Bernalillo voters in March will decide whether economic development is a worthy reason for the town’s first sales tax increase in 15 years. The Town Council voted Dec. 8 to place a proposed one-quarter percent gross receipts tax increase on the ballot. That’s equal to an extra 25 cents on a $100 taxable purchase. If […]
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Posted inCorporate Responsibility
Lawsuit: Farm Bureau may have concealed fraud reports from NM regulators
A new federal lawsuit accusing Farm Bureau Insurance Company of deliberately concealing evidence and blocking legally required fraud reports claims the company violated the laws of multiple states, including New Mexico. The lawsuit, filed Nov. 16 by the company’s former director of investigations and former special investigations unit manager, names Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farm […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Torrance County Commission to consider $3 million in construction contracts
The Torrance County Board of County Commissioners will consider approving nearly $3 million in construction contract amendments for major county projects at their administrative meeting Wednesday. The commission is set to vote on a $2.8 million contract amendment with Franken Construction LLC to complete an early work package for the Torrance County Fairgrounds Project. Commissioners […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Madrid
Annual Christmas parade lights up Madrid
The Village of Madrid kicked off its annual Christmas parade and celebration on Dec. 6, featuring carolers, outdoor shopping, livestock and other festivities throughout the day, ending in an 11-minute parade that kicked off at 4 p.m. Madrid became known as the “Christmas City” in the early 1900s when it was a large mining town. […]
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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 inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Sen. Heinrich continues to call for updates on expired ICE detention facility contract
By Lauren Lifke A detention facility in Estancia for Immigration and Customs Enforcement is still operating without a contract after its contract expired in October. Torrance County Manager Jordan Barela told The Independent that the county had an intergovernmental agreement with ICE that expired Oct. 31. The facility has since been operating without a new […]
Posted inEdgewood, Housing & Homelessness
Edgewood nonprofit announces series of free holiday events
Edgewood Connected, a local nonprofit organization, will host a series of free community events throughout December, including ice skating, a first responders benefit lunch and visits with Santa Claus. The events kick off Saturday with an ice skating event from 3 to 9 p.m. hosted by Rich Ford. The free event will provide skates, food […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
Friends of Sandia Mountains to host 22nd annual Snowshoe Classic
The Friends of the Sandia Mountains announced it will host the 22nd annual Sandia Snowshoe Classic on Jan. 24, 2026, at Sandia Crest, offering winter outdoor enthusiasts a challenging 5K course through the Cibola National Forest. The event, which begins at 11 a.m. at the lower-level parking lot at Sandia Crest, is limited to 175 […]