Friday’s Top Stories
What’s happening around New Mexico August 23-29
Silver City teacher accused of having sexual relationship with student
Belen moves forward with new standard operating procedure for baby box
City Councilor holds packed town hall on how to tackle crime in Santa Fe
Man arrested for shooting near Western New Mexico University
NM School of the Blind and Visually Impaired vandalized after break-in
A bird flu outbreak is spreading among cows in the US. Scientists are hunting for answers
Ukraine says it has recaptured land in the Kharkiv region
Friday’s Five Facts
[1] Grandmother speaks out after CYFD attempts to reunite child with parents facing charges – A grandmother is saying CYFD wants to return her seven-year-old grandson to his parents despite the fact they are facing felony charges in the death of their five-year-old daughter. Deputies in Silver City found that girl dead underneath her parents in March. A toxicology report on the girl showed a high percentage of carbon monoxide. The boy, who survived, tested positive for meth. Both parents are now facing child abuse resulting in death charges. CYFD had placed the boy in his grandmothers care, but in July they removed the boy from her care. CYFD refused to comment.
[2] APD say robbery case numbers dropped in the last year – APD is crediting new tactics and procedures after they said robberies are down 33% compared to last year. They said commercial robbery saw the biggest decline along with individual robberies, attempted robberies and carjacking’s. APD says changes in the department played a role in improving those numbers. The department also credits its ‘DIVRT Team’ which helps APD collect surveillance video. This gives detectives valuable information and allows them more time to focus on other areas of investigation.
[3] Widespread rain & cooler temperatures ahead – The western three-fourths of the region has the best chance of rain for today with the flash flooding risk still mostly low, but more possible in the early-to-mid afternoon hours. Hit-and-miss stronger thunderstorms will pick up speed to the northeast from the Gila National Forest, to the Northern Mountains, then eventually to parts of the Northeastern Highlands and a large part of the Rio Grande Valley. Today’s storms have a higher possibility for localized heavy doses of rain, some pockets of hail, stronger winds, and more-frequent lightning strikes.
[4] New Albuquerque detox center offers aid to young adults – Officials cut the ribbon on the new Serenity Mesa Adolescent Detox Center Thursday afternoon. The facility in southwest Albuquerque will provide transitional housing for people ages 14 – 21 struggling with drug addiction. Serenity Mesa also offers a rental assistance program for people ages 17 – 24 who are homeless.
[5] Los Alamos Bear Festival returns August 23-24 – The Los Alamos Bear Festival kicks off Friday with the Bear Dinner. Experts will be on hand to talk about black bears and guests will get to have a meal of foods that make up a black bear diet. Saturday features booths, games, food, activities and more for everyone to enjoy.
