AFR ambulance gets a new home — in Ukraine

The city of Albuquerque is sending one of the fire department’s decommissioned ambulances to its sister city of Kharkiv in Ukraine as the country continues to face Russian attacks.  The 2011 Ford F6G ambulance is in good working condition, said Sara Mannal, a city spokesperson. She said city leaders and community members wrote messages of […]

New fire rigs hit the streets

Three new fire engines are now patrolling the streets of Albuquerque.  Albuquerque Fire Rescue marked the start of the engines’ service Tuesday with traditional “push-in ceremonies.” As the name implies, crews lent elbow grease to guide the trucks to their new apparatus bays. The new trucks replaced a trio of 12-year-old units that have responded […]

City investigated for undisclosed special ‘payouts’ to top officials who resigned

Exclusive in City Desk ABQ High-level city officials have been awarded thousands of dollars in extra compensation after announcing their resignations thanks to a special, and mostly unknown, leave program, City Desk ABQ has learned.  The most high-profile recipient of the “special leave” was Sarita Nair, Mayor Tim Keller’s top aide and the city’s chief […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Education

ACLU-NM speaks out against UNM campus protest arrests

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico is investigating this week’s arrest of university students who were protesting the Israel-Hamas war.  “Students have the constitutional right to peacefully protest, speak, and express their opinion,” said Peter Simonson, executive director for ACLU-NM in an emailed statement. “The New Mexico Constitution extends even greater protections in […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Education

WHAT TO EXPECT: Despite budget cuts, APS board to discuss pay raise for employees

As Albuquerque Public Schools nears a budget deadline, district officials will discuss progress with the Board of Education at Wednesday’s meeting. One known line item is a 3% raise for APS employees. Chief budget architects Rennette Apodaca and Rosalinda Montoya will present the outlook for career-connected learning, curriculum and instruction and operational areas of the […]