Thursday’s Top Stories
- NM Senate leader accused of violating legislature’s anti-harassment policy
- Jury unable to reach verdict in Albuquerque murder trial
- Annual Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta canceled
- Explora holds event showcasing the future of Extended Reality
- Holloman AFB and Fort Bliss participate in flood relief efforts
- Pro-level bike park opens on Picuris Pueblo
- Police documents released after Bryan Kohberger’s sentencing detail strange happenings weeks before
Thursday’s Five Facts
[1] Working group offers recommendations for AI use in schools to NM lawmakers – The Legislative Education Study Committee heard from a working group of school staff, students, and non-profits on their recommendations on policy surrounding AI. The group told lawmakers that AI policy should ensure equitable access to AI in all New Mexico schools. That recommendation includes having an oversight body at the New Mexico Public Education Department who would help schools find funding opportunities to implement AI and also create a vetting system so schools know which AI tools are safe to use.
[2] Metropolitan Detention Center reports 6th inmate death this year – The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) has confirmed the death of an inmate on Wednesday. Thomas Acee II died while in custody at MDC. Jail officials reported that around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Acee was found unresponsive. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead. Just last year, Acee faced allegations in the murder of a 13-year-old during a drive-by shooting in downtown Albuquerque.
[3] Fewer storms and warmer temperatures ahead – Stronger westerly winds will combine to squeeze out some moisture in the form of fewer thunderstorms with flooding less likely. Thinner clouds will allow temperatures to rise with most reaching the high 70s, 80s, and in the 90s. Conditions will continue to dry out while heating up by the end of the week into the early weekend, until the next push of Monsoon moisture arrives.
[4] Albuquerque non-profit dealing with funding cuts lays off some staff – One of New Mexico’s biggest nonprofits has been forced to lay off more than a dozen employees due to federal funding cuts. The Albuquerque nonprofit Hopeworks helps around 8,500 homeless adults and kids each year. They say they had to lay off 17 employees because of federal budget cuts. Despite the cuts, services at the facility are expected to continue as planned.
[5] Retired MMA fighter writes, directs, and acts in ‘Kill Me Again’ – Retired MMA fighter Keith Jardine held a special screening for his psychological thriller Kill Me Again at the Icon Cinema 4 Hills location. The movie is about a notorious serial killer who finds himself trapped reliving the same violent night at a roadside diner. Jardine not only wrote the entire movie himself but directed and acted in it as well. The movie will be available in select theaters and on demand starting August 8.
