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 […]
New Mexico Statewide News
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 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, […]
Posted inLocal Government
What is a bond anyway?
Just as individuals and families use savings and take on debt to make large purchases, so do local, state and federal governments. While a family buying a new vehicle or a home might look for a car loan or mortgage, governments have a variety of debt-financing options available, each with their own rules and benefits. […]
Posted inNew Mexico Statewide News, Pueblos
Dark money group agrees to disclose donors
By Marjorie Childress and Trip Jennings A dark money group that ran political advertising in the weeks before the June primary election and has fought divulging the source of its money and the details of its spending for months will disclose both by next week. News of the settlement with The New Mexico Project came Monday […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government, New Mexico Statewide News
County commissioners to hear presentation on mobile hygiene units
Some Bernalillo County residents may take handwashing, showers and other personal hygiene actions for granted. But those without permanent or reliable housing don’t have as many opportunities to keep up with personal hygiene and therefore can be at risk for a variety of health issues. Some say the answer might be as simple as a […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, New Mexico Statewide News
Debate on more tax dollars for the unhoused draws concerned citizens
Are more tax dollars needed to provide housing for those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque? There were no simple solutions during a Saturday debate at the International District Library — and no shouting matches either — which was the point. The debate was the first for the North-Central New Mexico Alliance of the national nonprofit Braver […]
Posted inLocal Government
MDC leadership, labor union hopeful grant money will lead to new hires
As the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) struggles with less than 70% staffing, Bernalillo County commissioners this month accepted $3 million in grant funding to help the jail hire nearly two dozen corrections officers. Commissioners accepted the grant from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration during their Sept. 10 meeting. The funding can be […]