By Jesse Jones The Village Council tackled a packed agenda May 13, starting with a public hearing, then discussing a conservative budget aimed at employee retention, public safety and infrastructure while trimming overall spending for the first time in years. Councilors held a public hearing on an appeal filed by Kirt Kirkpatrick and Angela Morgan […]
Government
Senator Heinrich demands answers on land transfer to Army in southern New Mexico
By Kevin Hendricks Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is pressing the Department of Defense for answers regarding the recent transfer of more than 100,000 acres of public land in three New Mexico counties to the U.S. Army. In April, over 109,651 acres of federal land along […]
Congress grills RFK Jr. on budget cuts, measles vaccine
By Lauren Weber, Rachel Roubein — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his messaging on vaccines amid a growing measles outbreak, the firing of thousands of federal health workers, and major cuts to the health agencies he oversees as he faced lawmakers Wednesday on Capitol Hill. The secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services […]
Corrales’s guiding plan was approved!
By Jesse Jones The Corrales Village Council unanimously adopted a new comprehensive plan May 13, amending key provisions after years of public debate over village character, housing density and representation. The plan, shaped by months of committee work and community input, will guide future land use, development and policy decisions. Councilors struck language about transferable […]
Budget crunch time
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors continue to work through building a spending plan for fiscal year 2026. They’ll get more scrutinous after Thursday evening as they fine-tune adjustments to Mayor Tim Keller’s $1.5 billion proposed budget. All nine councilors make up the budget-focused Committee of the Whole. The overall budget, including all revenue sources, […]
Surplus projected in Bernalillo’s preliminary budget
By Jesse Jones During its May 12 meeting, the Bernalillo Town Council got its first look at the town’s $12.5 million preliminary budget, which includes a projected $767,000 general fund surplus and major investments in infrastructure and essential services. The budget also highlighted upcoming road repairs, park improvements and progress on the town’s long-range Comprehensive […]
New bicycle safety law takes effect July 1 in New Mexico
New Mexico is set to implement a new bicycle safety law aimed at enhancing cyclist safety and promoting sustainable transportation. Senate Bill 73, passed during the 2025 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in March, introduces the “Idaho stop” law to New Mexico, allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as […]
County ethics board finds hiring of former clerk violated rules. But there isn’t much they can do about it.
By Rodd Cayton A board looking into the Bernalillo County Treasurer’s Office Tuesday found Linda Stover broke county ethics rules when she accepted a deputy treasurer position the day after her term as county clerk ended. However, the Code of Conduct Review Board noted the matter is in state district court and clarified that its […]
Rep. Vasquez challenges GOP over SNAP cuts to New Mexicans
Staff Report – Congressman Gabe Vasquez, a Democrat representing most of Southern New Mexico and Albuquerque’s Westside, laid into Republican efforts this week cutting SNAP benefits to fund the “big beautiful bill” being crafted to implement President Donald Trump’s immigration and tax policies. During committee debate, Vasquez offered examples of New Mexicans he says would […]
Rio Rancho retains March elections and Voter ID after ordinance fails
By Kevin Hendricks March municipal elections and voter identification requirements will remain in place in Rio Rancho after the Governing Body voted against eliminating them and opting into statewide elections at its May 8 meeting. Ordinance 13 failed in a 3-3 tie vote following public opposition. The power of the people was on full display […]