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 […]
New Mexico Statewide News
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Government, New Mexico Statewide News
MDC officer arrested after alleged relationship with inmate
A Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) corrections officer found herself behind bars after she was accused of having a relationship with an inmate. According to a Bernalillo County news release, MDC officials found out about the allegations Tuesday and reported them to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). The officer, Chevonne Culbreath — a probationary employee […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., 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 inNew Mexico Statewide News, Pueblos
Combating Political AI and Deepfakes
Secretary of state’s advertising campaign fights AI-driven election misinformation In preparation for the November election, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has launched a statewide campaign to educate voters on the risks of artificial intelligence and deepfakes in elections, aiming to raise awareness and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. The campaign, which launched […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., 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 inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News, Pueblos
Election briefs: Elon Musk’s PAC jumps into New Mexico congressional race; Herrell campaign denounces 9/11 truther in her own ad
Elon Musk’s PAC spends to help Herrell defeat Vasquez A federal super PAC founded by Elon Musk to promote Donald Trump is apparently extending its reach down ballot into one of New Mexico’s most-contested congressional elections. Spending reports filed Monday by America PAC disclosed it has spent $86,997 so far this cycle in support of […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government, New Mexico Statewide News, Pueblos
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government, New Mexico Statewide News, Pueblos
Appeal of new University area coffee spot grinds to a halt
A new café may be on the way to the University area. The Albuquerque City Council on Monday denied the University Heights Neighborhood Association’s appeal of Albuquerque property owner Augustine Grace’s plan to convert two adjacent residential properties into a café and community gathering space. With plans to turn the two houses — 201 and […]
Posted inLocal Government
City Council paves the way for new film studio
Albuquerque is one step closer to being the home to a new film studio after city councilors approved millions for the project during their meeting Monday. Councilors unanimously passed an ordinance that would issue $7 million in city and state funds for a new film and television production campus for Mesa Film Studios LLC on […]
Posted inLocal Government
Crackdown on vacant property owners, sidewalk sleeping on pause
Owners of vacant properties in Downtown Albuquerque will not see increased registration fees and sleeping on sidewalks in the area is still allowed — for now. After dozens spoke Monday night against an ordinance that aims to tackle an increased number of vacant buildings and create new rules for sidewalks in Downtown, the City Council […]