New Mexico
The Block gets ready to open in Rio Rancho
What seemed like a never-ending construction project, hitting every imaginable road block, is now near the end as The Block is ready to open.
RIO RANCHO, N.M. — It turned into what seemed like a never-ending construction project, hitting every imaginable road block.
But The Block is finally ready to open and become a new neighborhood hangout spot.
Five years ago, the idea for The Block was born. Then, COVID quickly squashed any dreams of breaking ground until 2022.
Even then, the project felt cursed in a way, if you ask Tiffany Gravelle. She’s the chief operating officer of The Block.
“We had some material delays due to COVID. Then we had some construction delays with our construction team. We had a few build out and change of plans that led to delays,” she said.
The opening date moved back several times from July to August.
Now, there’s an official grand opening planned. Gravelle says the day is fitting for all the bad luck they had finishing the project.
“So to now be able to say September 13 is our date, Friday the 13th, no less, we can’t wait for the public to be able to see what we’ve been working on for years at this point,” she said.
Inside The Block there are spaces for local food vendors and retail shopping. When they put the finishing touches on it, the top of the block will be the bar area.
“The Block was built to be event-heavy and a real community space. So we plan on having activities here pretty much every day of the week, ranging in everything from yoga to live music to outdoor movies, so that when you come it’s not just to shop and to eat, but to also hang out and enjoy the space,” Gravelle said.
After years of delays, Gravelle adds it’s even more satisfying to see this through to the end.
“COVID gave everyone a time to take a step back and look what was really important and valuable. And we knew that this spot in Enchanted Hills was the place to be,” she said.
SANTA FE, N.M. — Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison is running for governor as a Republican, he announced on social media Tuesday.
Ellison is running on affordability, opportunity and trust in government as the key points of his campaign. His experience includes serving on the NMPRC in 2023 and 2024.
“New Mexico deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results. Our state has enormous potential, but too often that potential is held back by policies that don’t serve everyday New Mexicans,” he said on his website. “I’m running to bring practical solutions, honest accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest.”
A Georgia native, Ellison has lived in New Mexico for 20 years and currently lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.
Ellison is aiming to get 5,000 signatures by Feb. 2, to appear on the primary ballot with at least three other Republicans who have announced their candidacy.
Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez announced his campaign in December and recently confirmed to KOB 4 that he received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Steve Lanier are also running.
Three Democrats are running – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A successful University of New Mexico Lobo athletics season and the athletics director’s departure has culminated in players and coaches making moves.
The moves follow a successful 2025 season and the departure of athletics director Fernando Lovo.
Running back coach John Johnson, special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato and wide receiver coach Colin Lockett are all leaving the Lobos after just one season. Johnson is headed to Iowa State while Da Prato is expected to join Minnesota and Lockett is headed to UCLA, all for the same jobs.
Johnson’s Lobo running backs ran for more than 1,400 yards. Da Prato’s special teams finished top-five nationally in kickoff returns.
Running back D.J. McKinney entered the portal, he confirmed on social media the day the portal officially opened. McKinney rushed for 464 yards and seven touchdowns with the Lobos.
Two players who received all-Mountain West Conference recognition also made moves. All-Mountain West tight-end Dorian Thomas, who caught for touchdowns for the Lobos, entered the portal. Meanwhile, all-Mountain West honorable mention punter Daniel Hughes is set to leave.
Others set to leave include:
- Cole Welliver, backup quarterback who played in one game
- Landon Williams, defensive end who graduated from La Cueva High School
- Randolph Kpai, senior linebacker who is at the end of his college football career without a waiver
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