New Mexico soldier honored, State revenue, Hot weather, Law-La-Palooza, ABQ BioPark family picnic night

Friday’s Top Stories

• Mexican gray wolf released in New Mexico after years of captivity

• What’s happening in New Mexico August 8-14?

• Public broadcasting in NM faces major cuts

• Proposed bill would help low income homeowners in ABQ pay for repairs

• New tax districts will generate millions for downtown and West Central improvements

• Pedestrian injured in crash in northeast Albuquerque

• Instagram unveils new location sharing and reposting features

Friday’s Five Facts

[1] NM soldier honored for jumping into action during Fort Stewart shooting – Sergeant Aaron Turner is from Farmington, New Mexico and among the soldiers credited with keeping a tragic situation from being much worse. On Wednesday, a service member opened fire at Fort Stewart injuring five soldiers. He was stopped before more harm could be done. While others tended to the injured, Sgt. Turner is credited with talking down the shooter and disarming him. The six soldiers were honored on Thursday for their bravery with a meritorious service medal.

[2] Despite economic uncertainty, NM sees increase in budget revenue – Earlier this summer, the Legislative Finance Committee released its latest report. It revealed that in February, the state generated $200 million more than expected. While oil and gas and federal mineral leasing royalties still account for the largest portion of revenue, there is a cap on how much of that money the state can spend. This cap means that the additional funds from oil and gas will go to the Early Childhood Trust Fund, the Tax Stabilization Reserve, and the Severance Tax Permanent Fund.

[3] Record heat continues into Friday afternoon – Another round of record and near-record heat is on the way this afternoon. Spotty showers and storms will return again today, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, but very little of the rain will make it to the ground. Temperatures through the weekend will also slightly cool down from near record breaking heat.

[4] Law-La-Palooza offers community free legal consultations – The event will be held August 8, at the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors Event Center. Family law consultations will run from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and civil law consultations run from 1 – 4 p.m. Attorneys will be on site to offer free legal advice on topics ranging from divorce, custody, child support, paternity, guardianships, wills/probate, employment, contracts, foreclosures, creditor/debtor issues, landlord/tenant matters and more.

[5] ABQ BioPark holds family picnic night – A family picnic night featuring live local music is being held at ABQ BioPark’s botanic garden and aquarium on Friday, Aug. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s part of an end-of-summer tradition. Entertainment on the Festival Green Stage starts at 5:15 p.m. There will be food and drinks to purchase at Shark Reef Café, as well as snack stands throughout the gardens. Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic.

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