🌱 $10 Million In State Funds For Rail Trail + 3 County Homicides

Hello again, everybody! It's Thursday in Albuquerque and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town. Here's the lowdown...

First, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 97 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. New Mexico is contributing $10 million toward the construction of the Albuquerque Rail Trail. The first phase is completely funded and the city will begin working on raising the funds for the next two phases. The project is meant to connect downtown with the historic Albuquerque Rail Yards. (Albuquerque Journal)
2. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating three homicides that occurred this week. The first incident occurred near Coal Ave and Dartmouth Drive on Jul. 17. The second incident involved a dead body at 2nd Street and Lagunitas Lane on Jul. 18. The third incident was a stabbing that occurred at La Luz Trailhead on Jul. 20. (KOAT New Mexico)
3. The Albuquerque Police Department is investigating an incident that culminated in a deadly shooting on Monday. According to the department, the incident began when Michael Koester, 25, found a 15-year-old boy in a bedroom with his roommate's two daughters and another underage girl. Koester called the boy's father, Raul Gallegos, and the two began to fight. According to police, Koester shot Gallegos three times in the chest. He has been charged with second-degree murder. (KRQE News 13)

Today in Albuquerque:

• Thursday Birders At The Central New Mexico Audubon Society (9:45 AM)

From my notebook:

• The ABQ BioPark is currently celebrating National Zookeeper Appreciation Week. The park's animals rely on the work of zookeepers, aquarists, farmers, and life support staff. Thank you for your work. (ABQ BioPark via Instagram)
• Albuquerque Animal Welfare reminds the community to be cautious with pets during the rising temperatures. High heat can pose a significant danger to pets. Click for a list of pet safety tips. (Albuquerque Animal Welfare via Facebook)
• Albuquerque Isotopes are celebrating Duke's Retro Night on Saturday. There will be a special fireworks show after the game. Click to get tickets! (Albuquerque Isotopes via Instagram)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.