Health officials in New Mexico have confirmed the state’s first human case of West Nile virus for 2025, involving a Valencia County resident who required hospitalization but has since been discharged. The New Mexico Department of Health announced the case Thursday, marking the beginning of what has historically been an active season for the mosquito-borne […]
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Posted inLocal Government, Pueblos
Mayor Webb pledges reforms amidst Moriarty’s financial ‘mess’
By Connor Currier Moriarty Mayor Brandon Webb is calling for sweeping reforms in city government as ongoing investigations uncover what he described as years of financial mismanagement and systemic oversight failures. Webb emphasized a commitment to transparency and accountability in the wake of a reported $5 million in overspending, as identified in the city’s 2022–2023 […]
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Sandoval County Animal Services earns national no-kill recognition
Sandoval County Animal Services has earned national recognition as a Best Friends 2024 No-Kill Shelter, meaning local pet owners and residents can be confident that animals entering the county system have a 90% chance of finding homes rather than being euthanized for space. The achievement places Sandoval County among an elite group of animal shelters […]
Posted inPueblos
Moriarty veterans to host community celebrations, honor young cancer patient
By Connor Currier This weekend, Moriarty’s Veterans of Foreign Wars will come together in a show of patriotism and compassion through two events designed to honor veterans and uplift a young boy battling cancer. On Friday at 5 p.m., American Legion Post 22 will host a flag retirement ceremony at the Torrance County Fair. Attendees […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Pueblos
Federal judge protects New Mexico Planned Parenthood clinics from Medicaid funding cuts
A federal judge’s nationwide ruling has temporarily shielded New Mexico’s five Planned Parenthood health centers from losing Medicaid funding, protecting healthcare access for residents who rely on the program in a state where nearly 885,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid. The preliminary injunction issued July 28 by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts blocks […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
Heinrich, Luján warn public broadcasting cuts could cost lives in New Mexico
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján convened a roundtable discussion Thursday with New Mexico public broadcasting leaders to address the devastating impact of federal funding cuts that will eliminate $5.8 million in annual support for stations across the state. Speaking at KANW-FM in Albuquerque, Heinrich warned that the cuts pose serious risks to […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
New Mexico launches pilot grant program to boost arts districts
New Mexico officials announced Tuesday a new pilot grant program that will award up to $100,000 to state-authorized arts and cultural districts to boost local creative economies. The New Mexico Arts & Cultural Districts Pilot Grant Program will distribute grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to the state’s 10 designated arts districts. Applications are being […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
Rep. Vasquez warns of rural health crisis in Carlsbad visit, Slams GOP Medicaid cuts
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez this week visited Carlsbad Medical Center and hosted a roundtable with disability service provider CARC, Inc., highlighting what he called the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts tied to the new Republican tax law. The tax law, passed in July, slashes Medicaid funding and threatens health care coverage for more than 110,000 […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho police launch zero-tolerance school zone speed enforcement
Rio Rancho drivers face increased traffic enforcement and steeper fines as students return to school, with police promising “no warnings, no excuses” for violations. The Rio Rancho Police Department launched a School Zone Speed Blitz this week ahead of classes starting on Aug. 7. The enforcement campaign increases patrols during morning and afternoon hours across […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Two arrested on arson charges as Mountainair mayor urges community to report crimes
Two individuals have been arrested and charged with arson in connection with recent fires that have plagued the small Torrance County community of Mountainair, Mayor Peter Nieto announced in a letter to residents this week. According to the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after the Mountainair Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office responded to […]