Budget planning in full swing as council fields concerns about libraries, museums

On Thursday, Albuquerque City Councilors held their first meeting to discuss and hear from constituents about the mayor’s $1.4 billion proposed budget for the next fiscal year.  Budget Input Concerns about funding for the public library and the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum drew the top comments from the handful of residents who attended […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Placitas

Placitas Artists Series Wraps 37th Year

After another successful season, the Placitas Artists Series is wrapping up its 37th season on May 19, with the renowned Fischer Duo performing chamber works.  The farewell concert features cellist Norman Fischer and pianist, Jeanne Kierman, who have been playing together for more than 50 years. Music critics laud the Fischer Duo’s repertoire choices, spanning […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety

Rio Rancho Teen Accused in Homicide

A Rio Rancho teen was arrested and charged this week in connection with the recent stabbing death of an Albuquerque woman. According to a press release, Rio Rancho Police Department Criminal Investigations Division identified the suspect as 17-year-old Joshua Xavier Mora who is facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.  The victim, 44-year-old […]

Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy

 ‘We Want to Keep it Small But Help It Grow’

The new Bernalillo development coordinator wants to help people’s construction projects become reality, as the town continues to grow.  Martin Martinez aids residents in project construction by simplifying the permitting process and ensuring regulatory compliance for a smoother process. “I always wanted to make a difference and help people, that’s my ultimate goal, to make […]

Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized

NMDOJ Investigates Complaints About County Commissioners

The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) is investigating claims that some members of the Bernalillo County Commission have violated meeting rules.  In a letter dated April 24, and addressed to County Manager Julie Morgas Baca and Attorney Ken Martinez, the NMDOJ said, “Based on the materials reviewed, there are indications that deliberations on public […]

Posted inBernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Gov.

BCSO arrests ‘Al Capone’ of retail theft

A man who sheriff’s deputies say was at the center of Albuquerque’s largest organized retail crime operation was arrested earlier this month.  Raul Fernando Garcia, 42 — dubbed the “Al Capone” of retail theft by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office — was arrested on April 15. He is facing multiple charges including organized retail crime, […]

City investigated for undisclosed special ‘payouts’ to top officials who resigned

Exclusive in City Desk ABQ High-level city officials have been awarded thousands of dollars in extra compensation after announcing their resignations thanks to a special, and mostly unknown, leave program, City Desk ABQ has learned.  The most high-profile recipient of the “special leave” was Sarita Nair, Mayor Tim Keller’s top aide and the city’s chief […]

Posted inEducation, National News, Syndicated

Biden says ‘order must prevail’ during campus protests over the war in Gaza

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday defended the right to protest but insisted that “order must prevail” as college campuses across the country face unrest over the war in Gaza. “Dissent is essential for democracy,” he said at the White House. “But dissent must never lead to disorder.” Tensions have been building for […]