Summer break is coming to an end, and the City of Albuquerque has announced several programs aimed at helping students and families get off to a strong start. “Liz and I know how busy back-to-school season is,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a Tuesday news release, referring to his wife. “And for families who don’t […]
■ Federal Government & Congress
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress
At least 973 Native American children died at U.S.-run boarding schools between 1871-1969
By Shaun Griswold The U.S. legacy of genocide against Native people through public education may never be completely told. Today, there is a little more truth to share. The second half of an investigative report was released Tuesday as part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative led by the Department of the Interior. It’s another step […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Local Government
ABQ has more than 150 vacant positions on advisory boards and commissions
Boards and commissions act as advisory bodies helping local governments make decisions on important issues — whether that is advocating for visual arts or affordable housing. But many of Albuquerque’s boards and commissions are short members. Nearly 80% of Albuquerque’s boards and commissions have empty seats — ranging from one vacant position to 10. Of […]
Posted in■ Courts & Justice, ■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Housing & Homelessness, ■ New Mexico State Government
Housing looms large in governor’s Albuquerque town hall
By Austin Fisher At the second of a series of town hall meetings on Monday night, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham heard from members of the public for six hours. In an auditorium at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, locals raised issues ranging from difficulty finding mental health treatment, unfair or unlawful […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Statewide News
Gov. Lujan Grisham about ABQ street corners: ‘God help you if you’re out there at night’
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will be in Albuquerque Monday night for the second of three public safety town hall meetings. Following an anticlimactic special legislative session earlier this month aimed at combating crime in the state, Lujan Grisham announced a string of town halls across the state focused on public safety. The first town hall […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Housing & Homelessness
Advisory board alleges city ‘violates the autonomy, dignity, and rights’ of those experiencing homelessness
As Albuquerque grapples with stubbornly high housing costs and an increase in people living on the streets, a city board says there’s more reason for concern. The city’s unhoused population also faces widespread discrimination, stigma and exclusion — often from city employees or city contractors. The Albuquerque Human Rights Board published its preliminary findings last […]
Posted in■ Courts & Justice, ■ Federal Government & Congress
Breaking: Security officer shot at Coronado Mall, says APD
Albuquerque Police responded to Coronado Mall around 1 p.m. Friday afternoon and found a security officer suffering from a gunshot wound. APD officers were nearby enough to identify and follow the suspect who was apprehended following a brief foot pursuit. Officers saw the driver discard a gun which was later recovered. Spokesman Gilbert Gallegos identified […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Housing & Homelessness, Features
Combatting the ‘not in my backyard’ attitude
The priorities of the South San Pedro Neighborhood Association wouldn’t be strange to other neighborhoods across Albuquerque: Increased safety and cleanliness, small business support, increased engagement with residents and elected officials. But its recent focus on housing solutions and services for those experiencing homelessness is less common. Affordable housing and overnight shelter projects often face […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Local Government
Government transparency group sues jail over video showing abuse of an inmate
The New Mexico Foundation of Open Government (NMFOG) is suing Bernalillo County after not releasing a video showing a detention officer attacking an inmate, who later died as a result of the injuries. NMFOG is a New Mexico nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that serves the open government interests of the public, business community, elected officials, journalists […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress
Monitoring the invasion of private equity into healthcare
Healthcare companies should never have profit as their primary mission, don’t you think? There’s a genuine conflict between the profit motive and what healthcare is supposed to accomplish: providing a service that heals people’s illnesses or helps them stay healthy. For a healthcare institution to be successful, profit has to be tempered with giving priority […]