By Patrick Lohmann At a hotel surrounded by fresh burn scars, New Mexico lawmakers and insurance regulators described a bleak and uncertain future for prospective homeowners seeking adequate coverage for homes built in and around increasingly fire-prone forests. The interim Legislative Finance Committee meeting at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero on Tuesday […]
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Posted inNew Mexico Statewide News, Westside Albuquerque
State wants to address drinking water issues at 138 local systems
New Mexico environment officials put more than 100 drinking water systems on notice last week that they need to provide plans to address drinking water deficiencies by mid-August or potentially face steep fines. The 138 letters sent on July 29 by the New Mexico Environment Department declare that those drinking water systems responsible for sending water to […]
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Edgewood, Local Government, Uncategorized
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government, Uncategorized
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), […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Edgewood, Uncategorized
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 […]
Posted inFeatures, New Mexico Statewide News
Gov. Lujan Grisham to speak at DNC, appear alongside ‘Veep’ star
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is slated to speak about health care Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, according to her office. Lujan Grisham’s office didn’t specify when the governor would speak, but noted that she is a former state secretary of health under former Gov. Bill Richardson. Lujan Grisham, who is a party […]