Nearly a year after catastrophic floods and fires fueled viral "disaster area" perceptions, Ruidoso, New Mexico, is open for business. Despite $1 billion in total damages and the loss of its historic racetrack, the resort village of 8,000 is reporting steady retail sales ahead of the summer tourism season.
Local leaders and business owners say a remarkable economic recovery is underway, boosted by new commercial flights and steady midtown foot traffic. While debris removal and flood preparations continue, the mountain town is actively welcoming visitors back to its forests, shops and golf courses.
✍️: Algernon D’Ammassa
📸: Chancey Bush
The Albuquerque Journal is hosting a series of town halls with New Mexico newsmakers. We want you to be part of the conversation! This is your chance to ask the questions you want answered.
Register to come in person, or attend online.
Next guest: Sam Bregman
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 19th
Where: 7777 Jefferson St. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109
Seats are limited. Get your ticket now by click the "Town Hall Series" link in our bio!
Do you know a New Mexico hero? Now is your chance to say so.
250 Flags is a statewide initiative honoring up to 250 individuals who represent the very best of New Mexico as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. We’re recognizing everyday heroes, people who lead, serve, and make a real impact in their communities. Posthumous nominations are welcome.
Selected honorees will receive a commemorative American flag, be recognized on-air on News Radio KKOB and in the Albuquerque Journal, and be celebrated at the official 250 Flags event.
Click the "250 Flags" link in our bio and submit a nomination for a hero you know so they can be recognized.
New Mexico has reached its lowest level of "disconnected youth" since 2008, yet approximately 32,000 young people ages 16 to 24 remain out of school and work, according to a new report from the Legislative Finance Committee.
The study found that 13% of New Mexicans in that age group are disconnected — 2% higher than the national average. This disconnection costs the state an estimated $623 million annually in lost tax revenue and correlates with higher risks of drug use, mental health issues and lower lifetime earnings.
Nonprofits like Youth Development Inc. are working to bridge the gap through job training and peer mentorship. Despite the challenges, 82% of surveyed youth said they would return to work or school if provided with adequate support.
✍️: @natalierobbins
📸: @chanceybush
The Albuquerque Journal is hosting a series of town halls. Take a look at why some of our guests attended the previous events. You still have time to come see Gregg Hull tomorrow at 3 p.m.
Click the "Town Hall Series" link in our bio to get your ticket, stream it live or submit a question.
From "no kids" to a family of 10: Nicki and Marcy Starr have spent the last 12 years redefining what it means to "be the village" for New Mexico’s foster children.
The Albuquerque couple originally planned to foster LGBTQ+ teens, but a "light switch" moment with a 1-year-old baby girl changed everything. "I don't know why it happened, but it was like a light switch and I became her mom," Nicki Starr said. Today, the Starrs have raised more than 100 foster children and adopted five.
With 2,164 children currently in state custody, the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department says stories like the Starrs' are essential.
✍️: Gillian Barkhurst
📸: @chanceybush
Urban Land Institute New Mexico has honored the Rembe family with the John A. Myers Award for Leadership in Urban Excellence for their decades-long stewardship of Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm.
What began as a "happy accident" for Penny Rembe and her late husband, Armin, in 1976 has blossomed into a premier model of historic preservation and sustainable development. The 86-year-old matriarch, who once dreamed of being a landscape architect, spent 50 years growing the property "brick by brick" alongside three generations of her family.
Today, the North Valley landmark is world-renowned for its John Gaw Meem architecture, David Austin roses, and lavender fields.
✍️: Matthew Reisen
📸: Eddie Moore
