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 […]
Federal Government & Congress
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 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 […]
Posted inCommunity News, Federal Government & Congress
The Tumbleweed Snowman is 30 years old. See how he’s changed since 1995
OK, Albuquerque, do you know what today is? Yes, it’s #GivingTuesday (an important day in a nonprofit newsroom) but it’s also Tumbleweed Tuesday, the day the Tumbleweed Snowman claims his holiday perch alongside the busy westbound lanes of I-40 next to the AMAFCA offices near the “Big I.” This year is also the icon’s 30-year […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress
East Mountain Toy Exchange returns for holiday season
The East Mountain Toy Exchange will return this month to collect and distribute gently used toys to families in need throughout the community. The free toy shopping event will take place Dec. 12-14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 65 Rainbow Rd. in the Sandia Airpark. Signs will direct visitors to the location. Organizers […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Federal Government & Congress
Sheriff’s Office seeks help finding 77-year-old man missing for months
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a 77-year-old man who has been missing for several months. Walter James Rau was last seen in the area of Coyote Springs and New Mexico Highway 333 near Carnuel, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities have classified Rau as an endangered missing […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Pueblos
Bregman pledges infrastructure focus for East Mountains
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman says improving infrastructure and public services in the East Mountains will be a priority if elected, drawing on his early political experience in the region to inform his campaign platform. In a Nov. 21 interview, Bregman recalled launching his political career in the East Mountains at age 18 as a […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Pueblos
On raising our children
I was at dinner this last weekend with my husband and another couple, all of whom are somewhat to the political left of me. We hadn’t gotten together for a few months, so we had a bit to catch up on. We hashed around a lot of topics and finally got to universal childcare, which […]