KRQE Newsfeed: New Mexico groomer charged, Restraint concerns in New Mexico schools, Stormier ahead, NM delegates support Harris, Questa veteran honored

Thursday’s Top Stories

• Controversial development in Los Ranchos gets approval from judge
• Man facing felony drug charge arrested in Albuquerque
• ABQ high school students learn about business and government in Washington D.C.
• New Mexico Film Office to host Film and Television Summit
• NM Mortgage Finance Authority announces funding for affordable housing programs
• Southwest Airlines to start assigning seats, breaking 50-year tradition
• Philippine oil tanker sinks in Manila Bay, raising fears of a possible major spill near the capital

Thursday’s Five Facts

[1] New Mexico dog groomer faces animal cruelty charges – Sheila Baca, a groomer at Pet Paradise near 528 and Northern, was arrested after allegedly hitting a dog she was grooming. Baca initially called police claiming her manager elbowed her in the face. Police reviewed security footage and found no evidence of Baca being hit, but did see Baca striking a Husky she was grooming. Following the discovery, Baca was fired. Court records indicate she was charged twice before for failing to care for her dogs. Both previous cases were dismissed pending further investigation.

[2] Lawmakers hear report about use of restraint and seclusion tactics in NM schools –  New Mexico schools sometimes deal with behavioral problems by physically restraining students or secluding them from others. A group made up of educators, legal experts, and parent created by the New Mexico Developmental Disability Council presented their concerns to lawmakers about the practice. The groups recommendations include reducing the use of restraint and seclusion in schools; better oversight and reporting; and more training for teachers. Under the current state law, the group says de-escalation techniques must be used first

[3] Mostly dry weather with hazy conditions around New Mexico – As temperatures rise into the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s lingering moisture in the air, with the daytime heating, may lead to more pockets of rainfall, especially in the Gila National Forest and from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Sacramento Mountains. Burn-scar flash flooding will be possible in the northern mountains. A few of the thunderstorms may form early this afternoon around the burn scars of Santa Fe and Ruidoso. The storms may strengthen while speeding up to the south-southwest this afternoon across a small portion of the Rio Grande Valley.

[4] New Mexico DNC delegation pledges support to Harris campaign – New Mexico’s delegation for the Democratic National Convention unanimously agreed to pledge support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for president. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to begin on August 19th.

[5] Questa veteran honored for role in annual Memorial Day event – The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services honored a Korean War veteran for his service to the country and his role in paying tribute to the fallen. Former U.S. Army Corporal Claudio Rael has been donating the use of land in Questa, where thousands of American flags are planted every Memorial Day weekend. The ceremony also celebrated Rael’s 96th birthday

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