Congress has redefined what counts as “hemp” and effectively banned hemp-derived intoxicants in a move that could have big effects for New Mexico’s hemp sector. The new language measures “total THC”—including THCA and other THC-isomers—rather than only Delta-9 THC when determining whether plant material or finished goods qualify as legal hemp. It also establishes a […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
Seeking storytellers
Unlike most Americans, and most humans, I read newspapers – three to five a day, albeit online. Fewer than one out of four Americans reads a daily newspaper in any format and less than one out of three people worldwide do. The world is crowded with information sources just a click away and all of […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Sandia Crest company building high-tech infantry weapons
By Rodd Cayton As an intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Doug Wood saw firsthand how the first generation of small combat drones showed a need for improvement. He’s taken a step toward providing that improvement, as co-founder and CEO of DFA Systems, a small East Mountains company dedicated to, in his own words, […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
New Mexico cannabis industry cheers Trump’s rescheduling order
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 […]
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 […]