Albuquerque Journal

Firefighters honor life of Lt. Mike Sedillo

Firefighters with Albuquerque Fire Rescue on Thursday carried the casket of 56-year-old Mike Sedillo to his burial site, ending three decades of service as a first responder. Lt. Jason Fejer said the lieutenant died of cancer in early November,...

Where is Pepita Redhair? Billboard seeks answers in 2020 disappearance

Driving north on Louisiana Boulevard, the face of Pepita Redhair stares down at you. The newly installed billboard in Albuquerque asks people to come forward with information on Redhair’s unsolved 2020 disappearance. Her family gathered Tuesday in a...

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

Columnist Jeff Tucker reflects on honoring veterans of every generation and supporting today’s service members as they face an uncertain conflict

Major player in DWI scheme makes appearance 18 months after guilty plea

Whether intentional or not, it was an imposing display. A phalanx of men — dressed in all-black suits with face masks and sunglasses — exited a van and walked into the federal courthouse in Downtown Albuquerque on Monday morning. Leading the group was...

Walking tall

Jackson Simpkins figured he was just being clumsy that August day in 2023, right? A new high school freshman just being a freshman, right? “I was up on our marching band field, and we were doing a drill called ‘Across the Floors,’ where we’re doing...

Two iconic New Mexico rock formations collapse

There are stretches of high desert in northwestern New Mexico where Mother Nature has sculpted otherworldly forms using wind, rain and the passage of time. Hefty planks of rock defy gravity as they balance atop spindly pedestals of clay, while some...

Haaland, Lujan Grisham begin Roundhouse transition

SANTA FE — Outgoing Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was all smiles and filled with energy as she and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales welcomed their successors, Deb Haaland and Stephanie Garcia Richard, into the Roundhouse on Friday morning. Haaland made history...

RANKED PERSPECTIVE

RENO, Nevada — No. 22 New Mexico is taking its 7-1 record on the road this week for a Friday night showdown against Nevada (3-5). It’s the first time the Lobos will play as a team ranked in the Top 25 of college football. A win would be UNM’s first...

After victory, Haaland shifts focus to transition

Still sleep-deprived a day after posting a decisive victory in New Mexico’s open race for governor, Deb Haaland began the quick turnaround Wednesday to prepare to take office in just 57 days. The Democratic nominee, who this week became the first...

Haaland makes history

Deb Haaland’s unlikely political journey from grassroots organizer to nationally recognized figure will make its next stop at the Governor’s Office. Haaland, a Democrat and former congresswoman, made history Tuesday by defeating Republican Gregg Hull...

NM’s early vote tally surpasses 2022 levels

SANTA FE — After months of campaign ads and candidate promises, Election Day has finally arrived in New Mexico. With all statewide offices on the ballot, a total of 456,726 voters around the state had already cast their ballots this year via early and...

‘The water was coming fast and strong’

PARAJE – Lisa Cerno and her distant cousin, Jessica Rodriguez, walked through mud globs around their houses on Sunday afternoon as storm clouds hovered overhead. Just a day earlier, water entered their homes, tore down fences and moved storage sheds...

‘This isn’t over yet’

As night fell Friday, the rising waters of the San Juan River pushed into neighborhoods and flooded dozens of homes and properties. Ryan Dudgeon said she listened, helpless, as a herd of cattle bellowed in distress from somewhere in the...

UNM VS NDSU

Eric Olen knows the importance of the Lobos game Sunday against Arizona State in the Pit. The visiting Big 12 team has size the Lobos need to get better against, a Hall of Fame caliber head coach that will be key to prepare against and for fans it’s...

RUIDOSO LEADERS CRITICIZED AFTER DEADLY 2025 FLOODS

The man was nearly to his waist in a flooded river and couldn’t get out. A firefighter and a police officer didn’t have enough rope or manpower to lift him onto the temporary flood barrier that separated them from the debris-strewn water. The man, Jere...

NM files federal suit against co-executors of the Epstein estate

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a federal lawsuit against the co-executors of the estate of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on behalf of women who allege they were abused at Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County. The complaint...

APS begins school closure meetings amid uncertainty from parents, staff

Some parents and district staff said they were left with more questions than answers after Albuquerque Public Schools’ first community meeting on potential school closures Monday night. Among the questions from the roughly 50 attendees at Monday’s...

FALL COLORS IN SANTA FE

Autumn is putting on a vibrant show in the mountains north of Santa Fe, where golden aspens and other trees are trading in their summer greens for the yellows, oranges and reds of fall. Parking lots at the Aspen Vista Trail and Ski Santa Fe were packed...

A-LOBO-HA!

Three final thoughts from UNM’s 21-10 comeback win Saturday at Hawaii: 1. Uncomfortable as it was, that might have been what the Lobos needed. All teams face adversity at some point, in some way. Sometimes it’s self-inflicted. Sometimes it’s due to...

ON THE TRAIL

Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner blocking out noise to focus on affordability, representation SHIPROCK — In the pre-dawn darkness before the start of the biggest parade in northwest New Mexico, Deb Haaland had her Converse Chuck Taylor all-stars...

A first look at the site

SANTA TERESA — Mike Casey looked at a group of reporters and photographers from under the brim of his blue construction helmet, opened his arms and said, “We’re here to talk about an awesome project.” Casey is the chief operating officer of Stack...

New Mexicans to lose private Medicare coverage as three providers pull plans

By year’s end, tens of thousands of New Mexicans will lose Medicare Advantage coverage as three insurers drop plans from their networks. Presbyterian Healthcare Services announced in August that it would end all Advantage plans, impacting 30,000...

County officials reject mosque appeal, allowing the development to proceed

Bernalillo County commissioners on Wednesday voted against an appeal that would pause the development of a North Valley mosque that has sparked contention and arguments in recent months. Commission chambers were filled to the brim, many wearing green...

Candidates clash in feisty CD1 debate

The two candidates vying to represent New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District agreed Tuesday the United States’ involvement in an ongoing military conflict with Iran should be ended by President Donald Trump’s administration. But incumbent Democrat...

‘It’s about all of us’

Hundreds of people lined up inside Tiguex Park on Monday to meet offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete. Some posed with the former Dallas Cowboy, while others asked for his autograph. Pete, now a free agent, became the first Diné (Navajo) member to sign with...

Balloon Fiesta soars beyond expectations

All week long, readers, neighbors and colleagues have asked me the same question: What do you think of the Balloon Fiesta? After years of watching from afar, I finally got to experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta firsthand. And now I...

What do Balloon Fiesta tourists think of Albuquerque?

■ Balloon pilots visit children’s hospital to spread fiesta cheer

More than 14 years ago, northerly winds carried several hot air balloons just above the University of New Mexico Hospital. Though the options for landing weren’t ideal, the timing was perfect. Pilot Sheldon Grauberger watched children in hospital...

Special shapes fill the sky at Balloon Fiesta

Special shapes fill the sky at Balloon Fiesta A2

Balloon Fiesta’s oldest participating pilot, Ray Bair, is ready to pass the envelope to the next generation

After more than 45 years of ballooning, Ray Bair will pilot his last Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at the age of 85. “I’m giving my granddaughter my balloon at the end of the fiesta, so she’ll have a balloon of her own,” Bair said. Bair...

■ Artist shares the inspiration behind his roadrunner-themed poster at this year’s Balloon Fiesta

The artist who painted this year’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta poster, Travis Bruce Black, knew he wanted to put New Mexico’s state bird front and center. “I started with what makes New Mexico strange and specific: our landscape and our...

Balloon Fiesta gives first-time vendors a global stage

Program offers mentorship for first-time balloon pilots

Balloon Fiesta came a day early to neighbors in the Northeast Heights who awoke Friday morning to the whoosh of propane and a bright checkered hot air balloon just steps from their front yards. Dressed in pajamas and slippers, the neighbors were...

■ Arizona or bust: Balloon pilot takes flight in unconventional rig.

In a scene reminiscent of Disney-Pixar’s “Up,” balloonist Jonathan Trappe took off from Balloon Fiesta Park strapped to 94 multicolored helium balloons shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday. “This is the first time that we’ve had a helium cluster balloon at...

Seeing ABQ anew, from a balloon basket

When I swung myself into the wicker gondola of a hot air balloon in early September, I was doing my very best to be brave. Despite having lived in Albuquerque for almost all of my life, I had never been up in a balloon. Over the years, I have been...

NM seeks judgment up to $40B from Meta

New Mexico followed up its trial victory last week over Meta Platforms by asking a judge Thursday to order the social media giant to pay up to $40 billion for violating a state consumer protection law. An attorney for Meta, owner of Facebook and...

In aftermath of monsoon flood, Hatch Valley assesses damage

HATCH — Doña Ana County lifted its evacuation notice for the Hatch Valley community of Rincon on Wednesday afternoon, urging residents to be cautious of flooded roads and storm debris after heavy monsoon rains Tuesday breached a nearby arroyo and...

Flood watches expand as rains drench New Mexico

Widespread rain that has numerous communities in fear of flash flooding with evacuation orders already in effect in south-central New Mexico will continue through the week, marking an especially wet month following a stretch of record-breaking heat in...

NM school districts face a costly fuel crunch

As oil prices skyrocket, some New Mexico school districts are seeking emergency state funding to fuel school buses. Diesel prices topped record highs this month — the average price per gallon in New Mexico hit a high of $6.36 on Sept. 18, and days...

NM improves from 50th to 48th in national child poverty rankings

Poverty in New Mexico declined over the last three years, especially for people under 18, improving its standing among the poorest states in the nation. New Mexico’s overall average poverty rate fell from 17.2% between 2022 and 2024 to 16% from 2023...

PNM begins smart meter rollout amid billing complaints, heat-driven demand

Public Service Company of New Mexico this month began installing smart meters at homes and businesses statewide, the start of a two-and-a-half-year effort to roll out more than 560,000 devices. The new meters enable two-way communication between PNM...

UNM NM STATE

LAS CRUCES, N.M. 1:30 P.M. KICKOFF

Lt. gov. candidates talk policy, trade barbs

With just over a month until Election Day, candidates for lieutenant governor faced off in a Thursday debate on topics from data centers and affordability to how their role would complement the next governor of New Mexico. Republican state Sen. David...

HEAVY RAIN TRIGGERS FLOODING ACROSS STATE

An unusual surge of rainfall across New Mexico marked the first days of fall, triggering flooding and prompting water rescues as some areas received over 5 inches of rain. The rain continued to fall steadily Wednesday, and though totals were not...

Flood preparations intensify across NM as monsoon brings heavy rain

A final downpour ending the monsoon season has residents and officials across the state preparing for the torrent. For agencies like the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority, crew members spent the final hours before the storm...

DEBATE DISCORD GROWS IN RACE FOR NM GOVERNOR

SANTA FE — Time appears to be running short on finding a debate date that both candidates vying to be New Mexico’s next governor can agree on. The reason for the scheduling troubles is the subject of its own debate. Republican nominee Gregg Hull said...

NM’s wealth faces a defining test

Ijust may have met the smartest guy in New Mexico. And if Charles Sallee isn’t actually the smartest, he at least has to be somewhere in the conversation. That’s not just because Sallee can talk about New Mexico’s finances in mind-numbing detail...

CLOSE CALL

NORMAN, Okla — Jason Eck compared playing Oklahoma to receiving an invite to the “nicest steakhouse in town.” “And you’re checking your wallet to make sure you have enough to cover it,” New Mexico’s second-year head coach said Monday, “because you...

Big bucks, opportunity for Lobos in Oklahoma

UNM’s trip to No. 24 Oklahoma brings a big payout, but games like these are getting harder to schedule NORMAN, Okla. — It’s the biggest opportunity of the year for the Lobos. It’s also their biggest payout. By playing a game at No. 24 Oklahoma, New...

New Mexico Supreme Court lifts stays on Project Jupiter, setback for opponents

The New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday dealt a major blow to environmental groups fighting the data center project known as Project Jupiter, lifting stays that had paused an air quality permit application and blocked water pumping for the...

We the People ARGUE ABOUT IT. INTERPRET IT. CHALLENGE IT. DEFEND IT. AND, 239 YEARS LATER, STILL LIVE BY IT.

It’s effective because it’s ineffective. It’s Constitution Day — so let’s look back on the document that ultimately enshrined my right to write to you and your right to read and opine without fear of the consequences. We don’t need to whisper around...

Once a symbol of government dysfunction, Mora County Courthouse set to be completed

MORA — After more than 20 years of delays, lawsuits and uncertainty, a new courthouse in this northern New Mexico village is finally set to be completed. The State Board of Finance voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $12.6 million plan to finish...

Test scores for NM, APS students see modest growth

New Mexico students’ test scores made modest gains last school year, though some worry it’s not enough to get the Land of Enchantment out of the 50th spot nationwide in education. According to the newest data from PED released Monday, 43.3% of...

Attorney General’s Office presses PNM on ‘unusually high’ customer bills

Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office hand-delivered a letter to the president and CEO of Public Service Company of New Mexico’s parent company on Wednesday, asking the state’s largest utility to explain its billing practices. In recent months, with...

New Mexicans not enthusiastic about state economy

Few New Mexicans think the state economy is good or excellent, according to results from the Journal Poll released this week. A plurality of New Mexicans rated economic conditions as “fair” at 43%, while 38% of those polled said the economy was...

Rio Grande flows again after water release amid historic drought

For the first time in months, water is flowing again in the Rio Grande in Albuquerque. It arrived late Wednesday and soon reached the banks but won’t outlast the weekend. It is not the normal seasonal ebb and flow of a parched waterway, as state and...

New Mexicans’ top concern? Inflation

Rising inflation, accessing healthcare and making ends meet were the biggest concerns facing New Mexico families, according to a recent Journal poll. The poll, which asked “what is the biggest concern facing your family right now,” found about 47% of...

Data center opposition runs high in New Mexico

While data center developers show increased interest in New Mexico, a new Journal poll finds that New Mexicans are wary, with clear majorities opposing large new developments outright and supporting a statewide pause to study local effects and develop...

US Sen. Luján has comfortable lead in campaign for reelection

SANTA FE — Incumbent U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján holds a big lead over his Republican challenger and appears on track to win reelection in November, a new Journal Poll found. About 53% of likely voters surveyed in the poll said they planned to vote for...

Trump’s approval rating sags amid high gas prices, global conflicts

SANTA FE — New Mexico voters have never fully embraced Donald Trump, but the president’s approval rating in the state has hit new lows as he nears the midway point of his second term. Just 32% of likely voters surveyed in a new Journal Poll said they...

Haaland leads Hull by narrow margin in New Mexico’s race for governor

SANTA FE — With just over two months until Election Day, Democrat Deb Haaland holds a lead — but not an overwhelming one — over Republican Gregg Hull in New Mexico’s open race for governor, a new Journal Poll found. The poll found 49% of likely voters...

New Mexico federal judge retires after 23 years of service

As a federal district judge in New Mexico, James O. Browning has presided over landmark police reform litigation. His public corruption cases included those of a former state treasurer and a former state legislator. He endured death threats during...