Posted inNew Mexico State Gov.

New Mexico Democratic lawmakers compare ICE to KKK, drawing sharp Republican criticism

New Mexico Democratic lawmakers’ comparisons of federal immigration enforcement to the Ku Klux Klan have drawn sharp criticism from Republican legislators, who say such rhetoric puts law enforcement officers at risk. During this week’s Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee meetings, two Democratic lawmakers made inflammatory comments about Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.  On Wednesday, Rep. […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Housing & Homelessness

Dineh Benally pleads guilty in Estancia marijuana scheme, using illegal Chinese workers

A man who operated large-scale marijuana growing operations on the Navajo Nation and near Estancia pleaded guilty Tuesday to multiple federal charges, including drug trafficking, immigration violations and environmental crimes. Dineh Benally, who ran what prosecutors called an elaborate scheme involving Chinese investors and illegal workers, agreed to plead guilty to nine counts in U.S. […]

Posted inNew Mexico State Gov.

New Mexico Senate Republicans to hold healthcare access task force Monday

New Mexico Senate Republicans will convene a legislative task force Monday to address what they say are deteriorating healthcare access challenges across the state, focusing specifically on medical malpractice reform. The public hearing, scheduled from 1-4 p.m. at the Sandoval County Commission Meeting Room, will feature testimony from New Mexico Health Secretary Gina M. DeBlassie, […]

Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque

Rio Rancho City Council to consider renewable energy projects

The Rio Rancho City Council will consider two renewable energy proposals and several budget adjustments during its regular meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. The council will hold public hearings on two related items concerning the Loma Barbon area. The first involves amending the Loma Barbon Master Plan to add a renewable […]

Posted inEdgewood

Edgewood considers water conservation ordinance targeting large grass areas, golf courses

The Town of Edgewood is drafting an ordinance to restrict large grass areas and regulate future golf course development as officials grapple with declining water resources in the semi-arid region. Town commissioners discussed the proposed “Ordinance to Protect Local Water Resources and Regulate Large Grass Areas and Golf Courses” during a workshop on Tuesday night. […]

Posted inLocal Government, Pueblos

Moriarty mayor resigns amid city’s financial crisis

Moriarty Mayor Brandon Webb resigned from office during a special city council meeting Monday night, citing ongoing political opposition and frustration with what he called constant resistance to his reform efforts. “I’m tired of getting stabbed in the back,” Webb said in a phone interview with The Independent News on Wednesday morning, explaining his decision […]

Posted inLocal Government, Pueblos

Moriarty mayor resigns amid city’s financial crisis

Moriarty Mayor Brandon Webb resigned from office during a special city council meeting Monday night, citing ongoing political opposition and frustration with what he called constant resistance to his reform efforts. “I’m tired of getting stabbed in the back,” Webb said in a phone interview with The Independent News on Wednesday morning, explaining his decision […]

Posted inWestside Albuquerque

Sandoval County nonprofit receives $60k grant for home accessibility modifications

Rebuilding Together Sandoval County has received a $60,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico to provide free home modifications for low-income residents with disabilities, the organization announced Tuesday. The Blue Impact grant will fund wheelchair ramps, doorway widening, bathtub-to-shower conversions, comfort-height toilet installations and safety bar installations for medically diagnosed disabled […]