Morning Word: Politics, Drug Overdoses, and Police Officer Shortages

Lawmakers Approve Budget Solvency Package; Skip Crime Reform Bills

Senate Democrats returned to Santa Fe on Thursday and passed a series of bills aimed at shoring up the state’s budget, but opted not to vote on any of Gov. Susana Martinez’ crime reform measures. SFR’s Steven Hsieh has

.

Faith Leaders Blast Republican Vote to Reinstate Death Penalty

While the bill to reinstate New Mexico’s death penalty didn’t get through the senate during the special session, it will probably be back in January for the 60-day session ahead. Thursday's House vote

with the state’s Catholic Archbishops and other faith leaders.

Migrants Odds of Crossing Border Nearly 50/50

An internal Department of Homeland Security report reveals that border control agents

who attempt illegal border crossings into the United States.

Toulouse Oliver Has Double-Digit Lead Over Espinoza

Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver appears to have

over Republican Nora Espinoza in the Secretary of State race, according to a new poll in the Albuquerque Journal.

Jury Considering Cops' Fate

The fate of two former Albuquerque police officers charged with murdering a homeless man in 2014 is now

. During closing arguments, prosecutors said cops are “not above the law.” Defense attorney argued Keith Sandy and Dominque Perez were just doing their jobs. If convicted on second degree murder charges, the men face up to 15 years in prison.

Fentanyl Claims 20 Lives in New Mexico

“State authorities say they're investigating

in New Mexico this year that were likely caused by illicitly manufactured fentanyl," according to the Associated Press.

Police Shortages a Myth

The ABQ Free Press has done

and determined claims by law enforcement agencies that there is a dire shortage of police officers and sheriff’s deputies is untrue.

It should be another good weekend to visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta or head to the mountains to check out the trees changing colors. Whatever you decide to do, have fun and be safe. We'll see you back here on Monday morning.

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