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. (KFOX14/CBS4) – The New Mexico Department of Health says it will continue to recommend the full schedule of childhood vaccines.
State officials announced the move Tuesday, directly defying a new federal policy that scaled back routine immunization guidance.
The announcement comes after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for all children.
The New Mexico Department of Health stated the federal changes were “not based on new scientific evidence or safety data.”
“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”
State health officials sought to reassure parents, emphasizing that vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.
“We know this is confusing for parents, but the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save children’s lives,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.
All childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered under programs like Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children Program.
The state encourages parents to consult their healthcare providers using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule.
RECOMMENDED: CDC cuts childhood vaccine list, sparking healthcare professionals’ concerns
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.
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.
Brain Health Challenge: Try a Brain Teaser
Nick Reiner’s attorney removes himself from case
Disney Plus is getting vertical video
‘Irregular’ armed guards aboard Russian shadow tankers alarm Nordic-Baltic governments
Trump greenlights Russian sanctions bill, paving way for 500% tariff on countries supporting Moscow: Graham
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Trump greenlights Russian sanctions bill, paving way for 500% tariff on countries supporting Moscow: Graham
Saudi-led coalition says STC’s al-Zubaidi fled to UAE via Somaliland
U.S. to exit 66 international organizations in further retreat from global cooperation
San Diego sues to stop border barrier construction
How Ukraine is shaping Europe’s response to Trump’s Greenland threats
-
News1 week agoFor those who help the poor, 2025 goes down as a year of chaos
-
Detroit, MI4 days ago2 hospitalized after shooting on Lodge Freeway in Detroit
-
Georgia1 week agoBest in Georgia: 2025 AJC Varsity high school football all-state teams
-
Dallas, TX3 days agoDefensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026
-
Detroit, MI1 week agoWith 46k outages around Michigan, Metro Detroit prepares for power loss
-
Southeast1 week agoMurder in small-town America: The crimes that tore quiet communities apart in 2025
-
Miami, FL1 week agoMiami-Dade sheriff’s deputy opens fire on vehicle after altercation during traffic stop, officials say
-
Midwest1 week agoMcDonald’s locks doors to keep out individuals who present ‘a risk’ in crime-ridden Minneapolis area