Local rescues decry county shipping animals to other states
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona's most populous county has shipped more than 4,000 cats and dogs to shelters in other states over the past 19 months, angering local rescues who say the program has severely depleted the pet supply in Phoenix. The Arizona Republic reports that two-thirds of the animals shipped out of state between January 2018 and July 2019 were never given an opportunity to be adopted locally before they were placed on transport hold. County leaders say they were animals Arizona families didn't want such as pit bulls, chihuahuas and pets with medical or behavioral issues. The animals go to shelters in New Mexico, Utah, Idaho and Washington state.
AP-US-WHITE-SANDS-NATIONAL-PARK
White Sands monument re-designated as US national park
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The White Sands National Monument in southern New Mexico is now White Sands National Park. White Sands became the 62nd designated national park when President Trump signed defense legislation enacted by Congress. That legislation includes a provision on the re-designation. The monument was established in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover to preserve the dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Efforts to establish a national park in the area date back more than a century as some locals wanted to protect the dunes from commercial interests that were attempting to mine the gypsum.
SCHOOL DISTRICT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico school district adopts medical marijuana policy
FARMINGTON, N.M, (AP) — A northern New Mexico school district's board has approved a policy allowing the administration of medical marijuana to students enrolled in the state's medical marijuana program. The policy adopted by the Aztec school district's board Tuesday brings the district into compliance with a 2019 state law. The law mandates that districts allow students access to medically prescribed marijuana on school grounds, as long as it is not administered via smoke or vapor and not administered or possessed by the student. A student's parent has to take the medication to school and administer it to their child.
AP-US-ELECTION-2020-NEW-MEXICO-REPUBLICANS
New Mexico GOP drew heats for 'complexion' remark about Dems
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Republican Party of New Mexico is facing criticism for urging supporters to change the "complexion" of the state's congressional delegation. The party in an email pleaded with supporters "to work hard to change the complexion of our Congressional delegation." The email came after Democrat Ben Ray Luján voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Luján is Hispanic and is running for the U.S. Senate. He called the language "race-baiting." GOP Senate hopeful Gavin Clarkson, who is Native American, also called the language a "careless word choice." A GOP spokesman says the email was referring to changing the state from blue to red, not about skin color.
PRISONER SETTLEMENT RECORDS
Ex-New Mexico prison contractor to release public records
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Supreme Court has refused to overturn two lower court rulings in a public records lawsuit forcing a former state prison contractor to release settlement agreements with prisoners. The Albuquerque Journal reported Thursday that the original lawsuit filed in 2016 stems from a refusal by contractor Corizon to release settlement agreements over alleged malpractice and sexual abuse by a physician. Court officials say the high court decision upholds a verdict requiring Corizon to release requested public records and pay legal fees. Officials say Corizon had to comply because it was under contract with a state agency to perform a public function.
OIL BOOM-CRIME
Authorities seek to stem crime in New Mexico oilfields
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in a New Mexico region that is rich in oil and gas say they have participated in a recent blitz targeting thefts and burglaries in the oilfields. The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage said detectives and deputies conducted an operation last week at various oilfields amid concerns over crime. Earlier this year, the Eddy County Sheriff's office investigated an alleged theft from Concho Resources near Carlsbad. The estimated loss from 139 stolen barrels of crude oil was around $7,000. The sheriff's office said an estimated $35,000 of oilfield equipment was allegedly stolen from Tiger Industrial in July 2018.