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., Westside Albuquerque

Rio Rancho Public Schools names first new superintendent in over three decades

For the first time in its 31-year history, Rio Rancho Public Schools will have a new leader. The Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Robert W. Dodd as the district’s next superintendent during a meeting Wednesday, according to a district press release. Dodd, currently the director of school leadership and improvement for Montgomery County Public […]

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., Westside Albuquerque

Rio Rancho school superintendent candidates meet the community, discuss their ideas

The three educators vying to be the next leader of Rio Rancho Public Schools took different approaches when introducing themselves to the community Monday evening. Dr. Heather Sanchez, chief operating officer for the Bellevue (Washington) School District, billed herself as a native New Mexican with an understanding of the district’s need and a track record […]

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 […]