Author

Patrick Lohmann

Patrick Lohmann

Patrick Lohmann has been a reporter since 2007, when he wrote stories for $15 apiece at a now-defunct tabloid in Gallup, his hometown. Since then, he's worked at UNM's Daily Lobo, the Albuquerque Journal and the Syracuse Post-Standard.

South Valley Dems’ turnout could mean life or death for Gabe Vasquez’s congressional bid

By: - November 7, 2022

Lifelong South Valley Democrat Debbie Sanchez joined hundreds of her neighbors at the Muertos y Marigolds procession, a cherished tradition there, and reminded anyone who would listen how important it is to vote on Tuesday.  “We believe in voting,” she said, her face painted in calavera makeup. “And so I reach out to all my […]

A burned fence pictured in early September delineates private forestland burned in the government-caused Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire. Grass is on the bottom. Burned trees line in the back in front of dark clouds.

The feds have detailed imaging of NM fire damage, but they won’t hand it over, victims say

By: - November 1, 2022

Scott Moravec raised his hand during a community meeting in the burn scar of the state’s biggest wildfire, saying he’s encountering a roadblock in his request to repair 40 acres of fire and erosion damage in forested land in Chacon, N.M., where he lives. He’s trying to apply for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, which […]

Want to represent ABQ’s Westside in the NM Senate? Nov. 10 is the deadline for applications.

By: - October 31, 2022

Those interested in filling the seat left empty by New Mexico State Sen. Jacob Candelaria have until Nov. 10 to apply, a date established after tensions flared among the county board charged with replacing him.  Sen. Jacob Candelaria, a Democrat-turned-independent, announced Oct. 19 that he would be resigning that day, which was two years before […]

New Mexico’s CD3 candidates spar over wildfire response in their final televised debate

By: - October 30, 2022

The disaster that ripped through northern N.M. this summer consumed about a third of the final debate between the two people seeking to represent the region in Congress.  The two candidates fighting to represent Congressional District 3 in New Mexico met for a televised debate Friday night in what’s likely to be the final chance […]

FBI investigating after Conservation Voters NM gets letter with threats and ‘substance’

By: - October 28, 2022

The FBI is looking into a threatening letter received Wednesday at the Santa Fe office of the Conservation Voters New Mexico, according to the organization and an FBI spokesperson.  The letter contained a chemical substance, which CVNM said in a statement “contained ingredients of a potent toxin used in terrorist attacks” but that the FBI […]

County Commission spars over deadline to name NM senate replacement

By: - October 26, 2022

Westside Albuquerque residents might have only a few days to toss their names in the hat to become the area’s next state senator, and the tight deadline is drawing angry opposition from some Bernalillo County commissioners, who will have to make the selection. Sen. Jacob Candelaria, a Democrat-turned-independent, announced Oct. 19 that he would be […]

A massive plume from the Black Fire near a fenced road in June, 2022.

State needs to better fund emergency response to drought, fire and flood, expert group says

By: - October 26, 2022

A newly created group composed of high-ranking state leaders and water experts said the New Mexico Legislature should anticipate more disastrous fires and floods like the state encountered this year – and find a way to make sure there’s money for hard-hit areas during those emergencies. Mike Hamman, the New Mexico State Engineer and leader […]

Former Española mayor and small business owner vying to be state auditor

By: and - October 26, 2022

Early voting is underway and the race for New Mexico’s next auditor is now between a former Española mayor and a complete newcomer to the world of politics. The state auditor conducts regular financial reviews of state and local public entities and can step in to audit an agency if there are suspicions of mismanagement. […]

At least 40 acequias still damaged after Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, association says (see map)

By: - October 21, 2022

Dozens of historic irrigation channels in the burn scar of the state’s biggest wildfire remain damaged, the New Mexico Acequia Association told a legislative panel on Thursday.  Of 68 acequias that the association has identified in and around the 340,000-acre burn scar, at least 41 are damaged. Another 11 are likely damaged. The rest are […]

Jacob Candelaria resigns from New Mexico Senate; Maestas wants his seat

By: - October 19, 2022

State Sen. Jacob Candelaria announced Wednesday he would be resigning from the New Mexico State Senate, leaving two years before his term was slated to end. Candelaria, who recently left the Senate Democratic caucus amid fights with leadership, had previously announced he would not seek re-election in 2024. He previously told Source New Mexico he […]

Northern NM fire victims say they need help now, even with $2.5 billion on the way

By: - October 19, 2022

About 200 victims of the biggest fire in state history packed a high school lecture hall in Mora on Monday night, many of whom say they need immediate help even as a massive compensation program is on its way. Many of the folks affected by the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, which burned 340,000 acres of […]

U.S. Rep. Leger Fernandez to hold meeting in Mora to discuss $2.5 billion in aid

By: - October 14, 2022

The member of Congress representing the communities affected by the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire is holding a meeting Monday in Mora to help fire victims learn more about a huge compensation program heading their way. Congress passed the $2.5 billion Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act late last month. It aims to fully cover losses […]