A leading Republican state legislator is calling on New Mexicoโs two Democratic U.S. Senators to reverse their opposition to a short-term government funding bill, after the Legislature passed its own fix to address the expiration of federal health insurance tax credits. Last week, New Mexico House Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) posted a screenshot […]
Pueblos
Longtime city councilor Anaya sworn in as mayor weeks after announcing a step back
By Lauren Lifke The Moriarty City Council appointed City Councilor Steve Anaya as its new mayor on Wednesday, less than a month after Anaya said he would not be running for reelection for the seat heโs held for over three decades. The appointment came three weeks after then-Mayor Brandon Webb resigned because of the cityโs […]
NMDOH moves to make COVID-19 vaccines more available to children after CDC changes fed rules, again
The New Mexico Department of Health is responding after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday that it would begin to allow individual-based decision-making to COVID-19 vaccination, allowing for anybody to get the vaccination, covered by insurance, without a prescription. Individual-based decision-making means the clinical decision to vaccinate is based on patient characteristics […]
Strangulation, assault with deadly weapon alleged in Moriarty
A woman was arrested early Wednesday on domestic violence charges after an incident involving a partner at a Moriarty residence. The Torrance County Sheriff’s Office was called to a residence on Coyote Loop around 12:23 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2025, for a domestic violence report. A deputy filed a criminal complaint that alleges the accused […]
As more New Mexico hospitals become owned out-of-state, legislators debate how to improve local care
New Mexico Lawmakers on Tuesday heard a presentation about the potential harms of private equityโs role in healthcare, something many New Mexico Democrats have argued has siphoned dollars away from addressing New Mexicoโs healthcare needs while profiting out-of-state interests. The Legislative Health and Human Services Committee heard the presentation from Olivia Kosloff, a senior fellow […]
Family receives $275,000 in UNM Hospital negligence case
A New Mexico family has reached a settlement with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, the UNM Medical Group and the State of New Mexico following a lawsuit that alleged a patient suffered injuries and died due to hospital negligence while receiving medical care. The lawsuit claimed that Leticia Orellana, a patient admitted […]
Moriarty City Council to fill mayor position after Webb’s Resignation
The Moriarty City Council will consider appointing a new mayor Wednesday night to fill the vacancy left by Brandon Webb’s resignation amid the city’s ongoing financial crisis and political turmoil. Webb resigned during a Sept. 22 special council meeting, telling The Independent News he was “tired of getting stabbed in the back” and frustrated with […]
Placitas library to host geology book talk by New Mexico author
The Placitas Community Library will host author Magdalena Donahue for a presentation on her latest book, “Roadside Geology of New Mexico,” at 2 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Gracie Lee Community Room. The recently released second edition is a comprehensive update of the original guide, featuring full-color photography and new highway descriptions focused on scenic […]
What happens if the mayor’s election goes to a runoff? How much will it cost?
If Burqueโs crowded mayoral race goes to a runoff election in December, the city has set aside $750,000 to cover the cost, though county officials warn costs will โsignificantly exceedโ previous elections, potentially requiring City Council approval for additional funding. The Bernalillo County Clerkโs office has not set a final price tag for a possible […]
Food pantry launches community fundraiser in Placitas
Casa Rosa Food Pantry is seeking $25 donations from each Placitas resident during October to support neighbors facing food insecurity. The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fundraiser” aims to sustain services for the pantry, which serves an average of 58 households weekly, providing groceries, pet food, drinking water, household items and clothing to more than 100 income-qualified […]

