By Wheeler CowperthwaiteSpecial to the SUN One day after a New Mexico State Police officer charged a Medanales man with involuntary manslaughter for fatally striking a pedestrian Nov. 10, 2025 on State Road 68 near the Ohkay Casino, prosecutors dismissed the charge without prejudice. Since the charge against Sean Dixon,

WonderLab Early Learning gears up for first day of school

In this photo provided by the City of Jersey City, first responders try to rescue people stranded in a flooded street in Jersey City, N.J., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, after storms went through the area. (City of Jersey City via...

If confirmed by the Senate, Overton would become one of a handful of New Mexicans to hold high offices in the Trump administration.

By Wheeler CowperthwaiteSpecial to the SUN After allegedly fatally shooting his neighbor in 2023 following an argument, then being transferred to the Los Lunas prison because his health was in “significant decline,” Ray Martinez’s murder case is on pause after his competency was raised. His case was set to go

Authorities are requesting the public's assistance in catching the individual or individuals who placed several homemade bombs near a federal public lands office near Tres Piedras.

Six hybrid wolf-dogs belonging to a pack living at a reserve in the Embudo Valley were found dead on a highway in Embudo on Sunday (Aug. 2), reigniting a conflict between the pack’s breeder and residents who fear for their safety due to the...

Pojoaque Terraces Mobile Home Park residents have hauled water in jugs and buckets since a well collapsed last week.

Meta owes New Mexico $942 million, including $567 million for a fund to address the harms of social media on youth.

Multiple devices were recovered in spring near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station, and one was brought to the Canjilon Ranger Station on Aug. 10.

The petition argues the authorization allowing the developers to drill for water was issued in violation of state law.

The Human Rights Alliance, Resolve, Española Humane and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty will be honored in October at the 40th annual…

The complaint seeks an injunction to halt construction of the project until there is further environmental review to determine water resource impacts.

An Española man became the target of a joint state and federal undercover operation relating to cocaine and methamphetamine.

The Rio Rancho Republican is running against Doña Ana County Democrat Amanda López Askin in the November general election.

By Miles Barth SUN Staff Writer Award recognizes excellence and authenticity in cuisine Through tears, Lupita Maldonado told the crowd gathered at La Fonda Del Sol on Aug. 14 that despite the challenges she and her husband, JR Maldonado, faced operating their restaurant, they’ve connected with diners because of the

Enforcement approach likely to remain the same, according to Durango police, sheriff’s office

The trial has brought attention to postpartum psychosis.

Omaha police agreed to stop carrying gloves that can deliver electric shocks in the halls of Nebraska's largest public school district.

By Cadie CarrilloSpecial to the SUN Española Public Schools interim superintendent Dr. Karen Griego Sanchez will remain at the helm through the 2026-27 school year, as the District begins a $216,010 examination of its finances and operations and prepares for another superintendent search next spring. The Board of Education announced

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Karen Layla Martinez on July 30th, 2026. Karen was a loving wife, a cherished daughter, grandmother and a treasured aunt. Above all she was loved. Her sudden passing has left an immeasurable void in our hearts while

By Wheeler CowperthwaiteSpecial to the SUN The City of Española settled a lawsuit for $99,000, alleging it censored and retaliated against one of its critics, who runs a Facebook group. The city settled the lawsuit Aug. 7 with Cynthia Lentini, after she accused city officials of retaliating against her for

Every community has its complaints. We talk about corruption. Favoritism. Nepotism. Toxic workplaces. Retaliation. Political division. We shake our heads and wonder why nothing ever seems to change. But there is a question we rarely ask ourselves: What role do I play? Not just elected officials. Not just government employees

Andreita Romero, 95 a longtime resident of Espanola, NM, passed away on August 10th, 2026. Andreita was born on May 26th, 1931, to Frank and Debari Rodriquez. She loved serving her community as a manager at both Lotaburger and Dandy Burgers. She is survived by her sister Alice Wheeler (Tony),

Albert (Bert) Freddie Vigil Jr, of Chimayo was called home, by our Lord God on August 10, 2026. Bert had a profound love for his family or as Bert would say, “Amor”, which meant Bert he would protect his loved ones at all costs. Bert was an avid outdoors man

Pencils, papers, erasers and even headphones are needed in the classroom

The United States has deported nearly 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala this year and sent dozens more to Honduras.

By Sherry RobinsonAll She Wrote Big black headlines, usually reserved for natural disasters or political upsets, announced, “Sheryl Williams Stapleton found guilty on all counts.” We could see it coming. When the best defense your lawyer can come up with is that you stole from your co-defendant and not taxpayers,

Zach Johnson, with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours, guiding in the front raft, and Eldon Lee, guiding in the back raft, spin their way down the Animas River, bumping and hanging up on rocks with water flowing at 157 cubic...

Residents skeptical municipal staff would abandon convenient neighborhood spots

The United States has carried out its first deportation under an agreement for Liberia to accept up to 1,200 people who are not from the Afric…

Across the Southwest, chainsaws have become the soundtrack to forest restoration. A century of logging, fire suppression, and fragmented management has left many conifer forests denser and less diverse than they once were, increasing the...

Disposition hearing scheduled for early September

Tribal leaders oppose Metallic Minerals’ ongoing exploration, won’t ‘let history repeat itself’

Cal ThomasTribune Content Agency “We are the United States of America and there is nothing we can’t do if we do it together.” ­— President Joe Biden I am not in the habit of favorably quoting the former president, but he was right when he said this. Why, then, are

By Cardie CarrilloSpecial the to SUN Students at two schools in the Mesa Vista Consolidated Schools district were released early Aug. 13 for what interim superintendent Esmeralda Valdez described publicly as “unforeseen maintenance issues.” Meanwhile, questions persist about the district’s water system, a documented history of water quality and infrastructure

By Glen RosalesSpecial to the SUN There is a certain amount of local reverence attached to the name Dusty Giles. As the Escalante football coach, Giles turned the Lobos into a powerhouse, winning three Class 2A state championships in a span of four years, and also taking Escalante and Jal

By Glen RosalesSpecial to the SUN Now that Escalante has successfully completed its transition to eight-man football, a new head coach is looking to help the Lobos take the next step forward. Coach Billy Laminack said he’s ready for the job, even though Escalate lost a significant amount of talent

By Glen RosalesSpecial to the SUN Although this is her first high school head coaching gig, local volleyball enthusiasts should be quite familiar with new Española Valley coach Germayne Gurule. She coached for 12 years at Carlos F. Vigil Middle School, covering volleyball and basketball. She’s also coached local club

By Glen RosalesSpecial to the SUN All things considered, the Coronado High School volleyball team had a strong season to build on in coach Jaylenne Jacquez’s first year at the helm. The Lady Leopards’ six wins nearly equaled the total from the prior two seasons combined. And the team lost

A five-megawatt solar farm in Eldorado is the only community solar project in Santa Fe County so far.

The arrest at La Familia, captured in video circulating on social media, was one of several ICE arrests reported Wednesday in Santa Fe.

The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Environment Department issued a joint smoke advisory Wednesday.

The proposed rule is in the hands of the Environmental Improvement Board, which will decide whether to hold a public hearing.

The report suggests local and state-level changes to housing regulations that could streamline and speed up development.

Food banks are reaching more underserved communities "than ever before," The Food Depot's Jill Dixon told lawmakers Wednesday.

A story on Page A-1 published Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, incorrectly stated the cost of the Project Jupiter data center project. It is $165 billion.

Gregg Hull, who is running for governor against Deb Haaland, said his comments at an Aug. 11 event were taken "out of context."

New Energy Economy filed an emergency writ with the New Mexico Supreme Court on Wednesday, citing due process concerns.

This past weekend, I loaded my SUV with boxes and headed south to Las Cruces. Another school year was about to begin for my son, Joshua, at Ne…

Classical music, summer scene, jam bands, art shows, a Manhattan Project walking tour and more fun in Santa Fe this weekend.

Her victory is seen as a sign of growing momentum for progressives in the region.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary will hold its annual Benefit Art Show.

The national debt has surpassed a record $40 trillion, highlighting the impact of defense costs, social programs, and interest on the deficit.

Flock cameras in Taos have been defunded, but the technology’s future in town is far from settled. More cameras may soon appear as the state makes a gambit to place AI-powered license plate readers in Taos County and across New Mexico. Less than...

New Mexico State Police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old woman and an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday (Aug. 16) along New Mexico State Road 518 in Mora County. According to State Police, uniformed officers responded at...

A jury acquitted the man accused in the fatal stabbing of Julio Guevara at an Allup’s store in Taos in 2025, ending a case that grew from a years-long feud over inherited property on La Mora Road. The verdict, filed in 8th Judicial District Court...

Amid scrutiny from constituents and elected officials within its own governing body over transparency, mainly in relation to questions surrounding Kit Carson Electric Co-op’s proposed green hydrogen project and solar array, the Village of Questa...

The Taos County Commission on Tuesday (Aug. 18) approved a $144,000 annual contract with Stray Hearts Animal Shelter, including a provision that reserves space to house dogs and cats collected by the Taos County Sheriff’s Office. The agreement...

After years of stalling, a much-discussed plan to build a museum in New Mexico honoring the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II is finally getting off the ground — news touted Friday (Aug. 14) by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on the eve of Santa Fe...

The majority of New Mexico’s tribal, pueblo land could be ripe for exploring geothermal energy, an energy expert told a panel of state lawmakers Aug. 10. Stair’s presentation to the committee focused on the advantages of geothermal energy — such...

The majority of water contamination linked to oil and gas spills in New Mexico happens in a county that includes much of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a culturally and spiritually significant site for many Pueblos and tribes that the...

A former engineering director at Meta who has testified before Congress about child safety on Instagram told jurors at a landmark trial that t…

The New Mexico Department of Health announced Aug. 13 that an unvaccinated adult in Southeastern New Mexico tested positive for measles, marking the state’s 18th case this year as the U.S. sees its highest number of cases in more than three...

Angel Fire will complete its planned 30-home workforce housing development this fall through a financing partnership that allows the village to add 17 manufactured homes without the upfront cost of purchasing them. The Village of Angel Fire has...

Before doors open and tickets start flying, many restaurant kitchens start the shift off with a "staff meal," a tradition in which front-of-house and back-of-house staff alike sit down for a meal cobbled together by a fellow coworker. That...

Keeping food and yard waste out of the Taos Regional Landfill is now both a drop-off and/or pick-up opportunity for local residents who might not have the capacity to compost green waste themselves. Taos Land Trust Taos Land Trust is offering...

Fifteen-year-old Ricky Dumrese was scrolling through Instagram looking for culinary inspiration when an intricately-plated white asparagus dish — he’d never tried white asparagus — caught his eye. So he messaged the chef and asked for an...

The following is a summary of activity at Stray Hearts Animal Shelter from Monday (April 13) through Sunday (April 19). Animals currently in care: 57 Total intakes this week: 8 Transfers this week: 12 Animals in foster: 11 Pounds of food:...

The Justice Department is defending its prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey and says there's "no serious dispute” that a social med…

Seven people, including five American citizens, have been killed in a safari helicopter crash in a remote part of northern Kenya.

Perimeter containment indicates how much of a fire is surrounded by a fire line, a physical barrier crews do not expect the fire to breach.

A crane lifts a concrete slab to clear the way for rescuers searching through the rubble three days after an earthquake hit Pereira, Colombia, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Brandon Pinto)(AP Photo/Brandon Pinto) BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia’s President Abelardo...

Federal judge ruled Benjamin Smith will serve maximum time per plea deal conditions

Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight controls for its nationwide network of automated license plate readers as more communities pull back from the technology and lawmakers across the political spectrum push for new restrictions. The...

Tenants look to lock in their rent and secure long-term housing

All school-age children encouraged to submit photos for the state’s 150th anniversary before mid September

Wanda Martinez's complaint levels many of the same allegations against the company as the state of New Mexico did in a landmark lawsuit.

But the judge postponed sentencing after determining prosecutors had not notified the mother of one of the victim's children.

The vacancy occurred within 90 days of the November general election, preventing New Mexico Democrats from picking a replacement candidate.

Museum undergoing a series of projects to maintain and update itself

Jury found Lyndreth Wall guilty on 15 counts at end of 12-day trial in November

Self-guided circuit showcases water harvesting techniques

Incumbent Katie Stewart and political newcomer Naomi Riess discuss healthcare, public lands, TABOR

The alleged felony will be tried in court

Suspect was allegedly intoxicated, friends of the victim are fundraising to pay medical bills

Parks and Wildlife pursues fish recovery after drought, wildfire in remote river canyon

The Northern landrace chile cultivars are beginning to appear at local Farmers Markets and street-side vendors. This is what many of us eagerly wait for every late summer. That mouthwatering aroma of the first roasting and the first taste of lightly, sweet, fruity flavor bursting with freshness is an unforgettable

By Miles Barth SUN Staff Writer After reluctantly giving in to their guardian’s insistence that they wear sunscreen, Española students rushed to jump into the Ranchitos pool, shoot baskets with friends and practice their swim technique during the City of Española’s Splash Bash Aug. 4 at the Penny Garcia Roybal

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks to the media after chairing a COBR meeting at Downing Street on the UK's ongoing response to extreme heat, wildfires and drought in London, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.(AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)(AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)...

Organizer says she hopes to grow event in its new locale

The police blotter is published to give readers an abridged look at criminal activity in their community and neighborhood. It is simply an illustration of what local law enforcement, funded by taxpayers, must deal with daily throughout the Española Valley. Española Police officers, Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Police, Rio Arriba County

Small Business Association and U.S. Department of Agriculture promote policies to address burdens

Vehicle backing a trailer into gas line source of leak; incident lasted 1½ hours

By Miles Barth SUN Staff Writer Cameron Martinez will be honored for years to come at Northern New Mexico College, as the school began development of “Cameron’s Place,” a new outdoor amphitheater named in remembrance of him. Family, friends, community leaders and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham attended the Monday morning

EXAMPLE: Board of Adjustments, 3 p.m., Smith Council Chambers, City Hall, 949 East Second Ave. City of Durango Tuesday, Aug. 18 Councilor Kip Koso Office Hours, noon, Lobby, Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave. City Council Regular Meeting, 5:30...

By Wheeler CowperthwaiteSpecial to the SUN A former Ohkay Owingeh police officer who pleaded guilty in a case where he tipped off a suspected drug dealer, has withdrawn his guilty plea because the charge could have resulted in an appeal. Instead of sentencing Justin Aguino to an agreed-upon sentence of

Compañeros director says focus should be on municipal authority, not re-creating nonprofit work

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. Española Public Library The Española Public Library will show “The Sheep Detective” on Friday (8/14) as the Movie in the Afternoon, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Frank Anesi worked for more than 60 years before retiring

Trainees are off to academy to learn the ropes and strengthen staffing levels

Daylong hearing Thursday focused on what evidence is allowable for October trial

A hopeless romantic with a heart as big as his ginormous ears, Lensky is both poet and playmate. Named for a character in the Santa Fe Opera’s production of “Eugene Onegin,” he’s earnest, loyal and full of youthful passion. This little Lensky may not write sonnets, but he’ll happily follow

Suspects allegedly transported $60,650 in cash potentially tied to criminal activity

A recent poll and classification by national House Democrats signal district could be a close election

By Wheeler Cowperthwaite Special to the SUN Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Vallecitos man after he allegedly threatened a store clerk with a rifle after refusing to sell him alcohol. Deputy John Greene arrested Louie Torrez, 59, on July 9 after finding him just down the road from

As the last sweet notes of summer fade into fall and cooler weather arrives, Sol Food Café and Market beckons locals and visitors to sample its international menu and tempting desserts.

By Wheeler CowperthwaiteSpecial to the SUN A Rio Arriba jury convicted a Santa Fe man guilty of misdemeanor battery charges after a five-day trial. Jurors convicted Jerdarious Raphealito, 26, on July 29, on four counts of battery against a household member and one count of resisting arrest. The battery against

The Eighth Judicial District Court has reintroduced its Alternative Dispute Resolution Civil Mediation and Settlement Program, giving people with pending civil or probate cases in Taos, Colfax and Union counties another option for resolving...

The Taos Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday (Aug. 11) to adopt an ordinance placing a Local Economic Development Act local option gross receipts tax on the November ballot, giving voters the final say on whether to raise the town's combined...

Taos Schools staff donning orange-black jerseys, tutus and Taos Tiger mascot suits packed the Taos Center for the Arts, cheering raucously as the district kicked off the 2026-2027 school year with a convocation Friday (Aug. 7). “This jersey...

Melissa Casias, the Los Alamos National Laboratory employee who disappeared from Ranchos de Taos in June 2025, and whose remains were discovered by a hiker almost a year later, died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to an autopsy...

Reports made to the Taos Central Dispatch within the Town of Taos from August 3, 2026 – August, 9, 2026 were not released to the Taos News by press time. Taos Police Department’s records custodian, Rebecca Rodriguez, said the dispatch logs...

Zebadiah Romero, a man convicted of murdering an enrolled member of Taos Pueblo in 2023, then stealing his dog and truck, was sentenced to life in federal prison plus 120 months, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New...

Robin Collier just wanted to build a radio tower on Picuris Peak to increase his radio station’s reach from 60,000 to 500,000 potential listeners. Instead he became embroiled in a 15-plus year legal battle to secure the title of the property. A...

Opposition to Kit Carson Electric Co-op’s hydrogen project in Questa took a legal turn Friday (Aug. 7), when two Questa-area acequia associations filed a complaint against the federal government in federal court. The complaint asks the United...

A missing 14-year-old Native American girl was found at the Albertsons Market in Taos Thursday (Aug. 6), after police tracked GPS pings from her phone to the grocery store’s parking lot, where a man was taken into custody. Deputies and...

This summer, the Taos County Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Taos Plaza Live, one of Northern New Mexico’s most cherished summer traditions. For a quarter century, this free concert series has brought together r…

A 17-year-old Taos teen riding a bicycle died after he was struck by a pickup truck while attempting to cross an intersection against a red traffic signal last month, a Taos Police investigation of the crash site found. According to a motor...

An early chile harvest has sent the smoky aroma of roasting green chiles wafting through Taos several weeks sooner than expected. At the Taos Super Save store, Malcom Anderson, who started roasting chile 12 years ago, said New Mexico’s...