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 […]
Federal Government & Congress
Posted inLocal Government
Mobile hygiene units pique county interest
Bernalillo County officials plan to further study the idea of starting a mobile hygiene program after county commissioners responded positively to a presentation at Tuesday’s meeting, although there are no immediate plans to roll it out yet. Jamie Duvall of consulting firm Apex Evaluation discussed research findings her company gathered on behalf of the county’s […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Federal Government & Congress, 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 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 inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Councilor aims to curb inappropriate social media posts from official accounts
An Albuquerque city councilor is looking to enforce new social media rules for city employees after posts from the Albuquerque Police Department’s (APD) official social media account caught the council’s attention for the second time in as many years. At a meeting Sept. 5, councilors confronted Mayor Tim Keller’s administration about posts one councilor called […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Features, Federal Government & Congress
Solomon Peña trial postponed following conflict between defendant and attorney
Jury selection in a high-profile criminal case was postponed Monday due to a conflict between defendant Solomon Peña and his attorney. Trial had been set to begin Monday for the former Republican candidate, who is accused of coordinating a series of shootings nearly two years ago that targeted Democratic lawmakers. Peña’s now-former attorney Elizabeth Honce […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, 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 inFederal Government & Congress, 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 […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress
Buy a piece of history
If you love historic hotels, and I do, it was a punch in the gut to read that the St. James Hotel in Cimarron has closed. The storied St. James not only has a big place in New Mexico history — punctuated by 26 bullet holes in the barroom ceiling — it’s a major employer […]