Politics

Scenes From Saturday’s RPLA Preprimary Convention

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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

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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

Tales Of Our Times: History’s Cuyahoga River Fires Turned The Page Late In 2025

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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

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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

NM Oks $24.4M For Behavioral Health Services Statewide 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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By NATHAN BROWN
The Santa Fe New Mexican

          • Days Remaining In Session: 27

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