KRQE Newsfeed: Refugee program, Smith sentenced, Eastern storms, Film studio, Tree deaths
What goes on at Kirtland Air Force Base?
Bill aims to bring more community events to downtown ABQ
NM Supreme Court rules that 911 dispatchers are liable in emergency call lawsuits
Archdiocese of Santa Fe speaks about Pope Francis' legacy
Truth or Consequences road project draws mixed reviews from public
NM Museum of Natural History & Science to close for renovations in August
APS, APD partner up to bring back Campus Crime Stoppers
NM Congressional delegation calls on president to protect state's national monuments
[1] New Mexico Attorney General calls to reinstate refugee resettlement program – Attorney General Raul Torrez joined a bipartisan coalition of more than 300 state and local officials urging President Trump to bring back the refugee program he suspended. The program offered refugees financial, medical and other services. It was funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
[2] Man sentenced in federal court for killing New Mexico State Police officer – Jaremy Smith was sentenced Monday in federal court for his crimes in New Mexico after taking a plea deal earlier this year. Smith was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. He had pleaded guilty to federal charges including kidnapping resulting in death and carjacking for killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare in March 2024. Smith was a fugitive from South Carolina, wanted for the kidnapping and murder of 52-year-old paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. Smith is still facing charges for Machado-Fore's death in South Carolina.
[3] Thunderstorms in eastern New Mexico and warmer across the state – Tropical moisture in far-Southeast New Mexico will produce a few spotty strong to severe thunderstorms which will move to the northeast as they form with lightning strikes, some hail, and erratic wind gusts. Everywhere else will be very sunny with temperatures reaching the 70s to the 80s.
[4] West Mesa Film Studio one step closer to approval – The environmental planning commission presented its findings on the development near Double Eagle II Airport to Albuquerque city council Monday evening. Councilors asked them to review an appeal to Mesa Film Studio after several organizations claimed the studio would threaten the nearby Petroglyphs. The EPC found the city is fully justified and cleared to move forward with the project, saying the city has followed all regulations.
[5] Tree deaths in New Mexico doubled from 2023 to 2024, report says – The New Mexico Forestry Division says insects and warm temperatures are driving up tree deaths across the state. According to a new forest health conditions report, tree deaths in New Mexico forests more than doubled in 2024, with 70,000 acres of dead conifer trees reported. This is up from 33,000 in 2023. The report lists 406,000 acres of trees being damaged by insects, disease and harsh weather conditions. The forestry division says native insects and rising temperatures were the primary causes of tree damage.
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