Officials announced Friday the first death from West Nile virus in Bernalillo County. Albuquerque’s Environmental Health Department and the Bernalillo County Planning Development Services Department announced in a news release that the woman who died was 65 years old, which is within the age range of people most at risk. The release stated the city […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
A dearth of public bathrooms is more than just an inconvenience
At Mayor Tim Keller’s State of the City address, he said there are an estimated 5,000 people living on the streets in Albuquerque. For those thousands — along with other city residents — locating a public restroom can be a challenge. While there’s no shortage of proposed solutions, city officials and advocates alike say none […]
Posted inLocal Government
County launches dashboard to track water levels
Wondering about water levels below the ground’s surface around Bernalillo County and how they’ve changed over time? County officials on Monday launched an interactive tool that allows the public to view up-to-date water level measurements at wells across the county. Kristen Ferguson, a county spokesperson, said water professionals, well drillers, developers and homeowners will find […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
Housing shortage could put brakes on new short-term rentals
The surge of short-term rentals and the rise of companies such as Airbnb has made it more difficult to find a home to rent or a house to buy in Albuquerque. The issue has spurred city councilors to propose a bill to limit the number of short-term rentals in certain areas, but others say it’s […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
Ranked choice voting explained
Ranked choice voting has been adopted in cities such as Santa Fe and Las Cruces but the idea of implementing the voting system has been voted down by Albuquerque city councilors for years. The City Council most recently voted against ranked choice voting — a system that allows voters to rank candidates by preference on […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Features, New Mexico Statewide News
Haaland to speak on last night of DNC
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is slated to speak Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago about climate change. Climate change and the environment are expected to be the theme of the convention’s last night before Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage. Haaland, who is from Laguna Pueblo, rose through the ranks […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Jobs, Workers & Economy, Westside Albuquerque
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 […]
Posted inLocal Government
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
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 […]