The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will have a safety focus, both on the ground and in the air, an event spokesperson said Wednesday. “Balloon Fiesta aims to create a secure and enjoyable environment where everyone can experience the magic of the flying events without concerns for their well-being,” Tom Garrity said. “To ensure a […]
Category: Albuquerque
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ABQ city councilors set to debate campaign finance changes
The next mayoral and City Council election is not until next year, but Albuquerque city councilors are already debating how much public money some council candidates should receive for campaigning. During the council’s Sept. 16 meeting, Councilor Joaquín Baca introduced a proposal to “clean up” campaign finance sections of the city’s charter. Council candidates currently […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
City, county agree on jail fixes
Bernalillo County’s jail system continues to work out reforms spurred by a long-running lawsuit. During their Tuesday meeting, Bernalillo County Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Albuquerque to continue joint operations at the Medical and Mental Health Triage Facility, Prisoner Transport Unit and Resource Reentry Center. Under the agreement, arrestees will undergo […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
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 […]
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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 inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety, Features
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 […]
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Businesses impacted by vandalism line up for city grant money
Almost two dozen businesses around Albuquerque have applied for a grant program the city launched two weeks ago aimed at helping small businesses that have been vandalized. The Albuquerque Police Department and the city Economic Development Department’s Small Business Office on Sept. 3 initiated a $200,000 “Window to Opportunity” grant to help offset the costs […]
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New life comes to shuttered North Fourth Art Center
After months of negotiations, the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA) has finalized a three-year lease agreement with the city to expand into the former North Fourth Art Center. The city-owned space, located at 4904 4th St. NW, has been shuttered since January. A $1,000-a-month lease had the support of Mayor Tim Keller and was recently […]
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, […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
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. […]