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 […]
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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., Local Gov.
Bernalillo County approves $1.6 million East Mountains trail project
Bernallilo County commissioners have approved a $1.6 million contract to build a nearly 2-mile multiuse trail in the East Mountains, officials announced Dec. 9. The Bernalillo County Commission authorized County Manager Cindy Chavez to award the contract to Compass, the low bidder at $1,619,237, including gross receipts tax, according to a county news release. The […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos
New Mexico textile artists’ diverse works on display at Placitas Community Library
The Placitas Community Library is showcasing works by the Mixed Media Textile Artists of New Mexico in its year-end exhibition “All Mixed Up,” running through Jan. 1 in the Gracie Lee Community Room. A public reception is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibition features 50 pieces by 13 artists […]
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Candidates to helm Rio Rancho schools will appear at public event
The search for Rio Rancho Public Schools’ second-ever leader is nearing its final stages. The next step will be the candidates introducing themselves to the community. The Board of Education Tuesday selected three finalists as it looks to replace V. Sue Cleveland, the only superintendent RRPS has had: Dr. Heather Sanchez, chief operating officer for […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
Cedar Crest food drive collects more than 700 pounds for East Mountain Food Pantry
A community food drive Monday collected more than 700 pounds of food for the East Mountain Food Pantry, organizers said. The drive-through event at Flamez Fusion, 12118 N. Highway 14, ran from noon to 4 p.m. and drew donations from residents throughout the East Mountains region. 15 volunteers helped run the event. Flamez Fusion partnered […]
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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 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 […]