Two Albuquerque Democrats quit Fair Districts Task Force over gerrymandering concerns

Two prominent Albuquerque legislators resigned from New Mexico’s Fair Districts Task Force on Monday, citing frustration that the state is pursuing redistricting reform while other states engage in partisan gerrymandering with impunity. State Sen. Harold Pope Jr. and Rep. Cristina Parajón both stepped down from the task force effective immediately, one day before the group’s […]

Bernalillo County GOP responds to mayoral candidate controversy

The Republican Party of Bernalillo County issued a statement Monday defending its handling of candidates following a news report that exposed false claims made by Albuquerque mayoral hopeful Patrick Sais. The party said it cannot prevent candidates from running for office and emphasized that campaign materials are solely the responsibility of individual candidates. “As a […]

APS to implement clear-bag policy for games

Spectators at Albuquerque Public Schools’ athletics events will need to rethink their accessories, due to a new district policy. Starting with the season-opening contests, only clear bags will be allowed inside, the district announced. “We believe our first duty to students, parents and the community at an athletic contest is to provide a safe environment […]

Bernalillo County to consider over $400 million in economic development projects Tuesday

Bernalillo County commissioners will vote Tuesday on more than $400 million in economic development projects that could bring hundreds of jobs and affordable housing units to the area. The Board of County Commissioners will consider industrial revenue bonds for a $225 million battery energy storage facility and $46 million in financing for 239 apartment units […]

Vasquez slams proposed $102M cut to New Mexico drug-fighting program

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is pushing back against a White House proposal to slash funding for a key anti-drug trafficking program that supports law enforcement agencies in regions of America, including across New Mexico. The administration last month proposed cutting the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, or HIDTA, by 35 percent, a move Vasquez […]

City Council to address housing, internet and budget concerns

The Albuquerque City Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, with a light agenda. The Downtown Core Vacancy Report and a likely deferral of Gateway housing expansion contracts to September are set for the consent agenda. Councilors will also consider canceling a planned moratorium on fiber internet permits and hear a proposal to speed […]

City: Transit security force needs to triple to meet need, but only “incremental” hiring planned for now

After three years of incremental safety improvements, Albuquerque’s public transit system is implementing a comprehensive long-term security plan designed to address persistent safety concerns and boost ridership across the city’s bus network. The Albuquerque Long-Range Transit Security Plan represents the culmination of efforts that began in 2022, when ABQ RIDE first started rolling out safety […]

Major votes expected at Monday’s city council meeting on homelessness, housing and substance abuse treatment

Albuquerque City Council will tackle a full agenda Monday night, reviewing the Downtown Core Vacancy Report and voting on Gateway housing expansion, affordable housing funding and substance abuse treatment contracts affecting hundreds of residents. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in Vincent E. Griego Chambers. Councilors will reconsider two $1.8 million Gateway Center contracts for […]

Lawmakers urge Justice Department to speed RECA implementation for radiation victims

A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández is pressing the Justice Department to quickly implement updated regulations for the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, warning that delays could cost gravely ill survivors precious time. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the New Mexico Democrat and her colleagues thanked the […]