Monday’s Top Stories
Family celebrates legacy of local architect and historic landmark
Man accused of stabbing victim multiple times at UNM housing complex
Multiple hospitalized after five-vehicle crash in Albuquerque
One dead after Santa Fe officer-involved shooting, NMSP reports
Bernalillo County deputy remembered through one of his passions
24th Walk n’ Wheel shines light on fighting ALS
Fall has arrived: Here’s what to know about the autumnal equinox
Lebanon sees deadliest day in nearly a year of fighting as officials say Israeli strikes kill 182
Monday’s Five Facts
[1] Suspected ‘mastermind’ behind shootings at politicians’ homes heads to trial – The trial for the man accused of organizing shootings against local elected officials will begin this week. Solomon Peña ran as a Republican for the New Mexico House of Representatives District 14 seat in 2022. After he lost, federal investigators said he orchestrated shootings at the homes of four Bernalillo County Democrats who he believed were responsible for his loss. While in jail awaiting this trial, the feds said Peña told two of his fellow inmates how he carried out the shootings when offering them $10,000 each to kill witnesses he’s expecting to testify against him.
[2] Indigenous group heads to DC to fight for radiation compensation – More than 50 members of the Navajo Nation, Laguna Pueblo and Hopi Tribe set out to Washington DC. They’re demanding legislators move on a bill that would compensate victims of radiation exposure, also known as “RECA.” A bipartisan bill had passed in the Senate but was allowed to expire by lack of action from Speaker Mike Johnson in June. The group has plans to protest on the steps of the Capitol, march to Speaker Johnson’s office, and host a candlelight vigil in honor of the lives lost from the exposure.
[3] Mostly dry weather & warming temperatures around New Mexico – Despite the cooler-than-normal start for many, conditions warm up near normal as temperatures mostly will rise across the region by the afternoon. With last week’s storm system still meandering to the east, clear skies with higher pressure aloft will develop to the west, allowing for only very spotty rainfall across New Mexico ahead with higher temperatures and even drier air.
[4] Santa Fe County ban on single-use plastics – An ordinance banning single-use plastics in Santa Fe County is set to take effect today. The ordinance covers plastic bags, straws and balloons among other items. First-time violators will be fined $50. Repeat offenders could face fines of $300 or up to three days in jail
[5] Taos County restarts recycling program with hopes of reducing landfill waste – A recycling program that has been out of commission will be back up and running, thanks to state funded RAID grants. Taos County was forced to end their recycling program in 2021, due to budget limitations. The county’s solid waste team says they have new balers, which compact materials into one-ton bales, producing 30 to 40 each month. Residents are encouraged to bring recyclables to any of the county’s eight transfer stations.
