Rio Rancho employees will see no gaps in their health coverage this summer after the city’s Governing Body approved a change to its procurement code Thursday that gives administrators more flexibility to secure insurance, benefits and retirement programs outside the standard bidding process. Financial Services Director Stephanie Yara told the Governing Body the exemption is […]
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State Police kill armed man after shootout with Torrance County deputies
By Kevin Hendricks, NM.News — A Torrance County man is dead after exchanging gunfire with sheriff’s deputies and a New Mexico State Police tactical team Tuesday near Manzano, following an hours-long manhunt that prompted authorities to order nearby residents to shelter in place. Torrance County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 1 p.m. Tuesday to a report […]
Full Circle: Estancia superintendent retiring as a lover of rural schools
By Rodd Cayton, Route 66 Independent — Cindy Sims says her next role will be โthe little old lady with story books.โ After 45 years in education, the last seven as superintendent of the Estancia Municipal School District, Sims is retiring at the end of the school year. She said she wants to spend more […]
Rio Rancho’s longest-serving mayor passes the gavel, sets sights on governor’s race
The tributes ran long and the tears came easy as Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull gaveled out of office April 23 as the city’s longest-serving mayor. Hull addressed the Governing Body for the final time, citing road reconstruction, the city’s aquifer recharge facility, a new permanent fund and a strengthened partnership with Intel Corporation among […]
Gnarliest Gathering
By Michael Hodock, The Paper. โ As North Americaโs biggest powwow stages its โlast dance,โ one of Burqueโs highest flying events might also be reaching its pinnacle. This Saturday at Los Altos Skatepark (10140 ยฝ Lomas Blvd. NE), The All Nations Skate Jam is rounding up the cityโs sickest skaters and most provocative punkers to […]
The next time you dial 911 in ABQ, a drone might be the first responder
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Seconds after a gunshot is heard across Albuquerque, police launch a drone from a rooftop hive and speed toward the sound. The goal is to arrive before officers, with its camera already rolling, as part of the cityโs โdrone as a first responderโ program. The Albuquerque Police Departmentโs (APD) […]
Placitas PREP to host fire-behavior presentation
April doesnโt just mean itโs baseball season. Itโs also fire season, and a group in Placitas is trying to ensure residents know how much danger is out there. Placitas Resilience & Emergency Preparedness Alliance (PREP) is hosting a May 12 presentation by District Ranger Ken Born of the U.S. Forest Service on possible wildfire behavior […]
Car culture, Star Wars and community spirit: Your Rio Rancho weekend guide (April 24-26)
From the roar of classic engines to the cosmic festivities of a galaxy far, far away, Rio Rancho is set for a weekend of massive community gatherings. Whether you are looking for a unique deal on home leisure, a competitive night of trivia, or a chance to explore deep-rooted cultural traditions, the end of April […]
Corrales Heritage Day explores village roots through genealogy
Corrales residents curious about their family history โ and the village’s โ can get expert guidance and dig into local records at Heritage Day 2026 on Saturday, May 23, at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church. The free event, hosted by the Corrales Historical Society Archives Committee, runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 966 […]
Last Dance: With Gathering of Nations Ending, What’s the Future for Native Events in ABQ?
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ For more than four decades, the Gathering of Nations Powwow has served as a cultural anchor in Albuquerque, drawing thousands of dancers, artists and visitors each spring. In 2026, that tradition is coming to an end. Often called the largest powwow in North America, the Gathering of Nations has […]



