Latest news with #Albuquerque
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Safe space program for homeless struggles under 'red tape'-- could a change in law save it?
Jul. 28—The Safe Outdoors Spaces program was intended to let community members, businesses and churches help those experiencing homelessness outside their doors by giving them a place to sleep off the streets, tucked away on private property. Instead, applicants say the process is covered in red tape. "We've over-regulated it such that it doesn't even work," Mayor Tim Keller said at a Monday news conference. A new amendment working its way through City Council could help break down some of those barriers and increase safe spaces across the city at a time when those experiencing homelessness are under additional scrutiny from the federal government. Last week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order, urging cities to break up encampments of homeless people and institutionalize them through a process called civil commitment. The order also axed federal funding for safe spaces and harm reduction programs, claiming that they promote drug use and "deprioritize accountability." In Albuquerque, where there are an estimated 2,740 people experiencing homelessness, safe spaces have struggled to get off the ground. As of April, New Creation Church on Zuni is the only safe outdoor space approved by the city in the three years since the program's inception. Every other site was denied or withdrew their application, according to a city map. The city law, as it stands, requires a permitted safe space to maintain 24/7 staff, and offer food, mental and physical health services. The first requirement in particular is prohibitively expensive for most, said New Creation Church Pastor Jesse Harden. "If you pay someone minimum wage to be there 24/7 it's over $100,000 a year, so that, right there, eliminates 99% of people who try to do it," Harden said at the Monday news conference. Quirky Books owner Gilliam Kerley is one of those 99%. Outside of the used bookstore off of Central, about 15 people camp each night in 10 tents in the store's parking lot. After receiving complaints from one local business and other callers, the city gave Kerley a choice: clear out the encampment in two weeks or pay a $1,500 fine for ordinance violations. Kerley paid the fee. For his business, Kerley said, the requirements to operate a safe space above board are too expensive and labor intensive. "Someone who is simply providing a place for people to camp shouldn't be required to be a complete wraparound social services provider," Kerley said. New amendments would lessen that requirement, mandating that safe spaces offer a minimum of three social services, which can include peer support or recovery groups, connecting residents with housing resources or offering GED assistance or adult education. The new amendments would diminish the staffing requirement from 24/7 to weekday business hours, though one person must remain on-call at all times in case of complaints or emergencies. The amendments were proposed by City Councilor Nichole Rogers at the request of the mayor's office. For those experiencing homelessness, a safe space can be a second chance. "We fell victims of circumstance, and then the financial bind and we ended up not having enough money to stay in the hotels anymore," said Michael Maldonado. "And then we found Jesse." In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, members of the New Creation Church saw an increase of people experiencing homelessness outside their doorstep, Harden said. The church pastor decided to do more. In April, the church became the first safe outdoor space approved by the city. "It's been a blessing," Maldonado said. "I'm grateful there's places like this that can help people and make the transition in a safe environment." Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Villain of 2008 crisis gets new life in Europe's push for growth
In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the role of villain partly fell on securitization, turning it into a long-term pariah in Europe. Since then, the market of packaging different loans into products to sell to investors has weakened, made so costly by post-crisis rules that outstanding debt has almost halved from the 2009 peak of €2.3 trillion ($2.7 trillion). Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Public Policy Finance Healthcare Data Science CXO Digital Marketing Data Analytics Degree MBA PGDM Cybersecurity Operations Management Others Technology Design Thinking Management MCA Leadership Data Science others Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Calcutta Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate Programme in Public Policy Management Starts on Mar 3, 2024 Get Details Now, it's being cast as a potential hero for a troubled Europe facing trade tariffs, increased defense spending needs and bloated budget deficits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote 'Europe needs growth — and growth needs investment,' the European Union's finance chief, Maria Luis Albuquerque, told Bloomberg. 'To mobilize capital at scale, we must use every tool available.' The pitch is cheaper funding for lenders, which could cut borrowing costs for industry and consumers, broader investment opportunities for insurers, as well as more income for advisors and traders who'll keep the market flowing once it takes off. Live Events Loss of Trust It's a tough sell in some quarters. The market for pooling loans boomed before the 2008 financial crisis, but alongside that came a sharp drop in quality control. When the house of cards came down, the results were massive losses, economic turmoil and a collapse of trust in the system. In June, the European Commission unveiled proposals to make it cheaper for banks to issue securitizations, both in terms of the cost to balance sheets and the paperwork involved. It's also looking at easing regulations for insurers who want to invest. Europe hasn't set out any market growth targets for its reforms, but some investors have predicted trillions of euros of investment could be unlocked. 'With better rules, we can make Europe's securitization market a driver of prosperity — not complexity,' Albuquerque said last week. Bloomberg Slow Progress The Brussels finance lobbying community – and their bosses in London, Paris, Frankfurt and New York – went into 2025 with high hopes of an imminent watershed moment, several industry insiders and officials told Bloomberg News. But despite the commission's push, the redemption story has further to go. Securitization still needs to win over politicians and navigate a complex path to legislation. That means many months of intense lobbying and horse-trading. 'We're really just firing the starting gun,' said Shaun Baddeley, managing director of securitization at finance lobby group AFME. 'A lot can change between the commission's proposal and the end game.' Markus Ferber, a European Parliament member for Germany attached to the center-right European People's Party, says some lawmakers, particularly on the left, remain skeptical of the asset class. 'The file will be quite controversial in the parliament,' he said. 'That will certainly make finding a compromise difficult, so I doubt it will be a swift procedure.' Aurore Lalucq, chair of the parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, who sits with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group, has already voiced her opposition. Better Finance, which represents private investors and savers, has also come out against it, saying it's a 'gamble on financial stability.' Finance Push For the finance industry, securitization is just one element in a wider push to get Brussels to loosen the reins, arguments that are amplified by complaints about US banks having an unfair advantage because of EU regulation. While the European securitizations market declined sharply after the financial crisis, the US market grew from $11.3 trillion in 2008 to $13.7 trillion at the end of 2023. Banks want it 'to reduce their balance sheet, and capital charges,' said Karel Lannoo, head of European policy think tank CEPS. He added that the industry is less enthusiastic about aspects of the EU's capital markets push which could curtail inducements or limit fees. Industry insiders and watchers agree that the commission package is by far the EU's meatiest attempt to address structural issues in the market. And reports of impending changes for insurers are also seen as broadly positive. But there's disappointment too about what some see as missed opportunities. Banks are concerned the measures don't do enough to incentivize them to hold other lenders' securitizations on their balance sheets, something they must do in their role as market makers who buy and sell securities, ensuring liquidity. AFME, which represents a wider cross section of finance, has criticized several aspects of the plans, including 'disproportionate penalties' for investors who fall foul of due diligence requirements. While lobbyists will be pushing for improvements, regulatory opposition may pull things in the opposite direction. Insurance Money Insurers are seen as a critical source of demand for securitizations, since they have the financial firepower to buy big. Their overseer, EIOPA, remains skeptical about any reforms that would cut the capital requirements for insurers holding the asset class. Patrick Hoedjes, head of EIOPA's Policy and Supervisory Convergence Department, told Europe's finance committee last month that the regulator would have a 'strong concern' about any attempts to change requirements. Another question is whether insurers even want the assets. An EIOPA official told Bloomberg News insurers would be more keen to buy assets with longer duration, to match their liabilities. Linking securitization to Europe's economic revival will be critical to the Brussels debate. The idea that insurers may not even want to buy the assets, and that other initiatives are more important, will make the zero-to-hero narrative harder to sell. Some policy makers argue the true status is somewhere in between. 'Securitization is not a silver bullet, but it can play a role in supporting Europe's economic development,' said Verena Ross, chair of Europe's markets supervisor ESMA. 'When used appropriately and maintaining a focus on investor protection, it can help to share risk between banks and other actors in the capital markets.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SkyMD inaugurates clinic in New Mexico to provide dermatology services
Dermatological services provider SkyMD has inaugurated a new clinic in New Mexico, US, enhancing specialised skin care accessibility for the local population. The Albuquerque-based facility introduces a hybrid model of care by providing in-person appointments, as well as virtual services for tele-dermatology. Local patients can now access direct consultations with board-certified medical doctors at the clinic, which complements SkyMD's telehealth platform. This care approach provides flexible options for individuals seeking expert dermatological care, ranging from routine skin checks to complex conditions and outpatient surgical procedures. SkyMD has a focus on skin cancer, with the new clinic employing dermatologists proficient in the diagnosis, early detection, and treatment of different skin cancer types. These include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. SkyMD CEO Bart Calame said: "We are thrilled to bring SkyMD's patient-centric approach and specialised dermatology services to Albuquerque. "Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible skin care. By opening this new clinic, we are not only expanding our footprint but also offering a unique hybrid model that combines the convenience of telehealth with the personalised care of in-person visits, particularly for critical areas like skin cancer detection and treatment. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Albuquerque healthcare landscape." The Albuquerque clinic's range of services includes cosmetic, general, and surgical dermatology, along with specialised procedures, with a particular focus on skin cancer screenings and medical dermatology. All health insurance plans available in the state are accepted by SkyMD. "SkyMD inaugurates clinic in New Mexico to provide dermatology services" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
T-NeuroDx to Present Advances in Blood Test for Early Alzheimer's Detection at Major Conference
'We believe that studying the body's adaptive immune system will play a pivotal role in the early detection of Alzheimer's'— Dr. Wheeler ALBUQUERQUE, NM, UNITED STATES, July 27, 2025 / / -- T-NeuroDx, a company pioneering new diagnostic tools that use abnormalities in the immune system to detect Alzheimer's Disease, will present its latest research at the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto, Canada, from July 27–31. Dr. Christopher Wheeler, the company's Chief Science Officer, will share new findings about the company's promising blood test for Alzheimer's. The research focuses on identifying specific aged immune cells in the blood that act as an early warning sign, or 'biomarker,' for the disease. A significant breakthrough in this new study is the enhancement of the test to be effective for all Alzheimer's patients, a critical step toward making this technology widely available. This builds upon Dr. Wheeler's initial discovery of the biomarker announced last year . 'We believe that studying the body's adaptive immune system will play a pivotal role in the early detection of Alzheimer's,' said Dr. Wheeler. 'Our results strengthen our case for a scalable, blood-based diagnostic that can move us closer to timely intervention and improved outcomes.' T-NeuroDx's vision is to create simple, accessible blood tests that can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's sooner, allowing for earlier treatment and better patient care. Presentation Details: • Poster Title: #107315 - Levels of age-related blood CD8 T cells binding a non-self peptide/HLA epitope track with Alzheimer's disease status in HLA-A2+ and HLA-A2- cohorts: a T cell biomarker assay applicable to all patients. • Session: Biomarkers (non-neuroimaging) track. • Event: Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025 • Date: Monday, July 28, 2025 • Time: 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM EDT • Location: Toronto, Canada For more information about T-NeuroDx, please visit John Chavez T-NeuroDx +1 505-660-1046 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How nanoplastics may be impacting our long-term health
Albuquerque, New Mexico — Dr. Matt Campen studies the health effects of environmental pollutants. His lab at the University of New Mexico has, for the first time, found plastics in human brain tissue. He says his research estimates that the amount of plastic in the brain could be roughly equal to the size of a plastic spoon. "That is a lot," Campen explains to CBS News. "...The fact that it's getting worse over time is really the issue." Scientists believe these microscopic particles, called nanoplastics, come from all the plastic people use and throw away. When plastic breaks down over time, it winds up in the food supply, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. A study last month in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that people living near nanoplastic-polluted oceans are more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke compared to those that lived near waters that have low levels of nanoplastics. Campen's lab has found more plastic in the brains of people with dementia than those without dementia. Now, research on these nanoplastics is moving out of the lab and into long-term clinical studies. "We have more evidence now for the effects of plastic on children's chronic disease then we do on food dyes," said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. "And if we use the same evidence standard, we should be acting as fiercely on plastics in the food supply as we are on food dyes." Trasande is tracking plastics' impact on over 64,000 children, from pregnancy to adolescence, including on 8-year-old Jack Glaser. "The amount of information that they're collecting is remarkable," Glaser's mother, Tammy Fried-Glaser, said. "They did cognitive studies on Jack, you know, height and weight and sonograms, and beyond." So far, Trasande's research has linked plastics to health problems like hormonal issues with fertility, premature birth, cognitive abnormalities and cardiovascular disease. "Literally the particle is a problem — because it's a foreign body in a tissue," Trasande said. "It might thrash the lining of the coronary artery, contributing to are toxic drug delivery systems." While the details are still emerging, experts agree that less plastic is the way forward. While many believe 10,000 steps a day is optimal, new study suggests different DOJ's closed-door meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell fuels pardon speculation The impact of nanoplastics on long-term health Solve the daily Crossword
