Albuquerque Community Safety transported a record 1,230 people experiencing homelessness to shelter in December, helping protect lives during extreme winter temperatures. The total is the highest since the service relaunched in November 2025, a 136% increase from the previous month and a 92% jump from December 2024. The surge reflects rising community need and an […]
Housing & Homelessness
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Pueblos
Flu hospitalizations eclipse COVID as flu season hits New Mexico
Just in time for some of the busiest days for travel and family get-togethers, flu season is hitting New Mexico hard. National flu surveillance published by the Centers for Disease Control ranks New Mexico’s flu activity as “high” for the week ending Dec. 13. That puts the Land of Enchantment among the top 1/3 of […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Housing & Homelessness
Estancia’s economic fate hinges on expired detention facility contract
Former Estancia Mayor Nathan Dial expressed concern for the town’s economy if the Torrance County Detention Facility ceases operation, as newly released data shows a surge and decline in detainees during the contract period. The six-month contract between CoreCivic and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was enacted in April and expired at the end of […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
Torrance County to receive rural health care funding
CHRISTUS St. Vincent will receive state funding to expand primary care services in Torrance County as part of a $20 million statewide rural health care initiative, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced. The health system is one of 32 rural organizations selected for fiscal year 2026 awards from the state’s Rural Health Care Delivery Fund. “These […]
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 inHousing & Homelessness, Local Government
No runoff? Estancia mayoral election causes confusion as Riley overtakes incumbent
Estancia Mayor Runnel Riley was sworn into his position on Dec. 15 after overtaking the incumbent mayor, Nathan Dial, by just a few votes, prompting a recount and confusion from the community and Dial himself about the runoff process in New Mexico. After the initial count, Dial and write-in candidate Boyd Vardy each had 63 […]
Posted inEdgewood, Housing & Homelessness
Edgewood to host inaugural Holiday Balloon Glow this weekend
Edgewood will celebrate its first Holiday Balloon Glow on Saturday, offering residents a free opportunity to experience an illuminated hot air balloon display at Venus Park. The event, scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m., will feature local balloons and pilots at the park located at 171 NM 344. The East Mountain Balloon Group is organizing […]
Posted inEdgewood, Housing & Homelessness
Edgewood to host holiday events including toy drive, balloon glow
The Town of Edgewood will host a series of holiday events as Christmas nears, including a toy drive with Santa photos, an ornament decorating workshop and a balloon glow festival. The toy drive will take place Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Edgewood Town Hall, 171A N.M. 344. Residents can donate toys for […]
Posted inEdgewood, Housing & Homelessness
Santa’s Village event set for Saturday in Edgewood
Families can meet Santa Claus and enjoy holiday festivities this weekend at Santa’s Village, a free community event scheduled for Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at Graceland Portable Buildings, located at 10 Edgewood 7 in Edgewood. Organizers promise festive activities, holiday decorations and an appearance by Santa Claus throughout […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Housing & Homelessness
Man arrested in online child predator sting operation in Estancia
A 67-year-old Albuquerque man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly soliciting a minor through an online platform in an undercover investigation, according to court documents filed last week in Torrance County Magistrate Court. The suspect was arrested Dec. 3 at a Speedway gas station in Estancia following a week-long investigation by local law enforcement, according […]