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. […]
Communities
Posted inUncategorized
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 […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
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 […]
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Like Clean Air?
Haze is that dirty looking veil in the air that hangs over the metropolitan area. Sulfur dioxide particles are partially to blame for that haziness, according to a 2022 annual regional report on sulfur dioxide emissions in the area. As part of the compliance, each state must release, and get public comment, on a draft […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety
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 […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Longtime Bernalillo County Manager Announces Retirement
The long-time county manager Julie Morgas Baca will leave her position on June 28, the end of Bernalillo County’s fiscal year. Morgas Baca was appointed as county manager in 2015. Prior to that, she was president and CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation from 2013 to 2015 and the deputy county manager for […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
Alec Baldwin to stand trial this summer on a charge stemming from deadly ‘Rust’ movie set shooting
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge has set a trial date for Alec Baldwin on an involuntary manslaughter charge stemming from the 2021 deadly shooting on the set of the Western movie “Rust.” The scheduling order entered Monday calls for jury selection to begin July 9, with the trial starting the following […]
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How many stay in Albuquerque shelters every night?
Albuquerque’s efforts to end homelessness isn’t a one person or one department affair. The project involves those in city departments, outside agencies, nonprofits, emergency shelters, day shelters, street outreach, housing, volunteerism and public policy work. It’s a tree with multiple roots and branches that can be confusing for a public eager for straightforward information. The […]
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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 […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Jobs, Workers & Economy
Long vacant buildings irk officials, business owners
Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a series titled Downtown Albuquerque Reboot, about Downtown Albuquerque, its challenges and the plans to address them. Read the first installment about why the area matters here, peruse a photo essay about lowriders here, read about crime here and end with what the area has to offer […]