KSFR will broadcast and stream today’s news conference where the U-S Department of Justice releases its report on the troubled Albuquerque Police Department and may mandate reforms costing millions of dollars. Today’s scheduled 10-a-m announcement is the culmination of a more than yearlong investigation into possible civil rights violations and excessive use of force. APD has been criticized for 37 shootings by officers since 2010, more than 20 of them deadly.
It’s called the “people to the plaza” initiative—Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales introducing the proposal at Wednesday night’s City Council meeting. The plan would make the Santa Fe Plaza off-limits to vehicles and includes an increased police presence. Gonzales says the initiative is an approach for residents and visitors to discover new means to use and enjoy downtown Santa Fe. Gonzales saying, quote: “Many cities have found that reducing vehicle traffic and creating pedestrian-friendly city centers benefits economies by improving the experience for shopping, dining, sightseeing and other activities.”
New Mexico’s Gila River has the dubious distinction of being named one of the nation’s most endangered rivers. The conservation group American Rivers listed the Gila as the fourth-most endangered on the top-ten list it released Wednesday. Garrett VeneKlasen is executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. *****040914-VeneKlasen-1 :31*****VeneKlasen says the Gila is threatened by a proposed large water diversion project. He’s hopeful that Governor Susana Martinez will instead opt for conservation alternatives. The Interstate Stream Commission is due to make a decision on the project by the end of the year.
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is missing something very valuable today. On Wednesday the Museum reported the theft of a three-carat rough diamond. The diamond had been located in a secure case in its Volcano exhibit. The Albuquerque Police Department has collected forensic evidence. The diamond has been located in its case for the past twenty eight years. The Museum is repairing the exhibit case and will re-open the Volcano exhibit as soon as possible.
After eight days of striking, more than 300 hourly workers employed by White Sands Missile Range's largest private contractor returned to work Wednesday after reaching a deal with their employer. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers- Local voted Monday to ratify a new contract with TRAX International. The new pact followed demonstrations in high-profile locations, including one of the Range’s entrances.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today and tomorrow, with highs in the mid-70s. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.