Friday’s Top Stories
Helene weakens to a tropical storm over Georgia with sustained winds of 70 mph
Family pet takes flight in namesake special shape for Balloon Fiesta
What’s happening around New Mexico September 27-October 3
Judge hears arguments for a new trial or dismissal for armorer in fatal shooting on set of ‘Rust’
Former Customs and Border Protection officer sentenced for depriving New Mexico man of his rights
E-scooter rentals returning to Albuquerque
Walgreens at Eubank and Central to close in November
Friday’s Five Facts
[1] BCSO sheriff weighs in on drug informant tipoff case – The Bernalillo County Sheriff is speaking out after two deputies were accused of tipping off a confidential informant about a federal drug investigation. The feds say it started in late 2021 when a drug dealer who was also a confidential informant for BCSO detective Kyle Linker was tipped off about a federal investigation. Investigators say Linker warned off his informant twice about the investigation, the second time with another deputy named Paul Jessen. Kyle Linker pled guilty to one count of obstruction of justice on Tuesday. He faces up to 20 years in prison but prosecutors are commending probation. Jessen is scheduled to have his first court appearance next month, he is facing up to 70 years in prison.
[2] Investigation underway into chemical storage at New Mexico Highlands University after death – The New Mexico Environment Department is investigating a chemical leak at New Mexico Highlands University and whether it may be linked to the death of a custodian. On July 16, a university faculty member and two custodians removed and cleaned a cooler that was emitting a strong chemical smell in the Ivan Hilton Science Building. Two months later, the smell was reported again. The university said they are waiting for air quality testing and approval from state and local authorities before the building will reopen.
[3] Heat continues into the weekend – A front brings more mid-level moisture to the state today and will spark spotty showers and thunderstorms in the northern mountains, into parts of east-central, and northeast New Mexico through this afternoon. Most of this rain will evaporate before reaching the ground which could result in locally strong wind gusts. It’s going to be another hot day today, with more record and near-record high temperatures in Albuquerque, and in western/northwestern New Mexico. The cold front will bring a breezy east wind into Albuquerque this evening, with wind gusts up to 35 mph.
[4] Fees for state parks may be going up soon in New Mexico – New Mexico State Parks is looking to raise its fees for the first time in decades. The parks are looking to raise fees in an effort to keep up with rising costs and inflation. The proposal comes after numerous public meetings with hundreds of comments. The last time the state raised fees was in 2004.
[5] Students at an Albuquerque elementary school given laptops and accessories – One Albuquerque elementary school has better access to technology. The Diverse IT team with Adelante Development Center visited Edward Gonzales Elementary on Thursday and gave out free laptops to low-income students. They also trained students on online safety.
