By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. On Juneteenth, a room full of Black entrepreneurs at a soul food smokehouse in Albuquerque did something radical: they told a U.S. senator exactly what’s wrong — and what they need to survive. The Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico hosted U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich at Nexus Smokehouse on […]
Kevin Hendricks, Editor
Kevin Hendricks is an editor with nm.news where he oversees Sandoval County newsrooms. A native of Southeast ABQ, he reported for the ABQ Journal and Rio Rancho Observer before joining nm.news in 2024.
Posted inRio Rancho
From NHL ice to New Mexico: Zack Stortini named Goatheads’ first head coach
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. The New Mexico Goatheads answered the question fans have been asking since day one: Zack Stortini will be the first head coach in franchise history, the team announced Saturday at a packed reveal party at The Block in Rio Rancho. Stortini, 40, played 257 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Where to watch USA’s World Cup match vs. Australia
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. The USMNT takes on Australia at 1 p.m. Friday in a Group D match that could send the Americans to the knockout rounds — and supporters in Rio Rancho don’t have to drive far to watch it happen. Right in Rio Rancho, The BLOCK (7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE) will […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Toulouse Oliver steps back from Lt. Governor race, citing health and family
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is stepping back from her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, citing recent changes to her health. Toulouse Oliver announced the decision Thursday morning in a statement posted to social media, saying she’ll take the step “in the coming days.” She said the choice […]
Posted inSandoval County
From Juneteenth to RanchFest: Your Sandoval County weekend planner
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Rio Rancho and Sandoval County families have plenty of reasons to leave the air conditioning behind this weekend, starting with the city’s official Juneteenth Celebration Saturday at Haynes Park. The City of Rio Rancho hosts the free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park, 2006 Grande Blvd. […]
Sandoval Signpost
Posted inPlacitas
Back to the ranch: Placitas RanchFest returns this weekend
By Rodd Cayton, The Paper. Placitas RanchFest is back, bigger and bringing babies. The June 20 affair is the second iteration and first as the flagship event of New Mexico RanchFest, which organizers say is rooted in ranch life, local culture, and community connection. West said more than 1,200 attended the first RanchFest. “Last year […]
Sandoval Signpost
Posted inTown of Bernalillo
Bernalillo’s blues festival returns Saturday with live music, classic cars and a glowing balloon show
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Bernalillo throws open Loretto Park on Saturday for a blues festival built for an entire family’s Father’s Day weekend, not just dad’s. The Bernalillo Blues Festival runs 4-10 p.m. June 20 at the park, 237 S. Camino del Pueblo, featuring The Rudy Boy Experiment, Toni Morgan’s Band and One More […]
Posted inSandoval County
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hits the Bernalillo stage this month
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Charlie Bucket is about to find his golden ticket in Sandoval County. Rio Rancho Creative Crossroads, partnering with Open Arts Studio NM, stages its first-ever children’s theatre production, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” with performances Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bernalillo High School […]
Posted inSandoval County
Sandoval County’s Junior Treasurer Program adds $5,000 scholarship for Fall 2026
By Kevin Hendricks, The PaperSandoval County high schoolers chasing a foot in the door in county government just got a bigger incentive: a $5,000 continuing education scholarship, sponsored by UMB Bank, now comes attached to the county’s Junior County Treasurer Program for Fall 2026. The Sandoval County Treasurer’s Office has opened applications for the semester-long […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Rio Rancho man charged with child abuse, contributing to delinquency after middle school fight escalates
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. A Rio Rancho man is facing five criminal charges after Rio Rancho police say he encouraged a fight between his middle-school-age daughter and another student, then threatened a group of teenage girls and grabbed one by the arm trying to take her phone. Court records filed June 12 in Bernalillo […]