Exclusive in City Desk ABQ High-level city officials have been awarded thousands of dollars in extra compensation after announcing their resignations thanks to a special, and mostly unknown, leave program, City Desk ABQ has learned. The most high-profile recipient of the “special leave” was Sarita Nair, Mayor Tim Keller’s top aide and the city’s chief […]
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Posted inFederal Government & Congress
APS school board hears frustrations about bell schedules and adult performers
Looking to avoid a later school day, parents and staff at Inez Elementary School took their case to the Albuquerque Public Schools board Wednesday evening. They told the board they’ve seen the schedule change three years in a row and would like to keep the current bell times. The speakers said the current schedule works […]
Posted inStatewide News
State warns New Mexico fentanyl supply ‘much more deadly’ than before after testing uncovers ‘tranq’
For the first time, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has confirmed the presence of xylazine in three fentanyl samples tested through the state’s Adulterant Checking Program. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is a nonopioid, central nervous system depressant. It is most often used in veterinary medicine and is not approved for use in […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Federal Government & Congress
APD Chaplain Unit expands services
The Albuquerque Police Department’s Chaplain Unit is growing and expanding its services, providing resources and guidance for department employees and community members in crisis. The Chaplain Unit, which was first created in 1969, has grown from eight volunteers to 17 members. In the fall of 2023, APD made a significant push to recruit more chaplains […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Housing & Homelessness
UNM students join nationwide campus protest in support of ceasefire
University of New Mexico students set up camp this week at the school’s Duck Pond to protest the Israel-Hamas war — calling for a ceasefire — and demanding that the university divest from Israel. Pro-Palestinian protests have been heating up on college campuses across the country over the past two weeks as students gather to […]
Posted inLocal Government
NMDOJ investigates complaints about county commissioners
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) is investigating claims that some members of the Bernalillo County Commission have violated meeting rules. In a letter dated April 24, and addressed to County Manager Julie Morgas Baca and Attorney Ken Martinez, the NMDOJ said, “Based on the materials reviewed, there are indications that deliberations on public […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
Councilor eyes return of Berry-era homeless labor initiative
An idea born under former Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry that provides day labor jobs for those experiencing homelessness could be making a comeback. “There’s a Better Way” was launched in 2015 and the initiative quickly gained national attention. After a year in operation, the Washington Post called it “a simple idea that works.” The […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Federal Government & Congress, Local Government
Tax and Revenue Dept. warns of fraudulent delinquent tax letters
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is warning taxpayers about fraudulent demand letters going out to property owners who are delinquent on their taxes. The letters tell the owners to call a 1-800 number by a certain date or the state will seize their property. The letters are not from the state Taxation and […]
Posted inLocal Government
Commission publishes first-of-its-kind behavioral health ordinance
Bernalillo County residents may soon see a different, more efficient network aimed at helping them meet their behavioral health needs. The Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the publication of an ordinance that would create a behavioral health authority that would unify county behavioral health efforts. Vice Chair Eric Olivas said before the meeting that […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Housing & Homelessness
Reps. Stansbury and Vasquez celebrate $16.3M in homelessness funding
More than a dozen nonprofit and city leaders who work in homelessness and housing services across the state met in Albuquerque on Tuesday to mark an infusion of $16.3 million in federal funds for its programs. A roundtable event at Cuidando Los Niños featured U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez, part of the New […]