Posted inLocal Government

Vote on BernCo Behavioral Health Authority delayed after outpouring of public comment

A month ago, Bernalillo County officials hoped for feedback from city and county residents on the proposed creation of a Behavioral Health Authority and how it should operate in their communities.  At its meeting Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners said the volume of public comments it received exceeded expectations, and due to the wide […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque

Albuquerque Public Schools awarded $6.9M for federal clean bus initiative

By SHAUNEEN MIRANDA As part of its ongoing effort to replace diesel-fueled school buses, the Biden administration on Wednesday said it will provide approximately 530 school districts across nearly all states with almost $1 billion to help them purchase clean school buses. The initiative, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyโ€™s Clean School Bus Program rebate […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government

What we get wrong about homelessness

If you’re like many in Albuquerque who feel helpless and frustrated when passing by someone experiencing homelessness, author Kevin F. Adler wants you to know youโ€™re not alone. The California-based advocate and author of When We Walk By said heโ€™s found antidotes to the despair and solutions in Golden State cities that would be useful […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government, Uncategorized

Commissioners: Input wanted on ordinance to prioritize Bernalillo County behavioral health funds

This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the authors.ย Commissioner Adriann Barboaย represents District 3 which includes the SE heights, UNM, and the International District.ย Commissioner Eric Olivasย represents District 5 including much of the NE Heights, Uptown, the Foothills and the East Mountains. Editor’s Note: The Behavioral Health Authority Ordinance will be considered for final action at tonight’s […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News

Solemn reflection: Memorial Day in Albuquerque

Hundreds of New Mexicans gathered at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial on Monday morning to remember the sons and daughters lost in service of the country.  Albuquerqueโ€™s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs and Parks and Recreation Department joined the United Veterans Council of Greater Albuquerque, the New Mexico Memorial Foundation, and the Rio Metro […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque

Man who pleaded guilty to New Mexico double homicide is recaptured after brief escape

A man awaiting sentencing in a double-homicide case was back in custody Sunday after escaping from a juvenile jail in Albuquerque. Bernalillo County Sheriffโ€™s officials said 19-year-old Josef Toney escaped Saturday afternoon from the Youth Detention Center and was taken into custody Sunday morning. Deputies said video surveillance showed Toney opening a gate at the […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.

Letter to the Editor: DA hasn’t earned 4 year extension in office

This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the author. You can submit your own: editor@citydesk.org This Letter to the Editor is submitted by Jeffrey Paul, Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Journalโ€™s endorsement of District Attorney Sam Bregman (“Editorial: Bregman has earned a 4-year contract extension as Bernalillo County DA, May 25, 2024) is troublesome on a couple […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety

APD is in full compliance with the police reform effort. Does this mean no more excessive force?

In the wake of the Albuquerque Police Departmentโ€™s announcement that it is in full compliance with a decade-long reform effort, the general consensus among stakeholders is that significant gains have been made, but there are still instances of excessive force.  And, they say, the city has to be careful to maintain the progress it has […]