Thursday’s Top Stories
Families impacted by South Fork, Salt fire getting extension to file federal, state taxes
New Mexico landowners sue state over waterway access on private property
Man facing prison after threatening phone call to New Mexico district attorney
Las Cruces man dies in plane crash in Doña Ana County
Former Albuquerque police officer pleads no contest to shoplifting charges
Summer program helps Albuquerque students prepare for next school year
Thursday’s Five Facts
[1] VIDEO: APD officer charged with driving drunk in patrol vehicle – New video shows the moments a uniformed Albuquerque Police Department officer was arrested, and accused of drinking and driving. According to New Mexico State Police, in early June, Sergeant Toby Lafave clocked an APD unit speeding on I-25. APD Officer Jordan Hernandez was driving the car. Lapel video shows Officer Hernandez telling Sergeant Lafave that he was running late to his midnight shift. But Sergeant Lafave suspected something more is going on telling Hernandez he could smell booze on his breath. Hernandez is being charged with aggravated DWI, speeding, and failure to maintain his lane.
[2] South Fork Fire burns 17,569 acres near Ruidoso – Fire crews near Ruidoso are making progress. Currently, the South Fork Fire is 64% contained, while the Salt Fire is 55% contained. Crews started surveying the area Wednesday as they make plans to repair the lines they dug previously to contain the flames. The village said more acres are now open for residents to return, but some exclusion zones.
[3] More rain expected across New Mexico – Isolated morning showers with a few thunderstorms in southern and eastern areas of New Mexico, as well as parts of Southwest Colorado, are accompanied by uniform temperatures mostly starting off in the 60s and 70s. Dew-point temperatures are also uniform, starting off in the 50’s and 60’s, indicating plenty of low-level moisture beneath the cloud cover.
[4] City of Albuquerque files lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai – The City of Albuquerque is joining a growing list of cities across the United States that are two major car manufacturers. In the newly filed lawsuit against KIA and Hyundai, the city claims the car makers left out crucial anti-theft technology in order to cut costs.
[5] Hundreds of APS middle school students will be showing off their creations, designed to improve the watershed. About 400 middle school students are participating in a STEAM program this summer. This year, the students explored ways to address the problems affecting the watershed and developed prototypes in one of seven pathways. The students will unveil the prototypes at the Berna Facio Professional Development Complex in Louisiana.
