KKOB Local News

Rudy Wendelin’s Smokey Bear paintings featured in Capitan   

Rudy Wendelin’s Smokey Bear paintings featured in Capitan   

Capitan, NM (KKOB) — In honor of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday, the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan will be hosting a two-week exhibit of paintings by Rudy Wendelin, April 30-May 10.  Rudy Wendelin began working for the Forest Service in 1933 as a draftsman and illustrator. After a stint as a Navy artist during…MORE

MADD New Mexico moves headquarters to the Center for Hope and Healing

MADD New Mexico moves headquarters to the Center for Hope and Healing

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New Mexico is pleased to announce the relocation of its headquarters to The Center for Hope and Healing in Albuquerque. This move represents a significant step forward in MADD NM’s mission to support victims of drunk driving and prevent further tragedies on our roads. The new…MORE

NM Renewable Energy Transmission Authority announces new executive director

NM Renewable Energy Transmission Authority announces new executive director

Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (“RETA”) is pleased to announce Lynn Mostoller will be its next Executive Director beginning July 1, 2024. Ms. Mostoller comes to RETA after practicing law in New Mexico for nearly 20 years. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School…MORE

Help for stray cats

Help for stray cats

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Jayne Sage founded Albuquerque’s Street Cat Hub in 2014. The organization traps stray cats, neuters them, and puts them back where they were found. The organization partners with entities including the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, allowing them to perform the services for free. Once a cat is neutered and…MORE

Montoya wants the focus on the border

Montoya wants the focus on the border

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A special legislative session will convene in July. And House Republican Leader Rod Montoya has said what his focus will be during the summer meeting. He believes the failure of the government to secure our southern border is the number one issue for his constituents. In particular, he mentioned limiting driver’s…MORE

Electronic communication records requests are increasing

Electronic communication records requests are increasing

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The latest report from the New Mexico Attorney Generals office shows that last year, New Mexico law enforcement obtained 2.7 billion electronic communication records in the course of their investigations. State law requires law enforcement agencies to report their electronic search and data collection efforts. In 2023, those agencies obtained electronic…MORE

BernCo celebrates opening of South Valley senior housing complex

BernCo celebrates opening of South Valley senior housing complex

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A grand opening was held Wednesday to celebrate Ceja Vista Apartments, a senior affordable housing complex at 10001 Ceja Vista Rd. SW. near Atrisco Vista High School. The 156-unit complex is the partner development to the neighboring Valle De Atrisco family apartments and was made possible in part through project revenue…MORE

Good Job New Mexico

Good Job New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Wednesday, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) launched the first episode of its first agency-wide podcast. Good Job New Mexico provides a platform for conversations with New Mexico workers from all walks of life about various jobs they’ve worked, how they’ve gotten to where they are, and where they…MORE

CNM collaboration

CNM collaboration

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The City of Albuquerque is collaborating with the CNM Ingenuity Commercial Driver’s License program by providing a bus for students to drive during their training. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain a commercial driver’s license and pursue employment opportunities in various sectors such as transportation,…MORE

Gutierrez processed in shooting of cinematographer

Gutierrez processed in shooting of cinematographer

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Wednesday morning Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez was processed by the New Mexico Corrections Department. She’s incarcerated at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants. April 15th, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer sentenced Gutierrez to 18 months in prison, after she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer…MORE

New Mexico middle class

New Mexico middle class

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — How much do you need to make each year to be considered middle class in New Mexico? A new report from personal finance site “Smart Asset” says you need to make between more than 39-thousand a year to more than 119-thousand to be considered middle income. The state’s median income of…MORE

Valles Caldera fun

Valles Caldera fun

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Valles Caldera National Preserve is gearing up for summer by offering a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Sunday,from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will be Art in the Park Day. Throughout the Valle Grande, plein air painters will be working on landscape paintings. At 10:00 a.m., there will be…MORE

South Valley Pride

South Valley Pride

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The 31st Annual South Valley Pride Day is Sunday at Westside Community Center, promising a day filled with entertainment, activities, and camaraderie. Highlights of the Day; an honor guard, dancers, colorful floats, food venders and show cars. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Blake and Isleta, proceeds north on Isleta,…MORE

Pueblo theft payback

Pueblo theft payback

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — After pleading guilty to federal program fraud in 2023, 48-year-old Beverly Scott of Albuquerque, has been sentenced to just over 12 months in prison. She will also have to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to the DOJ, Scott worked as a clerk for the Pueblo of Jemez. In…MORE

Air traffic controllers needed

Air traffic controllers needed

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Across the nation, the Federal Aviation Administration is looking to hire thousands of air traffic controllers, New Mexico included. Each airport control tower has staffing level standards they try to meet. For enroute flights to Albuquerque, the FAA targets having 219 control staff.To become a flight controller, you first have to…MORE

Westgate neighborhood construction

Westgate neighborhood construction

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today sees the start of major construction on an intersection in the Westgate neighborhood. Crews are expected to spend 10 months overhauling the 98th Street and Gibson Boulevard intersection. Changes being made includes replacing the four-way stop with a four-way signal, new road striping and lighting, and a new Rectangular Rapid…MORE

Watery Nob Hill

Watery Nob Hill

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A water main break Sunday night is going to make driving difficult in Nob Hill for the next few days. According to the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Authority, the break closed one lane of eastbound Central Avenue at the intersection with Carlisle Boulevard. Repairs are expected to take two or three days.…MORE

Endangered New Mexico Rivers

Endangered New Mexico Rivers

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — American Rivers, a national nonprofit organization concerned with conservation and advocacy on behalf of the country’s rivers, has released its annual report listing the country’s top 10 endangered rivers for the year. It cited that there are 108,000 miles of river in New Mexico, all of which were deemed the most…MORE

Migrant stash house bust

Migrant stash house bust

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A traffic stop last month on Interstate 10 near led to the discovery of 16 migrants in a “stash house” near Las Cruces. New Mexico State Police identified the driver as 40-year-old Albert Torres, a convicted felon, and his passenger 37-year-old Victoria Cabrales. The officer searched Torres and allegedly found meth…MORE

Tracking the heat

Tracking the heat

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Santa Fe has received a grant to collect temperature data to better understand how heat is impacting the city. Volunteer scientists will collect data in the morning, afternoon, and evenings of the hottest days. Santa Fe Public Schools will also help with the project, giving students a chance to learn about…MORE

Copper theft continues

Copper theft continues

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD has reported the fourth significant copper theft reported in Albuquerqe in just over a month. The latest theft occurring at Southwest Labs. Brian Cavazos Galvez, director of Sales Analytics and Operations with the Labs says, surveillance video shows a thief pulling their power source off the outside wall accompanied by…MORE

Sustainability Expo

Sustainability Expo

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — UNM’s 14th annual Sustainability Expo, is set for Thursday, April 25th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cornell Mall. The Earth Day-inspired event will feature a tribute to local farmers, prepared food, and a range of sustainability practices and learning opportunities, such as a seed exchange and plant starts.There will…MORE

APD identifies man shot by authorities

APD identifies man shot by authorities

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD investigators released the identity of the man who was fatally shot by police during a struggle over a gun in front of the Walmart in Northeast Albuquerque last week. Detectives attempted to detain Mark Benavidez on Thursday, April 11, 2024, as part of an investigation into several armed robberies. Moments…MORE

Revised oil and gas rules

Revised oil and gas rules

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Bureau of Land Management announced revised rules for oil and gas leasing on federal land, including New Mexico. The rules and framework governing those leases haven’t been updated in decades. The revisions bring new financing regulations and the first royalty rate increase in more than 100 years. Department of the…MORE

Rio Rancho noise ordinance

Rio Rancho noise ordinance

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Rio Rancho City Council has signed off on changes to its noise ordinance. It replaces vague language with more specific limits like allowable decibel levels. At Thursday’s city council meeting, many spoke out including Rio Rancho Police Chief Stewart Steele, who said the old system made it hard to cite…MORE

AFRL’s Aloha Telescope celebrates 10-year anniversary

AFRL’s Aloha Telescope celebrates 10-year anniversary

Kirtland Air Force Base, NM (KKOB) — It’s been 10 years since the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, successfully launched the astronomy outreach program called Aloha Explorations at the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing site, or AMOS, in Maui, Hawaii. The STEM outreach project involving AFRL, the Georgia Institute of Technology and the…MORE

House and Senate Republicans stand against mandatory 5-day school week

House and Senate Republicans stand against mandatory 5-day school week

Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) — House and Senate Republicans over the weekend voiced their continuing opposition to the Public Education Department’s (PED) recent rule change that will effectively eliminate the four-day school week option for districts across the state. This opposition was expressed in a letter to PED Cabinet Secretary Arsenio Romero that was signed…MORE

APD detectives arrest suspect for stabbing death

APD detectives arrest suspect for stabbing death

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD detectives arrested Juan Carlos Garcia for the April 7, 2024, stabbing death of Luis Romero after a confrontation over an alleged $300 debt. Detectives tracked down Garcia, 24, Sunday and arrested him on a warrant for open count of murder. Homicide detectives charged Garcia on April 9, and police have…MORE

Former police officer upset

Former police officer upset

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Former New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas, is upset. A little over a month after the Old Town bar Outpost 1706 was broken into costing Kassetas, the co-owner, around $3,000 in damages and stolen property, the suspect is free to roam the streets until trial. It’s a frustrating pattern for…MORE

Retaining Educators Takes Added Investment Now Act

Retaining Educators Takes Added Investment Now Act

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced he is backing a bill that, if passed, would provide tax incentives for educators in at-risk schools. Sen. Dick Durbin introduced the Retaining Educators Takes Added Investment Now Act, known as the RETAIN Act. If passed, the RETAIN Act would create a fully refundable tax credit…MORE

Getting specific about noise

Getting specific about noise

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Rio Rancho City Council has signed off on changes to its noise ordinance. It replaces vague language with more specific limits like allowable decibel levels. At Thursday city council meeting, many spoke out including Rio Rancho Police Chief Stewart Steele who said the old system made it hard to cite…MORE

U.S. Eagle Credit Union announces new South Valley branch

U.S. Eagle Credit Union announces new South Valley branch

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union, one of New Mexico’s leading credit unions with more than 93,000 members, announced Thursday the opening of its new Herrera Isleta Branch to provide banking and financial services to local businesses and members living in the South Valley and Mesa Del Sol communities. The Herrera Isleta…MORE

FBI alert: New Mexico high school students invited to Teen Academy

FBI alert: New Mexico high school students invited to Teen Academy

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — High school students interested in spending a day with the FBI in Albuquerque are encouraged to apply for the agency’s 2024 Teen Academy, which will be held July 17th – 19th. Applications will be accepted through May 24th, 2024. The FBI Teen Academy allows students who will be in high school…MORE

Bernalillo County’s emergency rental assistance funds expended

Bernalillo County’s emergency rental assistance funds expended

Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — After three years, Bernalillo County’s Emergency Rental Assistance funds have been expended. As part of Covid relief funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Bernalillo County was awarded $17.4 million for the Bernalillo County Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) assistance program to support households that were…MORE

PNM continues work in Santa Fe near Hyde Park Road

PNM continues work in Santa Fe near Hyde Park Road

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Work in this area is expected to last from Monday, April 22, until the end of the summer. This project is a continued powerline rebuild that aims to improve electrical reliability and resiliency in this area. Part of this project requires contractors to perform underground utility work and install new equipment…MORE

UNM scientists uncover connection between blue lights and birds

UNM scientists uncover connection between blue lights and birds

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A new study by scientists at The University of New Mexico is shedding light on a potential cause between bird collisions and buildings.  The study, “Disentangling the biotic and abiotic drivers of bird-building collisions in a tropical Asian city using geological niche modeling,” led by UNM scientists David Tan and Nicholas…MORE

BernCo and partners extend scrap tire amnesty days

BernCo and partners extend scrap tire amnesty days

Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — After much success, BernCo Planning and Development Services, along with City of Albuquerque Solid Waste and the New Mexico Tourism Department are extending the Free Scrap Tire Amnesty Days. The initiative, which kicked off last year, allows residents from unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County, outside the city limits, to turn…MORE

BernCo Commissioners pass resolution for county manager hiring

BernCo Commissioners pass resolution for county manager hiring

Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — The Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday evening on a 3-1 vote outlining the official selection process for the hiring of the new County Manager. Current manager Julie Morgas Baca plans to retire at the end of June. Commission Chair Barbara Baca has proposed a process that includes…MORE

BernCo Commissioners call for NMDOJ investigation on County Commission actions

BernCo Commissioners call for NMDOJ investigation on County Commission actions

Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — Bernalillo County Commissioners Steven Michael Quezada and Walt Benson stand in full support of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (FOG) and its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in governmental affairs. In response to FOG’s recent appeal to the New Mexico Department of Justice to investigate potential violations…MORE

NMT’s Cave and Karst Research Institute appoints new director 

NMT’s Cave and Karst Research Institute appoints new director 

Socorro, NM (KKOB) — The National Cave and Karst Research Institute will welcome a new director in July. Dr. Benjamin Tobin, a research geologist from Kentucky, has accepted the position to head the premier research center for cave and karst resources, located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, after a national search. NCKRI is a research center…MORE

Bomb threat at Sunport parking structure

Bomb threat at Sunport parking structure

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Albuquerque police have shutdown access to the parking lot area at the Albuquerque International Sunport because of a bomb threat. KOAT-TV reports a spokesperson at the Sunport confirms authorities are not allowing anyone entry to the parking lot area until a sweep of the facility is concluded. So, this means anyone…MORE

Mobile home blaze

Mobile home blaze

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Just past six o’clock Wednesday night, Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to reports of a mobile home blaze at 9600 Central Avenue Southwest and 98th Street. E14 arrived first and reported heavy smoke and flames, brought under control within 20 minutes. The mobile home was a total loss. Two others nearby suffered…MORE

Rumble strip noise

Rumble strip noise

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico Department of Transportation’s addressing noise complaints from residents in Tijeras Canyon. Rumble strips intended to prevent accidents is instead a source of sleepless nights for nearby locals. The uproar stems from NMDOT’s decision to place the rumble strips atop the painted line on I-40 from Carnuel to Sedillo,…MORE

Los Alamos Canyon restoration and sediment reduction implementation

Los Alamos Canyon restoration and sediment reduction implementation

Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) — Restoration work is expected to begin along portions of Los Alamos Canyon later this month as part of the “Los Alamos Canyon Restoration and Sediment Reduction Project”. The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is funding this project through their River Stewardship Program and in partnership with Los Alamos County. This…MORE

ENMU awarded $60,855 grant from NASA

ENMU awarded $60,855 grant from NASA

Portales, NM (KKOB) — Eastern New Mexico University has been awarded a $60,855 Grant from NASA in collaboration with the Wex Foundation. The Wex Foundation was awarded some of the 3.2 million dollars sent out to four institutions to enhance the capability of informal education institutions to host NASA-based learning activities while increasing the institutions’…MORE

Donuts for Barelas

Donuts for Barelas

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — City officials are reviewing a proposal to build a new Dunkin Donuts location near 4th and Cesar Chavez.. However, leaders with the Barelas Neighborhood Association like vice president Antonio Aragon de Barelas are expressing concerns over adding yet another fast food restaurant in an already congested area. Developers are proposing to…MORE

4th annual Pizza Run

4th annual Pizza Run

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — May 19th, at Aperture Center Park in Mesa Del Sol, starting at 7 a.m., the Wise Pies 4th annual Pizza Run, benefitting Make-A-Wish New Mexico will take off. Anyone can participate in a one mile fun run/walk, a 5k run or a 10k run. All ages and skill levels are eligible…MORE

PFAS in the Rio Grande

PFAS in the Rio Grande

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Albuquerque urban area “significantly contributes PFAS to the Rio Grande.” Those findings from two recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey, done in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department. PFAS, frequently called “forever chemicals,” are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common items, such…MORE

Senator Craig Brandt condemns EIB rejection of EV rule delay

Senator Craig Brandt condemns EIB rejection of EV rule delay

Rio Rancho, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) recently voted to reject a request to pause the enforcement of the Advanced Clean Cars and Trucks Rule (EIB 23-56 (R)) until ongoing litigation is resolved. The request to delay the rule was submitted by the New Mexico Automotive Dealers Association and an…MORE

BERNCO Commissioners approve funding for roadway resurfacing projects, vehicles

BERNCO Commissioners approve funding for roadway resurfacing projects, vehicles

Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners this evening approved the use of $545,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for roadway resurfacing services for three roadways within District 4. They include the corridor of San Rafael from Browning to Lowell; the Tierra Monte Subdivision; and Sandia Heights north of…MORE

Rio Rancho Districts 1 & 6 runoff election unofficial results

Rio Rancho Districts 1 & 6 runoff election unofficial results

Rio Rancho, NM (KKOB) — District 1 City Councilor (4-year term) Jim Owen: 398 (47%) Deborah S. Dapson: 442 (53%) District 6 City Councilor (4-year term) Nicole Dahn List: 416 (51%) Edward Lynn Paulsgrove: 393 (49%) Canvass of Election Results The unofficial results of the April 9, 2024 Districts 1 and 6 Runoff Election and…MORE

Goes to court with an axe

Goes to court with an axe

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Monday morning, a Rio Rancho man, John Karl O’Brien, threatened to kill a judge for the 13th Judicial District, overseeing Cibola, Sandoval and Valencia counties. According to the Cibola County Sheriff Larry Diaz, O’Brien showed up at the courthouse with an ax, after calling a nearby law firm threatening to kill…MORE

APD warns of scam

APD warns of scam

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Albuquerque Police Department is warning the public of a possible scam impersonating APD Chief of Police Harold Medina. The caller stated that they were contacting them because they were speaking with an underage female on a social media app and that her parents wanted to press charges. The caller adding,…MORE

Tingley Beach hosting E-waste recycling drop off

Tingley Beach hosting E-waste recycling drop off

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The ABQ BioPark is teaming up with ACTenviro and New Mexico Computer Recyclers to host an e-waste recycling event. Old cell phones, cables, keyboards, and almost anything with a plug will be accepted at the ABQ BioPark Tingley Beach parking lot on Sunday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to noon. Earth…MORE

Oh, say can you see…?

Oh, say can you see…?

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The search is on for talented performers to sing the national anthem at the 2024 New Mexico State Fair. Individual singers or small groups who are selected by the judging committee will have the unique opportunity to perform the anthem to thousands of people at the beginning of a PRCA event.…MORE

State still needs more mental health practitioners

State still needs more mental health practitioners

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The latest data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows New Mexico is still seeing a shortage of primary care providers and dentists, but the situation has improved since last year. In June of 2023, New Mexico’s shortage areas needed 264 primary care providers. Now, a little less…MORE

Pay increase for Santa Fe city employees

Pay increase for Santa Fe city employees

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A relatively new compensation plan approved by the Santa Fe Governing Body in March has 700 city employees receiving 8% pay increases. The plan includes raises for Police, Fire, and other non-union workers. The city says ongoing there are ongoing negotiations with additional unionized employees. Mayor Alan Webber said the overall…MORE

Electric vehicles moving forward

Electric vehicles moving forward

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Friday, members of the state’s Environmental Improvement Board voted 4-1 after deliberating behind closed doors. The decision marking a setback to the New Mexico Automotive Dealers Association as it challenges mandates for auto dealers to provide an increasing number of electric vehicles for sale across the Land of Enchantment. Local auto…MORE

Groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at New Mexico Tech

Groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at New Mexico Tech

Socorro, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico Tech will host a groundbreaking for the Kelly Building which is home to the Petroleum Recovery Research Center on April 10, in Socorro. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is among the VIPs invited to attend this milestone event for the construction, which is funded by GO Bonds in the amount…MORE

BernCo Treasurer Bearce attends international conference

BernCo Treasurer Bearce attends international conference

Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — Treasurer Nancy Bearce recently participated in the annual conference hosted by the Global Council for Political Renewal (GCPR), a prestigious globally recognized organization dedicated to fostering cooperation among politicians at all levels of governance. The activities of the GCPR are focused on promoting ethics in politics, protecting human rights, striving…MORE

APD arrests suspect in overnight shooting at dance

APD arrests suspect in overnight shooting at dance

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD detectives arrested Theodore Toney for the early Saturday morning shooting death of Kenneth Ellis at a dance hosted by a social club. Toney, 45, is accused of walking up to Ellis, 40, as he stood on the dance floor near the DJ booth, and shooting him once in the back…MORE

Two Sandians honored with 2024 Women in Tech Award

Two Sandians honored with 2024 Women in Tech Award

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Two Sandia National Laboratories employees have been honored with the 2024 New Mexico Women in Tech Award from the New Mexico Technology Council. The award recognizes remarkable women who drive innovation and excellence in their tech field and inspire and empower others to pursue careers in the tech industry. Mary Monson…MORE

Democrat Cindy Nava continues her run for office

Democrat Cindy Nava continues her run for office

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Two lawsuits were filed claiming that Democrat Cindy Nava should not be allowed to run for the State Senate seat in District 9. The suits based on petition forms used to qualify Nava for the ballot listed her address in the town of Bernalillo as being in Bernalillo County, not Sandoval…MORE

Seeking hydrogen storage

Seeking hydrogen storage

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Sandia Lab scientists are using computer simulations and laboratory experiments to see if depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs can be used for storing hydrogen fuel. Don Conley, the manager for Sandia’s underground hydrogen storage work says, it can be stored underground in salt caverns, but salt deposits are not widespread…MORE

Montoya Atkinson pleads guilty

Montoya Atkinson pleads guilty

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Thursday 26-year-old Procopio Montoya Atkinson pleaded guilty to five crimes. Atkinson was arrested after what the Department of Justice calls a “violent crime spree” that occurred in late 2021. He robbed an Albuquerque Dollar General store using a firearm in November that year. Then, about a month later, Atkinson assaulted a…MORE

ABQ FBI says ‘Tan Pants Bandit’ strikes again

ABQ FBI says ‘Tan Pants Bandit’ strikes again

Rio Rancho, NM (KKOB) — The FBI and Rio Rancho Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the Tan Pants Bandit, who robbed the Rio Grande Credit Union of Rio Rancho, located at 1526 Unser Blvd SE, at approximately 4:45p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. Suspect’s description: The suspect entered the Credit Union, demanded money from…MORE

APD hunting for wanted suspect connected to recent officer-involved shooting

APD hunting for wanted suspect connected to recent officer-involved shooting

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD detectives are searching for an 18-year-old who is wanted for shooting at his girlfriend’s house as she tried to get away with her infant child following a domestic dispute. Alijah Archuleta was charged with several crimes as a result of the shooting on March 29, 2024. The following day, on…MORE

Central Avenue bridge crossing designated as historic landmark

Central Avenue bridge crossing designated as historic landmark

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Wednesday night, the Albuquerque City Council voted to designate the Central Avenue Bridge crossing site as a City Landmark. The Central Avenue Bridge crossing site, which is located on Central Avenue between Tingley Drive and Sunset Road, is a key part of Route 66 history and the development of Albuquerque as…MORE

Internet subsidy clock is ticking

Internet subsidy clock is ticking

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A federal program from 2021 which helped people pay their internet bills may be over in a few weeks, without Congress’ intervention. Lawmakers approved $14 billion worth of assistance to eligible families during the pandemic, but efforts to add another $7 billion failed this year. The Office of Broadband Access and…MORE

Balloon Fiesta announces New Mexico Day for the 2024 event

Balloon Fiesta announces New Mexico Day for the 2024 event

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Inc., a 501-C-3 Not-For-Profit New Mexico Corporation, announced that Monday, October 7th will be New Mexico Day at the Balloon Fiesta! New Mexico residents who show either a photo ID or a utility bill with a New Mexico address will receive free admission to Monday’s flying…MORE

Homicide suspect in custody at Sandoval Regional Medical Center

Homicide suspect in custody at Sandoval Regional Medical Center

Rio Rancho, NM (KKOB) — Wednesday at approximately 5:05 pm, a call for service came into the Rio Rancho Dispatch Center requesting officers due to a female being brought to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head. The investigation revealed Pablo Padilla and Desirae Lussow, of Ribera, NM, were driving to Rio Rancho with…MORE

APD arrests suspect for stealing $50,000 of copper wire

APD arrests suspect for stealing $50,000 of copper wire

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD detectives arrested a suspect Tuesday who was wanted for stealing more than $50,000 worth of copper wire and causing damage to the city’s Transit Center. Detectives APD’s Organized Crime Unit tracked Brian Robinson to a location near Tennessee St. and Bell Ave., S.E. and conducted surveillance as he and a…MORE

CAO and Superintendent provide update on Medina’s crash at ABQ City Council  

CAO and Superintendent provide update on Medina’s crash at ABQ City Council  

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — At the Albuquerque City Council meeting Wednesday night, Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Samantha Sengel and Superintendent of Police Reform Eric Garcia provided an update on the investigation into the crash involving Chief Medina on Saturday, February 17, 2024 following gunfire. In most crashes involving APD officers, a supervisor goes to the…MORE

APD arrests suspect in recent murder on West Side

APD arrests suspect in recent murder on West Side

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD detectives arrested Andrew Chavez Tuesday night and charged him with the March 24, 2024 shooting death of Armando Salazar on Albuquerque’s far West Side. Chavez, 28, is charged with an open count of murder for the shooting death of Salazar, 49, on the morning of March 24. Officers responded to…MORE

Local cannabis manufacturer suing New Mexico Cannabis Control Division

Local cannabis manufacturer suing New Mexico Cannabis Control Division

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A local cannabis manufacturer’s suing the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division over a recent recall of some of its products. Jacob Candelaria, attorney for Pharmers LLC argues a recent recall of products in an Albuquerque shop was “unlawful.” He says the state didn’t follow its rules when issuing the recall a…MORE

Jodi McGinnis Porter is the new Deputy Director of Communications.

Jodi McGinnis Porter is the new Deputy Director of Communications.

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Gov. Lujan Grisham announced the appointment of Jodi McGinnis Porter as the new Deputy Director of Communications. The Governor says Porter brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Porter has held various leadership roles in state government, most recently serving as communications director for the New Mexico Department…MORE

APD relaunches Duke City Case Files

APD relaunches Duke City Case Files

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Albuquerque Police Department has relaunched the Duke City Case Files, a video series created a few years ago in hopes to help garner tips in unsolved homicides. After the initial launch of the series in 2021, the Homicide Unit solved four of the seven cases featured. The first case to…MORE

Two Sandia researchers elected to National Academy of Engineering

Two Sandia researchers elected to National Academy of Engineering

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Two Sandia National Laboratories researchers, Tina Nenoff and Babu Chalamala, have been elected as members of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. They are among the 114 new members and 21 international members to be inducted as the class of 2024. Their election to the NAE, one of the highest honors…MORE

Armed man arrested in family dispute

Armed man arrested in family dispute

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Forty year old Jorge Castillo of Rio Rancho was arrested last week for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 600 block of Chaps Road. A caller reported an armed man in their front yard pointing a gun at a father, who told police his son was having an ongoing…MORE

Satellite locations for property owners to file appeals

Satellite locations for property owners to file appeals

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — No need to drive downtown to file a protest/appeal your yearly Notice of Value from the Office of the Bernalillo County Assessor. Two satellite locations are open thru May first for property owners to file an appeal of their assessed value, known officially as a protest. The satellite locations are utilizing…MORE

Month of May will see new laws kick-in

Month of May will see new laws kick-in

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — In 2024, state lawmakers passed new laws going into effect in May. Here are a few: House Bill 129 creates a seven calendar-day waiting period for firearm purchases. HB 182 requires disclaimers on advertisements which are “materially deceptive,” and it makes it an election violation to distribute materially deceptive media. Senate…MORE

NMED applies for $577 million in federal pollution reduction grants

NMED applies for $577 million in federal pollution reduction grants

Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) — Monday, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) submitted grant applications to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) totaling $577 million as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program. The two grant applications further New Mexico’s ambitious efforts to address climate change and air quality while expanding the economy and…MORE

APD arrests third suspect for murder following auto burglary

APD arrests third suspect for murder following auto burglary

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD detectives arrested the third suspect accused of participating, along with his daughter and her boyfriend, in the brutal murder of a woman who appeared to be burglarizing their car. Homicide detectives charged David Haro, 48, for the homicide on March 15 in which a woman was beaten, stabbed multiple times…MORE

Golf course upgrade

Golf course upgrade

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Albuquerque’s second largest 18-hole golf course is renovating it’s old clubhouse. David Salas, the City of Albuquerque’s Course Superintendent says the project will lend itself to the community for social events. The more than $700,000 “Cantina” project’s expected to wrap up in May. It adds a lounge area connecting to an…MORE

Elephant Butte upgrade

Elephant Butte upgrade

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico State Parks officials are set to begin a $1 million upgrade project to the comfort stations at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The project begins today, continuing through August. While construction’s ongoing, campers can use vault and portable toilets. Along with improving the comfort stations, State Parks is also…MORE

APD charges Gabriel Valenzuela-Greene Jr for third homicide

APD charges Gabriel Valenzuela-Greene Jr for third homicide

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD detectives charged Gabriel Valenzuela Greene, Jr., for the third murder in which he was suspected of fatally shooting Donte Barnes in the parking lot of a Twisters Restaurant on March 13, 2024. A Grand Jury indicted Greene Friday for the murder at Twisters, along with two others murders. Detectives arrested…MORE

APD investigating fatal motorcycle crash

APD investigating fatal motorcycle crash

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD’s Fatal Crash Unit is investigating a fatal crash resulting in the death of a motorcyclist in Southwest Albuquerque. Officers responded Saturday evening at 6:25 p.m. to the crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle in the area of 86th St SW and Sedge Creek Rd SW. The preliminary investigation determined…MORE

Dining with your dog

Dining with your dog

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico Restaurant Association is addressing a growing concern cropping up in dining establishments across our state, the presence of non-service dogs in restaurants. The New Mexico Health Department regulations clearly state that only ADA service animals are permitted inside restaurants. Allowing non-service dogs in restaurants violates health department regulations…MORE

UNM has 3 Goldwater Scholars

UNM has 3 Goldwater Scholars

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today, Mia Baca, Victoria Nisoli, and Ariana Pritha were named among the 2024-2025 Goldwater Scholars. The UNM students were selected from a pool of 1,353 college sophomores and juniors nominated by 446 academic institutions. Founded in recognition of the U.S. Senator Barry M. Goldwater, the Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500…MORE

Albuquerque Fire Rescue promotes 49 members

Albuquerque Fire Rescue promotes 49 members

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Thursday, Albuquerque Fire Rescue celebrated the promotion of 49 members. This ceremony recognized promotions at every rank and the inception of Shift Commanders. Designated “Shift Commanders” have now been implemented to oversee operations for the 4 Battalions, 22 Stations and 187 on-duty personnel. These commanders are responsible for the utilization of…MORE

Church fire damages building

Church fire damages building

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded Thursday morning to a blaze at the Church of the Nazarene. That is located at Los Altos near Central and Eubank. The fire began shortly before 9 in a small courtyard that extended into a building. Crews got the flames under control in ten minutes. No one was injured. There was…MORE

Massage parlor owner and son in hot water

Massage parlor owner and son in hot water

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Sixty-four year old Shaoping Wen, and her son 41 year old, Xu Wang, are waiting to be extradited to Lubbock, Texas after officials said employees at massage parlors in Texas and New Mexico were caught offering “illicit commercial sex.” According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the two were arrested in New…MORE

Olivas sentenced

Olivas sentenced

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — One of the parents accused of child abuse after one of their children overdosed on fentanyl in May took a plea deal and was sentenced Wednesday. David Olivas of Albuquerque pled no contest to child abuse not resulting in death, and possession of a controlled substance. On scene medics determined the…MORE

Dairy cows test positive for bird flu

Dairy cows test positive for bird flu

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB)– Monday, officials said milk from dairy cows in Texas and Kansas tested positive for bird flu, and also detected in New Mexico. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture the commercial milk supply’s safe and risk to people is low. Dairies are required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter…MORE

Isotopes, CABQ unveil new LED lighting system at RGCU Field

Isotopes, CABQ unveil new LED lighting system at RGCU Field

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Albuquerque Isotopes and the City of Albuquerque Wednesday night unveiled another enhancement to the fan experience at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park with a new state-of-the-art LED lighting system. The new custom designed lights are comprised of 186 fixtures as part of Musco’s Total Light Control System,…MORE

New Mexico Medicaid announces coverage of Opill

New Mexico Medicaid announces coverage of Opill

Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) — Wednesday, the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced the inclusion of Opill, the first over-the-counter daily oral contraceptive pill, in its coverage for Medicaid customers. Additionally, New Mexicans covered by Medicaid will have access to no-cost pregnancy tests and emergency contraception.   “We are dedicated to ensuring access to…MORE

Universal access to elections

Universal access to elections

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today, Public Agenda, a research-to-action nonprofit dedicated to building a democracy that works for everyone, announced its inaugural slate of grantees for the Democracy Renewal Project. University of New Mexico Political Science Professor Wendy Hansen is heading one of 10 teams receiving part of $500,000 dispersed to scholars from political science…MORE

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant 25th Anniversary

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant 25th Anniversary

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — On Tuesday, federal officials gathered in southern New Mexico to mark the 25th anniversary of the nation’s only underground repository for radioactive waste. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant outside Carlsbad has taken in around 13,850 shipments from more than a dozen national laboratories and other sites since 1999. However, a a…MORE

Saluting restored veterans burial areas in historic Fairview Cemetery

Saluting restored veterans burial areas in historic Fairview Cemetery

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Over the past nine months, with funding from Bernalillo County, the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS) facilitated a restoration project of two veterans’ burial areas in Albuquerque’s Historic Fairview Cemetery. On Tuesday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m., representatives from Bernalillo County, NMDVS, Pluma Construction, Historic Fairview Cemetery, and others…MORE

APD investigating fatal crash involving woman in wheelchair

APD investigating fatal crash involving woman in wheelchair

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD’s Fatal Traffic Team is investigating a fatal crash involving a truck that struck a woman in the parking lot of a North Valley gas station Tuesday. Officers responded to the crash shortly before 1 p.m. to the Love’s Gas Station, located at 2200 6th St., N.W. Investigators determined a blue…MORE