The buzz has been building among city officials and International District residents about the prospect that up to $50 million in federal money could be funneled into an area that desperately needs it. The city and the Albuquerque Housing Authority (AHA) were recently awarded a $500,000 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant through the U.S. Department of […]
Bernalillo County
Pharmacy deserts may grow as independent stores struggle with Medicare reimbursements
By Daniel Montaño A change meant to save patients money has community pharmacies shutting their doors and turning people away across the country. Pharmacies in rural or disadvantaged areas face the highest costs, and pharmacy deserts might start spreading. First Walmart closed early last year, then the Walgreens a couple blocks away, and now only three […]
County proposes start date for new manager
Bernalillo County commissioners will be deciding later this month on a contract to formalize Cindy Chavez as the next county manager. If commissioners approve the contract at their meeting next week, Chavez will take the reins on Nov. 13. The board voted in June to offer the position to Chavez, currently a member of the […]
City Council votes down updating the city’s minimum wage
City councilors on Monday voted against making Albuquerque’s minimum wage match the state’s minimum wage, but not before the discussion shifted to a debate over wage theft. YES: Joaquín Baca, Tammy Fiebelkorn, Nichole Rogers NO: Brook Bassan, Dan Champine, Renée Grout, Dan Lewis, Klarissa Peña, Louie Sanchez Councilor Nichole Rogers originally proposed — at the […]
City Council paves the way for new NM United stadium
The Albuquerque City Council at its Monday meeting again voted in favor of moving forward with building a New Mexico United stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park — however, it is taking steps to address traffic concerns in the area. The project had been on pause after nearby neighborhoods appealed the plan twice. Mayor Tim Keller […]
BernCo Commissioners Approve Funds Bringing Big Upgrades to Tijeras Community Center Park
The Bernalillo County Commission has approved the use of the Cooperative Educational Services (CES) Agreement for the renovation of Los Vecinos Community Center Park in Tijeras. The motion, sponsored by District 5 Commissioner Eric Olivas, kicks off a significant project to revitalize this essential community space. “Los Vecinos Community Center is not just one of […]
BernCo seeks E. Mtn. residents for public boards
Bernalillo County is issuing a call for residents to bring their unique skills and perspectives to fill several board vacancies. This is a chance for Bernalillo County residents to voice their concerns and make a difference in their community. Youth Sports Commission Two vacancies – Districts 1 and 5 (Commissioners Barbara Baca and Eric Olivas), […]
Firefighters battle home, woodland fire in East Mountains
Bernalillo County firefighters worked to contain a structure and vegetation fire in the East Mountains on Saturday afternoon. BCFD received a report of a workshop fire about 5:30 p.m., the department shared with The Independent. Upon arriving, they found the workshop was “fully involved with smoke and flames, [and] the fire extended into the trees […]
Bus route returns to bring students from Northwest ABQ to university area
The city is once again running a bus from Northwest Albuquerque to the University of New Mexico — and it has even added a stop at the Central New Mexico Community College. Madeline Skrak, a spokesperson for the Transit Department, said the popular Route 790 which starts near Cottonwood Mall and stops in Old Town […]
‘Not Another Bomb’: Protesters call for Israeli arms embargo
About a hundred protesters gathered in Tiguex Park Sunday morning to urge leaders — specifically Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris — to stop sending weapons to Israel for its war against Hamas. The protest with the message “Not Another Bomb” was part of the Uncommitted National Movement’s Day of Action ahead of the […]
