Choose how often you hear from us. Upgrade |
Hey Rio Rancho, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Dog treat truck for pups, green chile roasting season, and brain sang trivia + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A treat truck for pups: Rio Rancho’s Bark Bar serves pup cups made with Greek yogurt and xylitol-free peanut butter, plus dog-safe treats. Believed to be New Mexico’s only dog-dedicated food truck, it’s drawing fans -- read the full story.
A beloved New Mexico tradition: Green chile roasting fills the air this week as season ramps up. Market Street in Rio Rancho is roasting and stocking green chile foods. New Mexico led 2025 production nationwide -- read the full story.
Early detection made easier: Free lung cancer screenings available at the New Mexico Cancer Center with no copays or insurance billing. New Mexico’s screening rate is 11%, early detection raises five-year survival to 65% -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Reset your week: If your shoulders are living up by your ears, Sunshine's Glow is a local wellness center in town focused on quieting the noise and helping you feel human again. Peek at their site this week and keep them on your radar, then claim some you-time the minute they open.
Local lanes, big vibes: Tenpins & More brings bowling that flips to glow under blacklights, an arcade, karaoke, and a full sports bar with bites delivered to your lane. Family owned with giant down-lane screens, a pro shop and welcoming leagues, it’s an easy, go-have-fun plan for this week.
Make some noise: Whether your kid’s eyeing the drum kit or you’re finally ready to learn that guitar riff, Music On the Westside offers fun, personalized lessons for drums, guitar, piano, voice and strings. Rent what you need, grab a practice room, then get on a real stage when you're ready.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👶 Toddler Tuesday @ Cottonwood Mall (Albuquerque) | Tuesday (8/4) at 10:30 AM – Bring the littles to Toddler Tuesday for a make-your-own birdhouse, free fun in Center Court, conveniently next to Victoria's Secret for maximum comic juxtaposition. Expect sensory play, stories, and music, aka 90 minutes where they’re busy, you sip coffee, and everyone wins.
👥 Wednesday Friends Day @ Unity Spiritual Center (Albuquerque) | Wednesday (8/5) at 12:00 PM – Wednesday Friends Day is the midweek hang we actually have time for, hosted by Anne and Glenda, with no agenda beyond conversation, cards, puzzles, and easy company. Free to join, donation jar if you feel generous, zero pressure, maximum real-life.
🎻 Robb’s Violin Jam @ M'tucci's Moderno | Thursday (8/6) at 6:30 PM – An evening at M’Tucci’s Moderno in Rio Rancho means Robb Janov turning a blue six-string electric violin, his voice, and some clever live looping into a full band. It’s part groove, part sorcery, and exactly the kind of vibe your shoulder knots approve.
💃 West Coast Swing @ The Lloyd Shaw Dance Center (Albuquerque) | Thursday (8/6) at 7:00 PM – Thursday nights at Lloyd Shaw mean two things, new friends and West Coast Swing you can learn. SouthWesties ABQ runs a nonjudgy beginner lesson, then a social, no partner needed. First-timers dance free, regulars pay three bucks, or grab the seven-for-twenty card.
🧠 Brain Gang Trivia @ Turquoise Desert Taproom | Thursday (8/6) at 7:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for Brain Gang Trivia at the Turquoise Desert, a Thursday night oasis that is fun, and free. Flex those dusty facts for $5 to $15 in house cash, bragging rights, and an excuse to feel clever. Bring your crew, and your reading glasses.
🧠 Brain SANG Trivia @ THE BLOCK | Sunday (8/9) at 4:30 PM – This mashup of trivia, Name That Tune, and karaoke lets you flex years of carpool sing-alongs and questionable mix CDs. Free to play, with prizes, and bragging rights last longer than an 80s power ballad. Because yes, your brain still stores lyrics better than birthdays.
🥋 The Importance of Personal Safety Awareness & Self-Defense Training Discussion @ Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center (Albuquerque) | Thursday (8/20) at 4:30 PM – Free self-defense smarts at Ray G. Sanchez Community Center, with a veteran firefighter showing the what, why, and what-not-to-do. Swing by for the Starbucks and cookie, stay to sharpen your awareness, bust a few myths, and upgrade that inner threat radar.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Rio Rancho report Weather forecastToday — High: 97°F — Low: 68°F — Precip: 10%
Sunny, with a high near 97. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow — High: 99°F — Low: 68°F — Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 99. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. This house is wildThis 5-bedroom, 4-bath home in gated Tres Colinas pairs 4,373 square feet with sweeping Sandia Mountain views and a prime corner lot. A grand circular entry, 20-foot great room ceilings, two lofts, and a dramatic staircase set the tone. The kitchen shines with granite, a large island, and walk-in pantry, while the backyard is beautifully landscaped for sunset views.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
