Friday’s Top Stories
Report shows New Mexico schools have chronic absentee problem
What’s happening around New Mexico June 14-20
Oldest McDonald’s in New Mexico hosts grand reopening
Museum asks community to reflect on time spent at notable restaurants
NM Center on Law & Poverty sues affordable housing apartment complex in Española
NMDOJ: County commission violated Open Meetings Act in manager search
Jailed US reporter Evan Gershkovich to stand trial in Russia on espionage charges, officials say
Friday’s Five Facts
[1] State auditor says $15K flight was a ‘waste of taxpayer funds’ – The state auditor is taking a look into a trip to Australia made by James Kenney, the New Mexico Environment Department Secretary. Kenney along with his division director joined Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham at the Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Summit in Sydney last fall. Economy class seats would have cost roughly $2,000, but the secretary flew business class at almost $15,000 per seat, bringing the total to nearly $30,000. Sate Auditor Joseph Maestas calls the expenses significant and excessive.
[2] CYFD launches new center to keep foster kids from sleeping in offices – The CYFD says it is opening up what it calls a solution to foster teens sleeping overnight in office buildings. The agency says they have been working to get kids out of offices with a new multipurpose home for boys aged 12 and up. The facility has four bedrooms with three beds to a room, a classroom, and an outdoor recreation area. Staff includes a chef, a nurse, and therapists onsite. So far, five kids are living there. The facility has the capacity for 12.
[3] Cooler temperatures, showers and storms to end the workweek – Showers and storms will spread across the state from west to east through the morning and into the afternoon, with scattered showers and storms across most of the state by the mid afternoon hours. A few rounds of isolated storms are likely in the Albuquerque Metro from early afternoon through tonight. Temperatures rebound again this weekend, with the hottest day on Sunday.
[4] 2024 Duke City Comic Con – The Duke City Comic Con is coming to the Albuquerque June 14 – 16 at the Marriot Pyramid Hotel. This year’s event will have a number of guests including “Superman Returns” actor Brandon Routh as well as Robert Carradine and Curtis Armstrong who starred in “Revenge of the Nerds.”
[5] Heights Summerfest returns to North Domingo Baca Park – The Heights Summerfest is returning to North Domingo Baca Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 5 – 10 p.m. This year features the national headliner “The Original Wailers” a reggae band. Guests can enjoy a large selection of food from local food trucks, breweries, distilleries and wineries. Local businesses will be there selling things from handcrafted items, jewelry, clothing, art, home goods and more.
