Politics

Pacific Fusion Of California Ponders Locating $1 Billion Research & Development Facility In Albuquerque

by

Image/Pacific Fusion Website

EDD News:

  • The project would bring 200+ jobs and advance clean energy innovation.

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and Pacific Fusion announced today that the company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state to pursue the siting of a research and development facility in Albuquerque.

The company expects to make a final decision in late September 2025, contingent upon successful site selection and finalization of state incentives. The project will undergo environmental and planning reviews as part of the approval Read More

New Mexico Supreme Court Affirms Decision That Vacated Former Tax & Rev Secretary’s Embezzlement Convictions

by

NMSC News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico’s highest court ruled Tuesday that former state Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla’s convictions for embezzlement were properly vacated because she was charged too long after the alleged crimes occurred.

The New Mexico Supreme Court (NMSC) unanimously rejected arguments by prosecutors for the State of New Mexico who sought to reinstate Padilla’s convictions. The justices affirmed a decision of the Court of Appeals, which set aside her convictions on two second-degree felony counts of embezzlement. 

In an opinion by Chief Justice David K. Thomson, Read More

J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee Donates $1,000 To Jemez Pueblo’s Towa Language Preservation Program

by

At a recent donation event, from left, Treasurer Galen Gisler of the J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee (JROMC) presents a check to Language Preservation Director and former governor of Jemez Pueblo Dominic Gachupin, together with JROMC member John Ruminer. Courtesy/JROMC 

JROMC News:

The J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee (JROMC) has donated $1,000 to the Jemez Pueblo’s Towa Language Preservation Program, which features language immersion. 

The JROMC is a local non-profit organization that honors J. Robert Oppenheimer’s legacy through thought-provoking public lectures Read More

Senate Republicans Respond To Harold Pope’s Campaign Announcement, Highlight Radical Record

by

NMSR News:

SANTA FE — Today, State Senator Harold Pope Jr. (D-Albuquerque) announced his 2026 candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. He is a Colorado native who only narrowly won re-election to Senate District. This is no surprise, as his work in the legislature has largely promoted progressive ideology. Despite holding radical views out of touch with most New Mexicans, he now thinks he deserves a promotion… New Mexico voters are smarter than this.

In response to the announcement, Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) has issued the following statement: “Harold Pope is Read More

Luján Statement Ahead Of 80th Anniversary Of Trinity Test

by

Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test:

“Tomorrow marks 80 years since the Trinity Test — eight decades of pain, loss, and injustice for the victims still living with the fallout of nuclear testing and uranium mining. 

“For over a decade, our Congressional Delegation has worked alongside courageous advocates to fight for justice. Thanks to this tireless work, Congress passed a historic expansion and extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, Read More

Rabbi Shlachter: Promoting Peace Requires More Than Open Dialogue—It Requires Discernment, Responsibility, And An Unwavering Rejection Of Hate In All Its Forms

by

By Rabbi Jack Shlachter
Los Alamos Jewish Center

I write today as a committed advocate of free speech and open dialogue. I fully support the rights of those who are organizing the upcoming Free Palestine Summer Series, which includes events scheduled at SALA and the Unitarian Church from now through September. Many of the individuals involved are sincerely dedicated to fostering peace in the Middle East—a goal that I, too, share, though I hold a markedly different perspective from that presented in the films and talks planned for this series. That difference, of course, is a legitimate subject Read More

Heinrich On $12.5 Million+ For New Mexico

by

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

Investments Heinrich championed fully fund SNAP & WIC, increase funding for the Southwest Border Commission, support Tribes & farmers, provide rental assistance, & more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has announced the bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Bill. With Committee approval of this bill, Heinrich secured support for more than $12.5 million for New Mexico, Read More

New Mexico State Land Office Smashes Records As It Auctions First Oil & Gas Leases At Newly-created 25% Royalty Rate Championed By Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard

by

STATE News:

          • July auction earns record $56M for public schools in New Mexico

SANTA FE – For the first time, the New Mexico State Land Office has auctioned oil and gas leases at a 25% royalty rate after a new state law backed by Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard kicked in. The law, which became effective June 20, allows the State Land Office to offer its best parcels in the Permian Basin at the market rate.

Each month, the State Land Office holds a public auction for the right to develop certain oil and gas areas. Companies submit bids for leases, with the award going to the highest bidder. Read More

Op-Ed: A Few Words About Demand-Side Economics

by

By ALAN HALL
© 2025 New Mexico News Service

Allow me to introduce myself. I am an arrogant man. It is a particular type of arrogance; the arrogance of Margaret Thatcher, who famously scorned economic ideas that were contrary to her real-life experience. Now, unlike Dame Thatcher, I was not raised in an apartment over the family grocery. But I was raised in an apartment over the family motel and gift shop, and like Thatcher, I was immersed in the business from earliest memory. That puts me firmly in her camp.

One thing that I learned as a child was the overriding importance of “business”. Whenever one Read More