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 […]
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Posted inFederal Government & Congress, 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 inFederal Government & Congress, 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 […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Housing & Homelessness
Local businesses partner for food drive benefiting East Mountain Food Pantry
Several Cedar Crest businesses will host a food drive Monday to support the East Mountain Food Pantry, which has seen a 60% surge in demand this fall. The drive-through event will run from noon to 4 p.m. at Flamez Fusion, 12118 N. Highway 14, next to Cedar Crest Tire. Organizers are accepting non-perishable food donations. […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Torrance County launches text alert system for emergency notifications
Torrance County launched a text messaging alert system Wednesday, enabling residents to receive emergency notifications and county information directly on their mobile phones. The TextMyGov service went live Dec. 3 andwill send alerts about emergencies, road closures, critical incidents and weather events to residents who opt in. The county will send an initial text message […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Pueblos
Moriarty man, 85, charged after alleged knife incident with sons
An 85-year-old Moriarty man faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly threatening his adult sons with a knife during a domestic disturbance last month, according to a criminal complaint filed in Torrance County Magistrate Court. The man was charged following an incident on Nov. 30, at a residence on Irone […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Edgewood
Edgewood police seek help from public identifying burglary suspects
The Edgewood Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in a commercial burglary at an AutoZone store. Officers responded to the burglary at the AutoZone located at 1944 Old U.S. Highway 66 on Nov. 25, according to a department announcement. Video surveillance captured three individuals entering the store, police […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Sandoval Signpost, Town of Bernalillo
Bernalillo police seize fentanyl, methamphetamine in search warrant execution
Bernalillo Police Department officers seized multiple controlled substances after executing a search warrant on a vehicle and backpack, authorities announced on social media Tuesday. Officers discovered fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamine and Xanax during the vehicle search, according to the department. A separate search of a backpack yielded two fentanyl pills and 38 grams of […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress
Trump’s approval dips to 36%, just shy of all-time low
President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has hit its lowest level since he returned to the White House on Jan. 20, according to a Gallup poll released on Friday. The poll of 1,321 U.S. adults conducted from Nov. 3 to Nov. 25 showed Trump with a 36% approval rating, representing a five-point drop since October. […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Federal Government & Congress
AI eyes on the East Mountains: BCFR ups fire prep with new tech
Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue is preparing for the 2026 fire season as fire risks increase with rising temperatures in the East Mountains. Updates, including new cameras and updated maps, are helping the BCFR prepare for the season. New cameras posted throughout the East Mountains help mitigate fires. The best way to fight fires is […]