By Josh Lee — President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order directing federal agencies to speed up the process of reclassifying marijuana as a drug with some medical use. This move marks what may be the most significant shift in U.S. cannabis policy in more than a decade, with potentially far-reaching consequences for New […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
Cedar Crest community unites to help with Trail Rider Pizza renovation
Just over three months after the Greenside Cafe closed, Trail Rider Pizza owner Ashlea Cook will take over the space in an expansion of the locally cherished dining spot. “We are in full renovation mode,” Cook told The Independent. Cook, who will celebrate her 20th anniversary in the business next month, has been seeking to […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Cedar Crest art gallery hosting benefit auction, fire performance
Enchanted Soul Art Gallery is hosting a weekend of events to close out its year before entering a seasonal hibernation that will last until early April. The gallery, located at 12220 Highway 14 N., will feature a fire hoop performance, an art auction benefiting a local teacher facing illness and a youth gingerbread house contest […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety
Albuquerque’s Tiger King? Drug trafficker sentenced for wildlife smuggling
The leader of a drug trafficking organization that moved tens of thousands of fentanyl pills from Mexico into Albuquerque was sentenced Tuesday to 17 years in federal prison. David Mendoza-Enriquez, 42, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, pleaded guilty to eight federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, alien smuggling and illegal […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Sandia Peak Ski Area pushes back opening day
Sandia Peak Ski Area has rescheduled its opening day to Dec. 19 as crews work to complete final preparations for the winter season, the ski area announced this week. The delay will allow staff additional time to ensure all equipment and facilities are ready for skiers and snowboarders, according to updates posted on the ski […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
New Mexico invites residents to name snowplows for third consecutive year
New Mexico residents have until Dec. 26 to submit creative names for state snowplows as part of the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s third annual naming contest. The department will select 12 winning names to be displayed on plows operating across the state’s six highway districts this winter. “Our snowplow operators play an important role […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
A state on the brink
I spent some time this week with one of my favorite physicians. She’s a favorite, mostly because every treatment I have with her is completely elective. (It takes a lot of work to look this middle-aged.) We talked a lot about the state of healthcare in New Mexico. She’s preparing to take another round of […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Sweet treats for senior pets: East Mountain sanctuary benefits from ABQ councilor’s cookie fundraiser
By Jesse Jones Burqueños looking for meaningful holiday gifts can turn to an unlikely source: City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. When she’s not working on housing policy or climate legislation, she and her partner, Paul Roybal, spend the season in their kitchen baking thousands of vegan cookies for people and dogs. The homemade treats support Kindred […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
Vasquez warns funding crisis endangers Bosque del Apache’s vital role in local economy
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., visited the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge on Dec. 6 to assess the impact of federal budget cuts and staffing shortages on the site. Vasquez met with Deputy Refuge Manager Bernard Lujan, refuge staff and leadership from the Friends of the Bosque to discuss operational challenges facing the 57,000-acre […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
East Mountain Toy Exchange opens Friday for holiday season
The East Mountain Toy Exchange will open its doors Friday for a three-day event offering free toys to families in need. The pop-up shop, located at 65 Rainbow Road, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. All items are free, and organizers encourage visitors to give what they can and […]