A couple of weeks ago, my column talked about the kickoff meeting of the 2025 New Mexico Redistricting Task Force. I got some criticism – at home and online. I stood my stubborn ground that letting lawmakers draw maps to choose their voters is simply wrong. Since that column was posted, the Redistricting Task Force […]
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Posted inLocal Government, Town of Bernalillo
Town Council business could be brief
The Bernalillo Town Council concluded its business in about 10 minutes at its Aug. 11 meeting. This week’s meeting could be of similar duration, with mostly housekeeping items on the agenda. Councilors will consider approving $428,970 in budget adjustments and whether to appoint Oliver E. Romero to a second term on the planning and zoning […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
Vasquez leads new immigration and border plan by House Democrats
House Democrats on Monday unveiled a comprehensive immigration and border security framework aimed at breaking years of partisan gridlock on one of the nation’s most contentious political issues. The New Democrat Coalition Immigration & Border Security Working Group, led by Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico, released what it calls the “New Dem Immigration & […]
Posted inPueblos
Candidates prepare for Tuesday’s filing day in New Mexico local elections
Prospective candidates across New Mexico must file their declarations of candidacy for the state’s 2025 Regular Local Election on Tuesday. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver announced that candidates must file their Declaration of Candidacy between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at their respective county clerk’s offices. The filing window applies […]
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Defense company eyes Sandoval County for hypersonic rocket facility
A California-based defense technology company is considering Sandoval County for a major rocket motor production facility that could bring hundreds of high-paying jobs to the state, officials announced Friday afternoon. Castelion Corporation, headquartered in Torrance, Calif., is evaluating a 1,000-acre site in Rio Rancho for manufacturing and testing next-generation hypersonic systems, according to a statement […]
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho to host first Pride celebration in 2026
Rio Rancho will host its first Pride festival next year, following months of community organizing that began after a Sandoval Signpost story highlighted the absence of LGBTQ+ celebrations in Sandoval County. Deb Dapson, a Rio Rancho City Council member and part of the planning committee, said the event will take place at Haynes Park in […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Rep. Vasquez calls for permanent tax relief, wage increases for tipped workers
Rep. Gabe Vasquez on Monday criticized the current federal tax law’s approach to tip taxation while advocating for permanent policy changes to benefit tipped workers during a visit to a local coffee shop. The New Mexico Democrat donned an apron and worked alongside employees at Barelas Coffee House on Aug. 18, taking orders and serving […]
Posted inNew Mexico State Gov., Pueblos
New Mexico oil lease sale breaks records, brings in $256 million for schools
New Mexico’s State Land Office shattered revenue records for the second consecutive month, earning $256 million in bonus payments from an oil and gas lease auction held this week, officials announced Tuesday. The August sale surpassed last month’s then-record $56 million, marking another milestone since the state implemented a new 25% royalty rate for premium […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Pueblos
New Mexico to distribute $120 million for housing, homelessness programs
New Mexico will distribute $120 million for housing and homelessness projects across the state beginning this month, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Tuesday. The Office of Housing at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions will oversee the distribution, which aims to expand affordable housing options while reducing homelessness and improving public safety, according to […]
Posted inMusic, Pueblos
Canadian pianist opens Placitas Artists Series season with diverse classical program
Canadian pianist Sheng Cai will open the Placitas Artists Series 2025-2026 season with a solo recital Sept. 14 at Las Placitas Presbyterian Church. The 3 p.m. concert features works spanning three centuries, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major to pieces by Canadian composers François Morel and André Mathieu. Cai, who made […]