Morning News Headlines: Rainy Tuesday morning, tax rebates, safe outdoor spaces
Here's what you need to know as you head out the door this morning.
Weather
Rain and snow showers can be expected in the Albuquerque Metro through the morning. Rain showers may impact the morning commute in the city.
Rain showers clear from the Albuquerque Metro in the afternoon.
A winter storm warning remains in effect for the northern mountains of New Mexico, where several inches of snow is possible through Wednesday.
Safe outdoor spaces
City leaders have stood by a decision to reject one of the approved safe outdoor spaces in Albuquerque.
The space is located near the Big-I.
The safe outdoor space was originally approved by the city, but was repealed after issues with the property.
Dawn Legacy Pointe says they intend to reapply for approval.
Tax rebate checks
A tax reform bill containing tax rebate checks for New Mexico has passed the legislature and is now sitting on the governor's desk to be signed into law.
The bill would provide $500 to single filers and $1,000 to couples filing jointly.
The tax reform bill also includes tax credits of up to $600 per child, gradual cuts to taxes on sales and new incentives to the film industry.
State government would forgo $1 billion in annual income by 2025 under the provisions.
State makes wellness checks for developmentally disabled group homes
An investigation into abuse claims at group homes for developmental disabilities is now shedding light on other possible abuse cases.
The governor is now talking about their efforts to protect people in these state programs.
The message sent out by officials was all about accountability stemming from an abuse case we found out about on March 1. Now the governor and the department of health are taking a look at every single person under the state program.
“One minor incident of neglect is too much,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.
Over the weekend, 80 health care workers visited hundreds of group homes to have in-person wellness checks at the four now-terminated providers.
Potential indictment for former President Trump
The decision whether to indict former President Donald Trump over hush-money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 presidential campaign lies with a Manhattan grand jury that has been hearing evidence in secret for weeks.
An indictment of Trump, who is seeking the White House again in 2024, would be an unprecedented moment in American history, the first criminal case against a former U.S. president.
Law enforcement officials are bracing for protests and the possibility of violence after Trump called on his supporters to protest ahead of a possible indictment.