By Daniel Montano, KUNM About 50 people from across the country met at Albuquerque’s Uptown Sheraton hotel over the weekend with one common thing uniting them: All had lost a loved one to overdose. Something else they shared was a passion to fight the opioid crisis. The smell of fresh brewed coffee and breakfast pastries […]
Local Gov.
Posted inLocal Gov.
BernCo commissioner seeks pot parity
A Bernalillo County commissioner is looking to make things more fair for county employees who use cannabis outside work hours. Commissioner Eric Olivas told City Desk ABQ he plans to introduce legislation that would treat off-duty use of recreational cannabis in the same way as off-duty alcohol use. He called it a basic rights issue. […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News
MDC officer arrested after alleged relationship with inmate
A Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) corrections officer found herself behind bars after she was accused of having a relationship with an inmate. According to a Bernalillo County news release, MDC officials found out about the allegations Tuesday and reported them to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). The officer, Chevonne Culbreath — a probationary employee […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Are fluoride levels in ABQ’s water safe?
According to new research, extreme levels of fluoride in drinking water could be associated with lower IQ in children, but according to local water officials, Albuquerque and Bernalillo County’s fluoride levels are still safe for residents. In its “Monograph on the State of Science Concerning Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Cognition,” the National Toxicology Program, […]
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Alleyway renaissance emerges in International District
There’s an urban revitalization effort underway in the International District in an unlikely location — residential alleys. Those involved in the undertaking do so with little to no budget and say it’s an effective way to make the area safer, spark community engagement and assist those experiencing homelessness. After months of preparation, the South San […]
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Appeal of new University area coffee spot grinds to a halt
A new café may be on the way to the University area. The Albuquerque City Council on Monday denied the University Heights Neighborhood Association’s appeal of Albuquerque property owner Augustine Grace’s plan to convert two adjacent residential properties into a café and community gathering space. With plans to turn the two houses — 201 and […]
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City Council paves the way for new film studio
Albuquerque is one step closer to being the home to a new film studio after city councilors approved millions for the project during their meeting Monday. Councilors unanimously passed an ordinance that would issue $7 million in city and state funds for a new film and television production campus for Mesa Film Studios LLC on […]
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Crackdown on vacant property owners, sidewalk sleeping on pause
Owners of vacant properties in Downtown Albuquerque will not see increased registration fees and sleeping on sidewalks in the area is still allowed — for now. After dozens spoke Monday night against an ordinance that aims to tackle an increased number of vacant buildings and create new rules for sidewalks in Downtown, the City Council […]
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Fentanyl Forum coming next month
Later this week, the public can learn about overdose prevention, how to help those struggling through substance use disorders and get hands-on training in administering naloxone and Narcan distribution. Registration is now open for the 2024 Fentanyl Forum, a full-day event focused on critical issues surrounding the opioid crisis. The free public event is Oct. […]
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Softening the workforce shortage squeeze
Construction projects across the state are booming, but contractors say finding enough skilled laborers to fill positions is a chronic challenge. The workforce shortages often cause project delays and increased costs — issues that have motivated officials to propose a fix in Albuquerque. The Apprenticeship Empowerment ordinance would require contractors to dedicate 15% of a […]