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited Lovelace Biomedical […]
