As New Mexico approaches a consequential election, voters face a choice not just between candidates, but between governing philosophies. After reviewing campaign platforms, public statements, and the current political landscape, the Duke City Times editorial board supports Deb Haaland as the candidate best positioned to lead the state—and to stand up effectively in a political environment shaped by figures such as Donald Trump.

This endorsement reflects an assessment of both policy direction and political viability.

Deb Haaland’s campaign emphasizes expanded access to healthcare, investment in education, and efforts to address housing affordability. Her platform frames New Mexico’s challenges as rooted in long-standing gaps in economic opportunity and public investment. In contrast, her opponent, Sam Bregman, has centered his campaign on public safety, economic pragmatism, and a more centrist approach to governance.

Both perspectives speak to real concerns. Crime, cost of living, and access to opportunity remain pressing issues across the state. However, the question for voters is not only which problems to prioritize, but which candidate is best positioned to build the coalition necessary to address them.

Available public polling and party data indicate that Haaland currently holds a significant advantage among Democratic voters, along with stronger institutional support and fundraising capacity. In a state that has leaned Democratic in recent election cycles, this level of support may be decisive in a general election. While Bregman’s centrist positioning could appeal to some independent voters, there is limited public evidence at this stage that his campaign has consolidated a broad base of support.

Just as important is the national political context. Elections in New Mexico do not occur in isolation. The continued influence of Donald Trump on Republican politics has reshaped campaign dynamics across the country. In that environment, candidates often succeed not only by persuading undecided voters, but by energizing their own base.

On that measure, Haaland appears better positioned. Her national profile, alignment with widely supported Democratic priorities, and ability to mobilize key constituencies—including younger voters and communities historically underrepresented in politics—suggest a capacity to generate turnout that could be critical in a competitive race.

This is not to dismiss the arguments put forward by Bregman. His focus on public safety and economic concerns reflects issues that deserve sustained attention, regardless of who holds office. Effective governance will require addressing those priorities as well.

Nevertheless, elections ultimately require a judgment about who can both win and govern. Based on the information currently available, Deb Haaland demonstrates a stronger combination of political support, organizational strength, and alignment with the state’s prevailing electorate.

For these reasons, the Duke City Times endorses Deb Haaland.

This endorsement is offered in recognition of the challenges ahead and with the expectation that, if elected, she will govern with attention to the full range of issues facing New Mexico residents.

April 16^th, 2026

Santa Fe, NM–The New Mexico State Police is providing an update in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Joel “Deano” Valdez.

On April 12, 2026, the NMSP Investigations Bureau received information regarding human remains located by a person walking their dog on Caja del Rio Road in Santa Fe County. Through coordination with the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI), the individual has been positively identified as missing person, Joel “Deano” Valdez.

The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined. The remains will undergo further anthropological examination by OMI.

Mr. Valdez was initially reported missing on September 21, 2025, after he failed to return home to Coyote after work in Silver City. Since that time, the New Mexico State Police has conducted an extensive investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

The New Mexico State Police extend their deepest condolences to the Valdez family during this difficult time.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the New Mexico State Police at 505-841-9256.

Whether they plan it or its a mistake, one thing we see with all these global crisis, is that the stock market will plummet, the crisis will be solved and then the stocks will rise, as we are seeing this week. This isn’t financial advice, but doesn’t it seem like these crisis are orchestrated to manipulate the stock market so one is able to easily judge when to buy or sell.I know its not how things are supposed to transpire but they are transpiring this way, what do we do not play the market ? what are your thoughts?

In the early hours of January 3, 2026 United States forces attacked many sites in Venezuela and captured Venezuela president Nicholas Maduro President Trump of the United States says that this was a police action using military personnel and equipment but the question is was Congress‘s approval needed to attack Major infrastructure of another country using military equipment and taking their president captive?

Tim Keller defeats Darren White in run off election winning third term. In a hotly contested mayoral race Kellers entrenched constituency and strategic campaigning has proven successful again.

During a recent debate, Mayor Tim Keller drew a direct contrast between his record and that of his challenger, noting that the opponent is a supporter of President Donald Trump. Keller argued that such support raises concerns for some Albuquerque voters, implying , “Why would we elect someone who aligns with policies many residents feel are harming the city and country?”

Political analysts say Keller’s remarks may resonate with segments of the electorate who were critical of the Trump administration since it did remove some funding from the city of Albuquerque and Critics of the president have pointed to issues such as trade-related tariffs, economic concerns, and ethics investigations as reasons for their opposition.

Keller suggested that choosing a candidate aligned with Trump could signal a negative direction for Albuquerque a sentiment many many voters agree with ..

Contact: Bob Ippel, Executive Director, NMANS

The New Mexico Association of Non-public Schools

Email:nmansinfo@gmail.com

Website: http://www.nmans.org

505-870-9621

St. Joseph Mission School

Nestled in the heart of Northwestern New Mexico, St. Joseph Mission School shines brightly in

the village of San Fidel. Established by the Franciscans in 1923, this school was created to

nurture the Pueblo communities of Acoma and Laguna, along with the nearby Spanish villages

of San Fidel, Cubero, and Seboyeta.

St. Joseph School embodies a proud legacy that began in 1644, when the San Estevan Mission

at Acoma Pueblo opened its doors with a humble classroom. The educational journey continued

in 1699 at the San Jose Mission in Laguna Pueblo, where the foundations of reading, writing,

and math were established. These historic missions not only introduced new languages and

cultural insights but also honored traditional ways of life. Today, St. Joseph School remains

deeply committed to this vital mission, seamlessly blending the richness of the past with the

promise of a bright future.

Since its establishment, numerous alumni from St. Joseph’s School have successfully pursued

careers in various fields, including medicine, nursing, business ownership, education, public

service, and leadership within both state and tribal contexts in New Mexico. Notably, the current

Governor of Acoma, Charles Riley, is a distinguished alumnus of St. Joseph’s School. Theinstitution thoughtfully integrates Traditional Native and Catholic cultural elements, reflecting the

rich heritage of our local communities.

St. Joseph School is an exceptional Pre-K through 6th grade Micro-School, leveraging a proven

educational model that has thrived for decades. Microschooling, far from being a novel concept,

has been successfully implemented in various environments where traditional teaching faced

challenges, particularly due to overcrowding. Our class sizes are significantly smaller than those

in traditional schools, allowing for more personalized attention and a focus on mixed-age level

groupings.

As a microschool, we are committed to our unique educational mission while embodying key

characteristics that set us apart. Our approach emphasizes personable, project-based learning,

fostering stronger relationships between adults and children. Our educators actively facilitate

student-led learning experiences rather than merely delivering content.

Students at St. Joseph School are not just learners; they are active participants in their

communities. They engage in service-learning projects and community service, and they

proudly attend our feast day masses and celebrations. This commitment to community

involvement strengthens the bonds among our educators, families, and the wider community,

empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey.

St. Joseph School collaborates with esteemed organizations such as the University of Notre

Dame, Catholic Alliance for Education, American Indian Catholic School Network, Western

Catholic Education Association, and the National Catholic Education Association to enhance

Professional Development for our dedicated educators. Through these powerful partnerships,

we are committed to providing our students with exceptional educational experiences that

prepare them for success in higher education and beyond.

For more information, visit https://www.stjosephmissionschool.com/

It appears that Tim Keller’s rebuttals were both substantive and composed, even in the face of his opponent’s Trump-like slogans such as “on day one”—promises that, notably, Trump himself failed to fulfill. Keller’s plans for the city have shown measurable progress; a recent APD study indicates that crime has fallen across all key areas. It may simply take time for Keller’s initiatives to fully blossom—but evidence suggests they already are. Throughout the debate, Keller avoided empty slogans and divisive rhetoric, instead presenting a thoughtful plan focused on enforcing the law, protecting citizens’ rights, and improving the city. For these reasons, our editorial staff believes that Keller was the clear victor of tonight’s debate.

In the latest chapter of Washington gridlock, moderate Democrats have walked into the spotlight not as negotiators who secured key wins—but as lawmakers who broke ranks to reopen the government on terms many in their party view as unacceptably weak. Whether this move will be seen in hindsight as pragmatic governance or strategic capitulation remains to be seen.

The lawmakers who crossed the aisle include: Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), John Fetterman (Pa.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Dick Durbin (Ill.), and Angus King (Maine) (the independent who caucuses with Democrats). 

Whether to block the release of the Epstein files or to take away affordable healthcare from Americans ,the republicans have shut down the government including the snap program which feeds 40 million Americans in need.

Alex Uballez, a former U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, is running for mayor of Albuquerque in the November 2025 election. His campaign emphasizes a combination of legal experience, progressive values, and a commitment to public safety and justice.

Legal Expertise and Leadership

Uballez served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico from 2022 to 2025, leading a team of 200 federal prosecutors and overseeing statewide law enforcement operations. During his tenure, he prosecuted cartel leaders, human traffickers, and uncovered a longstanding DWI corruption scheme involving multiple law enforcement agencies The Daily Lobo. His leadership also contributed to the establishment of Albuquerque’s Violence Intervention Program and New Mexico’s first federal reentry court, aiming to provide individuals with opportunities for rehabilitation Alex Uballez for Mayor of Albuquerque.

Progressive Values and Community Focus

Born to a Chinese immigrant mother and a Chicano father, Uballez’s background informs his progressive platform, which includes protecting immigrants and addressing income inequality Working Families Party. He has also been endorsed by organizations such as Equality New Mexico, reflecting his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.

Accountability and Transparency

In his mayoral campaign, Uballez has initiated a nine-point inquiry into the Keller administration, focusing on issues such as potential health hazards during the construction of the Gateway Center and allegations of favoritism and mishandling of federal funds KUNM. This approach underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability in local government.

A Vision for Albuquerque’s Future

Uballez’s campaign is driven by a desire to create a city where his children—and all residents—can thrive. His legal background, progressive values, and focus on public safety position him as a candidate aiming to address Albuquerque’s challenges with a fresh perspective and a commitment to justice.

Schools are not just places of rote instruction—they are places where ideas, values, and civic responsibilities are explored. Even though a principal is an employee subject to district policies, they are also a citizen. If the remarks are made in a context where they’re representing personal opinion (not official policy), then reprimanding them can chill necessary dialogue. Principals should retain some space to speak on public matters—especially when those public matters affect their school community, students, or values the school is supposed to teach (e.g. honesty, justice, civic awareness).
Principals often serve not just as administrators but as moral and ethical guides. When issues emerge that impact students—either directly or indirectly—it is reasonable for a principal to address them. Speaking about a controversial public figure or current events can be a necessary element of guiding students in critical thinking, helping them understand civic dialogue, or standing up against what the principal perceives as wrongdoing. Reprimanding a principal for such speech can send the message that neutrality is always safest, even when moral clarity or leadership is needed.
Charlie Kirk is a public figure, which means that commentary about him is more protected under free‑speech norms than commentary about private individuals. A principal speaking about public discourse or current events is engaging in discussion about public affairs, which is often seen as a core area of protected speech. Unless the speech violates specific policies (for example, it’s hateful, incites violence, defames someone, etc.), a reprimand may be over‑reach.
If school authorities are quick to repress any speech from administrators that touches on politics or public figures, there’s a risk of over‑censorship. Important conversations get avoided. Education becomes sanitized of real issues. Students are shielded from discussion that might help them understand the world. That does harm in the long run.

Reprimanding a principal simply for speaking about a public figure (like Charlie Kirk) is a risky precedent. It threatens free expression, weakens moral leadership, and encourages silence over dialogue. Principals deserve the space to participate in public discussion—especially when issues impact their students or community—and should be defended in doing so, provided their speech is responsible. Education is enriched, not harmed, when leaders engage, think aloud, and model civic participation.

The Domingueros are heading on tour to Rock the west coast. The unique ska punk band that has depth from its name to its music will be coming to a city near you! Los Domingueros is a unique band that represents the best in creativity,rarity,and detail when considering the Albuquerque music scene . The band recently won a pretty competitive punk band contest in LA and have plenty more tricks up their sleeve! Be sure to get your tickets as this is an act you don’t want to miss !

January 10, 2025 – In an unprecedented moment of American political history, Donald J. Trump has officially become the first U.S. president to enter the White House while carrying the weight of a criminal conviction.

This milestone follows a high-profile legal battle that culminated in Trump’s conviction on charges related to his business practices. While the specific charges and sentencing details remain the subject of significant public debate, the legal consequences have not deterred Trump’s return to the presidency after defeating incumbent President Joe Biden in the 2024 election.

The conviction, which stems from charges of fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy, was handed down by a Manhattan court in late 2023. Trump’s legal team appealed the decision, but the courts upheld the verdict, cementing his status as a felon. Despite this, Trump continued his presidential campaign with a defiant message, positioning himself as a fighter against a political establishment he claims has targeted him unfairly.

Critics have expressed concern about the implications of a convicted felon holding the highest office in the land, with questions about his ability to perform the duties of president. Some legal experts argue that while a felony conviction technically does not disqualify a person from running for or holding the office of president, it could raise complex constitutional issues and impact his standing in future legal matters.

Proponents of Trump, however, view his continued political success as a testament to his resilience and the support he has among a significant portion of the American electorate. “This election was a victory for democracy and the will of the people,” Trump said in his victory speech. “I’ve been through the fire, and I’m more determined than ever to restore America to its former greatness.”

This moment also raises questions about the state of American democracy and its legal system. While no previous president has faced criminal conviction during or after their time in office, Trump’s presidency, marked by controversies and multiple legal battles, has undeniably reshaped the landscape of U.S. politics.

As the nation prepares for the next chapter in its history, the world will be watching closely to see how Trump’s legal challenges unfold and what lasting impact his presidency will have on the country’s political and legal institutions.

This landmark event signals an era of uncertainty, where the boundaries between law, politics, and public opinion continue to blur in ways that defy precedent. Whether Trump’s time in office will be defined by his convictions or his accomplishments remains to be seen, but what is certain is that his legacy will be one for the history books.

A massive storm flooded Albuquerque Over the weekend and a bus was stuck at the Central /first Street intersection. There’s no reason why in a city our size downtown Albuquerque should be flooded as it was. Before creating all of these useless pet projects, city officials should create an Effective drainage system for the downtown area.

An f-35 fighter jet crashed at the Abq International sunport near Mesa del Sol. The pilot ejected And survived no one hurt.

SANTA FE—Today, Senate Bill 102 advanced through the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support. The bill aims to strengthen the state’s racketeering law to give prosecutors an additional tool to go after modern criminal organizations.  

Senate Republican Whip, Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), the bill’s sponsor, issued the following statement regarding the bill:

“After having conversations with top prosecutors and law enforcement, one thing is clear—it is career criminals who underpin the criminal enterprise fueling our state’s crime crisis. This bill is a key tool in the toolbelt of prosecutors, allowing them to attack and prosecute modern criminal organizations at every link in the chain. I’m thankful to the committee for their endorsement of this essential crimefighting legislation.”

HURLEY, NM – On January 12, the Hurley Police Department requested the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau to investigate a shooting involving a 6-year-old child.

State Police agents learned that Hurley police officers responded to the 200 block of D Street for reports that a 6-year-old child had been shot. When officers arrived, they saw a 14-year-old juvenile running from the scene. Officers detained the juvenile, who had a dismantled handgun and ammunition in his pockets.

Further investigation indicates the child was sitting inside a car parked in front of the house at 208 D Street. A black Dodge pickup dropped the juvenile off near the victim’s car. The juvenile fired multiple gunshots into the vehicle, striking the child. The juvenile fled the scene on foot, where he was later apprehended. The Dodge drove away from the scene after dropping off the juvenile.  

Emergency medical personnel transported the child to an area hospital and then later airlifted him to a trauma center. The extent of his injuries and current condition are not known. 

The juvenile was booked into the Dona Ana County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with:

• Attempted Murder
• Shooting at/or from a motor vehicle
• Tampering with evidence
• Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon
• Unlawful carrying of a firearm by a person

Many details about this incident are still under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Contact the New Mexico State Police at (575) 382-2511 if you have information about this incident.

📣 Attention, Food Lovers of Albuquerque! 📣

The Duke City Times is gearing to print its next culinary sensation, and we want YOUR restaurant to steal the spotlight! 🎉

🔥 “Great Places to Eat in Albuquerque” – the ultimate guide to tantalize taste buds across the city! 🔥

🚀 Imagine your restaurant featured prominently in the most anticipated foodie publication of the year! Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your culinary masterpiece to a hungry audience.

🌮 For ONLY $150, you can secure your spot in the next month’s printing! 🌯

Why choose us? 🤔

✅ Visibility: Reach a diverse and hungry audience eager to explore the best Albuquerque has to offer. ✅ Credibility: The Duke City Times is a trusted source, guiding locals and visitors alike to the culinary gems hidden in our city. ✅ Affordability: For just $150, your restaurant gets the spotlight it deserves without breaking the bank.

Act now and watch your business soar to new heights! 🚀

🎁 But that’s not all! The first 10 restaurants to sign up receive a FREE featured spot on our website for one month! 🌐

📆 Limited slots available! Secure your place NOW by contacting us at news@dukecitytimes or call 505-933-1595 Elevate your restaurant’s status and become a culinary legend in Albuquerque! 🍽️🏆

Don’t miss this golden opportunity! The countdown to gastronomic greatness starts NOW! 🍕🍣🍰 #DCTFoodieFaves #AlbuquerqueEats #CulinaryExcellence

New Mexico, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, grapples with persistent economic challenges. This article seeks to delve into the political landscape of New Mexico, examining reasons for its economic struggles and proposing potential strategies to pave the way towards prosperity.

New Mexico’s economic struggles have deep roots, including historical factors such as the decline of extractive industries and the challenges associated with transitioning to a more diverse economy. The state has long faced issues like high poverty rates, limited educational attainment, and inadequate infrastructure.

Political landscape :

1. Economic Dependence on Federal Spending:
   • New Mexico relies heavily on federal funding, particularly in the form of government contracts and military installations. This dependency can create vulnerability during periods of federal budget constraints.
2. Education Challenges:
   • The state’s education system faces hurdles, contributing to lower educational attainment levels. A well-educated workforce is crucial for attracting high-paying industries.
3. Limited Economic Diversification:
   • A historical reliance on extractive industries like mining and oil and gas has hindered efforts to diversify the economy. Economic diversification is key to creating resilience against economic downturns.

Potential Solutions:

1. Economic Diversification:
   • Invest in initiatives that promote economic diversification, such as supporting emerging industries like renewable energy, technology, and healthcare.
2. Education Reform:
   • Prioritize education reform to enhance the quality of K-12 education and increase access to higher education and vocational training. A well-educated workforce attracts businesses and fuels economic growth.
3. Infrastructure Development:
   • Invest in critical infrastructure projects to improve transportation, broadband access, and utilities. Modern infrastructure is essential for attracting businesses and promoting economic development.
4. Public-Private Partnerships:
   • Foster collaboration between the government and private sector to create a business-friendly environment. Streamlining regulations and offering incentives can attract investment.
5. Workforce Development:
   • Implement targeted workforce development programs to ensure that residents possess the skills needed for emerging industries. This can make the state more attractive to businesses seeking a skilled labor force.

While New Mexico faces economic challenges rooted in historical factors, strategic policy changes can pave the way for a more prosperous future. By diversifying the economy, reforming education, investing in infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, New Mexico can break free from the shackles of poverty and build a thriving and resilient economy for generations to come.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, like many cities across the United States, grapples with the complex issues of crime and homelessness. This article aims to explore the challenges faced by Albuquerque and examine how other cities of similar size have successfully tackled these problems. By delving into statistics and actionable solutions, we hope to shed light on potential strategies that could benefit Albuquerque.

Albuquerque has faced an ongoing struggle with crime rates, particularly property crimes and violent offenses. The city’s homelessness problem is also a significant concern, with visible encampments and shelters stretched to capacity.

As of the latest available data, Albuquerque has experienced an increase in both property and violent crimes over the past few years. Violent crime rates per 1,000 residents have been consistently higher than the national average, posing a challenge for local law enforcement.

Comparable Cities’ Success Stories:

1. Salt Lake City, Utah:
   • Implemented the “Housing First” approach, prioritizing providing stable housing for homeless individuals.
   • Collaborated with local nonprofits to address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health and addiction issues.
2. Boise, Idaho:
   • Employed a data-driven strategy to identify and address high-crime areas.
   • Focused on community policing, building trust between law enforcement and residents to improve overall safety.
3. Tucson, Arizona:
   • Established diversion programs to direct individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment.
   • Fostered partnerships between law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to address homelessness collaboratively.

Actionable Solutions for Albuquerque:

1. Housing First Approach:
   • Invest in affordable housing initiatives to provide stable living conditions for the homeless.
   • Collaborate with local organizations to offer supportive services, addressing mental health and addiction issues.
2. Community Policing:
   • Prioritize community engagement to build trust and foster cooperation.
   • Implement data-driven strategies to identify and address crime hotspots effectively.
3. Diversion Programs:
   • Develop and expand diversion programs for individuals with mental health issues, steering them towards appropriate treatment instead of incarceration.
   • Invest in rehabilitation and reintegration programs for non-violent offenders to reduce recidivism.

Albuquerque faces challenges with crime and homelessness, but by learning from the successes of comparable cities, it can implement effective strategies. A combination of the Housing First approach, community policing, and diversion programs may offer a path toward a safer, more compassionate city for everyone.

The Jeffrey Epstein documents have been released naming notable figures like , Prince Andrew , And Bill Clinton.

DOCUMENT LINKS :

https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2024/01/04/Final_Epstein_documents.pdf

Hello, if you need to file a legal notice with a newspaper the Duke City Times is here to work with you, we send you a receipt and we publish your legal notice or announcement for longer than two weeks just contact us at news@dukecitytimes.com or call us at 505-933-1595 thank you!

Notice of Assumed Name
To Whom it may Concern:
Notice is hereby by given to the Public that BRIAN VINCENT ROBERTSON, a Limited Liability Company and is doing business as BRIAN VINCENT ROBERTSON, and is doing business at the following address: 2201 Menaul Blvd NE, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, and all notices, demands, and processes must be sent to NORTHWEST REGISTERED AGENT, INC. 2201 Menaul Blvd NE, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.

Instead of fighting crime and homelessness, City leaders and local politicians more concerned with appeasing private stadium builders and taking rock band photo ops.

Instead of just putting boulders in front of the San Felipe de neri school , the city or the school should build a giant rock wall.By building a giant rock or concrete wall the children will be protected from a car jumping the intersection at central and entering the playground.

I could understand making tougher penalties against criminal gun usage, but to ban open carry is a mistake.Many of the open carry gun owners are good people that deter criminals, to prevent their right to open carry places the public at further risk to criminals that don’t follow the law anyway.This ban takes away the citizens right to defend themselves and makes them citizens more susceptible to crime.

New Mexican Icon ,master negotiator and renowned UN ambassador Bill Richardson has passed away at the age of 75.

After almost closing the Nerdtopia in Los lunas is under New Managment and thriving! If you’re into board games and all things nerd visit Nerdtopia in Los Lunas right off of Highway 314 down from Blake’s lotaburger!