Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque

Rio Rancho council approves controversial Chamisa Hills development after community outreach

The Rio Rancho City Council unanimously approved the Chamisa Hills master development plan Thursday night, marking a dramatic turnaround for a project that faced fierce opposition just four months ago. The six-member council’s affirmation came after extensive community outreach efforts by developer Steve Chavez and his team, who revised their original proposal following harsh criticism […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos

New Mexico senators blast Republicans for blocking Epstein document release

New Mexico Democratic Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday denounced their Republican Senate colleagues for voting down an amendment that would require the U.S. Department of Justice to release all its files on alleged child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.  On Wednesday, the Senate voted 51-49 to table a proposed amendment to the […]

Posted inUncategorized

New Mexico leaders react as conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah University event

Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Kirk, 31, was struck by a single gunshot fired on campus shortly after noon while serving as a visiting speaker, the university said. He was immediately evacuated by his […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque

THE BLOCK to celebrate first anniversary with day-long festival

THE BLOCK, a Rio Rancho food hall, will mark its first anniversary Saturday with a celebration featuring live entertainment, face painting and roaming magic shows. The anniversary event runs from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 13, with activities scheduled throughout the day for families and community members. Face painting will be available from noon to […]

Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque

Rio Rancho council set to vote on controversial Chamisa Hills development plan

The Rio Rancho City Council will consider final approval of the contentious Chamisa Hills Master Plan during its regular meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m., marking the third time the governing body has weighed the controversial development proposal. The council will vote on Resolution R47, which would adopt the master plan for the 281-acre mixed-use […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque

Former Sandoval County detective sentenced to 6 years for child exploitation crimes

A former Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office detective was sentenced Friday to six years in prison after pleading no contest to charges related to child sexual exploitation material. Robert Strand, 42, was sentenced by Judge Christopher G. Perez in the 13th Judicial District Court on charges of possession of child sexual exploitation material and three counts […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque

Sandoval County launches free Narcan, gun lock vending machine

Sandoval County officials launched a vending machine Friday that provides free Narcan and gun locks to residents and visitors at the county’s Health Commons facility. The machine, located in Building B of the Sandoval County Government Campus at 1500 Idalia Road, operates during business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. County […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque

Sparklight launches campaign to support Rio Rancho food pantry

Internet provider Sparklight announced Monday it will donate money to a local food pantry through a new customer referral program that rewards both existing and new customers. The “Connections That Give Back” campaign, which runs from Sept. 8 to Oct. 6, will give $50 prepaid cards to both the referring customer and their friend when […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos

New Mexico treasurer urges Supreme Court to strike down Trump tariffs

New Mexico Treasurer Laura Montoya is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold lower court rulings that found President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign countries to be unlawful uses of executive power.  “Though he may falsely believe he’s above the law, the courts and the Constitution say otherwise. The Supreme Court must uphold the lower […]