by Ariana Figueroa, Source New MexicoApril 14, 2025 WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department is paying El Salvador $6 million to house hundreds of immigrants deported from the United States in an immense and brutal prison there, Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT. But a U.S. law bars State’s financial support of “units of foreign […]
Patrick Davis
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., National
U.S. human rights law likely violated in $6M payment for El Salvador prison, experts say
by Ariana Figueroa, Source New MexicoApril 14, 2025 WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department is paying El Salvador $6 million to house hundreds of immigrants deported from the United States in an immense and brutal prison there, Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT. But a U.S. law bars State’s financial support of “units of foreign […]
Posted inEdgewood, Edgewood, Uncategorized
Edgewood Police Department bids farewell to Chief Jimenez
By Andrea Vasquez After two and half years of service, the Edgewood Police Department gave a last 10-7 to Chief Roger Jimenez. The announcement came during a gathering where an emotional speech was given through the Vehicle Intercom System. He was thanked for his invaluable service and was wished the best in the next chapter […]
Posted inEdgewood, Edgewood, Uncategorized
Edgewood father needs help caring for daughter with leukemia
By Andrea Vasquez Navigating receiving the news and caring for his child with a rare type of leukemia has not been easy for James “Buddy” Lawver, resident of Edgewood. In August 2024, Illiana Hope was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), as well as the “Philadelphia Chromosome”, which makes her treatment-resistant. “The extreme treatment […]
Posted inColumnists, Opinion
What would Churchill do?
Just over 120 years ago, Winston Churchill gave a speech in Manchester, railing against protectionist trade policy. He was only four years into his political career in 1904 but he summed up the topic of tariffs with what was, even then, Churchillian drollness: “To think you can make a man richer by putting on a […]
Posted inEvents, mountainair
Mountainair announces 2025 Pinto Bean Queen, inducts Hall of Excellence
By Andrea Vasquez The Town of Mountainair announced this year’s Pinto Bean Queen on March 29, the 84th anniversary of the inaugural competition, with the crowning of Corina Ortiz. “The Town of Mountainair would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to both Aurelleia Chavez and Corina Ortiz for running for Pinto Bean Queen. We […]
Posted inCounty Government, Torrance County
Torrance County extends ICE contract despite abuse allegations
By Andrea Vasquez At its March 26 meeting, the Torrance County Commission unanimously passed a seven-month extension of its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house migrants at the Torrance County Detention Facility. The meeting featured many members of the public speaking about alleged abuse at the facility, which has been a […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
Letter to the editor: outdoor education is essential for New Mexico’s future
Submitted by Fiana Shapiro New Mexico’s diverse landscapes—deserts, mountains, forests, and rivers—offer endless opportunities for exploration. Yet, many children face financial, logistical, and educational barriers that keep them from experiencing the outdoors. At the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (SMNHC), we are working to change that by providing immersive, hands-on environmental education that brings children […]
Posted innm.news, Uncategorized
The Independent expands to deliver free to Edgewood, East Mountains
From the publisher If you are reading this issue of The Independent at home, there is a good chance it arrived by mail. We’re making a big investment in this paper and it changes how you get your news. Since its first issue was published 25 years ago by Wally Gordon and Thelma Bowles, The […]
Posted innm.news, Uncategorized
The Independent expands to deliver free to Edgewood, East Mountains
From the publisher If you are reading this issue of The Independent at home, there is a good chance it arrived by mail. We’re making a big investment in this paper and it changes how you get your news. Since its first issue was published 25 years ago by Wally Gordon and Thelma Bowles, The […]