Posted inEast Mountains, Local Government

Controversial Tijeras zoning fight stalls as village sets sight on ordinance changes

By Rodd Cayton for the Route 66 Independent — A controversial proposal to rezone commercial property for bigger uses divided village residents but found consensus among village councilors on one point: Tijeras needs to make some changes to its zoning ordinance. At Monday evening’s meeting, a proposed zoning change stalled when councilors declined to vote […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, New Mexico State Gov., NM Political Report

New Mexico jury finds Meta guilty of putting profits over child safety, ordering $375 million fine

After hearing more than seven weeks of evidence, a Santa Fe jury took less than two days to decide that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, prioritized profits over the safety of children who were targeted and exploited on its platforms. The jury set a fine of $375 million, a maximum available of […]

Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate

Forest Service closes large sections of Sandias for two-year wildfire prevention projects

Outdoor enthusiasts planning summer hikes across the Sandias will have to break out the maps to find some new favorite trails. The Cibola National Forest will begin work on two major projects restricting visitor use and public access to the over 140 acres along the Sandia Crest area through fall of 2027. Sandia Crest โ€œSwitchbackโ€ […]

Posted inArt & Artists, East Mountains, East Mountains News, Route 66 Independent

Tinkertown becomes a nonprofit to preserve beloved East Mountain folk art destination

Ross J. Ward spent more than 40 years carving, collecting and lovingly transforming his Sandia Mountains property into a national folk art destination. Following his death in 2002, his wife, Carla, and a few dedicated family members and volunteers have continued to maintain Tinkertown for the more than 25,000 visitors who make the winding trek […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.

Heinrich, breaking with most Dems., will vote yes on Mullin to lead DHS

New Mexico’s U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich will be one of the few Democrats to support Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to succeed Kristi Noem as President Trump’s homeland security secretary. In a statement shared with NM Political Report over the weekend, Heinrich said he has a good working relationship with Mullin and hopes to establish […]

Posted inElections & Politics, New Mexico Statewide News, NM Political Report

Oops! Candidate for Gov forgot to file paperwork to make the ballot. Now what?

Republican voters may have one less candidate to choose from on their June primary ballot after one candidate failed to show up to file paperwork confirming his eligibility for the primary ballot. State Senator Steve Lanier, a first-term legislator from San Juan County, and Duke Rodriguez, a former health department secretary and cannabis business owner, […]

Posted inAlbuquerque

Consultants send โ€œpreferred planโ€ keeping State Fair, adding stadium to Fairgrounds board

By Jesse Jones and Pat Davis, City Desk in The Paper. — Consultants tasked with recommending options for redevelopment of the State Fairgrounds will recommend a $240 million multi-year master plan to serve as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization on and off-site, City Desk has learned.  The plan presented in a public meeting Friday evening […]

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