Thursday’s Top Stories
Veterans upset after Jackson Wink Academy flies U.S. flag upside down
Albuquerque police charge two men for 2021 Halloween murder
New Mexico congressional race expected to heat up, gain national attention
Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Authority approves rate increase
New size standing out in Lobo basketball summer practice
1 injured after gas leak ignites in northeast Albuquerque
City of Albuquerque helping people beat the heat with ‘Operation Cooldown’
Man who went viral for driving during Zoom court hearing in trouble again
What’s at stake in the European Parliament election this week
Thursday’s Five Facts
[1] Albuquerque neighborhood concerned about potential plans to straighten I-25 – Some Albuquerque residents are fighting a highway reconstruction project. The New Mexico Department of Transportation is looking to reconstruct I-25 from Lomas to Avenida Cesar Chavez. One plan would shift the highway to the west, where older houses in the neighborhood are. Some residents in the area are concerned the potential plan would ruin their neighborhood. The DOT is extending the length of public comment until June 10.
[2] New Mexico lawmakers discuss treating mental illness to reduce crime – The Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee discussed possible changes to mental health law in New Mexico. Officials discussed how assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) can be used to curb low-level crime. AOT is a civil court procedure that makes sure a person with mental illness receives the right treatment and is monitored. In most cases, the defendant is deemed incompetent to stand trial and is placed in a short-term health facility until the case is adjudicated. Then they are released back into public with little or no monitoring.
[3] Near-Record Heat around New Mexico Thursday – Temperatures will climb into the 90s and 100s for most of the state. Near-record high temperatures are in store, along with mostly sunny skies in the lower elevations. The mountains will see some cloud development during the afternoon, along with a mix of wet and dry storms over the Sacramento and Gila Mountains.
[4] Construction continues on new Bernalillo County Fire Rescue station – Construction is more than halfway complete on a new fire station on Albuquerque’s westside. Fire Station 66 will be Bernalillo County’s first new fire station in more than 25 years. The facility will include a four-garage bay, 11 bunks, training areas, office space, and more.
[5] Game created by Albuquerque firefighters gaining popularity nationwide – DotBall360° is a mixture between pickleball and volleyball. The game was invented by Albuquerque firefighters inside their firehouse. Co-Creator Ryan St. Denis said the game builds camaraderie and is a mental outlet for a high-stress job. St. Denis said they’re now seeing the game’s popularity catch on across the nation, especially with schools. They started selling their sets in August last year. St. Denis says updated sets should be available for purchase in August.
