New Mexico legislators are weighing four bills that would significantly reshape the state’s gun laws, with proposals ranging from permitless carry to enhanced penalties for felons and new restrictions tied to juvenile offenses and domestic violence protection orders. The bills, introduced during the 57th Legislature’s second session in 2026, reflect competing visions for firearm policy […]
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Thousands of New Mexicans face new work requirements for food benefits
Nearly 56,000 New Mexicans will need to work, volunteer or participate in job training for 80 hours each month to maintain food stamp benefits under new federal requirements taking effect Jan. 1, 2026. The changes stem from federal legislation Congress passed in July that expands work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Route 66 Independent, Uncategorized
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 inEast Mountains, Route 66 Independent, Uncategorized
Bernalillo County commissioner puts the spotlight on East Mountains community leader
Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas has recognized Lisa Davis, former president of the East Mountain Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, for her leadership and community advocacy in District 5. Olivas highlighted Davis’s work in the December edition of his newsletter, noting her efforts to strengthen connections between neighborhoods, organizations and local government in the East Mountains […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Route 66 Independent, Uncategorized
Bernalillo County crews brace for first significant East Mountains snow of the season
Bernalillo County Public Works crews are on alert as a winter storm is expected to move into the East Mountains on Wednesday afternoon and continue into Thursday morning, bringing the possibility of 1 to 3 inches of snow in Tijeras Canyon and nearby high-elevation communities. Forecasts show only a light dusting, if any, for the […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Route 66 Independent, Uncategorized
Bernalillo County commissioner touts major infrastructure investments in East Mountains
East Mountains residents will see the first major renovation of Los Vecinos Community Center in 50 years, along with new recurring funding for road maintenance, Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas announced in a district update. Olivas said he secured millions of dollars for the community center overhaul and obtained ongoing funding dedicated to improving and […]
Posted inCommunity Content
Thankful for locals who’ll be buying local and reading local this season
From the publisher… Pat Davis, Publisher “People have a right to know… Since The Independent News first closed its doors in 2022, no journalists have covered Moriarty. When we brought The Indy back to Edgewood in 2023, we always wanted to get back to Moriarty, too. In the Spring of 2025, we finally did. Working […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Route 66 Independent, Uncategorized
Bernalillo County approves $1.5m for flood-damaged bridge, watershed project in Tijeras
Bernalillo County commissioners have approved more than $1.5 million to replace a flood-damaged pedestrian bridge in Tijeras and repair a watershed restoration project hit by storms earlier this year. The county will spend $1.29 million to construct a new bridge connecting the Los Vecinos Community Center to A. Montoya Elementary and Roosevelt Middle schools. The […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Route 66 Independent, Uncategorized
Bernalillo County approves master plan for East Mountains open space
Bernalillo County commissioners approved a master plan Tuesday that will open a long-closed open space property in the East Mountains to public access while prioritizing fire mitigation efforts. The County Commission voted to adopt the Sedillo Ridge Open Space Master Plan and passed a companion resolution focused on fire risk reduction at the site during […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Route 66 Independent, Uncategorized
Bernalillo County Commissioners to vote on Sedillo Ridge Master Plan, emergency Tijeras Creek funding
The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners will consider adopting a master plan for Sedillo Ridge Open Space and approving nearly $2.1 million in emergency funding for Tijeras Creek projects during its meeting Tuesday night. The commission is scheduled to vote on the Sedillo Ridge Open Space Master Plan, along with an administrative resolution that establishes […]