A controversial proposal to sell off large portions of America’s public lands has been defeated following widespread public outcry, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced Friday. The public land sale provisions were included in the Republican-backed “Big, Beautiful Bill,” but were removed after thousands of Americans voiced strong opposition. Heinrich, the Ranking Member of the […]

Kevin Hendricks, nm.news
Kevin Hendricks is a local news editor with nm.news. He is a two-decade veteran of local news as a sportswriter and assistant editor with the ABQ Journal and Rio Rancho Observer.
Bernalillo County Commissioners approve $150 million housing initiative
In a move to tackle the housing crisis in the metro area, the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the “BernCo Builds Communities” initiative at its administrative meeting last week. The plan will leverage $150 million in state funding to expand sorely needed housing access across the county. The initiative comes in response to […]
City Council candidate update: Petition deadlines loom as several candidates secure ballot spots
With the July 7 deadline fast approaching, several City Council candidates have successfully gathered the required 500 petition signatures to qualify for the ballot, while others are still working to meet the threshold. As of June 27, a number of hopefuls have exceeded the signature requirement. Six candidates have each verified over 500 signatures, securing […]
Your legal high gets more expensive on July 1. Here’s why.
Get ready to pay a bit more for your cannabis in New Mexico starting July 1. The state’s cannabis excise tax is set to increase from 12% to 13%, marking the first of annual 1% hikes mandated by current law until 2030. The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department recently issued a notice to licensees, […]
State Rep. McQueen announces candidacy for New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands
State Representative and conservation attorney Matthew McQueen announced Monday his bid for New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands in the 2026 election. The six-term legislator said New Mexico needs strong, experienced leadership to protect public lands and conservation efforts. “Our public lands and environmental and conservation rules are under attack,” McQueen said. “The job of […]
Luján, Heinrich, Leger Fernández urge Trump Administration to fully implement broadband
A bipartisan group of over 40 members of Congress, led by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Representative Terese Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), have called on Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to fully implement the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program as originally intended by Congress. The lawmakers expressed strong […]
Albuquerque completes first phase of Housing and Treatment Navigation Center
The City of Albuquerque unveiled a new patio space this week at the Gateway Center, aiming to enhance the facility’s commitment to providing low-barrier services that foster healing and community for its residents. The newly completed outdoor area features shade canopies, tables, benches, and a bike rack. It also includes a small dog park for […]
City cracks down on fiber optic work
New fiber installation rules are now in effect in Albuquerque, which aim to protect neighborhoods and hold companies accountable for damage and make sure they clean up after themselves. After months of complaints about damaged sidewalks and lawns, city officials introduced new regulations this week to enhance oversight of fiber optic construction. Companies must now […]
Bernalillo County accepts nearly $26 million for community projects
The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners formally accepted nearly $26 million in state capital outlay appropriations during its June 24 meeting. The funding, secured during the 2025 New Mexico legislative session, will support a broad range of projects aimed at improving housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety throughout the county. “This resolution brings to life […]
New Cedar Crest restaurant sparks a flame
The East Mountains has a new eatery, but it’s something a little different than anything that has been there before. Flamez Mediterranean Fusion opened its doors on May 22, in the former Yours, Mine and Ours restaurant located at 12118 NM-14 in Cedar Crest. The restaurant opened without much fanfare, but within one day, sold […]