Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety, Featured

Solomon Peña trial postponed following conflict between defendant and attorney

Jury selection in a high-profile criminal case was postponed Monday due to a conflict between defendant Solomon Peña and his attorney.  Trial had been set to begin Monday for the former Republican candidate, who is accused of coordinating a series of shootings nearly two years ago that targeted Democratic lawmakers.  Peña’s now-former attorney Elizabeth Honce […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News

County commissioners to hear presentation on mobile hygiene units

Some Bernalillo County residents may take handwashing, showers and other personal hygiene actions for granted. But those without permanent or reliable housing don’t have as many opportunities to keep up with personal hygiene and therefore can be at risk for a variety of health issues. Some say the answer might be as simple as a […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Housing & Homelessness, New Mexico Statewide News

Debate on more tax dollars for the unhoused draws concerned citizens

Are more tax dollars needed to provide housing for those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque? There were no simple solutions during a Saturday debate at the International District Library — and no shouting matches either — which was the point. The debate was the first for the North-Central New Mexico Alliance of the national nonprofit Braver […]

Businesses impacted by vandalism line up for city grant money

Almost two dozen businesses around Albuquerque have applied for a grant program the city launched two weeks ago aimed at helping small businesses that have been vandalized. The Albuquerque Police Department and the city Economic Development Department’s Small Business Office on Sept. 3 initiated a $200,000 “Window to Opportunity” grant to help offset the costs […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Housing & Homelessness, New Mexico Statewide News

Advocates denounce ‘criminalization’ of city’s unhoused population

Two consistent issues of concern among city officials, residents and business owners in Albuquerque are crime and homelessness. But conflating the two is a mistake and leads to the baseless stigmatization and criminalization of the unhoused, say advocates for those living on the streets and in shelters. Dozens of advocates and activists gathered at Robinson […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Education, New Mexico Statewide News

APS: Information sharing led to campus gun seizure

School officials say efforts to get students to report suspicious activity were instrumental in recovering two firearms at Volcano Vista High School this week. A junior at the school faces felony charges after the weapons were reportedly found in his backpack and vehicle Tuesday. Another person on campus reported behavior that led school staff to […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Housing & Homelessness, New Mexico Statewide News

City, Human Rights Board clash on homelessness

A rift formed this summer between the city and its Human Rights Board over an analysis of the state of those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque.The result is that a final report to be issued to the city won’t be submitted. Even though the all-volunteer board has no legal jurisdiction, it is empowered by city ordinance […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Featured, Local Gov.

Are fluoride levels in ABQ’s water safe?

According to new research, extreme levels of fluoride in drinking water could be associated with lower IQ in children, but according to local water officials, Albuquerque and Bernalillo County’s fluoride levels are still safe for residents. In its “Monograph on the State of Science Concerning Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Cognition,” the National Toxicology Program, […]

Alleyway renaissance emerges in International District

There’s an urban revitalization effort underway in the International District in an unlikely location — residential alleys. Those involved in the undertaking do so with little to no budget and say it’s an effective way to make the area safer, spark community engagement and assist those experiencing homelessness. After months of preparation, the South San […]