Two statewide studies released findings that PFAS — which stands for poly-fluoroalkyl substances — chemicals have been detected in groundwater and surface water resources across New Mexico. The study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) found urban areas — like Albuquerque — are the most significant contributor. […]
Bernalillo County
Man shoots, injures himself outside county jail
A man shot and injured himself outside the Metropolitan Detention Center Tuesday afternoon, according to a county spokesperson. He has been taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital. “No one else was injured or involved in the incident,” spokesperson Candace Hopkins wrote in a news release. “The Sheriff’s Office has secured the grounds and […]
Centenarians celebrate centennial with the city
Three centenarians were honored at the city’s Centennial Birthday Celebration Tuesday. The annual event, which is held on the 100th day of the year, took place at the North Valley Senior Center. More than 100 people showed up to celebrate the lives of the active senior citizens, according to Victoria Velarde, city communications coordinator. Entertainers, […]
Charter school roof collapses
A local charter school is working its way through an unexpected situation after the roof of its new gymnasium collapsed. A letter sent by head administrator Jake Kolander to Explore Academy parents stated he was informed of the damage to the roof at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. In the letter, Kolander wrote that other parts of […]
From cuffs to carburetors
Andrea Ortiz knew while in the police academy that she wanted to be a homicide investigator. She said her drive toward that goal began with “Quincy,” “CHiPs” and “Charlie’s Angels,” which she enjoyed watching on TV. But after 25 years in law enforcement, including APD’s homicide and crime scene units, Ortiz retired last fall and […]
WHAT TO EXPECT: Competing county manager selection processes dominate commission agenda
In other county business, commissioners are set to: HOW TO PARTICIPATE Bernalillo County meetings are conducted at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is at 5 p.m. on April 9 at the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers at 415 Silver Ave SW VIRTUAL: GOV-TV or online at the county’s […]
Propane truck continues to burn after crash in East Mountains
Michael Hodock/The Independent Multiple law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel are still working to clear the road after a truck carrying propane rolled over on N.M. 217 at milepost 3. On Friday morning, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies and New Mexico State Police officers arrived at the scene to find an overturned propane truck actively leaking […]
Commissioners duel over how to pick the next county leader
On the table at Tuesday’s Bernalillo County Commission meeting are two choices for how to go about picking the next county manager, as Julie Morgas-Baca will retire at the end of June. Last time At the March 19 meeting, Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada proposed a selection process that would include securing a professional recruitment firm […]
Democratic presidential hopeful Marianne Williamson coming to Albuquerque
A Democratic presidential candidate is coming to Albuquerque this week, but it’s not the one you might think. Marianne Williamson will speak at the Unity Spiritual Center Albuquerque on Candelaria Road near Eubank Boulevard NE on Saturday. On Friday, she will speak at Unity Santa Fe. Williamson, who is frequently described as a “self-help author” […]
A push for more duplexes in ABQ
Albuquerque residents would have more opportunities to live in duplex housing under a proposed zoning amendment before the city’s land use, planning and zoning (LUPZ) committee this week. The change would allow duplexes, which were once allowed under city zoning, to be constructed from existing single-family homes located in certain areas of the metro. Supporters […]