Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman’s wife, died from hantavirus, autopsy confirms

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Betsy Arakawa, the concert pianist who was married to actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, according to an autopsy report released Tuesday that said that her lungs were heavy and congested. Arakawa, 65, had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and […]

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First migrants charged with entering restricted military zone at border

The Maria Sacchetti, Jeremy Roebuck, Dan Lamothe · The Washington Post (c) 2025 The Justice Department has begun the first criminal prosecutions of migrants who breach a newly expanded military zone at the southern border that is patrolled by U.S. troops, threatening people with additional penalties for crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. At least 28 migrants were charged Monday with […]

Mayor’s proposed budget calls for 1,100 cops

By Rodd Cayton Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget returns to a recurring theme: Albuquerque needs to have more police officers on the streets. The $1.9 billion spending plan goes before a City Council committee Thursday, as the annual budget process starts its final stretch. More money in the proposed budget — almost $287 million — […]

Keller slams Trump immigration order

The Donald Trump administration stepped up its attempt to make state and local governments help with enforcing immigration laws with another executive order this week. The executive order prompted a sharp rebuke from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. Keller said the order was an attempt to “extort immigrant-friendly cities like ours.” The executive order is aimed […]

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In generational shift, Schatz joins race for No. 2 Democratic post

By Paul Kane, Theodoric Meyer · The Washington Post (c) 2025 Sen. Brian Schatz (Hawaii) has formally launched his campaign to take over as the No. 2 Senate Democrat, vowing to guide an “emerging generation” of the party’s leadership. Schatz, 52, is pitching himself for Democratic whip as someone focused on the tedious work on the Senate floor jousting […]

Bernalillo County hosting town hall to help East Mountains residents prepare for wildfire 

Staff report With wildfire season becoming increasingly unpredictable, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue is inviting East Mountains residents to a wildfire preparedness town hall. The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Los Vecinos Community Center, located at 478 NM-333, Tijeras, NM 87059. The town hall will cover several key topics, including […]

Letter to the Editor: Thank you Rep. Stansbury for your determination

April 17, 2025 will go down in local New Mexico history in fame.  The Town Hall meeting in Moriarty was attended by 150 rationals. When the speaker, U.S.Rep. Melanie Stansbury, entered, 95% of the audience stood up, applauded powerfully and roared with respect/praise as if a hero returned from a victorious battle for law and […]

City launches basic income payments program

By Rodd Cayton A new guaranteed basic income (GBI) program in Albuquerque is distributing its first monthly payments. City leaders say the $750 payments will provide financial relief to struggling residents and underscore Albuquerque’s commitment to economic equity and financial empowerment. The first payments went out last week. The money is unrestricted, and participants were […]

City council looking at federal housing cuts

By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors will soon consider an action plan required to secure federal housing aid. One councilor, however, is concerned about when and whether the city will see that money. District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers said Trump administration actions have placed a cloud of uncertainty around the city’s funding from the U.S. […]