A month after the final ballots were cast, a state-ordered recount conducted in December has confirmed that Estancia Mayor Nathan M. Dial was unseated by a challenger in the Nov. 3 election. Senaida Anaya, the chief deputy clerk in Torrance County, told New Mexico Political Report that her office completed the recount on Thursday and […]
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Where are all the government employees?
Triple Spaced Again Merilee Dannemann is a longtime New Mexico journalist. She has written freelance for many local newsrooms and served as the Taos correspondent for the Albuquerque Journal. Find her online at triplespacedagain.com DOGE, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, has been disbanded as of late November. What a relief. DOGE was supposed to […]
Posted inNew Mexico State Gov.
New Mexico energy secretary resigns
Melanie A. Kenderdine, A Sandia Park native, resigned Dec. 4 as secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for personal reasons, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced. Deputy Cabinet Secretary Erin Taylor will serve as acting secretary, according to the governor’s office. “Melanie brought national energy expertise to New Mexico, and I’m […]
Posted inEnergy, Pueblos
Utility asks New Mexico for ‘zero emission’ status for gas-fired power plant
This article was originally published by Capital & Main. By Jerry Redfern The Southwestern Public Service Company has asked the state of New Mexico to grant exceptions to the state’s Energy Transition Act for two proposed gas-fired power plants, including one exception that would see approximately one-third of the energy produced at one plant qualify as a “zero-carbon […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Pueblos
The race isn’t over yet: Close calls force recounts in Estancia, Moriarty
By Alex Ross Who says every vote doesn’t count? 34 races that were on the ballot on Nov. 3 that do not yet have clear winners and must undergo a statewide automatic recount after candidates and ballot questions came within ½ percent of each other on Election Day, including several where just one vote makes […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Pueblos
Placitas Chamber of Commerce highlights year of community support
The Placitas Chamber of Commerce celebrated a year of community engagement and announced a full schedule of holiday events as residents prepare for the winter season. The chamber supported several community initiatives throughout 2025, according to its December newsletter. Activities included providing welcome packets to new homeowners, sponsoring the 28th annual Taste of the Tour […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Pueblos
Moriarty man, 85, charged after alleged knife incident with sons
An 85-year-old Moriarty man faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly threatening his adult sons with a knife during a domestic disturbance last month, according to a criminal complaint filed in Torrance County Magistrate Court. The man was charged following an incident on Nov. 30, at a residence on Irone […]
Posted inCorporate Responsibility
$350,000 set aside for victims of Santa Fe spa’s deceptive sales tactics
The New Mexico Department of Justice recently issued a public announcement urging anyone who believes they were overcharged by Santa Fe Spa Center—also known as Voupre Spa—to file claims under a recent settlement before the February deadline. Earlier this year, NMDOJ’s Consumer Protection Bureau announced a $350,000 settlement with the spa and its owner over […]
Posted in+Opinion, Pueblos
Commentary: From conflict to collaboration — How a New Mexico transmission line will protect power delivery and prairie chickens
Opinion in New Mexico Political ReportIn his role as Executive Director for Audubon Southwest, Jon Hayes oversees the National Audubon Society’s operations in Arizona and New Mexico—including two nature centers, a research ranch, and a team of scientists, educators, and advocates all working to advance bird conservation in the Southwest. The Crossroad-Hobbs-Roadrunner Transmission Project, a 345 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
Wild Hearts Gallery to present ‘Enchanted Forest’ holiday exhibition
By Noah Gollin Wild Hearts Gallery in Placitas will present Enchanted Forest: An Invitational Show, Dec. 2 – 28, 2025, featuring guest artists Sandra and Michael Kadisak, Alfons Schuster and Katie Thomas, according to a release by artist and gallery member Colleen Gregoire. An artist reception is planned for Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. […]