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New Mexico State News for Friday June 30, 2017

6/30/2017

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MISSING MAN FOUND DEAD
Missing Albuquerque man found dead in Gila National Forest

SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a missing Albuquerque man has been found dead in the Gila National Forest in Silver City.
New Mexico State Police say 24-year-old Phillip Cook apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
They say the official cause of death will be determined after an autopsy is done.
State Police say Cook was reported missing by his parents who said he was schizophrenic, not on his medication, and may be in possession of a handgun.
Cook's vehicle was found abandoned off a forest road on June 22.
State Police say Cook's body was found last Saturday and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

PRISONER TRANSPORT-SEX ASSAULTS
Ex-prison transport officer indicted after 3 sexual assaults

PHOENIX (AP) — A federal grand jury in Phoenix has indicted a former prison transport officer who's accused of sexually assaulting three female prisoners while threatening them with a gun.
U.S. Department of Justice officials say 49-year-old Eric Scott Kindley was arrested June 1 in Stockton, California.
They say Kindley operates a company that jails hire to transport people who have been arrested on out-of-state warrants.
Prosecutors say Kindley assaulted the women separately while transporting them between states on separate occasions between January and May.
The transports were California to Arizona, Alabama to Arizona and Mississippi to New Mexico.
Kindley is accused of stopping in secluded locations, attacking the handcuffed women, threatening them and warning them no one would believe them if they complained.
It was unclear Thursday if Kindley has a lawyer.

SUSPICIOUS DEATHS
New Mexico State Police: 2 found dead inside vehicle on I-40

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say they're investigation the suspicious deaths of a man and a woman found inside a vehicle west of Albuquerque.
They say a State Police officer was providing traffic control for a hazmat incident on Interstate 40 about 9 a.m. Thursday.
The officer saw a pickup truck with a camper shell parked on a shoulder of Interstate 40 and found the two occupants both dead inside the vehicle.
Authorities say the deaths are suspicious in nature and the State Police investigations bureau has been called to the scene.
State Police say the identities of the two dead still are being determined and the manner of death remains under investigation.

FOOD AID
New Mexico confronts new criticism on welfare delays

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Attorneys for welfare recipients in New Mexico say thousands of residents have gone without emergency food assistance or heath care coverage under Medicaid because of processing delays at the state Human Services Department.
A federal court judge heard testimony Thursday on the agency's progress in meeting court orders related to a backlog of food and medical assistance claims.
The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty says one in 10 applicants for emergency aid are unable to buy food within the required seven-day period. That left 2,046 people without emergency food assistance in May, up from 1,167 the previous month.
The center also says many newborn babies are not being added by the state to Medicaid within the required three-day period, leaving them without medical coverage outside hospitals.

ENDANGERED WOLVES-RECOVERY PLAN
Feds release long-awaited recovery plan for Mexican wolves

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — After repeated failures over decades, U.S. wildlife officials have finally drafted a recovery plan for endangered wolves that once roamed parts of the American Southwest and northern Mexico.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is under a court order to complete the plan by the end of November.
The draft document released Thursday calls for focusing recovery of the Mexican gray wolves in core areas of the predators' historic range. That means south of Interstate 40 in the two states and in Mexico. The document also addresses threats, such as genetic diversity.
The recovery plan is a long time coming as the original guidance for how to restore wolves to the Southwest was adopted in 1982.
The lack of a plan has spurred numerous legal challenges by environmentalists as well as skirmishes over states' rights under the Endangered Species Act.

TOXIC ALGAE-NEW MEXICO
Elephant Butte Lake managers warn of possible toxic algae

ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. (AP) — Elephant Butte Lake State Park managers are warning the public that toxic blue-green algae might be present in the lake.
KOAT-TV reported Wednesday that boating manager Salvador Gonzalez says the algae might have bloomed in the shallow areas of Elephant Butte Lake along Three Sisters Cove.
Officials say the algae could be harmful if consumed by humans and could be deadly if dogs ingest it.
Managers are still working to confirm whether or not the algae is toxic, though. They put notices up around the potentially impacted areas, as thousands of people are expected to head to the park for the Fourth of July weekend.

WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO
Fast-moving fire in New Mexico grows amid hot conditions

SAN MARCIAL, N.M. (AP) — Officials say a fast-moving wildfire in central New Mexico has grown to nearly 8 square miles (21 square kilometers).
Authorities say the lightning-sparked blaze expanded Thursday but is now 40 percent contained.
The fire is burning grass, brush and salt cedar on private land near San Marcial in Socorro County. The resulting plume of smoke could be seen by motorists along Interstate 25 and by weather forecasters on their radar systems.
Officials say lightning started the inferno Monday on private land.

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New Mexico State News for Thursday June 29, 2017

6/29/2017

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ATTEMPTED MURDER ARREST
Hatch man accused of attempted murder in relative's stabbing

HATCH, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a Hatch man is accused of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his brother-in-law multiple times in the torso.
Dona Ana County Sheriff's officials say 25-year-old Chris Martinez is being held with bond on suspicion of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery against a household member and false imprisonment.
It was unclear Wednesday if he has a lawyer yet.
Authorities say Martinez went to his estranged wife's apartment Tuesday afternoon and a confrontation ensued.
Witnesses say Martinez's wife yelled to her family that Martinez was beating her and to call police.
The woman's 23-year-old brother rushed inside the home and tried to intervene in the fight and was stabbed.
He was transported to a Las Cruces-area hospital and was treated for non life-threatening injuries.

FILM-BUSTER SCRUGGS
Western 'Buster Scruggs' to begin filming in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A series of feature-length Westerns backed by the Coen Brothers and Annapurna Pictures will begin filming in northern New Mexico in July.
The New Mexico Film Office says work on "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" will run through September. More than 180 crew members, 16 actors and hundreds of background talent will be hired for the project.
Written, directed and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen, the series consists of six separate stories. The first is about a singing cowboy, while the second follows a drifter and his unsuccessful attempts at bank robbery and cattle driving.
Other stories involve a gold prospector, a woman who finds herself in need of help while traveling the Oregon Trail, and five stagecoach passengers headed for a mysterious destination.

NAVAJO HOUSING AUTHORITY
Head of troubled Navajo Housing Authority to step down

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The chief executive of the largest American Indian public housing authority in the U.S. will be stepping down as the Navajo Nation looks to rebuild its reputation after concerns were raised about the lack of housing on the vast reservation.
Newly appointed members of the board that oversees the Navajo Housing Authority made the announcement Wednesday. Aneva Yazzie's last day will be Friday.
The board says it was a mutual decision and that Yazzie's departure will mark the first step in rebuilding the organization.
Navajo housing officials in recent weeks have defended themselves from accusations that they overspent millions of dollars in federal grant funds. The allegations spurred a congressional investigation, but federal officials have found no evidence of fraud or abuse.
Still, Navajo officials acknowledge that major changes need to be made to meet the tribe's housing demands.

WESTERN GOVERNORS-ENDANGERED SPECIES
Western governors back Endangered Species Act, with changes

The Republican-dominated Western Governors Association has endorsed the aims of the Endangered Species Act but asked Congress to make changes, including giving states a bigger role and clarifying recovery goals for animals protected by the law.
The association approved a resolution on the act Wednesday during a meeting in Whitefish, Montana.
The association includes 14 Republicans, six Democrats and two independents. The vote count wasn't released.
Endangered species protection is controversial because it usually brings restrictions on mining, petroleum drilling, agriculture and other activities.
The governors said Western states benefit economically from healthy species and ecosystems but bear the burden of those restrictions and some of the cost of recovery programs.
Wolves, sage grouse, spotted owls and grizzly bears are among the species that have been protected by the law.

INMATE MISTAKENLY RELEASED
New Mexico man mistakenly released from custody back in jail

(Information from: KOAT-TV, http://www.thenewmexicochannel.com/index.html)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque man who had been mistakenly released from jail due to a paperwork error is back behind bars.
KOAT-TV reports John Sena, who is charged with assaulting two police officers on June 17, was released the next day on his own recognizance after being arraigned on two counts of battery on a peace officer.
But Sena was on probation at the time of his arrest. He just got done serving time in jail after he was convicted of assaulting an officer in 2011.
The U.S. Marshals Service states paperwork to keep Sena behind bars because of the violation wasn't sent to the Bernalillo County Jail fast enough.
U.S. Marshals named Sena New Mexico's Most Wanted Violent Offender in an effort to get him back into jail.

NAVAJO GIRL KILLED-PLEA
Suspect in Navajo girl's murder to change plea

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man accused of kidnapping and murdering an 11-year-old girl whose death prompted new federal legislation is scheduled to change his plea in court.
Tom Begaye's change of plea hearing is on August 1 in Albuquerque. His attorneys said in court that he was looking to strike a plea deal, but it's unclear what he'll change the plea to. Begaye previously pleaded not guilty.
Begaye is facing murder, sexual abuse and other charges in the case that shocked the nation's largest American Indian reservation and prompted legislation that would expand the Amber Alert system to tribal communities.
Begaye is accused of luring Ashlynne Mike into his van in May 2016. Mike was reported missing but an alert didn't go out until the next day. She was later found in a remote area near the Arizona-New Mexico border.

SHOOTING RAMPAGE-THE LATEST
The Latest: Suspect in shooting spree has family's support

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A defense attorney for Damian Herrera says the 21-year-old accused of shooting to death three relatives and two other men is still loved and supported by his family.
Public defense attorney Todd Farkas said Wednesday that Herrera has the support of his "entire family" as prosecutors assemble evidence to present to a grand jury in connection with a June 15 shooting spree in northern New Mexico. He declined to elaborate.
Herrera is being held without bond on four open counts of murder and related charges in connection with the shootings that started at a family home in La Madera. Farkas says Herrera plans to plead not guilty so that defense attorneys can review the evidence against him.
First Judicial District Attorney Marco Serna says his office is assembling evidence for a grand jury in coming weeks to seek formal indictments against Herrera.

CHILD ABUSE FUNDING
New Mexico officials invest $3M in new child abuse program

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials have given $3 million in funding to eight private and nonprofit organizations in hopes of curbing child abuse and neglect in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the funding boost announced Tuesday is in response to the murder of 10-year-old Victoria Martens last year. The girl's mother, the mother's boyfriend and his cousin are accused of raping and killing her.
The contracts were given to the eight organizations under a two-year pilot program funded by a countywide tax earmarked for behavioral health services. The program's goal is to provide more children and families with prevention and treatment services not covered under Medicaid and other insurance programs.
Officials hope the services will lead to more stable home environments for children.

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New Mexico State News for Wednesday June 28, 2017

6/28/2017

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COUNTY PAYMENTS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico counties to get $38.5M in federal payments

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico counties will be sharing $38.5 million in payments from the federal government for the non-taxable lands within their borders.
The U.S. Interior Department announced the payments this week. In all, nearly $465 million will be distributed to 1,900 local governments for 2017. The agency says that marks the largest amount allocated in the program's 40-year history.
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall's office says New Mexico is the third-highest recipient of the payments.
Under the program, rural counties are compensated for hosting federal lands that can't be developed, such as national parks, forests and some military bases. Counties use the money for social services, schools and roads.
The funding for each county is determined by a formula that considers the number of acres of federal entitlement land within each county and the population.

SANTA FE SCHOOLS-D GRADE
Santa Fe Public Schools eyes scrapping letter grade 'D'

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — One of New Mexico's biggest school districts is considering scrapping the letter grade "D'' to raise graduation standards.
The board of Santa Fe Public Schools is mulling a plan to eliminate the D grade from its scale and force struggling students to shoot for at least a "C."
Board member Steve Carrillo introduced the proposal this month and says the plan is modeled after ones adopted in school districts in New Jersey and other states.
If the D grade is eliminated, students would need at least a C average to graduate from high school.
Carrillo says the change will "raise the bar" for students.
The Los Angeles Unified School District reinstated "D'' grades in 2015 after it had eliminated the grade for 10 years. District officials realized that around 20,000 high school students were at risk of not graduating.

OIL AND GAS-LEASE SALE
New Mexico collects $65M from monthly lease sales in FY17

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The State Land Office has collected more than $654,000 from its most recent monthly oil and gas lease sale, bringing the total for the fiscal year to more than $65 million.
Agency officials say that is almost double last year's total of $36 million.
This month, 20 tracts covering almost 9 square miles (23 square kilometers) were initially offered but most ended up being withdrawn.
Roswell-based Manzano LLC and Artesia-based Abo Empire LLC were the winning bidders of the two remaining tracts in Lea County.
Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says his office has exceeded budget projections for the fiscal year, noting the interest in New Mexico's share of the Permian Basin.
Revenues generated from oil, gas and mineral production, grazing and other activities on state trust lands benefit public schools, universities and infrastructure projects.

REDRAWING AMERICA-IMBALANCE OF POWER-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico statehouse districts avoid overall partisan bias

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The once-a-decade process of redrawing New Mexico's state legislative districts has provided a relatively unbiased playing field for both major parties.
A statistical analysis by The Associated Press found Republican-skewed districts are far more common than Democratic ones in U.S. House and statehouse districts nationwide, though not in New Mexico.
New Mexico's districts were drawn in 2012 by a specially appointed district court judge after the Democratic-led Legislature and Republican Gov. Susana Martinez reached a stalemate.
The share of seats won by Democrats in the House of Representatives in 2016 — 38 out of 70 — closely corresponds with average vote share in districts across the state.
Albuquerque-based pollster Brian Sanderoff says the boundaries of the state's three U.S. congressional districts have changed little over the past three decades.

SHOOTING RAMPAGE
Attorneys seek grand jury in New Mexico shooting spree

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A preliminary evidentiary hearing has been canceled in the prosecution of Damian Herrera in connection with a June 15 shooting spree across northern New Mexico that claimed five lives.
The hearing was canceled Tuesday as prosecutors prepare to present evidence to a grand jury against Herrera.
The 21-year-old from Ojo Caliente is accused by police and prosecutors of fatally shooting his mother, stepfather and brother at the family's home in La Madera last week.
Authorities allege Herrera then traveled 200 miles (322 kilometers) across northern New Mexico and fatally shot two more people before his arrest the same day.
Herrera's sister and others were at the family's home when the shootings began.

OCELOTS-PREDATOR PROGRAM
Feds agree to study traps' effect on endangered ocelots

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The federal government has agreed to study how to prevent its predator elimination program from inadvertently killing an endangered wild cat living in Arizona and Texas.
The settlement announced Tuesday between the Department of Agriculture and two environmental groups requires the department to analyze the effects of its predator program in Arizona on ocelots. The brown-spotted cat can grow up to four feet long and weigh 35 pounds.
The program uses traps, snares and poisons such as cyanide to kill coyotes, bobcats, bears and other predators. The agency killed 2.7 million animals last year, including 475,000 in Texas and nearly 4,600 in Arizona.
There are fewer than 100 ocelots in the two states, and they've been listed as endangered since 1982. They also live in Mexico and central America.

HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
Health insurers propose rate increases in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Insurance providers for New Mexico's health exchange want to increase the price of individual rates by at least 21 percent and up to 85 percent in 2018.
The proposed rate hikes were available Tuesday on the website for New Mexico's Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.
About 55,000 New Mexico residents buy their insurance through the state exchange, known as beWellnm.
Insurance companies have been struggling to set rates for next year amid a Republican push to overhaul President Barack Obama's health care law.
New Mexico has sustained a competitive health insurance exchange with four private providers. New Mexico Health Connections has proposed an 85 percent rate increase, while Christus Health Plan is seeking a 49 hike. Molina Healthcare requested the smallest increase of 21 percent.

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New Mexico State News for Tuesday June 27, 2017

6/27/2017

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TOURISM-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico set to announce more record-breaking tourism

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is expected next week to announce record-breaking tourism numbers for the southwestern state.
The Republican governor is scheduled to unveil the state's latest tourism figures on July 5 at the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
Last year, Martinez said around 700,000 more trips were taken in New Mexico in 2015.
Martinez said half a million more people visited New Mexico in 2014 than in 2013 and credited the state's New Mexico True campaign. That campaign features the state's famous outdoor locations and New Mexico celebrities.
New Mexico True advertisements have been spotted in airports around the country.
Martinez is scheduled this month to visit Ruidoso, Roswell and White Sands National Monument as part of her tour to announce tourism numbers.

NATIONAL MONUMENTS-NEW MEXICO
In New Mexico, Trump's monument review stirs passions

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Desert ranchers and two of the New Mexico's most prominent Republican politicians are hoping the new GOP administration in Washington will dramatically shrink a recently designated national monument in the south of the state.
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is among 24 monuments where a review has been ordered by President Donald Trump that might remove protections previously considered irreversible.
The review is rekindling a fierce debate about oversight of lands where outlaw Billy the Kid and Apache leader Geronimo once sought refuge. Defenders of the monument say it attracts tourists and professionals who value outdoor recreation.
Rep. Steve Pearce calls the monument just one example of federal interference with a struggling rural economy. State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says the federal government should release valued state land.

HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
Health insurers propose rate increases in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Insurance providers for New Mexico's health exchange want to increase the price of individual rates by at least 21 percent and up to 85 percent in 2018.
The proposed rate hikes were available Tuesday on the website for New Mexico's Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.
About 55,000 New Mexico residents buy their insurance through the state exchange, known as beWellnm.
Insurance companies have been struggling to set rates for next year amid a Republican push to overhaul President Barack Obama's health care law.
New Mexico has sustained a competitive health insurance exchange with four private providers. New Mexico Health Connections has proposed an 85 percent rate increase, while Christus Health Plan is seeking a 49 hike. Molina Healthcare requested the smallest increase of 21 percent.

LUNA COMMUNITY COLLEGE-PRESIDENT
Luna Community College votes to oust president

(Information from: Las Vegas Optic, http://www.lasvegasoptic.com)
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — The Luna Community College board of trustees has voted to oust President Leroy "Huero" Sanchez.
The Las Vegas Optic reports that the college's board of trustees voted last week to end Sanchez's employment contract on June 30.
Sanchez's tenure, which began in June 2015, has been plagued with claims of nepotism and other issues prompting investigations from outside agencies.
Last year, Sanchez said he and the school's board of trustees made a mistake by doing away with its nepotism policy. He said hiring decisions were based on the good of the institution, but he said he understood the perception.
His comments came after a special audit of the Las Vegas community college questioned the school's hiring practices.

HEADQUARTERS VANDALIZED
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument HQ is vandalized

MOUNTAINAIR, N.M. (AP) — National Park Service officials say several juveniles vandalized the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument headquarters in Mountainair.
They say the youths damaged the statue of Saint Francis de Assisi, threw vegetation into the fountain along with cigarette butts and trash, pulled lights and branches off trees and broke pieces from artwork that adorns a sitting area.
Authorities say the vandalism cost the park and taxpayers about $2,000.
Federal Protective Services, an agency with Homeland Security, provided agents to work with Park law enforcement to gather evidence and locate the individuals responsible for the damage.
In lieu of the park filing criminal charges or receiving financial restitution, the youths have agreed to provide the park with 136 hours of labor.
Their first chore is to clean up the area they vandalized.

HOBBS HOMICIDE-SUICIDE
Police: Hobbs woman strangled by husband, who killed himself

HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a woman found dead in her Hobbs home four months ago was strangled by her husband, who later killed himself.
Hobbs police on Monday announced the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque had released the lab results and autopsy report for 48-year-old Amanda McGraw.
The cause of death was determined to be homicide by strangulation.
She was found dead by family members on Feb. 5.
Police say 54-year-old John McGraw was considered a person of interest from the early stages of the investigation into his wife's death.
His body was found later that night in a field near his vehicle off New Mexico State Highway 18 near Eunice.
The Office of the Medical Examiner has determined John McGraw's cause of death to be suicide by gunshot.

WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO
Governor orders flags at half-staff for fallen firefighter

NARA VISTA, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Susana Martinez has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of a volunteer firefighter who died from injuries suffered while battling a brush fire in eastern New Mexico.
The executive order issued Monday said the community of Nara Vista could have been put in jeopardy had John Cammack and his fellow firefighters not stopped the blaze late last week.
The 74-year-old Cammack was a career veterinarian and served as a volunteer firefighter for nearly 30 years.
Nara Visa Fire Chief Gary Girard tells The Eastern New Mexico News that Cammack was severely burned after falling from a fire engine after the winds shifted and the flames changed direction.
It took three local fire departments more than 10 hours to corral the flames.

ILLEGAL DUMPING
New Mexico land office, tribe look to curb illegal dumping

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — State land managers are teaming up with one of New Mexico's Native American communities to curb illegal dumping on tribal and state trust land not far from one of the state's fastest growing metropolitan areas.
Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn and Zia Pueblo officials gathered Monday in the desert north of Rio Rancho to mark the fencing of an area where people have long dumped everything from stolen cars to refrigerators.
The state paid for six miles of fencing, partnering with the pueblo for the installation to block access to more than 5 square miles of state trust land.
Dunn says money spent to clean up messes could otherwise be used for public education.
Since 2015, the agency has spent $2.7 million to remediate rangeland and forests, improve wildlife habitat and clean up dump sites around the state.

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New Mexico State News for Monday June 26, 2017

6/26/2017

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ETHICS REFORM
New Mexico ethics commission remains work in progress

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico legislature approved the creation of an independent ethics commission during this year's legislative session, but there's still much unsettled about how the body would work.
The Albuquerque Journal reported Thursday lawmakers approved the framework for an ethics commission, with the assumption specific powers and procedures would be set at a later date.
Some groups are pushing lawmakers to start talking details in interim legislative committee hearings this summer and fall.
Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, says it is unlikely the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee will end up recommending legislation when the committee meets in the coming months.
As currently proposed, the seven-member independent ethics commission would review complaints against elected officials and certain government employees.
New Mexico is one of eight states without an ethics commission.

BORDER PATROL AGENT ASSAULTED
Kidnapped Border Patrol agent says he feared for family

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — An off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent in Texas tells investigators he got into a vehicle with two men who then allegedly kidnapped and attacked him to get them away from his family.
The El Paso Times reports Border Patrol Agent Lorenzo Hernandez told authorities he was helping his mother at her food truck June 9 when the men asked for a ride, saying their car broke down.
According to federal court records, Hernandez said he agreed to give them a ride because he noticed one of them had a handgun.
Hernandez said he was forced to drive from El Paso to nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he was assaulted and stabbed.
The two suspects, Fernando Puga and Sergio Ivan Quiñonez-Venegas, have been arrested and face federal kidnapping charges.

NEW MEXICO JAIL SETTLEMENT
New Mexico man slammed by jail officer settles for $500,000

(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Doña Ana County has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by a man who was body-slammed by a jail officer in 2015 while being booked into the detention center.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Timothy Black agreed to settle his lawsuit against the county.
Black's lawsuit accused an officer of battery at the Doña Ana County Detention Center. Black had been arrested on a charge of resisting a police officer. While being booked, he was slammed to the ground and claims to have been knocked unconscious. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video.
Officer Luis Ruiz is still employed at the detention center and faces criminal charges. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison. He previously pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm.

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS
New Mexico group unveils estimated $20M homelessness project

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A local architect and a pair of organizations that serve Santa Fe's homeless population have been working for nearly two years to develop a long-term solution to homelessness that extends far beyond a bed and a meal.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported earlier this week that the group's estimated $20-million proposal just lacks two primary ingredients: funding and a site.
The proposed 400-bed facility is modeled after a 1,500-bed facility in San Antonio, Texas, called Haven for Hope.
The project's leading architect Suby Bowden says Haven for Hope has success in getting people off the streets, but also in transforming people's lives.
Haven for Hope spokeswoman Laura Calderon estimates the 7-year-old facility has led to more than $90 million in savings and has reduced homelessness in downtown San Antonio by 80 percent.

MEDICAID SETTLEMENT-NEW MEXICO
State settles Medicaid dispute for sliver of original demand

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Human Services Department has settled with a former Las Cruces behavioral health provider for a sliver of the amount it originally demanded.
More than four years ago, the department accused Southwest Counseling Center of overbilling the state by $2.8 million in Medicaid reimbursements. The state, however, lowered its demand to just under $485 — the amount both parties have settled at.
The settlement is part of a four-year dispute that shook up New Mexico's behavioral health network. It began in 2013 when the state Human Services Department cut off Medicaid and other funding to 15 providers, citing allegations of overbilling, mismanagement and possible fraud.
The state claims it demanded the $2.8 million after the group had failed to provide proper documentation for its billing. Officials say the state lowered its demand once correct paperwork came through.

TV NEWS TRUCK STOLEN
Albuquerque TV truck stolen while crew worked on crime story

(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — While a television news crew was gathering footage for a story about crime in the Albuquerque downtown area, a thief drove off in the station's SUV.
The Albuquerque Journal reported the story Friday about the KOB-TV truck.
KOB News Director Michelle Donaldson says the vehicle was recovered within a half hour without police assistance by following the GPS tracking device that was on board.
She says the thief had fled the scene and the SUV was locked with the keys missing.
The crew was in the area reporting on recent concerns about crime and safety.
Donaldson says it's ironic that KOB became victims of a crime in exactly the area they were reporting about.
She says that violates the rule of never being the lead story of your own newscast.

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New Mexico State News for Sunday June 25, 2017

6/25/2017

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BLOWING DUST-ROAD CLOSED
Highway in Arizona, New Mexico reopens after closure

WILCOX, Ariz. (AP) — Interstate 10 in southeastern Arizona has now reopened.
Blowing dust in New Mexico had forced the highway closure Saturday.
The Arizona Department of Transportation had warned of the closure Saturday morning, alerting drivers of the visibility issue.
The highway was closed from east of Wilcox to Lordsburg, New Mexico.

NEW MEXICO JAIL SETTLEMENT
New Mexico man slammed by jail officer settles for $500,000

(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Doña Ana County has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by a man who was body-slammed by a jail officer in 2015 while being booked into the detention center.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Timothy Black agreed to settle his lawsuit against the county.
Black's lawsuit accused an officer of battery at the Doña Ana County Detention Center. Black had been arrested on a charge of resisting a police officer. While being booked, he was slammed to the ground and claims to have been knocked unconscious. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video.
Officer Luis Ruiz is still employed at the detention center and faces criminal charges. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison. He previously pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm.

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS
New Mexico group unveils estimated $20M homelessness project

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A local architect and a pair of organizations that serve Santa Fe's homeless population have been working for nearly two years to develop a long-term solution to homelessness that extends far beyond a bed and a meal.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported earlier this week that the group's estimated $20-million proposal just lacks two primary ingredients: funding and a site.
The proposed 400-bed facility is modeled after a 1,500-bed facility in San Antonio, Texas, called Haven for Hope.
The project's leading architect Suby Bowden says Haven for Hope has success in getting people off the streets, but also in transforming people's lives.
Haven for Hope spokeswoman Laura Calderon estimates the 7-year-old facility has led to more than $90 million in savings and has reduced homelessness in downtown San Antonio by 80 percent.

MEDICAID SETTLEMENT-NEW MEXICO
State settles Medicaid dispute for sliver of original demand

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Human Services Department has settled with a former Las Cruces behavioral health provider for a sliver of the amount it originally demanded.
More than four years ago, the department accused Southwest Counseling Center of overbilling the state by $2.8 million in Medicaid reimbursements. The state, however, lowered its demand to just under $485 — the amount both parties have settled at.
The settlement is part of a four-year dispute that shook up New Mexico's behavioral health network. It began in 2013 when the state Human Services Department cut off Medicaid and other funding to 15 providers, citing allegations of overbilling, mismanagement and possible fraud.
The state claims it demanded the $2.8 million after the group had failed to provide proper documentation for its billing. Officials say the state lowered its demand once correct paperwork came through.

TV NEWS TRUCK STOLEN
Albuquerque TV truck stolen while crew worked on crime story

(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — While a television news crew was gathering footage for a story about crime in the Albuquerque downtown area, a thief drove off in the station's SUV.
The Albuquerque Journal reported the story Friday about the KOB-TV truck.
KOB News Director Michelle Donaldson says the vehicle was recovered within a half hour without police assistance by following the GPS tracking device that was on board.
She says the thief had fled the scene and the SUV was locked with the keys missing.
The crew was in the area reporting on recent concerns about crime and safety.
Donaldson says it's ironic that KOB became victims of a crime in exactly the area they were reporting about.
She says that violates the rule of never being the lead story of your own newscast.

BORDER PATROL-HEAT RESCUE
University professor, 2 students overcome by heat near Hatch

HATCH, N.M. (AP) — Border Patrol agents say they had to rescue a university professor and two of her students who were overcome by heat near Hatch, New Mexico.
Agents from the Las Cruces station responded to a call from the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office requesting assistance in locating three people who were in distress Wednesday afternoon.
The three people were located about seven miles south of Hatch.
Agents say one student was severely dehydrated while the professor and the other student showed signs of heat exhaustion.
The three were taking soil samples when they were overcome by the heat.
The dehydrated student was taken a Las Cruces hospital in Las Cruces for evaluation while the professor and the other student were treated at the scene.
Their names and ages haven't been released.

LOS ALAMOS-NUCLEAR SHIPMENTS
Feds investigate after lab improperly ships nuclear material

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal regulators are launching an investigation into the improper shipment of nuclear material from Los Alamos National Laboratory to other federal labs last week.
The National Nuclear Security Administration said Friday it was informed by the lab that procedures weren't followed when shipping what was only described as "special nuclear material" to facilities in California and South Carolina.
The material had been packaged for ground transport. But instead it was shipped aboard an air cargo service, which isn't allowed by federal regulations.
Officials say that once the investigation is complete, any responsible parties will be held accountable.
This marks just the latest gaffe by Los Alamos, the lab that created the atomic bomb. Criticism has been intensifying over the lab's history of safety lapses as work ramps up to produce key components for the nation's nuclear weapons cache.

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION-ARRESTS
Albuquerque police arrest 2 people in homicide investigation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a man whose burned body was found near the Cibola Campground.
Police announced Friday that 55-year-old Craig Smith and 39-year-old Evonne Jaramillo are being held in the homicide case, which remains under investigation.
They say Smith was accused of an open count of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence and burglary.
Jaramillo is being held on suspicion of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence.
Police say the body of 56-year-old Terry Williams was found April 28.
He had been reported missing three days earlier after an apparent home invasion.
It's unclear if either Smith or Jaramillo has a lawyer yet.
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New Mexico State News for Saturday June 24, 2017

6/24/2017

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TV NEWS TRUCK STOLEN
Albuquerque TV truck stolen while crew worked on crime story

(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — While a television news crew was gathering footage for a story about crime in the Albuquerque downtown area, a thief drove off in the station's SUV.
The Albuquerque Journal reported the story Friday about the KOB-TV truck.
KOB News Director Michelle Donaldson says the vehicle was recovered within a half hour without police assistance by following the GPS tracking device that was on board.
She says the thief had fled the scene and the SUV was locked with the keys missing.
The crew was in the area reporting on recent concerns about crime and safety.
Donaldson says it's ironic that KOB became victims of a crime in exactly the area they were reporting about.
She says that violates the rule of never being the lead story of your own newscast.

BORDER PATROL-HEAT RESCUE
University professor, 2 students overcome by heat near Hatch

HATCH, N.M. (AP) — Border Patrol agents say they had to rescue a university professor and two of her students who were overcome by heat near Hatch, New Mexico.
Agents from the Las Cruces station responded to a call from the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office requesting assistance in locating three people who were in distress Wednesday afternoon.
The three people were located about seven miles south of Hatch.
Agents say one student was severely dehydrated while the professor and the other student showed signs of heat exhaustion.
The three were taking soil samples when they were overcome by the heat.
The dehydrated student was taken a Las Cruces hospital in Las Cruces for evaluation while the professor and the other student were treated at the scene.
Their names and ages haven't been released.

LOS ALAMOS-NUCLEAR SHIPMENTS
Feds investigate after lab improperly ships nuclear material

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal regulators are launching an investigation into the improper shipment of nuclear material from Los Alamos National Laboratory to other federal labs last week.
The National Nuclear Security Administration said Friday it was informed by the lab that procedures weren't followed when shipping what was only described as "special nuclear material" to facilities in California and South Carolina.
The material had been packaged for ground transport. But instead it was shipped aboard an air cargo service, which isn't allowed by federal regulations.
Officials say that once the investigation is complete, any responsible parties will be held accountable.
This marks just the latest gaffe by Los Alamos, the lab that created the atomic bomb. Criticism has been intensifying over the lab's history of safety lapses as work ramps up to produce key components for the nation's nuclear weapons cache.

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION-ARRESTS
Albuquerque police arrest 2 people in homicide investigation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a man whose burned body was found near the Cibola Campground.
Police announced Friday that 55-year-old Craig Smith and 39-year-old Evonne Jaramillo are being held in the homicide case, which remains under investigation.
They say Smith was accused of an open count of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence and burglary.
Jaramillo is being held on suspicion of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence.
Police say the body of 56-year-old Terry Williams was found April 28.
He had been reported missing three days earlier after an apparent home invasion.
It's unclear if either Smith or Jaramillo has a lawyer yet.

CHILD PORN-LIFE SENTENCE
New Mexico man gets 120 years in prison in child porn case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man will be spending the rest of his life in federal prison for producing and distributing child pornography.
Michael Dameon Blackburn was sentenced this week to 120 years in prison. He also was ordered to pay more than $430,000 in restitution to the victims.
Federal prosecutors say the 31-year-old Blackburn was arrested in December 2013 and indicted by a federal grand jury the following month.
The investigation began after agents received information about a potential cybercrime that involved a child who might be in the Albuquerque area.
Authorities found Blackburn with two toddlers who had been left in his care while their parents were out of town. Officers learned that Blackburn had been taking photographs and making videos of the toddlers while he molested them over a period of several months.

OPIOIDS-TRACKING PRESCRIPTIONS
Under scrutiny, New Mexico opioid prescriptions taper off

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The number of people receiving opioid pain medication prescriptions or risky duplicate prescriptions is showing a precipitous decline in New Mexico since the state ordered doctors to check a database that flags patients who get narcotics from multiple sources.
New Mexico State Epidemiologist Michael Landen tracks opioid prescription patterns in the state with the highest drug overdose death rate west of the Mississippi River.
He said Thursday the number of people receiving opioid prescriptions fell 5 percent for the first three months of the year versus the same 2016 period. The number of opioid prescriptions that overlap by at least 10 days fell by 13 percent.
On Jan. 1, New Mexico strengthened its prescription monitoring program to require that health care providers screen opioid prescriptions against a statewide electronic database.

EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
Education chief: New Mexico schools need modern solutions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is seeing higher graduation rates and more students are reading at grade level, but a top state education official says the demands of public education are evolving and schools need to be prepared.
Christopher Ruszkowski took over as acting secretary of the Public Education Department this week.
The 36-year-old former middle school teacher worked for several years as an administrator with the Delaware Department of Education before being named in 2016 as a deputy secretary for policy and programs in New Mexico.
Ruszkowski says there's growing recognition nationwide that schools can no longer keep applying 20th-century thinking to address the needs of students who have to compete globally in the 21st century.
He says one of his priorities will be reforming and improving teacher preparation.
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New Mexico State News for Friday June 23, 2017

6/23/2017

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EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
Education chief: New Mexico schools need modern solutions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is seeing higher graduation rates and more students are reading at grade level, but a top state education official says the demands of public education are evolving and schools need to be prepared.
Christopher Ruszkowski took over as acting secretary of the Public Education Department this week.
The 36-year-old former middle school teacher worked for several years as an administrator with the Delaware Department of Education before being named in 2016 as a deputy secretary for policy and programs in New Mexico.
Ruszkowski says there's growing recognition nationwide that schools can no longer keep applying 20th-century thinking to address the needs of students who have to compete globally in the 21st century.
He says one of his priorities will be reforming and improving teacher preparation.

BALLOON MUSEUM
Attendance at international balloon museum tops 1 million

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Visits made to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum since it first opened in 2005 now total more than 1 million.
Officials say the attendance milestone was surpassed during an annual folk festival that was held at the museum in early June.
The adjacent balloon park also is home to an annual international balloon fiesta that draws hundreds of pilots and tens of thousands of spectators to Albuquerque each October for the lifting off of hot air and gas balloons.
Museum officials say annual attendance is currently on par with last year's record-setting total attendance of 133,748. They say that in the last several years, the museum's annual attendance has jumped by nearly 50 percent.

OPIOIDS-TRACKING PRESCRIPTIONS
Under scrutiny, New Mexico opioid prescriptions taper off

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The number of people receiving opioid pain medication prescriptions or risky duplicate prescriptions is showing a precipitous decline in New Mexico since the state ordered doctors to check a database that flags patients who get narcotics from multiple sources.
New Mexico State Epidemiologist Michael Landen tracks opioid prescription patterns in the state with the highest drug overdose death rate west of the Mississippi River.
He said Thursday the number of people receiving opioid prescriptions fell 5 percent for the first three months of the year versus the same 2016 period. The number of opioid prescriptions that overlap by at least 10 days fell by 13 percent.
On Jan. 1, New Mexico strengthened its prescription monitoring program to require that health care providers screen opioid prescriptions against a statewide electronic database.

CONGRESS-HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor studies impact of health overhaul

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Susana Martinez says she will look closely at whether vulnerable New Mexico residents are protected under a Senate Republican plan to overhaul the nation's health care system.
Martinez spokesman Joseph Cueto said Thursday the GOP governor did not yet have a chance to review the proposal for rolling back Barack Obama's health care law.
Martinez has voiced support for overturning the Affordable Care Act while saying little about a House-approved bill that reduces generous federal funding for expanded Medicaid insurance for low-income adults.
The Senate plan lengthens the phase-out period for Medicaid expansion funding in states such as New Mexico. Both plans are likely to provide fewer people with insurance and reduce federal spending.
Democratic New Mexico Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich oppose the health care overhaul.

NATIONAL MONUMENTS-NEW MEXICO
GOP New Mexico lawmaker wants to shrink national monument

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Members of New Mexico's delegation to Capitol Hill are at odds over whether to reduce the size of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument under a review by the administration of President Donald Trump.
At a congressional hearing, Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce on Thursday urged the secretary of the interior to reduce the land area of the monument on the outskirts of Las Cruces to about one-tenth of its current size.
Pearce submitted a list of 800 businesses and individuals who he says support scaling back the 775 square mile (2010 square kilometer) monument designated by President Barack Obama in 2014.
New Mexico's four Democratic U.S. lawmakers are urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to leave intact both the Organ monument and the Rio Grande del Norte monument near Taos.

WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico forest imposes more stringent fire restrictions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Persistent hot, dry conditions have prompted forest officials in central New Mexico to impose more stringent fire restrictions.
The Cibola National Forest says the restrictions apply to the Sandia and Mountainair ranger districts. The Mt. Taylor district in western New Mexico will enter stage-two restrictions later this week, which prohibit campfires and wood, coal and charcoal stoves.
The district that covers the Datil, San Mateo and Magdalena mountains entered stage-one restrictions Wednesday.
Officials say the restrictions are aimed at minimizing the possibility of human-caused fires as the fire danger increases due to weather conditions.
Fireworks are also banned and smoking is allowed only in a vehicle or building or areas such as parking lots where there's no vegetation.
There are fires burning in New Mexico but none is threatening any structures.
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New Mexico State News for Thursday June 22, 2017

6/22/2017

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WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico forest imposes more stringent fire restrictions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Persistent hot, dry conditions have prompted forest officials in central New Mexico to impose more stringent fire restrictions.
The Cibola National Forest says the restrictions apply to the Sandia and Mountainair ranger districts. The Mt. Taylor district in western New Mexico will enter stage-two restrictions later this week, which prohibit campfires and wood, coal and charcoal stoves.
The district that covers the Datil, San Mateo and Magdalena mountains entered stage-one restrictions Wednesday.
Officials say the restrictions are aimed at minimizing the possibility of human-caused fires as the fire danger increases due to weather conditions.
Fireworks are also banned and smoking is allowed only in a vehicle or building or areas such as parking lots where there's no vegetation.
There are fires burning in New Mexico but none is threatening any structures.

ENERGY-NEW MEXICO GRANTS
Feds: $2.7M in grants available for New Mexico businesses

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Small businesses in New Mexico working on new innovations that could help the U.S. Energy Department will be getting a boost thanks to $2.7 million in federal grant funding.
The agency announced the grants this week. In all, officials say $116 million in grants will be awarded nationwide for research and development through a technology transfer program aimed at helping small businesses.
The projects in New Mexico range from the development of a special membrane to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions to research on soil, fuel cells, particle accelerators and high energy physics.

GAME ANIMALS-INVESTIGATION
New Mexico game wardens investigating illegal activity

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico authorities have seized 17 illegal game animal heads while serving search warrants at multiple locations in Farmington.
The state Game and Fish Department confirmed Wednesday that a Farmington man is facing multiple charges stemming from an investigation into what appears to be illegal activity.
Agency spokesman Ross Morgan declined to identify the man or list the charges, saying the investigation is ongoing.
The investigation began in early 2017 after trail cameras placed on private land resulted in images that concerned state game wardens.
The agency went on to say it's illegal in New Mexico to kill any game animal out of season and without a proper and valid hunting license. It's also illegal to pick up dead heads, road kill or any skull with antlers attached.

FATAL FIGHT OVER SONG
Man accused in deadly fight over song held without bond

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man accused of killing another man during an argument that started with a disagreement over song has been ordered held without bond.
Court records show 30-year-old Chris Owens is facing charges of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence in the death of Tim Baca.
A preliminary hearing has been set for next week. It's not immediately clear from court records if Owens has an attorney.
Authorities say Baca was celebrating his wife's birthday when they met Owens early Saturday morning at a nightclub in Santa Fe.
A criminal complaint states that after the group visited another club, an argument over a song turned deadly when Owens fired two rounds at Baca, killing the father of four. Owens was later arrested at his home.

ROSWELL-DEAD BODY IN ALLEY
Police investigate discovery of dead body in a Roswell alley

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Police in Roswell are investigating the discovery of a body in an alley and are classifying the case as a suspicious death.
They say the deceased man was found in the east part of Roswell on Wednesday morning.
A woman who was taking trash out to a bin in the alley about 9:40 a.m. noticed the man lying in the alley and called police.
The woman thought the man had passed out.
Police say investigators have identified the man, but are not releasing his name and age yet.
They say it's unclear how long the body may have been in the alley and an autopsy will be conducted.

EXTREME HEAT WAVE-NEW MEXICO
Southern New Mexico city opens 'cooling stations'

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Officials in one southern New Mexico city have opened a handful of "cooling stations" where residents can find temporary relief from the heat wave.
Las Cruces officials say the stations at community and recreation centers around the city are designed to help the elderly and other high-risk residents who could be affected by the extreme temperatures.
The stations will be in operation only for certain times of the day.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service say temperatures across southern New Mexico's lower elevations are expected to top out about 10 to 15 degrees above normal Wednesday.
A heat advisory has been issue for the area. It warns that afternoon highs between 105 and 110 will be common across the region through Saturday.
An advisory also has been issued for parts of central and western New Mexico.

LOS ALAMOS LAB-PLUTONIUM
Scrutiny intensifies over safety at US nuclear weapons lab

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The safety record at Los Alamos National Laboratory is facing intensifying criticism as work ramps up to produce a key component for the U.S. nuclear weapons cache.
A series published this week by the Center for Public Integrity cites numerous internal reports and other documents outlining regulators' concerns about safety lapses over the years. The problems involved spilled plutonium and workers positioning plutonium rods in a way that could have had disastrous consequences.
In an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press, Los Alamos officials reassured employees that the lab's plutonium facility is operating safely.
The birthplace of the atomic bomb, Los Alamos has struggled for years to address management and oversight issues as well as more recent safety concerns about the handling of radioactive waste and plutonium used to make cores for nuclear bombs.

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New Mexico State News for Wednesday June 21, 2017

6/21/2017

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ALBUQUERQUE-FIREWORKS WARNING
Albuquerque officials warn of dry conditions for July 4th

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in New Mexico's largest city are urging people to attend public fireworks displays instead of purchasing fireworks this July Fourth.
They pointed to triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions as reasons for the increased fire danger along Albuquerque's stretch of the Rio Grande, the foothills bordering the city to the east and the mesa on the west.
City ordinance prohibits the sale and use of all aerial fireworks within the city limits.
Officials say people who purchase illegal fireworks and bring them into Albuquerque are placing the community at risk.
In 2016, the city's firefighters received more than 2,300 illegal fireworks calls during the July Fourth holiday weekend. More than two dozen citations were issued.

SECRETARY OF STATE-TOULOUSE OLIVER
New Mexico top elections official to run for re-election

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top elections official says she will run for re-election in 2018.
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver announced her bid for the Democratic nomination Tuesday, saying she wants to continue implementing reforms of the state's campaign finance rules as well as increasing voter education in rural and Native American communities.
Toulouse Oliver was elected secretary of state during a special election in November 2016.
She's serving out the remainder of the term vacated by Republican Dianna Duran, who resigned as secretary of state in 2015 and was convicted on embezzlement and money laundering charges.
Before taking over the statewide office, Toulouse Oliver served as the Bernalillo County clerk from 2007 to 2016.

NAVAJO COAL PLANT
Navajo council waiting for special session on plant lease

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation Council has tabled legislation seeking to extend the lease on a coal-fired power plant in northern Arizona.
Council members say they'll wait for a special session on the issue Monday in Window Rock.
The current lease for the Navajo Generating Station in Page is scheduled to expire in December 2019.
If the tribe doesn't approve a lease extension by July 1, the plant will have to close at the end of this year to be torn down by 2020.
The plant's owners announced in February they plan to close it when their lease expires, citing the availability of less expensive power generated by burning natural gas.
The power plant and a coal mine that supplies it employ about 750 people.

MISSING TREASURE HUNTER
Police implore New Mexico author to end treasure hun
t
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top law enforcement officer is asking the author and antiquities dealer who inspired thousands to comb remote corners of the West in vain for a chest of gold and jewels to end the treasure hunt.
The plea from New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas follows what authorities believe is the latest death related to the hunt for Forrest Fenn's hidden treasure.
Kassetas told the Santa Fe New Mexican that Fenn should retrieve the treasure from wherever he hid it and "stop this nonsense."
Fenn says he's been considering how to make the search safer or cancel it altogether but hasn't made any decisions.
The New Mexico Search and Rescue team is reaching out to the public through a survey for their thoughts on whether Fenn should call off the search.

CARLSBAD-HIKER DEATHS
Bodies of Texas man, son missing on New Mexico hike found

CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a Texas man and his son reported missing on a hike in the area of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park have been found dead.
New Mexico State Police say the search for 57-year-old of Robert Stuart Pluta and his 21-year-old son Robert Jr. began Monday.
Both men were avid and experienced hikers from Corpus Christi.
State Police were notified Monday afternoon after Pluta's wife says she had been unable to contact her husband or son for days.
Park Service staff located the men's vehicle on a trailhead northwest of Carlsbad Caverns.
State Police say one dead body was found about 10 p.m. Monday about two miles northwest of the caverns and the other body was located a mile away Tuesday morning.
Eddy County authorities are investigating the deaths.

MEDICAID CUTS-OPIOID EPIDEMIC-NEW MEXICO
Medicaid cutbacks could hinder addiction plan in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico stands to lose critical funding for substance abuse treatment that helps combat a local opioid epidemic, under a Republican campaign in Washington, D.C. to roll back President Barack Obama's health care law.
Reforms approved by the U.S. House would phase out expanded Medicaid that allows states to provide federally backed insurance to low-income adults, including behavior health treatment for addiction. New Mexico senators protested the plans Tuesday.
New Mexico officials say the local Medicaid expansion population accounts for one in five dollars spent on behavioral health treatment — $101 million out of $477 million annually.
State Behavioral Health Services Division Director Wayne Lindstrom predicts a major setback for substance abuse treatment and other behavior health programs if Republicans do away with federal Medicaid expansion funding.

STUDENT SPENDING-NEW MEXICO
Report puts New Mexico at No. 34 for education spending

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A report by the Census Bureau ranks New Mexico as 34th in the nation for its public education spending.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the Census Bureau released their findings last week. The report took from nationwide data from 2014-15. According to the Census Bureau, New Mexico spent $9,752 per student during those years, 14 percent less than the national average for that period.
In comparison, Utah spent around $6,500 per student, while New York invested a hefty $21,206.
Experts found that despite those amounts, the state's proficiency scores and graduation rates are behind New York's by less than 10 percent while Utah's graduation rate exceeds New Mexico.
The bureau's data shows that New Mexico has slowly been increasing the money it puts toward students since 2012.

STORE EMPLOYEE-SHOPLIFTING
Las Cruces store employee accused of shoplifting new clothes

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A Las Cruces woman is accused of shoplifting nearly $1,200 worth of clothes from the department store where she works.
Las Cruces police say 24-year-old Adrianna Perez is facing a fourth-degree felony count of shoplifting.
They say Perez is an employee at the Sears department store at the Mesilla Valley Mall.
Police were dispatched to the store on June 15 about a shoplifter in custody.
Perez allegedly was seen on store surveillance cameras hiding several bags of merchandise under a cash register counter.
The store's loss prevention officer says Perez removed the bags from the store and put them in the trunk of her car.
The bags contained $1,191 worth of new clothes.
Perez has been released from jail on a $1,000 unsecured bond. It's unclear if she has lawyer.

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