KRQE Newsfeed: Student protest, Officer mistrial, Warmer day, Cattle regulations, BioPark funding
Tuesday’s Top Stories
How a Supreme Court case on homelessness could affect New Mexico
Video shows Albuquerque gathering just before fatal shooting
NMSP conducts PIT maneuver, crashes into stolen Taos County Sheriff’s Office unit
Dispensary accused of violating NM Cannabis Regulation Act at opening celebration
4 law officers serving warrant are killed, 4 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home
Indonesia’s Mount Ruang erupts again, spewing ash and peppering villages with debris
Tuesday’s Five Facts
[1] Protest breaks out at the University of New Mexico Student Union Building – Police were able to clear students and protests from the University of New Mexico’s student union building. Students and community members had marched into the building setting up tents on the second floor. This was the latest in a multi-day protest held on campus calling for UNM to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
[2] Mistrial declared in case of former APD officer – The trial against Kenneth Skeens, a former APD officer accused of using excessive force against Matthew McManus while he was at the self-checkout trying to buy a bike at Target on Coors, ended in a mistrial on Monday. Judge Britt M. Baca-Miller declared a mistrial as a result of a hung jury. The state argued Skeens had no lawful authority to remove McManus from the store, but the defense argued Skeens believed Target did tell him to remove McManus from the store. The case is expected to be retried.
[3] Warm and quiet weather Tuesday – It is going to be an even warmer day, with high temperatures climbing into the 70s, 80s and 90s. Skies will be clear all day, with light winds, coming in from the west at 10 to 25 mph. A cold front will move in, dropping temperatures by 5-10 degrees on Thursday.
[4] USDA to require electronic ear tags for most cattle, bison during transport – The USDA is preparing to launch new safety rules for transporting cattle. The USDA will soon require electronic tags on most cows and bison that are at least 18-months old and are being transported on American highways. This comes as bird flu has been found in diary cows. The feds say the new traceability system should help stop diseases from spreading. While the USDA said it will provide tags for free, some ranchers worry about a short supply and costly implementation.
[5] NM BioPark Society raises concerns over proposed budget – The NM BioPark Society, a non-profit that advocates for and supports the ABQ BioPark is saying the city’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 leaves out key funding for the facility. The concerns include about $560,000 not included for six additional staffing positions. The group also said the proposed budget eliminates $200,000 for rising food and medication costs. Another concern includes $500,000 in recurring spending for the city’s new Asia exhibit. The group is encouraging members to reach out to city councilors and share their concerns. They also plan on speaking at the upcoming city council meeting.
