Delisting lifts special federal rules to avoid disruptions to the birds' habitat, which includes New Mexico

National Science Foundation cites years of reduced operations and 'recent safety concerns' tied to mercury leak

The federal government has never acknowledged the history, outside a 1976 GAO report

FARMINGTON – The 2026 New Mexico Activities Association’s high school basketball tournament gets underway across the state on Friday night with a full slate of games in girls competition. The boys tournament tips off on Saturday with higher seeds hosting first round games before action resumes Tuesday in the Albuquerque

A fashion show Sunday evening helped people get experience on the runway to support students in-need every day.

'We are coordinating closely with local authorities,' according to Kirtland Air Force Base

A walking tour of the Pinos Altos Creek trail on Monday afternoon brought attention to some needed improvements to bridges — both the literal and figurative kind. Members of the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee walked the trail, which has been improved in some places, and viewed the bridges

New Mexico's case against parent company of Facebook, Instagram enters third week

The new cases at southern New Mexico detention centers raise state’s total to five in 2026

Police say argument preceded killing in the Northeast Heights

US Attorney's Office for South Carolina files notice against Jaremy Smith in death of EMS worker

FAA responds by closing more airspace near El Paso

KIRTLAND – Junior Kayden Tsosie scored 11 of her game-high 15 points in the third quarter, leading the defending Class 4A state champion Gallup High girls basketball team to a 49-41 win in Friday night’s District 1-4A tournament championship game over Kirtland Central on the road at Bronco Arena. The

SHIPROCK – The Tohatchi High boys basketball team exacted a small amount of revenge on Navajo Prep in Saturday’s District 1-3A tournament title game, pulling clear in the second half on their way to a convincing 53-38 win over the Eagles. In addition to snapping Navajo Prep’s 16-game win streak,

Diagnosis is New Mexico's first confirmed case of 2026

Information is updated throughout the week

Jonathan Strickland sued the city, officers for 'reckless' lethal force

Friday's dismissal of a second lawsuit challenging Duke Rodriguez's right to be on the June 2 primary ballot sets the stage for the next big moment--Saturday's GOP preprimary at Ruidoso where delegates from across the state will vote on placing candidates on the ballot. Insiders don't expect Rodriguez, nicknamed the

Village leadership failed to follow competitive bidding process, signed contract with unlawful prepayment clause

News comes days after US Fish and Wildlife OKs shooting of wolf in Catron County

Spokeswoman: Heinrich never met with Epstein or approved the lunch invitation

The service will feature a 30-seat jet and one round-trip flight per day

Amid concerns of federal election interference in the upcoming midterms, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), along with state and county Democratic elections officials, offered assurances Friday about their efforts to protect New Mexico voters. At a roundtable event at the Santa Fe Community College, Heinrich and New Mexico Secretary of

Outpost Ice Arenas sees ‘massive’ increase in first-time adult skaters

The New Mexico State Library’s Development Bureau has announced a range of online professional development opportunities for March 2026, offering live and pre-recorded sessions for library staff and managers.

Temperatures could hit 80 degrees in Albuquerque and near 90 degrees in eastern New Mexico this week, bringing early spring warmth and heightened wildfire danger

US-Israel attacks on Iran trigger deadly counterstrikes, rising death tolls and grounded flights across the Middle East.

State Police say a 16-year-old faces second-degree murder and other charges after he killed a 30-year-old man in Buena Vista

Sgt. Michael Schlattman was killed during traffic stop on Interstate 40 on Monday

Project confirmed after decades of calls for suicide deterrents from public safety advocates, victims' families

Former Interior secretary would raise minimum wage, ban rent fixing and invest in renewable energy if elected

Semi-truck rams into his vehicle, authorities report

2-year-old Weimaraner suffers from behavior disorder

Lawmakers appropriated $95 million for project in capital outlay bill awaiting final approval

By JUNO OGLE Daily Press Staff Three of the five finalist candidates for Western New Mexico University’s 16th president will be on campus this week, and their visits will include opportunities for them to meet with the public. Public meet-and-greets will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and

Governor will choose replacement for embattled prosecutor to rebuild DA's office

Feds dismiss case after officer's credibility questioned

From crime bills to child care and road funding, here’s what lawmakers passed — and what got left on the Roundhouse cutting-room floor

Report also presents outcome of 2024 police shooting in Las Cruces

Former NM congressman was nominated to lead Bureau of Land Management in November

Towman still faces charges after 55-mile chase, gunfire

Projection for FY26 marks second-consecutive year in the red as one-term mayor seeks reelection

Quick decision finds Nathan Rivas, 18, guilty of first-degree murder in 2025 Las Cruces shooting

Gonzales sisters return to reclaim podium, upholding family tradition in homegrown winter sports event

The New Mexico health department on Friday reported four more measles cases among state inmates, bringing the total number of cases so far this year to five. Officials reported the first case of the year on Feb. 24: a federal inmate held in the Hidalgo County Detention Center with an

Agency disputes misspending allegation, but says it's implementing new internal controls

Alvaro Ramazzini was placed on leave Feb. 6, but Albuquerque Public Schools has declined to provide details

Venezuelan national was arrested by federal agents a year ago in Las Cruces

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) on Monday announced he would vote against former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce to run the federal Bureau of Land Management. President Donald Trump in November nominated Pearce, a Republican who represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District from 2011 to 2019, to lead the BLM,

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office announced on Friday the official end to overnight stays for children in custody of the state Children, Youth and Families Department. According to a news release, Feb. 12 marked the last day any child in CYFD custody stayed overnight in an agency office.

Cannabis entrepreneur still faces one other petition focused on residency requirement

State still ranks among the bottom nationwide despite gains

World-renowned French composer's emails detail close ties with disgraced financier

A total lunar eclipse will happen early in the morning on March 3 and it could be seen in New Mexico.What is a lunar eclipse?AdvertisementA lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves between the moon and the sun, casting a shadow on the moon. When the moon is in the

Ruling means gubernatorial candidate remains on track to appear on June primary election ballot

Unseasonably warm, dry weather breaks decades-old highs across New Mexico and brings fire danger warnings even as a brief cool-down looms later in the week.

New Mexico State Police: Officer is OK

They were arrested in Fort Sumner, authorities said

The United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran Saturday morning, prompting near universal condemnation from New Mexico’s elected members of Congress for President Trump’s action without Congressional approval, as is required by the Constitution. Here’s what they had to say in their first comments following the news:

By MARCELA JOHNSON Daily Press Staff Lt. Gov. Howie Morales and District 39 state Rep. Luis Terrazas reflected about this year’s 30-day legislative session as a whole after its conclusion last Thursday. Terrazas, a Republican, told the Daily Press that he was focused on addressing roads, the state’s doctor shortage,

President touts a booming economy and new health care plans, as NM lawmakers boycott his address

GALLUP – Crevin Watson dribbled away the final 10 seconds Saturday as the Gallup High boys basketball team held off a determined Shiprock squad for a 62-53 victory in the District 1-4A championship game at Gallup High School. The Bengals (21-7) didn't celebrate until those final seconds, despite leading by

ALBUQUERQUE – Lucien Betancur and Jadon Herrera combined for a four-hit shutout Saturday as the Goddard Rockets defeated the Farmington Scorpions 5-0 at Sandia High School. Betancur earned the win, stifling the Scorpions’ offense over five innings. The senior allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out five.

A federal court has, for the third time, ordered the U.S. Department of Education to continue mental health grants to schools, but the superintendent of Silver Consolidated Schools isn’t ready to declare a total victory. A three-judge panel in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday denied the Education

Hikers strewn about on the San Vicente Trail below the N.M. 90 bridge cried out in pain as first responders tended to them Sunday afternoon. While the injuries and ailments were not real, the experience the students gained was. The mock mass-casualty incident was the culmination of a Wilderness First

Corridor to strengthen supply chains, reduce congestion at coastal ports, according to Bernalillo County

While the continued funding of a federal mental health grant to Silver Consolidated Schools is still in question, the district will be able to continue its programs thanks to a state initiative, an administrator reported Wednesday to the school board. Cindy Barris, associate superintendent for instruction, told board members during

AAA issues parking lot driving recommendations that include being more attentive to drivers and pedestrians

Policy will grade prospective corporations on how much they give back to the community

By MARCELA JOHNSON Daily Press Staff A civil rights lawsuit filed Feb. 13 alleges that a former Bayard police officer sexually abused, coerced and inflicted violence on a 16-year-old girl while in his professional capacity. The lawsuit, filed by Singleton Schreiber LLP and co-counsel Daniel Marquez for a plaintiff referred

One of the five finalists for Western New Mexico University’s 16th president is no longer in the running. A Tuesday afternoon press release from WNMU said Cameron Wesson, provost and vice president for academic affairs at La Salle University, has withdrawn from consideration. He had been scheduled to make a

15 states say the CDC's new childhood vax requirements unlawful

Residents of the neighborhoods around Juniper Street pleaded with the New Mexico Department of Transportation to further consider the traffic and safety ramifications of proposed changes to U.S. 180 that would cut off direct access to their homes during a public meeting on the project Thursday night at the Grant

Former AG Balderas: Cooperation between state and federal investigators was 'one-way'

$4.5 million gift will fund 10 full-tuition scholarships 'in perpetuity'

PUEBLO — Trailing by seven at the break, the Adams State women’s basketball team looked like a squad in search of a spark. In the third quarter, the Grizzlies found a blowtorch. Adams State used a blistering second-half performance to rally past CSU Pueblo 72-65 on Saturday at Massari Arena,

The senator's announcement comes days before a committee is expected to vote on Pearce's nomination by President Donald Trump.

An op-ed penned by Javier Martínez, Reena Szczepanski, Day Hochman-Vigil and Raymundo Lara and published in the Albuquerque Journal and the Los Alamos Reporter paints a glowing picture of the 2026 Legislative Session. But New Mexicans say the self-congratulatory tone ignores a glaring reality: meaningful crime reform once again died

FARMINGTON – The New Mexico Activities Association’s high school basketball tournament opens Friday and Saturday with home games for top seeds in their respective classifications. Seedings and brackets were announced Sunday by the NMAA. Following the conclusion of the opening round, the tournament heads south where it all comes down

By JUNO OGLE Daily Press Staff An endangered species of bat has been detected far north of its only known roost in New Mexico, thanks in part to citizen scientists here in Grant County. Volunteers, many of them with the Gila Native Plant Society, swabbed area hummingbird feeders over the

Hospital expects nearly 3,000 babies to be born in 2026, Presbyterian spokesperson says

If you need a good laugh or just a fun night out, this is your week – the Albuquerque Funny Fiesta is coming up.

Heinrich says attack broke Trump campaign promise ‘to end wars, not start them’

Oil prices have jumped as U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. military installations around the G…

Ian Wald is also on track to be named valedictorian of Santa Fe High School's class of 2026 with a cumulative GPA of 4.6.

Every Lunar New Year for the past 14 years, a Southern California Buddhist temple has displayed what it calls the “10,000 Buddha Relics.” Acco…

Santa Fe Restaurant Week, which begins Monday and continues through March 11, has more participants in 2026 than it has in years.

A story published on Page E-1 of the Sunday, March 1, 2026, edition with the headline “It’s a buyer’s market — but not for all” was mistakenly…

The FBI says the shooting that left 14 others wounded is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.

A mock mascot election, rising graduation rates, STEM scholarships and more Northern New Mexico education news and notes.

She served in the state House of Representatives for 26 years before a rare challenger returned her to private life.

Jeffrey Epstein purchased the ranch in 1993 from the family of former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King and built a 26,700-square-foot mansion.

SANTA FE, N.M. —There's no better way to teach drivers the dos and don'ts of operating motor vehicles on public roads than when the laws are enforced.Combining enforcement with education was the goal this weekend for the Santa Fe Police Department from Rodeo Road and Zia Road to Airport Road

LAS CRUCES, N.M. —Two employees at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility were injured during an alleged attack by three inmates last week.According to court records, Correctional Sergeant Braden Foremaster and Correctional Officer Aaron Villegas-Fierro were attacked at the facility on Feb. 23, at about 2:40 p.m.AdvertisementCourt documents say Casz

The U.S. and Israel are pounding targets across Iran, dropping massive bombs on its ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships.

Michael B. Jordan won best male actor, upsetting the category favorite, Timothée Chalamet, and handing the 39-year-old Jordan the most signifi…

Epstein purchased thousands of acres from the family of former Gov. Bruce King to build Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County in 1993.

The vast majority of organ donations once came from people who were brain-dead. But last year about half of the deceased organ donations came …

Violations of the New Mexico Food Code are often corrected on-site during an inspection. Some require a reinspection within three business days.

The fire did not threaten any buildings or result in any injuries.

In the 1990s, the American economy surged as businesses became more productive, unemployment tumbled and inflation remained in check.

Items for Northern Briefs may be submitted by sending them to jgarcia@riograndesun.com Submissions must be received no later than noon Monday for publication that week.

Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan is at its most severe between the neighbors for years.

One of the first recipes I ever wrote for a cooking column, including for this series, was my oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

LAS CRUCES — A researcher at New Mexico State University known for his saffron research projects in Northern New Mexico is exploring how the crop fares in central and southern parts of the state, as well as how well the crop will grow alongside other New Mexico crops such as

The Albuquerque BioPark celebrated International Polar Bear Awareness Day by honoring its own 29-year-old polar bear, Kiska.

Warm weather is expected to continue Sunday with potential record highs. Albuquerque could reach near 80 degrees by Sunday.

The community has a chance to pay its respects to Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Michael Schlattman, who died in the line of duty after being hit by a semi-truck.

A memorial is growing outside the former Zorro Ranch, once owned by Jeffrey Epstein, following the reopening of an investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico released its weekly immigration and border crime enforcement statistics Friday, outlining a significant number of federal charges filed over the past week as part of ongoing border security operations in the state. According to the report, in the one-week period

In statements, New Mexico's senators and representatives condemned the Iranian government while also opposing being dragged into war by Trump.

Along with roll call votes this week, the House also passed: the Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act (H.R. 5236), to prohibit minimum educati…

Bregman is going to have to keep counting until the June 2 primary because his debate challenge is set to go unanswered.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —Police are on alert and prepared for a protest scheduled to have begun at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Kirtland Airforce Base Truman Gate on Gibson Road, an Albuquerque Police Department news release said.The demonstration, which was advertised on social media, was organized by the Stop the War

Sean McDonald, with NNSA's integrated plutonium program, said the agency is trying to overcome a "risk-averse culture."

The numbers are few, but measles is very contagious, so even a few cases may mean that more are on the way.All five cases of measles in New Mexico so far this year have occurred at detention centers.AdvertisementTwo of the inmates are housed in the Luna County Detention Center, one

Meow Wolf has grown from a small Santa Fe art collective to a national entertainment company with locations in major cities across the West. H…

SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. —On a sunny Saturday, the darkness left behind at the giant resort once owned by sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein was still palpable.Dozens of New Mexicans gathered to place a memorial for the women who survived being trafficked as juveniles, and those that didn't survive.AdvertisementKathy Kunda, whose

Dozens gathered at the former Epstein ranch Saturday to remember victims and demand further accountability from officials.

America and Israel’s attack on Iran disrupted flights across the Middle East and beyond Saturday as countries around the region closed their a…

Santa Fe is the only place where a stranger, a likely drifter, challenged me to a fight. At lunchtime on a sunny day.

The telehealth booths are now installed at libraries in Aztec, Bayard, Columbus, Fort Sumner, Gallup, Hobbs and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

Now 10 years old, Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, an instant success, has become an integral part of Santa Fe's creative scene.

State has pushed go-live date of New Mexico Impact another six months but says it feels confident it will meet it this time.

Democrats are banking on Tejano music star Bobby Pulido to help them win back Hispanic voters in a South Texas congressional district that fav…

Pakistan’s military has struck deeper into Afghanistan as border fighting intensifies and both sides claim to have inflicted heavy losses. On …

Feb. 14, 2008: Megan Burns, Vince Kadlubek and Matt Smith, co-founders of new artist collective Meow Wolf, open an all-ages art and music venu…

Albuquerque - We are recapping the top five stories from the week to make it easy for you to catch up on Albuquerque news. We covered a sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department was hit by a semi-truck during a traffic stop, a Russian man driving a semi-truck blows

Tax season can be stressful, but while doing your best to get your return filed on time, it's equally as important to beware of scammers trying to take advantage when you may be flustered.The internet and cellphones have only made it easier for scammers to prey on taxpayers without geting

The attack opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, carrying the potential for retaliatory violence and a wider war.

In Iran the supreme leader is the heart of a complex power-sharing theocracy and has final say over all matters of state. The death of Supreme…

New Mexico's congressional delegation and political leadership responded to the U.S. strikes on Iran Saturday morning with several statements.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. —One man is dead and two suspects are in custody after a fight resulted in a homicide Saturday in Las Cruces.A spokesperson for the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office said deputies received a report of a shooting around 12:30 a.m. on the 8900 block of Ivory Wing

He warned the attacks and Iran’s retaliation “undermine international peace and security” and called for an immediate end to hostilities.

All five Democrat members of New Mexico's Congressional delegation issued statements Saturday morning denoucing the large-scale attack on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-02) voiced support for Iranian citizens wanting freedom and the need to stop Iran from building and deploying nuclear weapons. However, he said that

Mexican prosecutors say they have returned the body of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, to his family.

DOÑA ANA COUNTY, N.M. —A Border Patrol agent in southern New Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury, accused of strangling a detainee while handcuffed and attempting to destroy evidence. Court documents obtained by KOAT reveal that Eduardo Prat, who served as a Border Patrol agent in Dona

Michelle Morrison, left, and her husband David Brown are set to perform and share their knowledge of belly dancing and world music at the Plaza Hotel on March 14. Michelle Morrison, left, and her husband David Brown are set to perform and share their knowledge of belly dancing and world

When ICE officers in Minneapolis detained a 5-year-old boy and his father last month and sent them to a Texas detention center, many Americans…

LAS VEGAS —A large power outage has been restored in the city of Las Vegas, New Mexico.At one point Saturday morning, more than 8,600 residences and businesses were without power.AdvertisementThe city says one of the main transmission lines into the city went down.By 8:32 a.m. power was successfully transferred to

Tomislav Buljan scored 24 points to lead the New Mexico Lobos and Luke Haupt secured the victory with a 3-pointer as the Lobos knocked off the Aztecs.

Democrats and some Republicans argue the president must seek approval for what they warn is a potentially illegal campaign that risks pulling …

Should marijuana users be able to own guns? That's what's at issue in a case being argued before the Supreme Court on Monday.

Pacquiao is a 4-year-old black-and-white heartthrob with a champion’s comeback story. He got his name the day he arrived, front paws wrapped up from injuries, looking exactly like he was wearing the tiniest pair of boxing gloves. Life had clearly gone a few rough rounds, but thanks to the sh…

On this week’s episode of New Mexico Gameday, Devin J. Martin and Emily Faith bring you high school highlights from across the metro.

Española Humane has opened a new animal clinic on Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo land to serve the entire state.

In this edition of Kenny's Got the Score, we're talking about Diego Pavia's bold personality that is drawing attention at the NFL combine.

State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, including registration, insurance and driver's license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties…

New Mexico state leaders are concerned the SAVE Act may deter voters from participating in upcoming elections.

Administrative offices for the New Mexico Department of Health Southeast Region in Building 611 are shown at the Roswell Air Center in Decembe…

Bernadine Martin, the McKinley County District Attorney has resigned.

Eastern New Mexico University's women's track and field team finished seventh out of ten teams at the 2026 Lone Star Conference indoor championships, which took place at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

Newly uncovered documents reveal Gary King's ties to Epstein, contradicting his claims about a 2014 campaign flight in New Mexico.

Honoring area writers and historians of New Mexico

Aggie is almost 1½ years old, and he is an altered male Australian Shepherd mix. Aggie is happiest when he goes for long walks with our volunteers. He loves to run and chase tennis balls. Aggie needs a family that will keep him active and include him in their daily

By JUNO OGLE Daily Press Staff The first of four candidates for Western New Mexico University’s 16th president spoke of his own academic journey and how the values of the institution mirror his own during a public meet-and-greet Wednesday afternoon. Jose Coll, a first-generation college graduate and military veteran, told

A plan to provide much-needed behavioral health resources for Roswell continues moving forward this past week after being recommended by members of the city’s Legal Co…

New Mexico could see record-breaking temperatures Friday with highs reaching the mid to upper 70s and low to mid 80s in the southeast.

SANTA FE — According to a news release from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team has completed the annual population count an…

On Presidents Day, scouts from The Conquistador Council Troops 2, 7 and 72 participated in a flag raising at Trinity United Methodist Church t…

State lawmakers are already planning for next year's 60-day session, focusing on major reforms for the Children, Youth, and Families Department.

By JO LUTZ Daily Press Correspondent Grant County Sheriff Raul Villanueva used his report at Thursday’s County Commission meeting to bring attention to recent online and phone scams that have bilked residents out of thousands of dollars. He encouraged the public to educate themselves and the elders in their lives,

Skidmore's Holiday Bowl is celebrating 40 years of business this weekend.

Bernadine Martin, the McKinley County district attorney, has resigned amid criticism for low prosecution rates and defunding of her office, leaving questions about the future of more than 500 cases she was overseeing.Her resignation comes just days before she was set to go on trial before the state Supreme Court

What is the biggest issue facing the city? And who is best suited to lead the City of Vision through this next, unknown chapter?

Front page of the Feb. 23, 1889 issue of the Las Vegas Optic. Front page of the Feb. 23, 1889 issue of the Las Vegas Optic. The East side Elks’ soliciting committee, composed of H.G. Murphey, Dr. C.S. Losey and M.M. Padgett, was out today disposing of tickets to those

Texas can enforce a 2023 law that restricts some public drag shows, after a federal appeals court reaffirmed its earlier decision. The law tar…

Meet Michael Meek. He is one of six candidates running for mayor in Albuquerque in the 2025 election.

A U.N. nuclear watchdog report says Iran has blocked inspectors from reaching key nuclear sites hit during a June war. The IAEA warns it canno…

Meet Zachary Caleb Darden. He is one of six candidates running for mayor in Albuquerque in the 2025 election.

J. Walter Sterling, who assumed the role in August 2024, also acknowledged 'unprecedented challenges' for higher education today.

Neil Sedaka kept performing dozens of concerts a year well into his 80s.

Geo Group now owns the land beneath the Lea County Correctional Facility, after a land swap with the city of Hobbs was finalized this week.

Ten years for Meow Wolf

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —A firearm was taken from a student on campus at Mitchell Elementary School, according to a letter sent out by Principal Kristina Yar.School police responded and the firearm was seized, according to the school district. Yar wrote the student found with the weapon said they did not express

Meet Corrine Rios. She is one of six candidates running for mayor in Albuquerque in the 2025 election.

Chama Valley Superintendent Anthony Casados is on paid administrative leave following a Feb. 17 vote by the Chama Valley School Board to investigate him and itself.

A new law, effective May 20, bans local police from entering into controversial agreements with ICE called 287(g) agreements.

Wilfred Quintana, who worked in the House for 24 years after a decadeslong career as an educator, died Feb. 5, 2026.

The New Mexico State Ethics Commission sued in 2024, arguing Angel Fire awarded the contract without seeking competitive bids.

Meet Aleitress Franshaun Owens-Smith. She is one of six candidates running for mayor in Albuquerque in the 2025 election.

Reports first surfaced in October and work began in December, but a January test revealed two problem areas

Albuquerque - Benjamin Chase of Albuquerque is accused of fatally shooting his brother during an argument at a Northeast Albuquerque apartment, according to police. Albuquerque Police Department officers were dispatched around 6:55 PM on Feb. 26 to 2800 Palo Verde Drive NE after a caller reported a shooting. The caller

Demolition of the bridge is ongoing and the installation of a new, prefabricated bridge will take place at a later date.

An Escalante High/Middle School teacher and football coach said false allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student left him on leave from his job, despite multiple investigations finding the claims are false.

Albuquerque - Before 9:55 PM, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department were sent to the 200 block of Espanola St NE for a shooting. Officers found a man with a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. Albuquerque Fire Rescue provided medical care at the scene and transported him to a

New Mexico motorists and truckers will pay higher fees and taxes on their vehicles under a law signed Thursday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

A Santa Fe district judge on Friday dismissed a legal challenge seeking to remove Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez from the 2026 primary ballot, marking the second court ruling this week rejecting claims about his eligibility. State District Judge Matthew Wilson determined that the most recent complaint, filed by fellow

The Española Municipal election is scheduled for March 3. The roles of mayor, one councilor from each of the four districts and the municipal judge are up for grabs.

ALBUQUERQUE — The statewide gas price average in New Mexico is $2.80 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA New Mexico Weekend Gas Watch. That pri…

SANTA FE — Members of the public will have opportunities to provide input as the New Mexico Department of Wildlife shapes its proposals for potential changes to severa…

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has chosen Roswell as one of the cities taking part in research about the physical well-being of the nation’s…

Earlier in the month, the Conquistador Council Scouts, city of Roswell team members and everyday citizens came together to raise the flags for the Roswell 250 Field of…

Albuquerque - In a recent email update, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Schlattman family, shared details regarding the visitation and memorial services honoring Sergeant Michael Schlattman. BCSO stated they "are grateful for the overwhelming support and compassion being shown to the family and to our agency

Albuquerque - Around 6:57 PM, a caller reported a shooting in the 2800 block of Palo Verde Dr. NE. The caller told dispatchers they had found a person who had been shot and was lying face down in a driveway. Officers from the Albuquerque Police Department's Foothills Area Command were

LAS CRUCES — The New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s (NMDA) Standards & Consumer Services (SCS) Division and State Metrology Lab recognize Weights and Measures …

Multiple Española City Councilors openly disagreed with the findings in a $20,000 organizational assessment of the city, presented at the Jan. 27 council meeting.

SANTA FE — The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with New Mexico and 15 other states on Tuesday in the latest court victory against the U.S. Department of Education…

ALBUQUERQUE — A Carlsbad man is facing federal charges after allegedly firing a rifle at an Eddy County Sheriff’s Office deputy responding to a call last fall.

The 10 teams that competed in Sunday’s Knowledge Bowl showed off their trivia skills by answering questions across several categories.

By JO LUTZ Daily Press Correspondent A Gila National Forest spokesperson confirmed that Pinos Altos Exploration/Ivanhoe Electric withdrew their plan of operations to explore 642 mining claims staked around Pinos Altos, covering 13,264 acres from Signal Peak in the east to Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery on the west. Ivanhoe

Far-left New Mexico Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez is drawing sharp criticism after making what many are calling an insane claim about voter ID laws, asserting that Republicans support voter identification requirements because “they don’t want women to vote… they don’t want working families to vote.” New Mexico Democrat Rep. Teresa

By JUNO OGLE Daily Press Staff Two new town advisory committees will be looking at solutions for economic development and recycling after the Silver City Town Council approved their creation at the council meeting Tuesday night. Resolutions forming the Economic Development Research Committee and the Reuse and Recycle Committee were

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is now accepting applications from residents for the latest flood-related financial assistance …

The first Council Connection, a series of public forums organized by the city of Roswell, drew a sizable number of residents early Monday evening. And quite a few of t…

Eastern New Mexico University–Roswell (ENMU-R) recognized two outstanding faculty members with the prestigious National Institute for Staff and Organizational Developm…

The photograph, provided by Bonita Estates resident David Pascale, shows dust being dispersed at a construction site near his residence. Several residents of Bonita Estates near Storrie Lake raised concerns about the site. The photograph, provided by Bonita Estates resident David Pascale, shows dust being dispersed at a construction site

'All-clear' issued for Taos Plaza Officials issued an "all clear" for the Taos County Plaza area at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 18), after public safety departments and law enforcement personnel responded to a shooting and bomb threat Wednesday...

Students at Roswell High School (RHS) eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to sample what career paths are available in Roswell, Chaves County and around the stat…

Romero and Stansbury in DCWhen ABQ Dem Rep. Melanie Stansbury invited Santa Fe state Rep. Andrea Romero to be her guest at the State of the Union Tuesday night the Alligators started splashing. Like many other Dems, the pair boycotted the actual speech and instead joined Epstein survivors to mark

The following is a condensed list of reports made to Taos Central Dispatch within the Town of Taos from Feb. 18, 2026 – Feb. 22, 2026. Feb. 18 1:23 a.m. Disturbing the Peace, Weimer Road — Caller said someone kept knocking on their door, then...

Holy Cross Medical Center will assume management of Taos Orthopaedic Institute beginning Saturday (March 1), according to a press release. The hospital said the move will keep existing orthopedic care in place while expanding specialty services...

A drug trafficking arrest executed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in the parking lot of Walmart in Taos Wednesday morning (Feb. 18) drew an anxious crowd who mistook the arrest for a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement...

Designed to be a “one‑stop shop,” the BRIC is poised to strengthen small businesses, nurture start‑ups, and streamline access to essential services, according to a press release from Taos MainStreet. Located at 115 Civic Plaza Dr., the BRIC...

Henry Lewis remembers winters in the 1990s where it would snow as much as 225 inches. When he started Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures with his wife Sue in Red River in 1991, they had a fleet of 10 snowmobiles. Today they have 35 snowmobiles, but...

The New Mexico Environment Department’s Emerging Contaminants Program launched an interactive dashboard Feb. 20 that allows residents to view PFAS testing results for their local public water system. The dashboard, which may be viewed at...

Kevin Whitefeather (Cordova) of Taos Pueblo — former Tribal official, founder of Whitefeather Native Cultural Tours and cofounder of Recovery Works! — has died, leaving behind a legacy of bringing people together at the Pueblo, in the Taos Valley...

In the past year, plans for two gargantuan data centers have been announced in New Mexico, and electric utilities have come to see data center development as a driving force behind growth and need for increased generation. With several data...

A Colfax County jury returned a verdict Tuesday (Feb. 17) in favor of the New Mexico State Ethics Commission in a civil case, "State Ethics Commission ex rel. Village of Angel Fire v. Lindsey, et al.", finding that Angel Fire Mayor Barry "B.J."...

The Town of Taos increased funding for winter air service routes due to lack of snow in their regular meeting Tuesday (Feb. 24). The town provides a minimum revenue guarantee for Contour Airlines and JSX Air to operate our of the Taos Regional...

As 2024-2025 NM Vistas data shines a spotlight on student outcomes across New Mexico, charter school leaders from across the Enchanted Circle have formed a coalition designed to strengthen public education for students in rural areas. The...

A pilot program that places naloxone rescue kits in public locations across Rio Arriba County has coincided with fewer overdose-related 911 calls and fewer overdose deaths, according to a press release from Rio Arriba County Health and Human...

After high winds swept through the Village of Taos Ski Valley last week, downing a tree and causing lift holds and closures, the VSTV councilors revisited the urgency of undergrounding electrical lines, a project that started 13 years ago. Downed...

A man who claimed to have stabbed someone and planted two pipe bombs in Taos County Plaza Wednesday night (Feb. 18) — forcing the closure of the historic square until officials issued an “all clear” at about 8:40 p.m. — is still at large,...

The following is a summary of activity at Stray Hearts Animal Shelter from Feb. 16 –Feb. 22, 2026. Animals currently in care: No report Total intakes this week: 12 Transfers this week: 1 Animals in foster: 15 Pounds of food: 425 Number of...

From left, Adelita Michelle Medina, Susan Seymour and David Montoya tour what is known at the United World College castle Monday morning. Medina, Seymour and Montoya helped establish Escuela Antonio Jose Martinez at the site in the 1970s. From left, Adelita Michelle Medina, Susan Seymour and David Montoya tour what

SANTA FE — Senate Bill 104 (SB 104) was unanimously accepted. It creates a new removal process for commissioners on the New Mexico State Wildlife Commission, an indepe…

Yay or nay?

A crane operator placed two columbarium structures at South Park Cemetery on Monday.

By AARON ROGERS Daily Press Correspondent Five years ago, while living in Carlsbad, Grant County native Ashaya Villegas started making beanbag muscle warmers and selling them out of a family member’s home. With a little intervention through her faith, she has expanded to additional creative, handmade gift items that she

SANTA FE — The Bureau of Land Management on Feb. 20 opened a 30-day scoping period to receive public input on 32 oil and gas parcels totaling 21,181.2 acres that may b…

Diego Lopez, EditorCIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - With late February arriving and winter starting to ease up, local fishing is shifting back toward access and…

The Cibola Citizen is inviting hunters across Cibola County to submit photos and short write-ups from the 2025–2026 hunting season for possible publication.The…

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – February closed with a familiar headline for Cibola County: the drought map still hasn’t moved, even though winter weather has been…

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Milan Gym will no longer be open for morning walkers due to lack of participation. If you have any questions regarding this or…

GRANTS, NM – This last year, several local students at Grants High School performing arts students had the chance to attend MJ: The Musical – a reminder of…

CatarinoHernandezCatarino Hernandez, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Milan, New Mexico. Born on…

This week's Athletes of the Week are Antonio DeVargas who placed fifth in 4A in the 215-pound weight class and Paizlyn Turley who placed sixth in the 135-pound…

Duke Rodriguez successfully jumped over one legal hurdle Tuesday. Now he has one to go before he is free and clear to make his run for the '26 GOP gubernatorial nomination. . ..A state judge dismissed a court challenge filed against the Republican gubernatorial candidate. But the question of whether

The Lovington Leader hosted a retirement party for John and Jeanine Graham on Feb. 13. Friends, family and community members turned out for the event. The Grahams owne…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Feb. 20, the U.S. Forest Service released that it is issuing $182 million in retroactive Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments for 2024, delivering…

In April of 2025, voters approved a General Obligation (G.O) Bond in the amount of $7.3 million. The Mora Independent School District (MISD) Board of Education along with our staff, students, and administration are very grateful to the community and will never tire of expressing our gratitude. In September 2025

Updates will be posted throughout the week

Nancy Casper, right, is the new interim director of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office. The longtime FEMA official is pictured in 2022 receiving a certificate from former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell recognizing her for achieving the agency’s highest level of emergency management expertise. Nancy Casper, right, is the

Members of the Memorial Middle School BPA chapter recently participated in the 2026 New Mexico BPA State Leadership Conference in Albuquerque, held February 19–21, 2026. Students competed in a variety of business and leadership events, demonstrating excellence in workplace skills, professionalism, and industry knowledge. There were over 620 student members

This February, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is conducting prescribed fire operations in Chaves County. Specifically, the operations are planned to take place on…

The following individuals were booked into the San Miguel County Detention Center between Feb. 17 and 23, 2026: Amity Francine Maes, Shoplifting ($250 or Less), Criminal Trespass (Unposted), Bench Warrant FTA/FTP. Dominick Quintana, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Revoked For DWI), APO Arrest Order, Bench Warrant Failure to Comply.

“American Heart Month, which is February, is a critical public health initiative designed to combat the leading cause of death globally,” said Dr. Eric Cohen, Eastern …

For some, ice hockey draws to mind high-speed collisions, yelling and knocked-out teeth.

The New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) commemorates the 135th anniversary of its founding, marking more than a century of leadership, discipline and service to the S…

Marijuana magnate and GOP gubernatorial hopeful Duke Rodriguez didn’t just want legal weed in New Mexico—he was willing to pay for it. A decade of campaign finance records reveals an unabashed pattern of financial support for the very Democrats who made legalization a reality.Records from the past ten years show

Earthquakes spike by as much as 700 percent in Permian Levi Hill/News-Sun The ground …

SANTA FE — The 2026 legislative session delivered the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget, which totals $33.4 billion — including more than $11 billion from the general fun…

Hobbs boy surrounded by love after loss Chrstina Holt/News-Sun DALLAS, Texas — The 10-year-old Hobbs boy who lost his mother, Megan Runnels, in a fire last month is now living with the Cardona family in the Dallas, Texas, area – a decision made by his mother in her final moments.

Earthquakes spike by as much as 700 percent in Permian Levi Hill/News-Sun The ground is starting to shake in the Permian Basin and those who live in the region are beginning to take notice even as scientist watch the number of earthquakes in the region skyrocket. The sheer number of

The 2026 New Mexico Legislative Session concluded with a sharp partisan divide over public safety, taxes, healthcare, immigration policy, and government expansion. While lawmakers advanced several significant measures, dozens of high-profile proposals were defeated, leaving both sides claiming victories and frustrations. Among the most notable bipartisan wins was HB80, which

A tragic Monday unfolded across New Mexico as two separate law enforcement incidents shook communities from Albuquerque to Fort Sumner — including the heartbreaking line-of-duty death of a veteran sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed late Monday evening that one of its sergeants

Lawmakers tackled several big public education issues in the 30-day session, and approved legislation changing how math and literacy are taught in public schools, along with standards for teacher preparation. Lawmakers also passed a bill to codify the Office of Special Education under the Public Education Department. Two bills also

Sen. Lujan Can the GOP take advantage of an obscure state election law to reverse their historic failure to field a candidate against Dem US Senator Ben Ray Luajn in the November general election? That's the question now that the GOP's only candidate--Rio Rancho's Christopher Vanden Heuvel--failed to submit enough

Margot is 25 pounds of beagle brilliance. She’s a true “nose-forward” dog who lives for a good sniff and would likely excel in scent work or nose games. When she’s not busy exploring the world one smell at a time, she’s happiest being close to her people and occupying laps,

A student's perspective on the meaning of Black history and culture

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of child sexual abuse and rape that some readers may find deeply upsetting. Discretion is advised. Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story stated John David Lee Jr. had been released from custody on house arrest. This is incorrect. The San Miguel County

Items for Northern Briefs may be submitted by sending them to jgarcia@riograndesun.com Submissions must be received no later than noon Monday for publication that week.

Prosecutors dropped felony domestic violence charges against a Hernandez man after his ex-wife “made it clear she will not cooperate with the prosecution of this case.”

With the 1981 anthem “Celebrate Good Times” by Kool & the Gang blaring in the hallways, members of the University High School (UHS) Student Council and advisor Deb…

A relatively short agenda for the Chaves County Commissioners meeting this week allowed time for a presentation about an array of ongoing construction and repair projects.

The Chaves County Federated Republican Women (CCFRW) held their February meeting on Wednesday with a full house. The event began with an opening prayer and the Pledge …

A Colfax County jury returned a verdict Tuesday (Feb. 17) in favor of the New Mexico State Ethics Commission in a civil case, "State Ethics Commission ex rel. Village of Angel Fire v. Lindsey, et al.", finding that Angel Fire Mayor Barry "B.J…

SANTA FE — The New Mexico House voted Saturday to pass a bill that eliminates facility fees — extra charges separate from doctors’ bills — for routine outpatient servi…

Shortly before the New Mexico Legislature ended its 2026 proceedings at noon on Thursday, some members of the Chaves County Commission talked about this 30-day session…

ALAMOGORDO — With help from the Forest Service’s National Stream and Aquatic Ecology Center (NSAEC) and partners, the National Forest Foundation and Rio Grande Return,…

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate passed a bill to protect affordable health care coverage for tens of thousands of residents facing the loss of federal support, sendin…

SANTA FE — A bill that would ensure New Mexico students receive high-quality, research-based literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading has cleared both …

SANTA FE — On Sunday, the House of Representatives passed two critical pieces of legislation to grow the state’s public safety workforce and expand support for victims…

Upon reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General Raúl Torrez has ordered that the criminal investigation into allegatio…

Front page of the Feb. 18, 1963 issue of the Las Vegas Optic. Front page of the Feb. 18, 1963 issue of the Las Vegas Optic. St. Michael’s College will provide the opposition for the Highlands Cowboys tonight when the two quints square off at 8 o’clock in Stu Clark

New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a Taos County woman’s convictions of accessory to first-degree murder and other crimes connected to the killing of a man on Thanksgiving Day in 2020, the state Administrative Office of the Courts said. In a...

Municipalities of Taos County will continue to receive GRT distributions from the county for EMS and Fire Services after a controversial two month pause. The commissioners voted to reinstate the distribution in their regular meeting Tuesday (Feb....

Income-eligible seniors can now apply for farmers’ market benefits that provide $30-50 in fresh produce benefits this summer, part of a state program that connected nearly 28,000 New Mexicans with local farmers last year. A Feb. 11 New Mexico...

A man who claimed to have stabbed someone and planted two pipe bombs in Taos County Plaza Wednesday night (Feb. 18) — forcing the closure of the historic square until officials issued an “all clear” at about 8:40 p.m. — is still at large, acc…

Seven New Mexico Democratic state senators on Wednesday sided with their Republican colleagues and voted down legislation that would have codified emissions reduction goals into state law. In a 19-23 vote following just over an hour of debate,...

Taos County said in a press release last week that Phase I of construction at the Taos County Detox Facility is complete, and announced the county has entered into a lease agreement with facility operator Rio Grande ATP, a local nonprofit...

Almost a year after the towering grandstand was leveled from view, dozens of construction flags flutter on a flattened expanse of dirt — evidence the redevelopment of the old Downs at Santa Fe property is underway south of the city. Officials...

Speaker Javier Martinez"The House ran circles around the Senate." So declared a weary Senior Alligator traversing the Roundhouse halls on the last night of the 30 day legislative session. Their analysis was not fatigue-induced but an apt summary of the continued shift in the balance of power toward the 70

According to a press release by the city of Roswell, the intersection of West Hobson Road and South Sunset Avenue/West Earl Cummings Loop will be closed for an estimat…

Illegal street racing has become a big issue in Roswell, according to Chaves County Undersheriff Charles Yslas. The participants of these races range from teenagers to…

A donation of more than eight acres next to the Roswell Air Center for use as an emergency landing strip during the National Championship Air Races and Air Show (NCAR)…

National Caregivers Day (NCD) is held on the third Friday of February each year. The day is meant to celebrate the hard work and dedication caregivers commit their liv…

SANTA FE — New Mexico has nearly doubled its registered apprenticeship programs since 2019, adding 35 new programs that are now training 2,607 workers in careers payin…

A version of this article was originally published on Sunday, Feb. 11, 1973.

Healing trauma – at an individual as well as at the community level – is the focus of a free event that welcomes mental health professionals and locals who are open to learning more about their wellbeing. Transforming Trauma: Healing Our Community Together will take place March 13 from 9

SANTA FE — It’s no surprise that accessing healthcare in New Mexico’s sparsely populated and geographically isolated communities is difficult. There is a vast health a…

Northern Arizona braced for continued snowstorms and high winds that caused school closures in Flagstaff and snowfall at the Grand Canyon.

Angela G SanchezAngela G Sanchez, born on September 6, 1933, in Grants, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, in her beloved hometown. Angela…

Children create "stained glass" Valentines at Miniatures & Curious Collections Museum on Saturday during the Triple the Love event.

SANTA FE — On Tuesday morning, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee (HAFC) voted 10-7 to advance an amended version of Senate Bill 241 (SB 241): the Childcar…

An often bitter battle over medical malpractice reform ended late Wednesday with the Senate approving a House bill that for the first time caps punitive damages in malpractice cases.The victory was especially sweet for reformers, including House sponsor Rep. Christine Chandler, coming as it did after attempts by Senate Judiciary

Construction will begin Summer 2026 on a new water treatment plant that will nearly double the City of Las Vegas’ water capacity and ensure safe drinking water for generations to come. The City of Las Vegas’ new water treatment plant, designed in partnership with the New Mexico Environment Department, will

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed Anna Silva on Monday as the cabinet secretary of the General Services Department (GSD).

In the final stretch of New Mexico’s legislative session, two sweeping gun control measures championed by progressive Democrats have effectively collapsed — a major victory for New Mexicans’ Second Amendment rights. Senate Bill 17, the so-called “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act,” was rolled indefinitely in the

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland listened to concerns about New Mexico Highlands University’s claim with FEMA during a campus tour on Feb. 12. Haaland is one of two declared candidates in the race for governor; the other candidate is Sam Bregman, who is currently district attorney for Bernalillo County. Haaland’s

SANTA FE — On Tuesday, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed three more pieces of legislation to expand healthcare access and improve the climate for doctors …

SANTA FE — New Mexico's small businesses developing clean energy technology have until March 17, at 5 p.m. MDT, to apply for state grants worth up to $1 million — fund…

Roy Arnold GordonRoy Arnold Gordon a beloved father grandfather brother uncle's best friend went to meet the Lord and his savior Jesus Christ on January 20…

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate late Thursday afternoon unanimously approved a broadband affordability bill designed to help low-income New Mexicans receive high-spee…

Instead of death by a thousand cuts, its more like a dozen when it comes to the hotly contested medical malpractice bill. The measure is now limping into the final hours of the 30 day legislative session after being whipped like a rented mule Monday by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman

The following individuals were booked into the San Miguel County Detention Center between February 10 and February 16, 2026: Taran Dragon Franklyn-Atman, Kidnapping (Second Degree) - Attempt, Aggravated Burglary (Deadly Weapon), Armed Robbery - Attempt, Aggravated Battery, Child Abuse, Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle (First Offense) - Attempt, Battery,

Senator Ben Ray Lujan is assuring New Mexicans that his head isn't too big for his britches in light of the historic turn of events that has left him virtually unopposed for re-election this year. He says in a message to constituents: I will never take the trust of New

Ideas on what a new animal shelter in Las Vegas may have – such as twice the dog kennel capacity, a community cat room and a retail shop – were discussed during a public meeting at the City Council Chambers on Feb. 6. Speaking to a group of about 20

Air Commandos with the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron and Clovis firefighters conduct a simulated aircraft fire exercise on Aug. 14, 2015, at Cannon Air Force Base. Proposed legislation at the 2026 New Mexico Legislature “reflects the reality that firefighters are regularly exposed to carcinogens while working to keep

The state Supreme Court today reversed a Pecos man’s convictions for first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder during a shooting after a night of drinking. The justices ordered Mark Valencia’s case back to the San Miguel County District Court for a new trial on the murder and attempted murder charges.

Front page of the Feb. 12, 1892 issue of the Las Vegas Optic Front page of the Feb. 12, 1892 issue of the Las Vegas Optic Now for prompt official action on the construction of Las Vegas’ modern sewer system. Tomorrow night the city council will receive the complete report

Amy BarelaFor the first time in state history a major political party will not have a candidate running for a United States Senate seat. This epic fail of the NMGOP was revealed this week when Christopher Vanden Heuvel, the lone Republican running in the June primary failed to submit enough

Nearly four years after the federally caused Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon Fire devastated northern New Mexico, a new independent economic analysis confirms that New Mexico Highlands University sustained between $209 million and $277 million in damages as a direct result of the disaster—losses the University continues to carry while awaiting full

Body camera video footage provided by the Mora County Sheriff’s Office confirms that a teacher with the Mora Independent School District was hurt during a physical altercation between students. The incident, which took place Dec. 11 at Mora High School, resulted in the teacher having to be airlifted to a

Jay Mitchell, director of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office, is on administrative leave, according to an email Source New Mexico obtained Feb. 12, 2026. Jay Mitchell, director of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office, is on administrative leave, according to an email Source New Mexico obtained Feb.

Two of the most hotly debated bills of the session — one targeting emissions policy and the other unconstitutional sweeping gun regulations — triggered marathon hearings, sharp partisan divides, and dueling victory statements this week at the Roundhouse. On Wednesday, the Senate rejected Senate Bill 18, the so-called “Clear Horizons

Stapleton The legislature has avoided any major scandals of late and minor ones too, like lawmakers caught driving drunk or having affairs with employees. But a scandal that rocked La Politica five years ago still casts a shadow over Santa Fe and the state. That would be the 2021 massive

Police arrested a Las Vegas man early Tuesday morning after he allegedly broke into a relative’s home and kidnapped a 9-year-old girl at knifepoint. Prosecutors filed multiple felony charges against 24-year-old Taran Dragon Franklyn-Atman after arresting him in the 500 block of Socorro Street around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Police

Pete Rock, owner and operator of Love Letter Tattoo, has created several tattoo designs to choose from during a fundraiser event at his shop on Friday, Feb. 13. The fundraiser is in support of a potential skatepark in Las Vegas. Pete Rock, owner and operator of Love Letter Tattoo, has

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of child sexual abuse that some readers may find upsetting. Discretion is advised. Police are searching for a man from Pueblo, Colorado, who is accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl in Las Vegas last summer. Prosecutors last week filed felony charges against 21-year-old Josue

A sign outside of Las Vegas’ new Toy Lending and Resource Library, which had a grand opening event all day Monday. The library is located inside the Victoria D. de Sanchez Teacher Education Center on the New Mexico Highlands University campus. A sign outside of Las Vegas’ new Toy Lending

A Las Cruces woman is behind bars after police say she gave birth to a baby girl inside a portable toilet and left the newborn in the holding tank, resulting in the child’s death. According to authorities, 38-year-old Sonia Jimenez was arrested following an investigation that began late Saturday night.

MLG and MoralesLieutenant Governor Howie Morales did something different than most of his predecessors--he did not run for Governor. That may or may not occur with the next occupant of the office but if they did run, their odds of taking the top job are exceptionally low. No second banana

Gallegos makes ballot for Lt. Gov. Levi Hill/News-Sun Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice, made the ballot for the June primary in the race for New Mexico’s next Lt. governor, facing off against two other Republican candidates. Gallegos needed, 2,351 nomination signatures by Tuesday. He told the News-Sun he had more than

Water efficiency is the smart use of our water resources through water-saving technologies and...Read More

A long-running effort to overhaul how New Mexico oversees its public schools came to an abrupt halt this week, leaving the governor with even greater control over an education system that continues to rank last in the nation — behind all 50 states and the District of Columbia — according

A sweeping gun control proposal that critics say represents one of the most extreme assaults on the Second Amendment in New Mexico history is now headed to the Senate floor. Senate Bill 17, which would ban the sale of a broad range of semi-automatic firearms and impose heavy new mandates

In a move critics are calling reckless, ideologically driven, and economically devastating, New Mexico Democrats have fast-tracked House Bill 9 (HB 9)—the so-called “Immigrant Safety Act”—through the Legislature and toward the governor’s desk, setting the stage for what opponents warn could be mass job losses, municipal insolvency, and a collapse

Turning investment into impact: Reflecting on JF Maddox Foundation’s 2025 funding initiatives From past experiences, we know when we work together and form meaningful partnerships, our community thrives. 2025 was no exception. This past year, the JF Maddox Foundation had the honor to collaborate with community partners across the county

Permian Basin in dire need of power Levi Hill/News-Sun The Delaware Basin of Southeast New Mexico is starving. Every economic development opportunity that could possibly come to New Mexico — from nuclear facilities, including upgrades at Urenco USA, to data centers — all need one thing: Power. And it is

New Mexico lawmakers are poised to consider two sweeping and dangerous constitutional amendments that would permanently upend how the state Legislature operates — and critics warn the proposals would crush transparency, overwhelm citizen legislators, and ram through controversial policies with little public input. House Joint Resolutions 6 and 7, sponsored

Sunday, Feb. 1 *Arno Bornkamp guest saxophone recital – 2 p.m., Buchanan Hall, ENMU Music...Read More

January 22, 2026 By Shaun Banther Eastern New Mexico University’s Department of Theatre and...Read More

A sweeping and highly controversial piece of legislation that critics warn could devastate rural New Mexico communities is now headed to the New Mexico House floor, where it will be debated today beginning at noon, with a live webcast available on the Legislature’s website under the “Webcast” tab. House Bill

Far-left Democrat Gabe Vasquez is once again drawing sharp criticism after publishing an incendiary op-ed that demonizes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), echoes open-borders talking points, and casts federal law enforcement as rogue actors—while downplaying the real consequences of lax border policy on New Mexico communities. In the Albuquerque Journal

We are pleased to announce that Curry County has been awarded the 2026 Summer Internship Program!...Read More

On Thursday, January 22, at 1:30 p.m. (or 15 minutes after the House floor session, whichever is later), the New Mexico House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee will meet in Room 317 to hear House Bill 9 (HB 9)—a sweeping, far-left proposal that would effectively shut down Immigration and Customs

In her final State of the State address Tuesday, Michelle Lujan Grisham laid out an expansive agenda for the 30-day legislative session, pitching it as a call for bipartisanship while reviving some of the most divisive proposals of her two terms — including a renewed push to restrict firearms in

NMJC to buy former hospital building for $1.75 million Levi Hill/News-Sun Pending an environmental study and approval from the New Mexico Higher Education Department, New Mexico Junior College will soon be the owners of the former Lea Regional Medical Center campus. NMJC Board of Directors voted unanimously Thursday to approve

President Donald Trump sharply criticized New Mexico’s election system on Friday, calling the state’s elections “so corrupt it’s incredible” during a White House roundtable focused on rural health care. Trump made the remarks in response to a question from a woman who identified herself as a nurse practitioner and a

The Annual Chamber and RCCDC Banquet was a night to remember, and it came together because of an...Read More

A radical environmental advocacy group with a long track record of using the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as a litigation weapon is once again targeting New Mexico’s water, energy, and agricultural sectors—this time over a freshwater turtle. According to Source New Mexico, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a federal

EXCLUSIVE — The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is launching a new paid digital advertising campaign targeting far-left Democrat Gabe Vasquez, accusing him of voting against millions of dollars in federal funding for southern New Mexico communities—then attempting to take credit for the very projects he opposed. According to the

Even before the 2026 New Mexico Legislative Session officially begins, far-left lawmakers have moved to prefile what gun-rights advocates are calling the most sweeping anti-firearms proposal in state history. According to a press release issued this week by the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, an omnibus gun control measure has

Nor-Lea gets $600K for diabetes health Levi Hill/News-Sun LOVINGTON — It’s a silent killer that often goes unnoticed, but in Lea County, diabetes is a growing epidemic. Thanks to state funding, Nor-Lea Hospital will soon be helping fight this silent killer and helping Lea Countians stay healthier. Nor-Lea recently received

Long John Silvers demolished, but company promises return to Hobbs Levi Hill/News-Sun A decades-old staple at the corner of Turner and Bender is gone. The Long John Silver’s restaurant has been demolished. But the fish and chicken eatery isn’t giving up on Hobbs. If anything, it’s doubling down, rebuilding the

I see stupid people And Their Anti-Science Fearmongering Could Cost This State Everything John R. Grizz Deal/CEO, IX Water I see stupid people. Not the harmless kind who get lost in the Walmart parking lot, but the ones who descend on public hearings like a flock of caffeinated pigeons, clutching

Tatum first grader rings bell after cancer battle Denise Marquez/News-Sun Forget Santa’s sleigh bells. For one Tatum first-grader, the most meaningful Christmas sound was a bell she rung signaling the end of her cancer battle. Adalee Torrez, age 7 of Lovington and a first grader at Tatum Elementary School, rang

Two new recruits have received badges and are ready to serve and protect. Yeimi Bustos and Ryan Gigante come from different backgrounds, but have a co...

With only seven days until Christmas, everyone is looking at their holiday menus, including a certain local nonprofit. Silver Linings, which assists t...

Two Deming City Council members made a final appearance as members of the council at Tuesday’s regular meeting at City Hall. Irmaisela Rodriguez, the ...

An amendment to the fleet service agreement between two bus companies will be considered tonight at the Deming Public Schools board meeting. The board...

When Rosalva Zuniga spoke at a recent Deming Rotary Club meeting, she never thought her words would spread like wildfire. Transplanted from San Diego,...

The votes have been tallied, the die has been cast, and unofficial results for local elections have been released. Laura Parra and Catherine Gutierrez...

With only one week until the polls open on November 4, many local candidates are in the crunch time of their campaigns. One candidate for School Board...

When voters go to the polls on Nov. 4, they will have an opportunity to do something about city streets. The General Obligation Bond will be up for ap...

Benny Jasso experienced the inner workings of City Council in Deming. The former mayor of the city says the local government branch does a lot of posi...

Joe “Butter” Milo calls himself an advocate for the north side of the city. “I remember when the north end of town had no street lights, street signs,...

Luna County was presented with a prestigious award last Thursday at the board of county commissioner’s meeting. County Manager Chris Brice presented t...

With the weather getting chilly, one program at Red Mountain Middle School has partnered with the local Elks lodge to kick off their second annual coa...

Tiffany Coleman is one of five candidates that are running for the District 2 seat on the DPS School Board, and may just be the newest to the area to ...

First responders of the Village of Columbus handle 35 to 40 emergency calls a week. Luna County officials recognized that the Columbus Fire/EMS Depart...

People from across Luna County packed themselves into the Train Depot Tuesday night to hear candidate campaigns and agendas in one of the best attende...

1975 brought about the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon. The year also marked the beginning of the Hollywood blockbuster age with the rel...

Kickin’ it at the Deming Luna County Animal Shelter may seem like a resort for the homeless pets that are residents at the facility, but according to ...

The Southwestern New Mexico State Fair has officially returned to Deming, and cowboys around the area are itching to get into the saddle. From Youth e...

Red Mountain Middle School music teacher Gerard Flores will be before Judge Jennifer DeLaney in New Mexico Sixth Judicial District Court for a Detenti...

Improvements to Columbus Elementary School are inbound after last Thursday’s school board meeting. The board approved two high ticket items, including...