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Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Firefighters honor 9/11 heroes with memorial stair climb, ceremony

Albuquerque Fire Rescue commemorated the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks Thursday with a memorial stair climb and ceremony honoring the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center. About 100 firefighters climbed the Washington Federal Building five times, totaling 110 stories to match the height of the Twin Towers. The memorial dispatch […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

New Mexico senators blast Republicans for blocking Epstein document release

New Mexico Democratic Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday denounced their Republican Senate colleagues for voting down an amendment that would require the U.S. Department of Justice to release all its files on alleged child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.  On Wednesday, the Senate voted 51-49 to table a proposed amendment to the […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Albuquerque becomes New Mexico’s homeless hub as Gateway contracts add 100 Beds

Albuquerque city councilors approved three Gateway Center contracts Tuesday, Sept. 3. The vote reflects a growing reality: Albuquerque has become New Mexico’s hub for homeless services, managing problems that extend far beyond its borders. The 100 new shelter beds, approved in 7-2 votes, will serve a population of 2,740 homeless residents — a 109% increase […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

New Mexico politicians push for completion of tribal water rights

By Lauren Lifke New Mexico’s congressional delegation has called for Senate and House leaders to take steps toward completing tribal water settlements. The U.S. pursues a policy of settling tribal water rights disputes whenever possible, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The settlements are intended to help secure tribal rights to historic land, as […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Trump orders states to reinstate cash bonds for criminals. Forcing New Mexico to do that isn’t quite that easy.

The growing push by Republicans to roll back limits on when courts can require criminal suspects to pay to get out of jail while awaiting trial could put New Mexico on a collision course with the federal government.  On Aug. 25, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Attorney General and White […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Albuquerque spends thousands in taxpayer funds to air mayor’s State of the City address on local TV

Albuquerque is spending at least $15,500 in taxpayer money to broadcast Mayor Tim Keller’s State of the City address across five local television stations as paid advertisements, with the most expensive 30-minute slot costing $12,000. Keller is running for an unprecedented third term as Albuquerque mayor this year, with the election set for Nov. 4. […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Local Gov.

Bernalillo County to host meeting on Coors Boulevard Safety Project

Bernalillo County will host a public meeting on Thursday to discuss safety improvements along one of the South Valley’s most dangerous roads. The open house will focus on the Coors Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Project, which targets the stretch between Gun Club and Blake Road. Since 2015, at least 18 people have died, 17 have been […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

Albuquerque program helps people with disabilities find city jobs

A new city program designed to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities has achieved its first success, with one participant being hired as a full-time city employee after completing an internship. The Pathways to Public Service program, launched by the City of Albuquerque in partnership with LSG & Associates Inc., provides adults with disabilities […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Who has the most money to run against Keller?

With less than two months remaining until Election Day, campaign finance reports filed by Albuquerque’s mayoral candidates reveal stark differences in their cash on hand, with incumbent Mayor Tim Keller’s public financing war chest providing a commanding financial advantage over his challengers. Campaign finance data reflects filings through the most recent reporting period, which ended […]

Posted inGeneral Interest, Housing & Homelessness

Albuquerque names Convention Center gallery for Clara Apodaca

The city of Albuquerque dedicated gallery space at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Monday in honor of Clara Apodaca, recognizing her decades of work advancing arts and culture in New Mexico. The dedication is part of the city’s “Stories of Us” initiative, which highlights community leaders who have shaped Albuquerque’s identity, according to a press […]