Scenes From Saturday’s RPLA Preprimary Convention
On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, nine delegates were elected at the Republican Party of Los Alamos (RPLA) Preprimary Convention held at Fuller Lodge. Delegates include Lisa Shin, Joshua and Heather Muck, David Reagor, Gary Stradling, Mike and Sondra Wyman, and Ken and Valerie Shelley. These delegates will participate on March 7 at the Republican Party of New Mexico 2026 Preprimary Convention in Ruidoso. Courtesy/RPLA
New Mexico House Representative (District 63) Martin Zamora, candidate for New Mexico CD-3, speaking at Saturday’s RPLA Preprimary Convention. Courtesy/RPLA
James Maez speaking Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation To Lower Grocery Costs For New Mexico Families
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the No Tariffs on Groceries Act, legislation to prevent President Trump from enacting tariffs that raise grocery costs for New Mexico families.
The No Tariffs on Groceries Act will require congressional approval for any tariff levied on food or agricultural products. While Republicans blocked passage of the No Tariffs on Groceries Act earlier this month, Heinrich remains committed to lowering grocery costs and getting this legislation passed into law.
“Trump’s tariffs are Read More
Tales Of Our Times: History’s Cuyahoga River Fires Turned The Page Late In 2025
Tales Of Our Times
By JOHN BARTLIT
New Mexico Citizens
for Clean Air & Water
History’s Cuyahoga River Fires Turned The Page Late In 2025
The Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire some 13 times. The first time was in 1868; the last was in 1969. The largest fire on the river, in 1952, damaged boats, a city bridge, and a riverfront office building to the tune of $1 million ($12M today).
The river itself is a strange one. How many rivers head out flowing south before they make a wide U-turn and flow north? This strange course resulted from the advance and retreat of ice sheets during the last ice age. Debris Read More
Sen. Luján Discusses Health Care, Highlights Funding Secured For Workforce Development During Los Alamos & Taos Visits
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján chatting with LAMC CEO Tony Young, Field Rep. Eric Chavez and LAMC Board Chair Linda Daly during his recent field visit. Photo by Don Taylor
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, left, during a recent Rocky Mountain Youth Corps tour in Taos. Courtesy photo
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján during recent visit with Taos Leadership members. Courtesy photo
STATE News:
This week, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) held a series of events across Northern New Mexico to discuss Republican cuts to health care, highlight federal funding secured for local communities, and meet with local leaders.
“Republicans Read More
Canceled: Jan. 28 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, has been canceled because there are no applications for consideration.
The Commission will reconvene in February. Read More
NM Oks $24.4M For Behavioral Health Services Statewide
Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico has approved $24.4 million in early access funding to expand behavioral health services statewide, allowing communities to address gaps in care while longer-term regional plans are developed.
The funding, to be administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, totals $24,473,462 and will support immediate investments to improve access to behavioral health across the regions.
“This funding puts decisions closer to the communities delivering care,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary at New Mexico Health Care Authority. Read More
Sen. Townsend Appointed To Senate Judiciary Committee
Sen. Jim Townsend
STATE News:
New Mexico Sen. Jim Townsend announced on Tuesday, Jan. 20, his appointment to the Senate Judiciary Committee, effective immediately.
Sen. Townsend previously served on the House Judiciary Committee and brings a wealth of experience to the panel, which oversees matters ranging from constitutional law and the court system to public safety and civil rights. To accommodate this new assignment, the Senator will be stepping down from his current role on the Conservation Committee.
“I am excited to once again begin serving on the Judiciary Committee effective immediately,” Read More
New Mexico Adopts First Clean Fuel Market In Southwest
Environment Secretary James Kenney
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board has unanimously adopted regulations establishing the Clean Transportation Fuel Program, setting April 1 as the opening date for the Southwest’s first clean fuel market.
Signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2024, the Clean Transportation Fuel Program is a market-based initiative that incentivizes and expands access to lower-carbon transportation fuels, including ethanol, biofuels, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, electricity, and supporting infrastructure. Read More
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Unveils National Agreement To Conserve Bumble Bees Through Energy & Transportation Partnerships
USFWS News:
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing an enhancement of survival permit under a nationwide conservation benefit agreement to support at-risk bumble bees on energy and transportation lands across the lower 48 states.
The proposal would streamline consultation and permitting for energy and transportation projects and directly supports the Trump administration’s priority to facilitate energy production and delivery while conserving listed and at-risk species.
The agreement also aligns with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy”, Read More
Legislative Roundup: Jan. 23, 2026
By NATHAN BROWN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
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Funeral for former lieutenant governor: Funeral services will be held in Santa Fe Tuesday for Roberto Mondragón, a former lieutenant governor, accomplished musician and force for preserving New Mexico’s cultural traditions who died earlier this month at age 85.
His funeral will be at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Place. The reading of the rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. with a funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
Clear Horizons introduced: A bill to codify the emission reduction targets set during Gov. Michelle Read More
County Council To Hold Closed Session 4 PM Tuesday
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Council is scheduled to hold a closed session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.
The purpose of the closed session is to discuss threatened or pending litigation, pursuant to NMSA 1978, 10-15-1 (H)(7). Also, to discuss the purchase, acquisition, or disposal of real property, pursuant to Section 10-15-1(H)(8) NMSA 1978. Read More
Scenes From U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s Site Visit To LAMC
Officials at Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) hosted a site visit today for U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, including a tour of the 47-bed acute care facility and discussions concerning the latest health care advances and issues of importance to the hospital and its patients. From left, Sen. Ben Ray Luján, LAMC CEO Tony Young, Sen. Luján’s Field Rep. Eric Chavez and LAMC Board Chair Linda Daly. LAMC was named one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals, recognized in 2024 for helping patients find the best care locally. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading Read More
Rep. Gabe Vasquez On Lack Of Reform And Accountability In Department Of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement today ahead of his vote opposing the FY26 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill. In July 2025, DHS received a $150 billion “blank check” under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now being used to fund ICE with no guardrails or oversight.
“As long as Secretary Noem continues to run DHS as a rogue agency that directs masked agents to create chaos in our communities and detain our citizens with impunity and no regard for our rights Read More
Los Alamos County Invites Community To Vote On Name For Community Broadband Network
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County invites the community to help choose a name for the Community Broadband Network (CBN) with a brief, one-question survey.
Results will be announced in four weeks, on Feb. 18.
CBN is a County-owned, open-access broadband project that will bring affordable high-speed internet service to more than 10,000 homes and businesses in Los Alamos and White Rock. As an open-access network, the infrastructure will be available to multiple internet service providers (ISPs), giving customers more choices and promoting competitive pricing.
As construction phases are completed, Read More
Deb Haaland Receives Endorsement From Key Land Protection Organization, New Mexico Wild Action Fund
STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, New Mexico Wild Action Fund announced their support for Deb Haaland in the gubernatorial election. The endorsement marks Haaland’s 110th endorsement since she launched in February of 2025 and builds on momentum of grassroots support, she has garnered throughout the election.
New Mexico Wild Action Fund is dedicated to the protection of New Mexico’s public lands, waters, and wildlife, and this endorsement is a testament to Haaland’s strong conservation record.
“Deb Haaland is, without a doubt, the candidate most dedicated to protecting and restoring Read More
Heinrich To Hedge Funds: ‘Get Out Of The Housing Market’
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the Humans Over Private Equity (HOPE) for Homeownership Act, legislation to kick hedge funds out of the housing market and lower housing costs for New Mexico families.
“My message to hedge funds: Get out of the housing market. The American dream of home ownership should be in the hands of New Mexico families, not billionaire investors,” Heinrich said. “I’m proud to push for legislation that will kick hedge funds out of the housing market and help bring down housing costs for working families. Because every New Read More
RPNM Chairwoman Barela’s Statement On The One-Year Anniversary Of President Trump’s Inauguration
RPNM News:
ALBUQUERQUE — RPNM Chairwoman Amy Barela marked the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s second inauguration with the following statement:
“One year after President Trump’s inauguration, Americans are seeing real results,” said Chairwoman Barela. “Families are keeping more of their hard-earned money, with no taxes on overtime or tips. Waste, fraud, and abuse in government have been cut, saving taxpayers billions of dollars. Fuel prices and unemployment are at their lowest levels in years, and everyday costs, like groceries, have fallen significantly. Our military Read More
GOP Legislative Leaders Cheer Governor’s Proposals On Crime, Medical Malpractice
Senate Minority Leader Bill Sharer, R-Farmington, responds to the governor’s State of the State address with Senate Republicans during a news conference Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at the state Capitol. Photo by Nathan Burton/The New Mexican
By CLARA BATES
The Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico Republicans found cause for encouragement as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham laid out her priorities for the legislative session Tuesday, although fights loom over issues like banning immigrant detention facilities.
“She’s absolutely with us on things like public safety and health care,” said Senate Minority Read More
Ringside Seat: Peanuts And Politics; Plus, Do We Need A Lieutenant Governor?
By MILAN SIMONICH
The Santa Fe New Mexican
There really was a peanut gallery on opening day of the New Mexico Legislature. It was the place to be.
While too many lawmakers made ho-hum announcements and introduced an elephantine list of guests, students from Eastern New Mexico University staffed a booth with complimentary packages of Hampton Farms peanuts. They are a staple of the Portales area’s economy and the best-known peanuts in politics since Jimmy Carter ran for president.
Forty feet from the booth, Eastern’s excellent Greyhound Sound Marching Band took over the Capitol Rotunda. Read More
Rep. Gabe Vasquez Earns Top Bipartisanship Score For Willingness To Break Party Ranks To Deliver State Wins
U.S. CONGRESS News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) earned the top bipartisanship score possible from Bridge Grades, a nonprofit report card for Congress, earning an ‘A’ grade for his ongoing willingness to break party ranks and work with anyone to deliver commonsense wins for New Mexicans.
“Getting things done for New Mexicans and bringing home projects requires bipartisanship, even in this deeply divided Congress,” Rep. Vasquez said. “I’m proud to have earned this distinction, which makes me a more effective legislator for all New Mexicans. You’ve trusted me to be Read More
