Nation

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez Presses USPS To Reverse Harmful Postmark Policy Change

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U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez

U.S. CONGRESS News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Jan. 27, 2026—one day into the 2025 tax filing season—U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter (attached) to Postmaster General David P. Steiner raising serious concerns about a recent U.S. Postal Service policy change that could unfairly penalize New Mexicans who rely on USPS to send time-sensitive mail such as tax returns, rent payments, and Social Security or Medicare documents. 

In December, USPS changed its long-standing practice of postmarking mail on the date it is dropped off by customers. Under the new policy, mail Read More

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández Secures Major Wins For New Mexico In Funding Bill, Votes Against ICE Funding

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U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) has secured $8,682,250 in Community Project Funding for New Mexico and delivered key funding victories for the state as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 federal spending minibus covering Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and the Department of Defense.

The funding will support critical infrastructure, housing, public safety, transit, and community facilities across municipalities in New Mexico.

“In a difficult political Read More

USDA Forest Service Issues Revised Oil & Gas Leasing Rule

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USDA News:

WASHINGTON. D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service finalized revisions to its regulation governing federal oil and gas resources on National Forest System lands. The revision modernizes and streamlines the process for managing energy development across millions of acres.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the updated rule today, emphasizing the Trump Administration’s joint commitment to eliminating outdated and burdensome processes and advancing President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Orders Read More

DPNM Applies For New Mexico To Be Early Primary State

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Chair Sara Attleson
Democratic Party of New Mexico 

DPNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The Democratic Party of New Mexico recently applied to the Democratic National Committee to move up the state’s presidential primary election to become one of the first voting states in 2028.

New Mexico’s presidential primary is currently held in June, long after the nomination contest is effectively decided. However, New Mexico’s electorate, with its plurality of Hispanic/Latino, rural, and largely working-class population, is one of the best reflections of the kinds of voters the Democratic Party must appeal Read More

Benson: And Then They Came For Me…

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Interfaith leaders hold a prayer vigil for justice at the Roundhouse on Monday as hundreds march from the Santa Fe Farmers Market to the Capitol in support of immigrants’ rights. Photo by Jody Benson

By JODY BENSON
Los Alamos

I texted an invitation to a friend to join Saturday’s action to “Shine a Light for Minnesota,” and “step out now for our neighbors, for our communities and for Alex” (a white, male, ICU nurse protesting in Minneapolis and shot dead by ICE agents), by lighting a candle as a prayer for him and immigrants.

The friend responded that there would be no murders, no violence if protestors Read More

GOP State Senator Asks Feds To Help Block Bill To Ban ICE Contracts In New Mexico

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Then-Rep. Jim Townsend, R-Artesia, reads a bill in his office in 2024. Courtesy/Santa Fe New Mexican 

By CLARA BATES
The Santa Fe New Mexican

A Republican state senator is requesting the U.S. Department of Justice’s “attention and intervention” on legislation that would restrict local governments from entering into immigrant detention contracts.

Sen. Jim Townsend, R-Artesia, wrote in a Thursday letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi that House Bill 9, which would ban public entities in New Mexico from contracting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, “raises serious constitutional Read More

Los Alamos High School Coach Lindsey Montoya Named 2025 USTFCCCA High School Girls Cross Country State Coach Of The Year In New Mexico

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LAHS Coach Lindsey Montoya is named the girls cross country coach of the year for New Mexico as part of USTFCCCA annual recognitions. Courtesy photo

SPORTS News:

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the state-by-state winners of its annual High School Cross Country Coaches of the Year Presented by the United States Marine Corps on Thursday.

One boys coach and one girls coach from 50 states – as well as the District of Columbia – were honored for their successes during the fall of 2025, as selected by a committee of experts from around Read More

U.S. House Of Representatives Passes Heinrich, Kelly Legislation To Repeal Cash Grabs For Senators

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) released the following statements applauding House passage of legislation that mirrors Senate legislation they authored to repeal the ‘Arctic Frost’ provision, which allows Republican senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record that was previously, lawfully obtained.

“I’m pleased the House unanimously passed this legislation to repeal a last-minute provision that lets a few Republican Read More

Posts From The Road: Dinosaur Valley State Park In Texas

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Paluxy River: While the Paluxy is not a long river within the state of Texas, it is an important one. The dinosaur footsteps from millions of years ago can be seen in the riverbed within Dinosaur Valley State Park. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Footprints: There are two types of footprints found at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The larger oval-shaped prints are similar to an elephant print, and the smaller three-toed prints are similar to a bird. The shape of the smaller print makes it easier to spot through river water. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Three-Toed Print: The three-toed Read More

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation To Lower Grocery Costs For New Mexico Families

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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