The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will have a safety focus, both on the ground and in the air, an event spokesperson said Wednesday. “Balloon Fiesta aims to create a secure and enjoyable environment where everyone can experience the magic of the flying events without concerns for their well-being,” Tom Garrity said. “To ensure a […]
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Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
ABQ city councilors set to debate campaign finance changes
The next mayoral and City Council election is not until next year, but Albuquerque city councilors are already debating how much public money some council candidates should receive for campaigning. During the council’s Sept. 16 meeting, Councilor Joaquín Baca introduced a proposal to “clean up” campaign finance sections of the city’s charter. Council candidates currently […]
Posted inLocal Government
City, county agree on jail fixes
Bernalillo County’s jail system continues to work out reforms spurred by a long-running lawsuit. During their Tuesday meeting, Bernalillo County Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Albuquerque to continue joint operations at the Medical and Mental Health Triage Facility, Prisoner Transport Unit and Resource Reentry Center. Under the agreement, arrestees will undergo […]
Posted inLocal Government
County commission OKs solar bonds
A major economic development push by Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday brought hundreds of new local jobs closer to being a reality. The board unanimously agreed to issue up to $942 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds for a proposed solar cell manufacturing plant in the Mesa del Sol industrial development area. The 834,000-square-foot Apollo plant […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government, New Mexico Statewide News
Transient bookings at MDC on the rise
The number of inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) who are classified as transient is on the rise — a trend that’s concerning to advocates who work with those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The MDC is run by Bernalillo County and is the largest county jail in the state. It has an average inmate […]
Posted inNew Mexico Statewide News
State’s only detox for young people set to open
A new detox center for young people will be the only such facility in New Mexico and it was inspired when Jennifer Burke-Weiss’ son, Cameron, was an athlete at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, he broke his collarbone twice in quick succession. Cameron had two surgeries, and two prescriptions for opioids. And Burke-Weiss found […]
Posted inLocal Government
Mobile hygiene units pique county interest
Bernalillo County officials plan to further study the idea of starting a mobile hygiene program after county commissioners responded positively to a presentation at Tuesday’s meeting, although there are no immediate plans to roll it out yet. Jamie Duvall of consulting firm Apex Evaluation discussed research findings her company gathered on behalf of the county’s […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Government, New Mexico Statewide News
MDC officer accused of illegal relationship with inmate released
A former Metropolitan Detention Center corrections officer who is accused of having an illegal relationship with an inmate was released from custody Monday after a court hearing. The former officer, Chevonne Culbreath, was arrested Sept. 17 and charged with criminal sexual penetration and trying to illegally bring contraband into the jail after an inmate reportedly […]
Posted inNew Mexico Statewide News
Former Drug Policy Alliance director tapped as state dept. head
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Emily Kaltenbach as cabinet secretary of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department. In a news release announcing the appointment, Lujan Grisham touted Kaltenbach’s leadership in public policy, health care reform and advocacy. Lujan Grisham said Kaltenbach has a “strong track record of advancing services for older adults, […]
Posted inNew Mexico Statewide News
The politics of immigration play differently along the US-Mexico border
By Morgan Lee, Associated Press SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) — The politics of immigration look different from the back patio of Ardovino’s Desert Crossing restaurant. That’s where Robert Ardovino sees a Border Patrol horse trailer rumbling across his property on a sweltering summer morning. It’s where a surveillance helicopter traces a line in the sky, […]