By Kevin Hendricks For the third consecutive year, Livability.com has recognized Rio Rancho as one of the top 100 places to live in America. This year, Rio Rancho climbed to the 31st spot with a LivScore of 716, a jump from its 81st ranking and LivScore of 714 in 2024. The LivScore, curated by Livability […]
Kevin Hendricks, nm.news
Kevin Hendricks is a local news editor with nm.news. He is a two-decade veteran of local news as a sportswriter and assistant editor with the ABQ Journal and Rio Rancho Observer.
Posted inNew Mexico Legislature #nmleg, Sandoval County
New Mexico Senator wins inaugural Kamala Harris Trailblazer Award
By Kevin Hendricks It was a night of firsts at Emerge America’s 20th anniversary gala in San Francisco on April 30, as former Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the national spotlight and New Mexico Senator Cindy Nava was honored as a “trailblazing alum” of the political organization. In her first public speech since leaving […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety
Albuquerque bus driver suffers broken bones after being attacked by passenger
By Kevin Hendricks — A City of Albuquerque bus driver suffered broken bones after being attacked by a passenger on the bus last week near the University of New Mexico. According to the incident report from the Albuquerque Police Department, the male driver was on his route at the intersection of Central Ave. and University […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
New Mexico State Police Officer arrested for DWI, crash and leaving scene
By Kevin Hendricks A New Mexico State Police officer was arrested in Rio Rancho on May 2 and placed on administrative leave following allegations of driving while intoxicated, causing a crash and leaving the scene. Hugo Diaz-Amaya was arrested and placed on leave after the incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. near NM 528 and […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Energy Transition, Sandoval County
Concerned citizens file district court appeal against Sandoval County and PCR Investments
In an ongoing dispute over the proposed 1,833-acre Diamond Tail Solar and Storage Project in the East Mountains, several advocacy groups and concerned parties have filed an appeal in the 13th Judicial District Court of Sandoval County. The appeal, filed on April 3, challenges the decision by the Sandoval County Board of Commissioners in February […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Pueblos, santa-ana-pueblo
Horseshoes & Heels Gala tickets now available to benefit unwanted and abused horses
Staff report The Tamaya Horse Rescue Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at the Stables at Tamaya on the Santa Ana Pueblo, has announced that tickets for the Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala on November 29 are now on sale. This charity event aims to raise awareness about the plight of unwanted horses in New […]
Posted inEducation, Rio Rancho
Teachers union president warns of dangers of federal education cuts at technical school opening
By Kevin Hendricks Over 200 students, friends, families, educators, legislators and community leaders gathered Wednesday outside of RioTECH, a new high school focused on skilled trades, to celebrate the opening of the Rio Rancho school that has been years in the making. Among those celebrating the opening was Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation […]
Posted inEducation, Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho Public Schools unveils state-of-the-art RioTECH Career Technical Education high school
By Kevin Hendricks A crowd of over 200 students, parents, educators, and community leaders gathered in Rio Rancho on April 23 to celebrate the grand opening of RioTECH, a state-of-the-art Career Technical Education (CTE) high school designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in skilled trades and technology. Rio Rancho Public Schools hosted the grand […]
Posted inEstancia
Estancia High School athlete Olavio Hernandez wins National Spirit of Sport Award
Staff report The New Mexico Activities Association recently announced that Estancia High School student-athlete Olavio Hernandez is the National High School Spirit of Sport Section 6 Award Winner. This award recognizes individuals who have overcome adversity. According to a press release from the NMAA, Olavio Hernandez faced a significant challenge when his lower leg was […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Placitas, Sandoval County
‘Sandoval Star’ remains unidentified two years later, authorities seek public help
By Kevin Hendricks and Jesse Jones Local law enforcement is seeking public assistance in identifying a deceased woman discovered two years ago under a bridge in the Cibola National Forest, now known as “Sandoval Star.” On April 18, 2023, Placitas residents found the woman’s remains partially submerged in a creek under a bridge off Route […]