Thursday’s Top Stories
Family asks for answers after potential plea deal in murders of Muslim men in Albuquerque
PNM looks to increase rates. How much more could it cost you each month?
Santa Fe police arrest man accused of trying to sexually assault two girls
Study: New Mexico could have 25% less water in rivers and streams by 2050
NMSU gets millions in federal grant money to boost manufacturing business
Ruidoso residents ask about wildfire, flood recovery efforts in town hall meeting
Thursday’s Five Facts
[1] Plea deal expected for man accused of murdering Muslim men in Albuquerque – A convicted murderer accused of killing Muslim men in Albuquerque two years ago could be changing his plea in two of the cases against him. In March, Muhammad Syed was convicted for the murder of 41-year-old Aftab Hussein back in July of 2022. Syed was also charged with the murders of Muhammad Afzaal. Hussain as well as Naeem Hussein were killed around the same time. The trial for Afzaal Hussain’s murder was supposed to start next week. However, that could change after Syed’s attorney confirmed that a judge has approved to a change of plea hearing next Tuesday.
[2] CRRUA being investigated for potential ‘fraud, waste, abuse’ – The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority which serves Sunland Park and Santa Teresa is being accused of violating environmental and consumer protection laws. They are also under investigation by the state auditor for missing state and federal funds. Community members say a public meeting on the matter is in the works and they are inviting the governor to attend.
[3] Monsoon thunderstorms continue, flash flood risk possible for parts of New Mexico – Lingering showers and rumbles of thunder are occurring for some this morning as conditions are even more humid, preluding to even more Monsoon thunderstorms to come in the next few afternoons. With a weak low-pressure system overhead, leftover showers are meandering in the Northern Mountains while drifting to the south around Quemado, while a few fast-moving thunderstorms are moving northeast around the Sandias, as well as the Manzano Mountains, with a few pockets of isolated showers near Alamogordo, to the east of Roswell, and in The Northeast Highlands. Elsewhere, clouds are present in many areas, as well as the Monsoon moisture, setting the stage for the possibility of burn-scar flash flooding later today, especially along parts of the Northern Mountains with a Flood Watch in effect.
[4]New supermarket opens in Albuquerque’s International District – The International District is no longer considered a food desert thanks to a new supermarket in the area. The 505 Supermarket opened two weeks ago on San Mateo near Southern. It’s the only place to get groceries in the neighborhood after many stores closed down.
[5] New Mexicans can expect to see more skunks across the state – A common New Mexico critter will soon be back out and about. The New Mexico Striped Skunk is getting ready to tackle cooler weather by getting out earlier in the evening to bulk up on food. An ABQ BioPark senior zookeeper said to watch carefully for skunks between dawn and dusk when they are most active.
