Albuquerque firefighters are seeing significant pay increases in their paychecks following the implementation of a three-year contract that delivers millions in compensation improvements and expanded benefits. The agreement between the city and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 244, which represents Albuquerque Fire Rescue personnel, provides $17.8 million in total compensation enhancements over three years. […]
Communities
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Stansbury introduces bill to protect Social Security Administration from federal cuts
Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) announced legislation Thursday aimed at protecting the Social Security Administration from proposed federal cuts and policy changes under the Trump administration. The “Hands Off Our Social Security Act” seeks to prevent reductions in Social Security Administration staffing, block the closure of field offices, and restrict access to beneficiaries’ personal data. The […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
ABQ BioPark plans $22 Million gorilla habitat renovation
The ABQ BioPark is moving forward with plans for a major renovation of its gorilla habitat, a $22 million project that will create two expansive areas specifically designed for the park’s gorillas. The new habitats will incorporate the space previously used for orangutans, which were moved to the park’s award-winning Asia expansion that opened in […]
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Bernalillo County honors lifeguards for heroic rescue
By Connor Currier In a heartfelt ceremony at its Aug. 4 meeting, the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners recognized a dedicated team of lifeguards for their swift, coordinated actions that saved the life of a young swimmer at the South Valley Aquatic Center on June 23. The lifeguards’ quick thinking, teamwork and professionalism were pivotal […]
Posted inHealthcare, New Mexico
Federal judge protects New Mexico Planned Parenthood clinics from Medicaid funding cuts
A federal judge’s nationwide ruling has temporarily shielded New Mexico’s five Planned Parenthood health centers from losing Medicaid funding, protecting healthcare access for residents who rely on the program in a state where nearly 885,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid. The preliminary injunction issued July 28 by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts blocks […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Heinrich, Luján warn public broadcasting cuts could cost lives in New Mexico
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján convened a roundtable discussion Thursday with New Mexico public broadcasting leaders to address the devastating impact of federal funding cuts that will eliminate $5.8 million in annual support for stations across the state. Speaking at KANW-FM in Albuquerque, Heinrich warned that the cuts pose serious risks to […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Albuquerque cracks down on landlords as new cooling law faces first test
Albuquerque’s new cooling ordinance faced its first major test this summer, as city inspectors cracked down on landlords failing to provide working air conditioning during extreme heat. The city’s response at The Retreat at Candelaria in July marked a shift in how it enforces Albuquerque’s six-month-old cooling ordinance. After weeks of tenant complaints and indoor […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
City Council defers $3.6M Gateway Housing expansion amid funding questions
Albuquerque city councilors postponed votes on two Gateway Center expansion contracts Monday, citing concerns about transparency and unconfirmed state funding for the $3.6 million proposal. The City Council voted Aug. 4 to delay approving two $1.8 million agreements—one with Chicanos Por La Causa to expand women’s services, and another with Community Bridges for men’s beds—until […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Rep. Vasquez warns of rural health crisis in Carlsbad visit, Slams GOP Medicaid cuts
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez this week visited Carlsbad Medical Center and hosted a roundtable with disability service provider CARC, Inc., highlighting what he called the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts tied to the new Republican tax law. The tax law, passed in July, slashes Medicaid funding and threatens health care coverage for more than 110,000 […]
Posted inEducation
Back to school in a heat wave, APS juggles 500 work orders to fix aging cooling
Albuquerque Public Schools has more than 500 active cooling system work orders, even after running units all summer to avoid startup issues. Now, district officials are asking voters for $40.2 million in November to upgrade 20 schools to modern air conditioning, though they admit some campuses could still wait years for relief. John Dufay, APS […]