Kagi AI Summary: > UNM Health has decided not to endorse the Behavioral Health Medicaid Waiver Act, which is set for consideration during the upcoming legislative session in New Mexico. This legislation aims to allocate $1.1 million for providing housing and care to individuals with severe mental health issues, substance use disorders, and brain injuries, who are at risk of institutionalization or incarceration. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tara L. Lujan, has garnered support from various groups, including the Bernalillo County Commission and the Homeless Coordinating Council (HCC). > > The absence of a position from UNM Health has caused frustration among council members, as they seek to vote on the matter before the legislative session begins. UNM Health's spokesperson clarified that the decision not to take a stance is unrelated to the bill's merits; rather, it reflects the organization's relationship with the New Mexico Healthcare Authority. The proposed legislation requires the authority to apply for the waiver, which is modeled after a similar program for individuals with developmental disabilities. > > Attorney Peter Cubra, a key advocate for the initiative, emphasized the potential cost-effectiveness of the waiver, noting that it could alleviate the strain on public resources caused by individuals cycling through various facilities without receiving adequate services. If approved, the initial funding would support consulting, training, and engagement with provider agencies, with the process expected to take two to three years for final approvals.

Kagi AI Summary: > Albuquerque is taking steps to enhance safety for bicycle commuters, responding to its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities for cyclists and pedestrians. Following the Vision Zero pledge in 2019, the city aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. Recent infrastructure improvements include the addition of buffered bike lanes and multi-use trails, particularly in underserved areas. However, local cyclists express concerns that the quality of cycling infrastructure varies, with many still exposed to vehicle traffic. Reports indicate a decline in bicycle-related accidents, yet aggressive driving remains a significant issue. Projects like the Albuquerque Rail Trail aim to further connect neighborhoods and improve access for cyclists. Despite progress, advocates argue that more robust protective measures are needed, as current solutions often fall short against motor vehicles. The city plans to continue investing in cyclist-friendly infrastructure, acknowledging both financial constraints and the need for more comprehensive safety measures. Overall, Albuquerque's initiatives reflect a broader struggle across Southwestern cities to create safer environments for biking.

Kagi AI Summary: > The article from City Desk ABQ outlines three unique ways for Albuquerque residents to assist the homeless community. First, it highlights the need for volunteers to participate in the annual point-in-time (PIT) count, which helps gather data essential for securing federal funding. This year's count will take place from January 23 to January 29, with a call for volunteers to assist in various capacities. > > Second, the Homeless Coordinating Council (HCC) is seeking community members to join newly formed subcommittees focused on different aspects of homelessness, including data-sharing and prevention efforts. City Councilor Nichole Rogers emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tackling homelessness effectively. > > Lastly, the article discusses the New Mexico Circular Sanitation Project, which aims to provide composting toilets as a solution to public health issues related to outdoor sanitation. Led by Tawnya Mullen, this initiative has garnered support from a diverse group of volunteers and professionals. The article encourages readers to engage with these efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque.

Kagi AI Summery: > The Albuquerque City Council has approved a new vacant property ordinance aimed at revitalizing downtown, which has been perceived as dangerous and neglected. Councilor Joaquín Baca emphasized the need to change the negative narrative surrounding the area, citing the long-term vacancy of properties like the Gizmo Building owned by the Church of Scientology. The ordinance establishes a registry for vacant properties and imposes fees on owners who do not utilize them effectively, passing with a 7-2 vote despite concerns about limitations on asking prices from some councilors. Proponents, including local business owners and community members, argue that the ordinance is essential for economic growth, as vacant buildings hinder job creation and tax revenue. They highlighted that such properties drain public resources while providing no benefits to the community. The fees will be determined based on the duration of vacancy and the size of the properties. The initiative aims to encourage responsible property management and improve the overall safety and economy of Albuquerque's downtown area.

Kagi AI Summary: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has unveiled her proposed executive budget for the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing investments in early childhood education, clean energy, infrastructure, affordable housing, and expanded healthcare access. The budget reflects a commitment to building a stronger foundation for New Mexicans and aims to foster collaboration with state lawmakers. The Legislative Finance Committee recently indicated that the legislature will have $892 million in new funds available for appropriations, contributing to a total General Fund of $10.944 billion for fiscal year 26, starting July 1, 2025.

Lujan Grisham's proposal includes reserves of $3.33 billion, representing 30.4% of the budget, and outlines significant allocations across various departments: $4.56 billion for Public Education, $2.2 billion for Health Care, and $1.4 billion for Higher Education, among others. Additionally, the budget proposes $172 million for state employee pay raises, inclusive of educators. The early release of the budget is intended to promote transparency and trust, allowing ample time for public review before the legislative session begins on January 21.

Kagi AI Summary: Strong Towns ABQ, an anti-sprawl advocacy group, reflects on its inaugural year marked by both achievements and disappointments, primarily citing the Albuquerque City Council's failure to effectively tackle the affordable housing crisis. Brandi Thompson, the group's committee coordination chair, expresses frustration with councilors' resistance to zoning changes, which the group believes are essential for addressing housing shortages. The organization has gained traction since its launch in November 2023, increasing its presence at City Council meetings and hosting public events focused on community-building initiatives.

Thompson highlights the disappointment over the defeat of a duplex bill and the council's lack of action regarding homelessness, criticizing councilors for prioritizing political gain over addressing community needs. Despite these setbacks, the group celebrates its success in engaging a diverse audience in civic discussions, encouraging participation from younger generations and various backgrounds.

For 2025, Strong Towns ABQ plans to continue advocating for five key campaigns, including incremental housing solutions, halting highway expansion, and promoting transparent local governance. Additionally, the group aims to pursue nonprofit status to enhance its outreach and funding opportunities.

To my mind, Ban has always meant permanent. "You're banned from this place! You'll never be allowed in again!"

While I've always thought of Suspend as being temporary. "You're being suspended from school for 1 week, over fighting."

Ban:

1. to prohibit especially by legal means
2. bar entry

Suspend:

1. to debar temporarily especially from a privilege, office, or function
2. a: to cause to stop temporarily b: to set aside or make temporarily inoperative
3. to defer to a later time on specified conditions
4. to hold in an undetermined or undecided state awaiting further information

When I hear someone mention they were banned my reaction is: "Holy shit! WTF did you do to earn that!" Then I find out it was only for a day or three: "Oh... That's not a Ban! That's minor. Go touch grass. You'll be fine."

I've been banned from subreddits and communities a few times. At least once I never even noticed because it was so short.

How is it a Ban if I didn't even notice?

Why did Ban in online forums and games, come to mean temporary?

Is it simply an example of the intensification of language? To make something mundane, seem more severe than it is?

Does it bother anyone else? Or am I alone here?

I'm genuinely curious about peoples thoughts on this.

It made sense for a while. But the branding change was 16 months ago. The URI change was 3 months ago. Everybody knows now what X is. Yet for some reason, I still see in news stories today: "... on X — formerly known as Twitter — and said ..." I really don't think that's needed anymore. But I'm always one to want changes as fast and painless as possible.

So what do you think would be an appropriate amount of time to keep reminding everyone that Twitter is now X? Months? Years? How many?

New Mexico’s Open Meetings Act requires public bodies to conduct their business out in the open. But after watching this week’s City Council meeting, reporter Elizabeth McCall discovered councilors may have violated that law when discussing a potential lawsuit. Find out more about what a local transparency expert has to say about all of it and what the council was actually discussing behind closed doors in today’s featured story.

> With election season underway, Bernalillo County voters are being asked to consider six bond questions that could lead to $40.5 million in capital projects.

It then goes on about what many of them are.

> Alex Bukoski, a spokesperson for the department, told City Desk ABQ there are nearly 2,000 outstanding requests for either residential trash can repairs or replacements. > > “The problem is certainly there and we acknowledge it, but there are a lot of plans in place for not only building back our supply, but also building up the team of how we’re going to be more efficient and work on that,” Bukoski said. > > Complicating things is the 4,500 trash cans and 1,300 trash can lids Bukoski said are on backorder from a manufacturer. He said the order should be in by early November.

Amid passionate public objections to a proposal to put more pressure on vacant property owners and ban sitting or lying on sidewalks in Downtown Albuquerque, city councilors voted down the bill almost unanimously Monday night.

Kagi AI summery: Cards Against Humanity (CAH) is suing SpaceX for allegedly taking over a plot of land on the US/Mexico border that CAH purchased in 2017 to prevent the construction of Trump's border wall. CAH claims it maintained the land but SpaceX later moved construction equipment and materials onto the property without permission. The lawsuit seeks up to $15 million in damages to restore the land and cover losses, and also requests punitive damages. CAH says SpaceX never asked for permission to use the property and never apologized for the damage. The lawsuit includes before and after photos purporting to show SpaceX's use of the land.

And CAH's website all about it

Kagi AI Summary: The document discusses the recent court ruling that Google's search business is a monopoly. It explains Google's search architecture, including the search index, search engine, and advertising business, and how this has created a powerful self-reinforcing cycle. While Google has innovated and provided valuable services, the document argues the ad-based model has led to misaligned incentives and harm to users through biased and low-quality search results. To address this, the document proposes treating Google's search index as an essential facility, allowing fair access and enabling more diverse search experiences and business models. This could foster innovation, competition, and better outcomes for consumers without attacking Google's core business.

Kagi AI Summary: The South San Pedro Neighborhood Association in Albuquerque is focusing on housing solutions and services for those experiencing homelessness, which is less common for neighborhood associations. The association formed a housing solutions committee to address homelessness and advocate for more affordable housing options. While safe outdoor campsites had some initial support, the idea has lost traction in recent years. The association's chair Tawnya Mullen believes the neighborhood should get involved to help their vulnerable neighbors, and that positive change can come when neighbors work together. Other neighborhood associations like Fair West have been inspired by South San Pedro's efforts to find community-driven solutions.

The whole thing is worth a read. It's so nice to see some YIMBYs

Kagi AI Summery: The document announces that improvements to I-25 between Comanche and Montgomery in the United States will begin next month. The improvements will involve work on the interstate highway. The project aims to enhance the road infrastructure in that area. No additional details about the specific nature of the improvements are provided. The document serves as a brief announcement of the upcoming construction project on I-25.

I didn't expect an AI to point out how little info there is. That's impressively bad for The ABQ Journal. But at least it's a warning of construction that might slow things down.

Kagi AI Summary: The failure of the El Vado dam in New Mexico has disrupted the water supply for the Albuquerque region, forcing the city and nearby farmers to rely on finite groundwater resources. The dam, which has been collecting irrigation water for nearly a century, is suffering from structural issues that have caused it to be out of commission for the past three summers. This has threatened the water supply for both agriculture and the growing Albuquerque metropolitan area, which had previously reduced its groundwater reliance by importing surface water from the dam. With the dam's future uncertain, the region is struggling to balance its limited water resources and find alternative storage solutions. The challenges facing the El Vado dam highlight the broader water infrastructure issues affecting communities across the drought-stricken American West as climate change exacerbates water scarcity.

Kagi AI Highlights:

• The city council voted on several zoning changes, including allowing tribal representatives to comment on land developments near the Petroglyph National Monument, allowing drive-thrus in certain areas, and creating design standards for developments near the planned Rail Trail.
• The ordinance allowing tribal representatives to comment on land developments near the Petroglyph National Monument passed unanimously, as it was seen as important to protect sacred tribal lands and cultural resources.
• The proposal to allow drive-thrus in the Volcano Heights Urban Center was controversial, with the Planning Department and Environmental Planning Commission recommending against it, but it ultimately passed in a 6-3 vote.
• An ordinance was passed to require development standards like landscape buffering and building design restrictions for properties next to the planned Rail Trail in downtown Albuquerque.
• The council voted on several amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) Annual Update, including increasing alley lighting, allowing more duplexes, and adjusting fence/wall heights.
• The amendment to allow duplexes in more residential areas failed in a 3-6 vote, while the amendment to require energy storage systems to meet neighborhood standards passed unanimously.
• An amendment to have neighborhoods and developers meet after a development is proposed (rather than before) passed 5-4.
• The amendment to allow tribal representatives to meet with developers about land-related applications passed unanimously.
• The proposal to increase allowable front yard fence/wall heights to 5 feet failed 1-8.
• The amendment to allow overnight shelters in certain zones also failed 3-6.

Kagi AI Summary: Albuquerque, New Mexico has been aggressively clearing homeless encampments, resulting in the loss of personal belongings for thousands of homeless individuals. The city has escalated these efforts despite a court order prohibiting the destruction of unattended possessions. Homeless residents have lost critical items like medication, identification, and survival gear, making it harder for them to find housing and jobs. The city claims it provides notice and resources, but advocates say this is rarely the case. Lawsuits have been filed challenging the city's actions as unconstitutional, but the issue remains unresolved as the city continues its encampment removal program at an accelerated pace.

Kagi AI Summary > The New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness organizes an annual point-in-time count of the homeless population in Albuquerque. Last year's count found over 2,300 homeless individuals. Volunteers will canvass the city on Tuesday to survey unsheltered people and those in shelters. The count provides data required for federal funding and gives officials a sense of needs. However, it is acknowledged to be an imperfect undercount, as it depends on conditions and willingness to participate. Notably, the 2023 nationwide report found that New Mexico saw the largest increase in homelessness at 57% over the past year, along with high rates of unsheltered veterans and chronic homelessness.