Elise Kaplan, Author at City Desk ABQ

APS ready for new graduation requirements

New high school graduation requirements aren’t set in stone yet — the Public Education Department still has to finalize them — but districts are getting ready. Superintendent Scott Elder says Albuquerque Public Schools will be ready when the new rules kick in and that the district already meets a key threshold, with more minimum credits […]

City seeks, again, to shutter Adam Food Market after years of emergency calls

For the second time since last year, the City of Albuquerque will be filing legally to shutter Adam Food Market on Central Avenue. The area has struggled with high crime for years. On Tuesday, officials said the store has been the location of seven homicides and an officer-involved shooting, and recently undercover officers say they […]

Bernalillo County plans to increase staffing at juvenile jail following Christmas Day disturbance

In the wake of a “large disturbance” at the Bernalillo County Youth Services Center — a juvenile detention center — on Christmas, the county has developed a plan to boost staffing, training, morale and emergency planning. The plan also includes hiring a director by April 1, since the previous director, Michael Ferstl, retired last week. […]

Board members discuss APS budget with public

School board members Monday evening hosted the first of two “community conversations” intended to gather public input for Albuquerque Public Schools’ next spending plan. The Board of Education is expected to approve a fiscal year 2024-2025 budget in early June, then present it to the New Mexico Public Education Department. The new budget will go […]

County closer to spending millions in opioid funds

The latest round of opioid settlement funds — $18 million — has made its way to Bernalillo County. Payments total $22.6 million so far. The funds come from historic settlements between states and companies like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons and others due to their alleged involvement in the opioid epidemic. According to the New […]

Man who killed beloved Albuquerque rocket scientist sentenced to 11 years in prison

The man who shot and killed a rocket scientist in front of a Southeast Albuquerque home three years ago was sentenced on Monday to serve 11 years in prison — 18 years total with seven suspended — followed by five years of supervised probation and two years of parole. Vigil pleaded guilty to second-degree murder […]

North Fourth Street goes on a diet

North Fourth Street between Ortega and Alameda will soon be on a road diet. Bernalillo County will host a public meeting on Tuesday to gather input on a road diet reconstruction project along historic Fourth Street in the North Valley. The proposed construction will reduce the traveling lanes to one lane in each direction with […]

ABQ’s street lights are not purple on purpose

Residents of Albuquerque have noticed certain street lights appear purple when the sun goes down. While this has raised concerns, the city says they are being replaced. “It is a manufacturer defect in the lights and the manufacturer is aware of the issue,” said Dan Mayfield, a spokesperson for Albuquerque’s Municipal Development Department. More than […]

The epitome of Albuquerque: Law enforcement edition

The epitome of Albuquerque will be a recurring City Desk ABQ feature every Friday where we highlight interesting data about our city and surrounding areas. Find last week’s here.

APS wants to prepare the youngest residents for success

Practice makes perfect and preparation sets the stage for success. Albuquerque Public Schools recently set out to prepare some of the community’s youngest citizens to do their best. The district partnered with local and statewide agencies to show families what’s available for preschoolers and help them decide which options best meet their child’s needs. Allison […]