The Town of Estancia will receive more than $1.5 million in federal funding to renovate its town hall and community center, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján announced Monday. The $1,513,000 allocation for Estancia was part of a broader package of more than $202 million in federal funding Luján secured for 13 New Mexico projects in […]
Kevin Hendricks
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 inLocal Gov., Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho residents sound alarm over hypersonic missile plant
Rio Rancho residents packed a Nov. 13 city council meeting to voice sharp divisions over a resolution that would provide water services to a controversial hypersonic missile manufacturing facility, with speakers citing both national security imperatives and environmental risks. The resolution, which authorizes the city manager to negotiate water and potentially wastewater services for Castelion’s […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Sandoval County
County greenlights legislative agenda targeting IPRA, dispatchers and detention officer retention
Sandoval County Commissioners made key decisions regarding legislative priorities, juvenile detention and preserving professional firefighting in the Cuba area Nov. 12. With the 2026 legislative session just weeks away, Commissioners chose to OK a set of the county’s priorities, which staff and lobbyists will pursue in Santa Fe starting in January. The commission also signed […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho fire chief raises concerns about Project Ranger’s impact
Rio Rancho Fire Chief James Wenzel warned city councilors Thursday that a proposed high-hazard facility in Sandoval County could strain the city’s fire department resources and pose unique safety challenges. Wenzel told the council Nov. 13 that Project Ranger, planned for county property just outside city limits, will trigger automatic aid responses from Rio Rancho […]
Posted inSandoval County
Sandoval County selected for hypersonic missile manufacturing facility
A California-based defense contractor has officially selected Sandoval County as the site for a 1,000-acre hypersonic missile manufacturing campus that promises to bring more than 300 jobs with average salaries of $100,000 to the area. Castelion announced Nov. 17 it chose Sandoval County for Project Ranger, a solid rocket motor manufacturing facility that will be […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Rio Rancho approves $1 million supporting controversial hypersonic missile facility
The Rio Rancho City Council closed out a marathon meeting Wednesday night by voting to contribute $1 million toward a road extension project linked to a planned hypersonic missile manufacturing facility outside city limits, but only after adding safeguards requiring formal agreements on emergency response and road construction before releasing funds. The governing body approved […]
Posted inEducation
Nearly 400 more teachers to receive student loan forgiveness for teaching in high-need schools, subjects
Nearly 400 teachers working in New Mexico classrooms will receive student loan forgiveness this year through the state’s Teacher Loan Repayment Program, officials announced. The state awarded funding to 387 new teachers, adding to the 529 educators already receiving benefits through the program, which launched in 2013 to attract more teachers to the state. The […]
Posted inGeneral Interest, Placitas
Star party set for Saturday at Placitas Community Library
The Placitas Community Library will host a free star party Saturday evening, offering residents a chance to view celestial objects through various telescopes. The event begins at 5 p.m. with solar viewing and continues until 10 p.m. At 7 p.m., a presenter from The Albuquerque Astronomical Society will discuss stars and planets visible that night. […]
Posted inTorrance County
Sen. Heinrich calls for evacuation of Torrance County ICE facility after contract lapse
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is demanding answers from federal immigration officials about the continued operation of a New Mexico detention facility despite the expiration of its contract more than two weeks ago. The New Mexico Democrat sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons last week questioning the legal authority […]
Posted inGeneral Interest, Placitas
Placitas Chamber to host Turkey Bingo fundraiser for elementary school
The Placitas Chamber of Commerce will host a Turkey Bingo event on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Placitas Elementary School cafeteria, 5 Calle Del Carbon. Participants can play 10 regular games for $20, with special bingo games available for $3 and blackout bingo for $5. A 50/50 raffle will also be […]