ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The independent monitor overseeing a years long Albuquerque police reform effort found the department is "well below what could reasonably be expected at this point in the project," but has improved in reporting use-of-force incidents.

James Ginger, the monitor, on Friday filed a 41-page report that is intended to determine if the Albuquerque Police Department's efforts have achieved the goals outlined in a settlement between the Department of Justice and the city of Albuquerque.

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Albuquerque police chief has responded to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' threat to not give the city federal resources due to its detainment practices.

Chief Gorden Eden wrote in a letter to Sessions that the city plans to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice program aimed at reducing crime, which Sessions threatened to exclude Albuquerque from, calling it a sanctuary city for people who are illegally in the country.

Eden denied being the chief of a sanctuary city.

  AZTEC, N.M. (AP) — One New Mexico county has its first female SWAT operator, a reflection of the increasing role of women in police departments across the nation.

Juan County Deputy Robyn Roe wanted to become a SWAT member because of her military experience. Roe served a tour in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard in 2013 and 2014. She was a motor transportation operator.

She recently finished a six-year enlistment and in June re-enlisted for another six-year term.

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico might not be the perfect spot for viewing the solar eclipse but several state parks and national monuments are still planning viewing parties.

Monday's event will be the first total solar eclipse in 99 years to cross a coast-to-coast swath of the United States, from Oregon to South Carolina. Other parts will see only a partial eclipse.

The celestial event begins in New Mexico at 10:21 a.m. By 11:45 a.m., viewers here will be able to see nearly three-quarters of the sun blotted out by the moon.

“During the summer, Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) receives an average of 60 reports per month reporting water waste,” says Rhonda Diaz, water conservation program coordinator. Some water waste reports come from water conservation compliance staff and some from residents. “The incidents observed by our compliance staff, or reported by residents, are documented with photos and field reports,” Diaz adds.

Usually, within 48-hours a doorhanger violation notice is hanging on the door of the violator, and LCU sends a Certified Letter to the person responsible for paying the water bill.

I-10 East Ramps @ Sunland

All Day, 27 hours

3 a.m. Sunday, August 20 to 6 a.m. Monday, August 21

·     The Sunland Park Exit Ramp from I-10 East will close.

·     The Sunland Park Entrance Ramp to I-10 East will close.

Alternate routes:  Drivers on I-10 East who want to avoid the I-10/Sunland interchange should use North Mesa Street (SH 20) or Transmountain Road (Loop 375).

After a 9-year delay, construction is finally expected to begin in September to bring sanitary city sewer to another Las Cruces neighborhood. Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Regulatory Environmental Services/Technical Support Administrator, Carl N. Clark, P.E., explains: “The Doña Ana Sewer Extension project needs to happen now because of the risk of contaminating nearby water wells due to failing septic systems in some neighborhoods. This is a top priority project.”

This past spring, the College of Engineering launched the first phase of its Engineering Learning Communities initiative with the offering of tutoring to all engineering students. The effort was successful, with a steady stream of students seeking tutoring assistance. Now, with the generous support of donors, Engineering Learning Communities will formally begin the fall semester with additional student services.

The New Mexico Federal and State Technology Partnership Program, housed at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, has been named the host for the 2017 Naval Sea Systems Command Small Business Innovation Research Western States Topics Summit, an important event that addresses opportunities for New Mexico technology-based innovative businesses to connect with the U.S. Navy. 

Albuquerque was chosen as a location over larger seaside metropolitan areas for the Dec. 13 event, which will take place at the Albuquerque Convention Center.