Cuellar receives life sentence
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — An Albuquerque man was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for murdering his wife in 2021. Lee Cuellar was convicted in October of first-degree murder for strangling Rosalejandra Cisneros in their southwest Albuquerque home. Cuellar, a former ROTC instructor and 22-year Army veteran, reportedly told police he killed his wife because…… MORE
Rozie loses calf
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Rozie the Asian elephant at the ABQ BioPark is stable and recovering after giving birth to a stillborn calf early this morning. The pachyderm had reached 18 months gestation in mid-October, prompting staff to watch her around the clock. At around 9 p.m. Monday, they reported she went into a 3.5…… MORE
Merger put on hold
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today federal Judge Adrienne Nelson temporarily halted a proposed merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons. In 2022 the two stores proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. Federal regulators have argued that combining the two chains would be bad for consumers and workers by eliminating…… MORE
More money to spend, thanks to oil and gas
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A new estimate on state revenues shows lawmakers will have $170-million more to spend in the upcoming legislative session than previously believed. The projection has nearly $830-million in what’s considered “new money” above current spending levels. The better-than-forecast income is due mostly to the ongoing increase in oil and gas revenues.… MORE
Frogs and Cajuns
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The executive director of the New Mexico Bowl says the cards just fell their way to get the TCU Horned Frogs against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns to come to play in Albuquerque. Jeff Sembieda notes both teams are first-timers for the New Mexico Bowl. The game is Saturday, December 28th at…… MORE
Suspicious death
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Detectives with the Albuquerque Police Department are investigating a suspicious death after a woman was found deceased on Coal Avenue SW. Around 8:30 a.m., APD officers were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a residence in the 1200 block of Coal Avenue SW after a neighbor had not been seen…… MORE
Acee charged
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A second suspect is now charged in the August shooting south of downtown Albuquerque that killed a 13-year-old boy. 21-year-old Thomas Acee is accused of firing the gun that struck a car at 4th and Atlantic Southwest, killing Michael Tubb and wounding a teenaged girl. Acee is facing an open count…… MORE
Mobile ID’s available
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico is the 12th state to offer the option to link your driver’s license to your smartphone. The newer mobile IDs on Apple and Android phones starting means you can use your phone’s ID at some businesses or even get through the airport. The digital IDs are already being used…… MORE
Another accidental release
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Metropolitan Detention Center is investigating yet another accidental inmate release. This time, a man who was just tried for murder was set free, although he was not convicted in a recent trial. He was supposed to be sent to California to face charges there. The inmate – whose name was…… MORE
500 fentanyl pills
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 47-year-old Dennis Abeyta and 38-year-old Ricky Ballejos in the parking lot of the Motel 6 at 1000 Avenida Cesar Chavez. BCSO reports Abeyta had an active felony warrant. Ballejos was identified as a convicted felon and was found with two firearms in his vehicle. A search…… MORE
“Rust” associated lawsuit
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Seth Kenney is the owner of PDQ Arm and Prop in Albuquerque, which supplied some of the guns and ammunition used on the set of “Rust”. In a newly-filed lawsuit, Kenney claims the sheriff’s office “knowingly falsified” a search warrant executed on the set after the deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna…… MORE
Son murders mother’s boyfriend
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A son has been charged with murder after shooting his mother’s boyfriend. 34-year-old Paul Otero, has been charged with murder after shooting his mother’s boyfriend Tuesday evening at their West Side home. Otero admitted to taking the victim’s handgun and firing multiple shots. He was arrested nearby and booked into the…… MORE
5th in nation for vehicle thefts
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico is 5th in the nation for vehicle thefts. The latest report from “Easy Tires” says that last year alone, over 10,000 vehicles were stolen across the Land of Enchantment, translating to a staggering rate of 534 thefts per 100,000 vehicles. That figure is 74% higher than the national average,…… MORE
State Fair grounds proposals accepted
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today revealed plans to seek proposals for a master plan to redevelop the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, transforming 236 acres in central Albuquerque. The project could include housing, commerce, and entertainment venues. Lujan Grisham emphasized that the initiative would drive investment and growth in the International District.…… MORE
No charges for Archuleta
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Vice President of Espanola Public Schools will not be facing charges of filing a false police report. The department decided to dismiss the misdemeanor against Ruben Archuleta who claimed a man followed him out of a June school board meeting and threatened him. Surveillance video and an investigation did not…… MORE
New Mexico Artificial Intelligence Consortium
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Institutions across the state have united to create the “New Mexico Artificial Intelligence Consortium”, to advance the development and understanding of AI and machine learning. Some members include Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, UNM, and NMSU. Working as a collective, the institutions hope to collaborate with industry by supporting…… MORE
Slow response time for Santa Fe
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — There’s been a startling increase in response times for emergency calls in Santa Fe. The latest police report shows high priority calls to 9-1-1 had a response from an officer or firefighters within 9 and a half minutes in September. However, that jumped to 18 minutes in October. The data also…… MORE
New Mexico Military rape allegation
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico Military Institute is facing a lawsuit over a rape allegation dating back 5 years. This latest in a series of sexual assault accusations involves a 15-year-old girl who was told to, – quote – “Sleep it off” after reporting a rape at the school. The criminal case –…… MORE
Christmas at the roundhouse
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will be lighting the State Christmas Tree today. The ceremony at the southwest corner of the Roundhouse begins at 5:15 PM with choirs, the National Guard Army band and the Santa Fe Symphony providing music. They will also be serving complimentary hot cider and biscochitos. For those…… MORE
General election now official
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The 2024 General Election in New Mexico is now official, as the State Canvas Board certified the November 5th results. The total ballots cast came in at just over 928-thousand, or 67-percent of registered voters. There are still races to be determined as a recount has been ordered in the House…… MORE
PNM accepts a lower increase
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Public Service Company of New Mexico has agreed to accept a lower rate increase than they wanted. The approved new rate for PNM should still raise rates nearly $10 a month. The utility had requested a total of $174-million in added revenue, but the Public Regulation Commission agreed to give…… MORE
Increased public safety
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Albuquerque is increasing public safety measures for the holiday shopping season, including new efforts to combat shoplifting. A new law now lets police charge repeat shoplifters with felonies. Mayor Tim Keller spoke on the matter at Cottonwood Mall, and touted APD’s increased patrols in busy shopping areas with uniformed officers, undercover…… MORE
Surge in school threats
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A surge in threats against schools in the past year has local law enforcement asking for help. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina is calling on state lawmakers to increase penalties for threatening violence against schools. He says there has to be a punishment. Medina joined by the local FBI office in…… MORE
Intel expansion
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Intel in Rio Rancho is receiving half a billion dollars from the federal government for a massive expansion. The $500 million coming from the CHIPS & Science Act, is expected to bring advanced technology, upgraded facilities, and more jobs to metro area. plant. Intel announcing the investment will add 700 manufacturing…… MORE
AFR responding to lots of outside fires
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — AFR said they responded to at least 87 outside fires within the last 24 hours. The department said those numbers aren’t out of the ordinary considering the decreasing temperatures. The majority of call responses are in the East-Central corridor and Northeast Heights. In anticipation of the influx of cold weather calls,…… MORE
Sandia top 500 list
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Sandia National Laboratories’ has made the top 500 list of the world’s fastest supercomputers. The “El Dorado”, ranks 20th on the list. The machine was designed and built by Hewlett-Packard Enterprise. It has coolant fluid that is piped through to help remove heat that is generated by the machine. The Sandia…… MORE
911 fee increase possible
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A fee increase is proposed for dialing 911. Just about 50 cents is added to every New Mexican’s phone bill, per line, for a 911 surcharge—which is used to pay for things like 911 centers’ equipment and training. The NMAC says this is the third lowest surcharge in the nation despite…… MORE
Bezos big donation
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is giving a pair of Albuquerque charities $6.25-million. It’s the first time the local Catholic Charities and Barrett Foundation have been recipients from the Bezos Day One Families Fund. The giving is part of a $110-million total distributed this year around the nation. The only other time…… MORE
Migrant caravan on way to border
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — About 1,500 migrants formed a new caravan Wednesday in southern Mexico, hoping to walk or catch rides to the U.S. border. The migrants are mainly from Central and South America. Some say they are hoping to reach the United States before Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, saying they think it might…… MORE
APS parents stick with schedule
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APS parents have made their feelings known in response to a recent survey by the district, asking if they should push back school’s start to late August when temperatures are cooler. Nearly 13,000 people responded, with 78% voting to keep the early August start date versus late August for the next…… MORE
A new help center for HUD
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The US Department of Housing and Urban Development is opening a help center in Albuquerque, giving greater access to HUD services by phone. Regional Administrator Candace Valenzuela says the agency has a special focus on who will be manning the phones. The new call center should be up and running in…… MORE
Holiday film, New Mexico style
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The holidays are upon us and a new holiday film written, produced, and directed by New Mexicans is set to premiere in early December. Three dozen NMSU students took part in the production of “Santa’s Cousin”, which was filmed throughout Las Cruces and parts of southern New Mexico in October and…… MORE
Four family members killed in crash
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A father and some of his children died as a result of a crash in Sandoval County on Nov. 13th. The crash happened around 5:31 p.m., near King Boulevard NW and Sheba Drive NW.Initially, two deaths were reported after the accident; however, police have updated the number of those killed to…… MORE
BOGO Dispensary robbery
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — According to Crime Stoppers, “on or about” Nov. 10th, at least two people broke into the BOGO Dispensary, at 2828 Carlisle Blvd. N.E., just south of Candelaria Road. The Albuquerque Police Department’s Burglary Unit is investigating the case. The two suspects are accused of stealing over $20,000 worth of merchandise, plus…… MORE
AFR to rescue of Mesilla
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — AFR is continuing the theme. After sending an extra truck to Roswell to help them get back on their feet after flooding devastated the city, they are donating another. Albuquerque Fire Rescue is sending a 2007 Chevrolet 4500 Rescue to the town of Mesilla. The van with an ambulance body will…… MORE
Solar energy zone in Dona Ana County
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Bureau of Land Management conducted a live competitive auction for a nearly 940-acre parcel in the Afton Solar Energy Zone in Doña Ana County. Boulevard Associates, LLC winning the lease for $1.9 million. The company now has two years to submit a Plan of Development before beginning construction. The BLM…… MORE
License plate readers causing controversy
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Police across New Mexico are utilizing automatic license plate readers as a crime fighting tool. Both Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office and the ACLU agree that the technology can save lives. However, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico has said that the data is stored too long, and is asking…… MORE
Tiny Home Village application process updated
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Bernalillo County has changed the application process for the Tiny Home Village. Effective today, community providers will be able to submit applications for their clients, and applications will be done exclusively through those providers. When the village hits capacity, referrals will added to a waitlist. The facility provides up to two…… MORE
APD seeks person of interest in shooting death
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD has identified John “Bale” Sisneros, owner of Por Vida Tattoo, as the victim of a shooting death at his downtown tattoo shop this morning. Authorities responded around 8:30 a.m. to the shop near Fourth Street and Coal Ave. where they say they discovered the owner’s dead body inside the business.…… MORE
St. James Hotel gets new life
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The historic St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, has been acquired by M Vacation Properties & Resorts, which is headquartered in Red River. The company says they will keep the property mostly as it was when it shut its doors in September, with the addition of new menu items in…… MORE
Fabian denied appeal
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Wednesday the New Mexico Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of Fabian Gonzales. He’s serving a 37.5-year sentence for dismembering the ten-year-old Victoria Marten’s body in an effort to get rid of it, in 2016. Gonzales appealed six of his seven counts, arguing there was not enough evidence to convict him.…… MORE
Man carrying bags of skulls
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A law enforcement investigation in Jal, New Mexico, has led to the discovery of 10 to 20 human skulls after a tip from a local resident. The investigation began on November 5th when a resident reported encountering Cecil Villanueva, who was carrying bags containing what appeared to be human bones. Further…… MORE
New film director office director
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Steve Graham started his new job as the new division director of the New Mexico Film Office today. Born and raised in New Mexico, Graham has more than 25 years of experience managing film and television productions. He’s active in the Producers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America…… MORE
AFR rescues cats
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Albuquerque Fire Rescue responding to a residence blaze on San Jacinto Avenue Sunday night found a houseful of cats. Fire crews were able to get the fire under control quickly, and remove the people inside without injury. However, of the more than a dozen cats inhabiting the building 12 received treatment…… MORE
Governor considering tougher laws
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A hazing incident in October that led to suspension of several Santa Fe High School football players and the resignation of their head coach has Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham considering tougher laws. She says that something may be added to her legislative priorities for pubic safety. The Governor called a special…… MORE
Car full of ammunition seized at border
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — U.S. CBP officers seized 11,100 rounds of 7.62 ammunition from a car crossing the Bridge of the Americas on Election Day. CBP says, the volume of this seizure is substantial, compared to 11,205 rounds total seized in fiscal year 2023. Officials say agents found the ammunition in a 2011 Honda Ridgeline…… MORE
Alamogordo chimps will be moved
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — With the planned retirement of a significant number of the animals’ caretakers, the last members of a colony of former test subject chimpanzees living in an Alamogordo facility will be transferred to a sanctuary in Louisiana. Animal rights activists have pushed for years for the National Institutes of Health to relocate…… MORE
Coach resigns
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A hazing incident at Santa Fe High School last month has led to the resignation of their head football coach. Head coach Andrew Martinez had been on administrative leave since last month over the accusations about a student being sexually assaulted by members of the football team. Coach Martinez was not…… MORE
Four constitutional amendments earn voters approval
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Last night New Mexico voters approved four state constitutional amendments. Constitutional Amendment 1 will expand tax exemptions to all disabled veterans. The second amendment on the ballot allows honorable discharged veterans to claim a larger property tax exemption, starting this tax year. Amendment 3 changes the makeup for the commission that…… MORE
State bond measures are a go
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Voters voted their approval Tuesday, having decisively passed four state bond measures on the ballot. A measure to allow $30.8 million in bonds will go towards building and improving senior facilities. 63% of the electorate passed more than $10,000,000 in bonds to go toward modernizing public safety radio communications systems. $19.3…… MORE
Ryan Baca sentenced
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today Ryan Baca, was sentenced for his part in the death of 19 year old Andres Loera . Investigators say the four conspirators set up a drug deal with Loera near Indian School and Hoffman in February 2020. When Loera arrived, he was shot, killed and robbed. Judge Bruce Fox sentenced…… MORE
Migrant transportation interrupted
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Mexican nationals Mario Burciaga Flores and Jose Perez Hernandez are facing felony charges for allegedly trying to smuggle 10 migrants to Albuquerque. They were arrested last week by members of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Anti-Smuggling Unit, who were tracking a four-vehicle caravan with 12 occupants, that were allegedly trying to circumvent…… MORE
Too much cannabis
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — After the owner’s license was revoked in August because of numerous violations, 170,000 pounds of cannabis on two properties in Waterflow, NM was eradicated last month. New Mexico State Police say that NNK Equities, the out-of-state owner, had exceeded its allotted plant count and the organization showed a blatant disregard for…… MORE
Reporter files suit against City of Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Arizona reporter Patrick Hayes, who previously worked in Albuquerque filed a class action lawsuit against the city on Monday saying Albuquerque’s policy of people having to pay per page for electronic public records requests, also known as IPRAs, is a violation. The lawsuit saying the city’s policy of charging per-page fees…… MORE
Pedestrian killed
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB)– A pedestrian was killed Sunday evening at the intersection of Wyoming and Northeastern boulevards. Albuquerque police say and Audi traveling through the intersection struck the person, who they have not identified, just before 8 PM. APD says they’ll release more information as they investigate, like whether the victim was crossing against the…… MORE
Federal Disaster declaration
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Biden Administration has approved a federal disaster declaration for last month’s flooding in Roswell and Chaves County. Governor Lujan Grisham’s office requested the declaration, and it was approved on Friday. It will provide funding for things like debris removal, damage repair and replacement and loans to businesses to help them…… MORE
Missing pet scam to beware of
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department has issued a warning to Albuquerque residents and other animal shelters about telephone scams. Thieves are targeting people who lost pets and asking the owner for payment over the phone to get their lost pet back. The scammers might call claiming to be from…… MORE
Teacher of the Year makes history
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico “Teacher of the Year” made history Thursday, becoming the first Native American to be given the honor. Lorelei Chavez teachers Native American studies at Bernalillo High School, and was presented the award by Governor Lujan Grisham in a surprise assembly. Chavez is credited with bringing indigenous-based extra curricular…… MORE
Drug package in prison yard
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Two New Mexico inmates are accused of trying to get drugs into the Cibola County Correction Center. On August 10th staff found a package near the recreational yard which 26 grams of heroin, 62 grams of tobacco, THC wax, suboxone, and drug paraphernalia. There were also two cell phones. The package…… MORE
Joint operation at border leads to success
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A multi-agency effort including New Mexico State Police and Border Patrol, conducted from October 16th to the 24th addressed the issue of border crime. NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said the operation’s strategic approach included pinpointing high-crime areas, uncovering stash houses and rescuing multiple trafficking victims. The results of the operation beared…… MORE
Addressing juvenile crime increase
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Albuquerque Police Department reports that juvenile arrests are increasing each year. Over the last five years, police have arrested or cited 2,600 adolescents ages 11 to 17.Some of the most common reasons juveniles are being arrested for are auto thefts and gun-related crimes. APD Chief Harold Medina says a couple…… MORE
Animal fat vs. mosquitos
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Rancid animal fat may be the key to keeping those pesky mosquitos at bay. A research team at NMSU has found that rancid fats from animals, including bears and pigs, are effective when it comes to keeping some insects away. The research based on historical evidence that Native Americans used the…… MORE
New Mexico Gas Company for sale
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico Gas Company has officially filed papers with the state on their intention to be sold. Canadian company Emera currently owns NM Gas and intends to sell the utility to Louisiana-based Bernhard Capital Partners for $1.25-Billion. The intent to sell notice was given to the New Mexico Public Regulation…… MORE
Groundbreaking for new children’s psychiatric center
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A groundbreaking took place at UNM Hospital today for a new building that will house a psychiatric center for children. The plans include more beds, more providers, and “modern” psychiatric care. There will also be play areas for kids. UNMH’s CEO Kate Becker says, there will be two separate age-appropriate play…… MORE
Migrant stash house bust
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Federal officials have charged Francisco Lujan and Sergio Gonzalez with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens in connection to a migrant stash house in Las Cruces. On Tuesday, the U.S. Border Patrol set up surveillance near a home where they suspected migrants were being brought in from El Paso. After receiving consent…… MORE
Barraza gets life sentence
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — 36 year old Alex Barraza of Albuquerque was sentenced to life in prison by a federal judge in El Paso on Thursday. Barraza is the leader of the Barraza Drug Trafficking Organization, with ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors stated that the group imported an estimated 1,500 pounds of methamphetamine from…… MORE
Bradley pleads guilty
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A former New Mexico State Aggie basketball player has taken a plea deal after facing 13 felony charges in a hazing incident. Doctor Bradley pleaded guilty to a pair of misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges in Las Cruces and prosecutors agreed to drop felony sexual counts. 2 other former players still face…… MORE
Purse gun pleads no contest
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — In January Amanda Sheppard and her boyfriend Jonathan Olivas were in Duran’s Restaurant in Old Town eating when her purse dropped to the ground and a gun inside the bag went off. Olivas then admitted to picking up a casing from the ground and walking out. The errant bullet ended up…… MORE
Cuoy denied
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — In a 2-1 decision on Tuesday, a federal appeals court upheld a 2022 conviction against former New Mexico county commissioner Cuoy Griffin. He was charged for illegally entering the U.S. Capitol grounds during the Jan. 6th, 2021, riot. Griffiin said he had entered the Capitol grounds without recognizing it had been…… MORE
Albuquerque on “Ratty” list
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Windy City wins again in Orkin’s annual “Rattiest City” in the U.S, but the Duke City’s not far behind. The 2024 rankings, reviewed new residential rodent treatments between last September and this August. Los Angeles came in second behind Chicago and New York finished in third overall. Albuqerque came in…… MORE
Lizard on a plate
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — There’s a new license plate option for New Mexico motorists. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish partnered with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division to release a Gila Monster themed plate. This is the fifth wildlife art plate, joining quail, mule deer, Rio Grande cutthroat trout and roadrunner plates.…… MORE
Bennett sentenced in infant’s death
Albuquerque, NM KKOB) — Today Judge Stan Whitaker sentenced Christina Bennett to 10 years in prison. In July of 2023 she was charged with exposing her infant daughter to meth, which lead to the childs death. In court Bennett’s 13 year old daughter read a letter out loud, saying in part, “I’m very angry and…… MORE
Movie flight instructor killed in Las Cruces
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The identity of the pilot killed when his a single engine stunt plane crash during Sunday’s Las Cruces Air and Space Expo has been revealed. Charles T. ‘Chuck’ Coleman, who was also an aerobatic flight instructor for actors in the 2022 movie “Top Gun: Maverick.” Coleman worked as an engineer, aerobatics…… MORE
Deputy Commander on administrative leave
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today, the Albuquerque Police Department placed deputy commander Gustavo Gomez on administrative leave. The department is in the midst of an internal investigation of alleged wrongdoings involving its intoxicated driving enforcement officers. Gomez, who has been working with the department since 2008, started his position as deputy commander in January. He…… MORE
Child sex exploitation sting results
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A charter school teacher in southeast Albuquerque is identified as one of the 9 suspects in a child sex exploitation sting. Albuquerque Public Schools confirms 51-year-old Stephen Charles Phillips is employed at Cien Agua International Charter School, although the campus is run independent of the district. He’s due in court today…… MORE
Top honors
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Asia habitat at the Albuquerque Zoo opened to the public just over a year ago, and is already receiving top honors. The Exhibit Award acknowledges excellence in live animal display and exhibit design, honoring the BioPark for its immersive and innovative habitats that promote animal welfare and conservation education. The…… MORE
Duck Pond to be renovated
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A beloved landmark on the UNM campus is in line for a renovation. Wednesday, Nov. 6th, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. the public is invited to the groundbreaking of the comprehensive renewal project for the Duck Pond. Designed by Garrett Eckbo and completed in 1976, it’s a man-made urban water feature,…… MORE
Hot Air Balloon Strikes KKOB Tower
A hot air balloon knocked down one of KKOB’s AM radio towers this morning. No one was hurt when balloon caused the guy wires to fail, sending the structure crumbling to the ground around 8:45 AM. A woman who saw the balloon crash, said it was the blue balloon with the moon on it that had…… MORE
State negligence
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled the state can be sued by someone who is harmed because of negligence when a prison inmate is released by mistake. The unanimous opinion comes in the case of Kathleen Paquin of Albuquerque who was killed by Christopher Blattner in 2012 after he was…… MORE
Dates set for National Championship Air Races in Roswell
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Wednesday, Sept. 10th, 2025 is the premier date for the opening of the National Championship Air Races in Roswell. The Reno Air Racing Association chose Roswell as the new location of the event because the city’s Air Center can house all the planes competing in the races. It also has a…… MORE
Sunland Park buying drones
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The City of Sunland Park, NM, with a population of just over 17,000 is acquiring drones for its fire and police departments. The drones will be used to help rescue stranded migrants and hikers on Mount Cristo Rey and individuals struggling in the Rio Grande. City Manager Mario Juarez-Infante says they’ll…… MORE
Students are leaning towards teaching
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — More and more UNM students are changing majors so they can become teachers. The College of Education and Human Sciences reports 3-hundred switches to teaching majors are happening each year, totaling over 15-hundred in the past 5 years. Some students say they now believe teaching is more important that their previous…… MORE
Plutonium pits on-site were a violation
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A federal judge in South Carolina has ruled the Los Alamos National Laboratory violated the law when they decided to produce plutonium pits on-site without considering the environmental impacts. The judge says the Lab did not consider possible alternative sites. The first of 80 proposed plutonium pits was certified by the…… MORE
New project for Netflix
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The stars have returned to New Mexico for a new project. Netflix is wasting no time ramping up production after expanding their Albuquerque studios. Actress Geena Davis stars in a new, 8-part series being produced around town. “The Boroughs” is a mystery series that also stars Bill Pullman, and is set…… MORE
ABQ Ride hiring
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –ABQ Ride is looking to hire more than 150 people, mostly drivers and mechanics. Madeline Skrak, a public information officer for ABQ Ride says that with a new hiring process in place the department is another step closer to the city’s transit system returning to full operations. She specifically cited a certification…… MORE
Sunport satisfaction
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Albuquerque International Sunport is losing altitude when it comes to customer satisfaction, according to the annual study by J-D Powers. Among medium-sized airports, the Sunport fell from 5th place last year to 12th on the list. The Powers report notes a nearly 13-percent increase in passengers year-over-year in Albuquerque, which…… MORE
Espanola addresses shopping carts
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The City of Espanola will be considering a new ordinance to keep shopping carts from littering the town. They announced an exploratory effort to do what Las Cruces has done, which is to require businesses keep shopping carts on their premises. The carts are used by homeless people and often are…… MORE
Grant for UNM Cancer Center
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The UNM Cancer Center is one of three cancer centers to be awarded an $11 million federal grant to study treatments and biomarkers for uterine cancers. Dr. Kimberly Leslie, a research professor at the school says, the Route 66 SPORE grant comprises three projects, two of which focus on high risk…… MORE
SNAP deadline to be aware of
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — SNAP recipients who’s benefits have been electronically stolen or skimmed will no longer be eligible to receive federal reimbursement after December 20th. Director of Income Support Division of HCA, Niki Kozlowski says they are urging all SNAP customers to monitor their account, use their benefits, and change their account PIN regularly.…… MORE
Patricide sentence
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Zane Skinner was 19 years old in December of 2022 when he shot and stabbed his father, Michael Skinner, at their Rio Rancho home on North Pole Loop. According to the criminal complaint, Skinner called the police and eventually admitted his actions. Police said he told them he went into his…… MORE
Duke City to Music City
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Duke City to Music City, non-stop. Southwest Airlines has announced new service between Albuquerque and Nashville, Tennessee, starting on April 8th 2025. Aviation Department Director Richard McCurley said, the two cities share an array of similarities, particularly in the arts and outdoor lifestyle. Beyond that, this new route will improve connectivity…… MORE
Extended deadline for wildfire claims
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Congress has extended the deadline to file a claim after the impact of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. The original date was fast approaching, on November 14th. The new deadline is now December 20th. Those who were affected by the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history now have more time but…… MORE
Renovations in store for Mesa Verde Park
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — $1.3 million in federal funding will be directed for improvements to Mesa Verde Park, in the International District. The money is part of a $254 million National Park Service grant. The city is also matching the grant, meaning there will be nearly $3 million in investments going to the facility. Improvement…… MORE
Addressing student fees
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — After taking a closer look at what they are currently charging students and their families and what the budget could cover, Los Lunas Schools will be removing several student fees in the 2025-26 school year. Acting Superintendent Susan Chavez proposed at the Aug. 20th board work session that fees to be…… MORE
Concern with fluoridated water
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water, because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children. Last month, a federal agency determined “with moderate confidence” that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and…… MORE
Citation alert
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Starting today, automated speed cameras placed in unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County will begin issuing citations. The county installed six different cameras in parts of the county and activated them last month. Since their installation, those caught speeding were only issued warnings. Now, the cameras will be issuing citations. Those with…… MORE
XTERRA coming to Ruidoso
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The XTERRA triathlon is coming to Ruidoso next summer. It’s in the effort to boost tourism, which took a hit after fires and flooding. The Village of Ruidoso has announced a partnership with XTERRA and plans to hold a triathlon in August. Running, swimming, and biking athletes will be competing for…… MORE
Delays for interchange
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Traffic congestion looks to continue in Los Lunas with another delay for the long-standing I-25 interchange project. Recently, the village announced they received a $25 million grant to fund the project to add a new road between I-25 and Highway 47 near Morris Road. Village officials say the next step is…… MORE
U.S. Cotton closing Rio Rancho location
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — In an announcement Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Cotton stated its Rio Rancho location will be ceasing production next year. The company attributing rising raw material costs and increased competition necessitating the consolidation of facilities. Rio Rancho production will be discontinued in phases, with complete shut down expected in the third quarter of…… MORE
Rates going up
Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The last time PNM filed for a rate increase was 2022, but that respite could be over. According to a PNM spokesperson, the company filed a 2025 rate request with the New Mexico Public Regulations Commission. The utility says the proposed rate change will be applied over two phases in mid-2025,…… MORE
