Friday’s Top Stories
What’s happening around New Mexico August 2-8
E-bike advocates speak out amid proposed regulation by ABQ City Council
Leaders reassure immigrants in ABQ that residency won’t come up during crime reporting
New charges brought against accused NM serial murderer, kidnapper Labar Tsethlikai
Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon Wildfire victims resolved FEMA lawsuits
Albuquerque woman involved in friend’s boyfriend’s murder sentenced
Here’s who Russia, US released in prisoner swap
Friday’s Five Facts
[1] 7th APD officer resigns, commander fired amid DWI Unit investigation – Another APD officer has resigned and a commander has been fired following an internal investigation into APD’s DWI Unit. It was revealed earlier this year that officers in the unit allegedly took cash to get DWI cases dropped. The department terminated Former Commander Mark Landavazo for violating APD policies. Officer Neill Elsman resigned from his post.
[2] Millions in funding cut from Albuquerque homeless housing programs – Organizations helping the homeless are now scrambling to keep people off the streets after the City of Albuquerque slashed $4 million in funding. The New Mexico Coalition to end Homelessness says the reduction has forced some organizations to lay off staff, reduce supportive services and stop new enrollments. The city says the budget cut was based on how much money was spent during the previous fiscal year. The two sides are currently working to find solutions.
[3] Rain possible & muggier weather around New Mexico – As temperatures across the region rise once again into the upper 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and still above 100 degrees for some, the abundance of moisture in the air, along with the ample amount of daytime heating, will lead to more rainfall commencing later this morning, especially throughout the afternoon.
[4] New Mexico’s 2024 ‘Tax-Free Weekend’ approaches – The annual New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax Holiday will start at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 2, and end on Sunday, August 4, at midnight. Business will sell select items tax free, which can help parents, students and teachers stock up and get ready to return to the classroom.
[5] New Mexican competing in 2024 Pokémon World Championships – The World Pokémon Championships will feature a New Mexican this year. Rain Keuma, who has been playing the trading card came for almost a decade, received an exclusive invite to the tournament in Honolulu, Hawaii after competing in various events around the country and world. Winners could get cash prizes or trophy cards.
