89.9 FM Live From The University Of New Mexico
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Headlines: Analysis Of NM Power Plant, Carjacking And Firearms Case, Balloon Group Records...

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Feds Finalize Analysis Of NM Coal-Fired Power Plant - The Associated Press

Federal officials have finalized an analysis that ensures the continued operation of a northwestern New Mexico power plant and the coal mine that feeds it.

Friday's record of decision comes three years after the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement gave notice that it would study the cumulative impacts of the Four Corners Power Plant and the Navajo Mine. About 800 people work there.

The decision approves a site lease extension for the power plant and a proposed mining plan, and renews rights-of-way on the Hopi and Navajo reservations. The analysis found that operations aren't likely to harm endangered species in the San Juan River Basin. Environmentalists have argued otherwise.

The decision doesn't allow the mine to expand into an area that is the subject of a federal court case.

Albuquerque Man Is Indicted In Carjacking And Firearms Case - The Associated Press

A federal grand jury has indicted an Albuquerque man on carjacking and firearms.

Prosecutors say 30-year-old Kevin Folse made his initial court appearance on the three-count indictment Friday and will be detained pending trial.

According to a criminal complaint, Folse was driving a stolen vehicle on June 30 and allegedly tried to run down an Albuquerque police officer who jumped out of the way.

Folse also is accused of carjacked a running vehicle and threatening the 13-year-old boy inside with a gun.

Authorities say Folse was prohibited from possession firearms or ammunition because he's a convicted felon.

Police say Folse eluded capture several times before being arrested on July 3.

Balloon Group Ratifies Records Set By Cross-Pacific Flight - The Associated Press

An international organization has ratified duration and distance records set by two pilots who completed a flight across the Pacific Ocean in a helium-filled balloon.

The Federation Aeronautique Internationale said Thursday it ratified records for distance of more than 6,650 miles (10,700 kilometers) and for duration of 160 hours and 34 minutes for Troy Bradley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Leonid Tiukhtyaev of Russia.

The Two Eagles balloon landed early Jan. 31 just off the coast of Baja California after being aloft for nearly seven days from Japan.

The men beat a 137-hour duration record set in 1978 by the Double Eagle crew in a cross-Atlantic flight.

They also exceeded the distance record of 5,209 miles set by the Double Eagle V team during the first trans-Pacific flight in 1981.