Court Of Appeals Judge Kristopher Houghton Takes Office
Court of Appeals Judge Kristopher N. Houghton speaking at his public investiture. He is wearing a robe used by the late Justice Charles W. Daniels. Courtesy/Judge Houghton
COURT News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Court of Appeals Judge Kristopher “Kris” Houghton donned a judicial robe with a special connection to his legal career after taking the oath of office at his public investiture.
The robe had been used by the late Supreme Court Justice Charles W. Daniels, who Judge Houghton clerked for from 2008 to 2010. Randi McGinn, the justice’s widow, lent the robe to Judge Houghton for his investiture and Read More
Self Help Seeks Local Time Travelers
Courtesy/Self Help, Inc.
SELF HELP News:
Self Help, Inc., a local nonprofit that assists northern New Mexicans in “getting back on their feet” when they face short-term crises, has strong roots in Los Alamos and the Española Valley. Self Help was founded in 1969 with the inspiring goal of tackling poverty in Northern New Mexico and empowering people to help themselves.
However, the organization has now encountered a hurdle as volunteer Ruth Williamson pieces together its extensive and rich history, hoping that local history enthusiasts or time travelers can help fill in the gaps.
Have you Read More
Limited Seats Left For Trinity Site Tour On Oct. 18
COMMUNITY News:
Seats are nearly sold out for the Trinity Site Tour on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. This rare annual tour takes attendees to the site of the first atomic bomb detonation on July 16, 1945.
Walk around Ground Zero, where it detonated, and visit the McDonald Ranch House, where the plutonium core was assembled.
The tour departs from Alamogordo on comfortable motor coaches, where you will learn the fascinating history from expert guides along the way.
Guests will enjoy breakfast snacks, a boxed lunch, bottled water, and same-day admission to the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
When Read More
Santa Fe National Forest Seeks Input On Hermit’s Peak & Calf Canyon Fires Recovery Project
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will begin accepting comments on Sept. 18, for the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon Fires Recovery Project, as part of the Environmental Assessment (EA) process.
This is an opportunity to share your concerns, ideas, and feedback on the EA prior to the final decision to help shape the future of post-fire recovery efforts.
The EA was developed in response to the 2022 Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fires and is designed to facilitate restoration and recovery work within approximately 167,840 acres of National Forest System lands and adjacent Read More
New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya Unanimously Elected To Prestigious NAST Leadership Role
New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya, 9th from left, with members of the National Association of State Treasurers at the 2025 annual conference Sept. 14-17 in Denver, Colo. Courtesy photo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya was unanimously elected last week to serve as the Western Region Vice President of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) at the 2025 NAST Conference during its 50th Anniversary, Sept. 14-17 in Denver, Colo.
Treasurer Montoya will succeed Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young, who chose not to seek reelection as he pursues Read More
Samantha Kao Joins RETA As Community Relations Director
Samantha Kao
RETA News:
SANTA FE – Samantha “Sammi” Kao has joined the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) as Community Relations Director. In her new role, Kao is responsible for leading stakeholder relations, public information, and community engagement in the renewable energy sector.
“It is a pleasure to announce that Samantha Kao has joined the RETA staff to drive our community relations activities,” RETA Executive Director Lynn E. Mostoller said. “Sammi brings knowledge, experience and passion to this newly created position. With her excellent track record Read More
Luján, Tillis, Gillibrand, Mullin Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill For Schools Serving Students In Military, Tribal Communities
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) reintroduced the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act.
This bipartisan legislation is to advance Impact Aid programs closer to full funding and increase funding for public school districts on federal land, which are tax-exempt and therefore have significantly less tax revenue to meet their schools’ and students’ needs.
The Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act introduces a five-year plan to Read More
FBI: Albuquerque Man Indicted For Carjacking, Kidnapping, Fatal Shooting Faces Life In Prison Or Death Penalty
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A federal grand jury has charged Sheliky Sanchez with the Aug. 7, 2025, carjacking resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death – crimes that under federal law are eligible for the death penalty.
According to court documents, on Aug. 7, 2025, Sanchez, 18, carjacked and kidnapped the driver of a 2022 Ford Escape using a firearm, then intentionally killed the driver during and in relation to those crimes.
A federal grand jury indicted Sanchez for carjacking resulting in death, using a firearm during a violent crime and causing death by firing it, and kidnapping Read More
NMDOH: Plague Case Reported In Bernalillo County
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports a case of plague in a 77-year-old man from Bernalillo County, the second case of the year.
The man was hospitalized and has since been discharged. There have been no deaths from plague in 2025.
Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.
“The bacterium that causes plague can be found in wild rodents and their fleas throughout New Mexico,” said Read More
REVEL To Host First-Ever ‘Love Life ALS Stunt Carnival’
REVEL News:
ALBUQUERQUE — REVEL will host the first-ever “Love Life ALS Stunt Carnival” Saturday, Oct. 4, at 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, bringing together stunts, live entertainment, and community activities to raise awareness and support for families impacted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The event will feature Glenn Allen Love Jr., a former UCLA and Canadian Football League player turned Hollywood stunt performer. All proceeds from the event will go to the Love Life ALS Foundation.
In July 2024, the day after celebrating his daughter’s first birthday, Love — then Read More
