KRQE Newsfeed: New details, Foster care report, Dry and breezy, Social media warning label, Cake contest

Thursday’s Top Stories

• VIDEO: Chaotic scene as law enforcement dodge gunfire outside of Farmington
• Notice a haze in New Mexico skies? Here’s why
• PHOTOS: Guide to hidden gems of the New Mexico State Fair
• Santa Fe police arrest man accused of burglary and credit card fraud
• Hear from U.S. Senate candidates Heinrich, Domenici in KRQE’s Election Special
• Billionaire takes first private spacewalk after stepping out of SpaceX capsule

Thursday’s Five Facts

[1] New video and court documents detail search for suspect in Santa Fe murder – New federal documents and bodycam footage give a clearer picture of the crime spree police say a murder suspect went on across New Mexico. According to a newly unsealed federal indictment, on July 30, investigators say Zachary Babitz robbed an Auto Zone in Bernalillo County with a gun. They said he robbed an Albuquerque Wells Fargo the next day and a few days later, police said Babitz robbed a Jersey Mike’s Subs. Then, Babitz is accused of fatally shooting an elderly man in Santa Fe while stealing his car in a Best Buy parking lot. On August 10, police say Babitz was in another stolen car along with a woman named Jessie Dominguez and robbed an Arby’s in Las Cruces. Babitz was arrested and Dominguez was apprehended a few days later.

[2] Report: Roughly 13% of children in NM child welfare system experience abuse, neglect – A new report is outlining shortcomings in New Mexico’s foster care system, while offering some potential solutions. Data analysis by the state’s Legislative Finance Committee shows nearly 13% of children in New Mexico’s child welfare system experience abuse or neglect, compared to the national average of nearly 8%. Analysts told lawmakers their recommendation would be to invest in programs that intervene with at-risk families before there’s a problem that requires the state to step in.

[3] Sunnier, warmer, drier, & breezier around New Mexico – A drier air-mass has moved on in and despite the rain-free conditions that’s likely for all areas with even warmer air, stronger southwesterly winds will bring some haze into the region, as well as the elevated risk for fire danger. As temperatures across the region rise into the 80’s, 90’s, and near 100 degrees for a few areas by the afternoon, much less moisture to the north, along with daytime heating, will lead to no rain, but instead, wildfire smoke from the Southwest.

[4] NM Attorney General urges federal lawmakers to require social media warning labels – New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez joined 41 other state AG’s on a letter to congressional leadership, saying social media platforms are fueling a mental health crisis among young people. This comes a month after U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy said warnings about the dangers are needed, like the warnings on cigarette packaging.

[5] Buttermilk spice cake takes home ‘Best of Show’ at 2024 New Mexico State Fair – A winner has been named for the best cake made by an amateur baker in the state. Viola Lavon Payne’s buttermilk spice cake with a maple walnut chiffon was named the winner. The cake’s were judged on appearance, texture, taste, richness, and the use of fresh, quality ingredients. There were 42 entries in total in 30 different cake categories.

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