University of New Mexico students set up camp this week at the school’s Duck Pond to protest the Israel-Hamas war — calling for a ceasefire — and demanding that the university divest from Israel. Pro-Palestinian protests have been heating up on college campuses across the country over the past two weeks as students gather to […]
■ Federal Government & Congress
Posted in■ Local Government
State’s largest jail gets a new warden
After months with an interim warden overseeing the Metropolitan Detention Center, Bernalillo County has hired a new warden — from Florida — who will start his new position on June 17. Steven Kai Smith is currently a warden with the Volusia County Division of Corrections in Daytona Beach, Florida, according to a news release from […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress
Clean, Green, and Gorgeous: Curbside Green Waste Collection Returns
By Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Department The City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department will begin the Spring Green Waste Collection Event starting Monday, April 29. Residents will be able to dispose of their leaves, grass, brush, and trimmings at their curbside for no additional charge. Residents can have their green waste picked up at […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress
What Do You Stand For? What Time Is It?
So it’s been a pretty exciting week in Washington. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s legislative package for the most part passed on a bipartisan vote, with the exception of the border security piece. The Senate rejected the impeachment articles against the Secretary of Homeland Security. The howler monkey caucus wailed and gnashed their teeth […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress
Remembering Grandfather
Sammie Charlie, Alan Charlie’s grandfather, served in the Marines during the Korean War which lasted from 1950 to 1953. The artist’s latest series is from his memory and the memory of all 800 Navajo soldiers who served in Korea and those who continue to serve. The paintings were inspired by stories from Alan’s father, photos […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress
Polling is a Sketch, Not a Painting
In the U. S. there is something called the polling industrial complex. It’s a description of how polling has changed over 50 years. It has grown and become more complex and less understandable. Researchers define polling as the ability of organizations outside of government to gather, interpret, and publish information about voter views on issues […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress
Smoothing Out the Capital Outlay Process
Wesley Billingsley will soon be able to say, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” He will tackle one of the most stubborn problems in state government. Billingsley is the first director of the new Infrastructure Planning and Development Division (IPDD). While that sounds boring and bureaucratic, the IPDD’s proud parent, the state […]
Posted in■ Local Government
NMDOJ investigates complaints about county commissioners
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) is investigating claims that some members of the Bernalillo County Commission have violated meeting rules. In a letter dated April 24, and addressed to County Manager Julie Morgas Baca and Attorney Ken Martinez, the NMDOJ said, “Based on the materials reviewed, there are indications that deliberations on public […]
Posted in■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Housing & Homelessness, ■ Local Government
Councilor eyes return of Berry-era homeless labor initiative
An idea born under former Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry that provides day labor jobs for those experiencing homelessness could be making a comeback. “There’s a Better Way” was launched in 2015 and the initiative quickly gained national attention. After a year in operation, the Washington Post called it “a simple idea that works.” The […]
Posted in■ Courts & Justice, ■ Federal Government & Congress, ■ Local Government
Tax and Revenue Dept. warns of fraudulent delinquent tax letters
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is warning taxpayers about fraudulent demand letters going out to property owners who are delinquent on their taxes. The letters tell the owners to call a 1-800 number by a certain date or the state will seize their property. The letters are not from the state Taxation and […]