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New Mexico State News - Saturday September 30, 2017

9/30/2017

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DWI CHECKPOINTS
New Mexico authorities plan DWI patrols, checkpoints 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols across the state through the month of October.
The agency said Friday that its officers are working to bring awareness in an effort to reduce alcohol-related fatalities.
According to statistics compiled by state transportation officials and the University of New Mexico, there have been a total of 237 traffic fatalities in the first eight months of the year. More than a third of those — 83 to be exact — have involved alcohol.
That figure is still less than the 112 alcohol-related fatalities reported on New Mexico roads during the same period last year.
As part of the patrols and checkpoints, officers will also be checking for valid driver's licenses as well as vehicle registrations and insurance.

MISSING INSURANCE TAXES
New Mexico reduces estimate for missing taxes

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top insurance regulator says that an independent audit of unpaid insurance premium taxes shows far less money is owed to the state than previously thought.
State Insurance Superintendent John Franchini announced Friday that a preliminary summary of the audit shows potential underpayments to the state amount to a fraction of the $193 million previously estimated.
Franchini's office declined to provide specific dollar estimates for missing taxes under the audit by Atlanta-based Examination Resources. Agency spokeswoman Heather Widler says more information should be publicly available after documents are reviewed by the Office of the State Auditor.
The new audit examines premium tax filings from 30 companies since 2003. It is unclear how the audit addresses accusations by state prosecutors that a Presbyterian Healthcare Services subsidiary illegally avoided taxes.

ALBUQUERQUE MAYOR'S RACE
Breaking sad: Crime focus of open Albuquerque mayor's race

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Seven candidates are vying to become the next mayor of New Mexico's largest city amid rising crime and pressures to revamp the Albuquerque Police Department.
Polls show Democrat and current State Auditor Tim Keller is leading the field. Former New Mexico Democratic Party chair Brian Colon and Republican City Councilor Dan Lewis are battling for the second spot.
This marks the first mayoral campaign in 20 years without an incumbent on the ballot.
The election is Tuesday. The ballot is crowded, and if no candidate gets 50 percent, the top two vote-getters will face off in a November runoff.
The top issue has been crime. FBI statistics released this week show violent crime in Albuquerque jumped nearly 16 percent in 2016 along with a similar double-digit increase in property crimes.

ALBUQUERQUE MAYOR'S RACE-KELLER
Complaint: Albuquerque mayor hopeful, PAC working together

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A new complaint says Democratic candidate Tim Keller and a PAC supporting him are illegally working together to get him elected.
The campaign of Wayne Johnson, a Keller opponent, said Friday that documents show Keller's campaign and ABQ Forward Together both paid $15K each to the same firm within 24 hours of each other. Johnson says the documents indicated "coordinated expenditures" and a violation of various city ordinances.
The Johnson campaign filed the complaint with the city clerk's office.
Keller campaign attorney Molly Schmidt-Nowara said the accusation is completely false and a last-minute cheap shot in an attempt to district from Johnson's alleged ethics violations.
Johnson and Keller are among the seven candidates running for Albuquerque mayor.
Keller also is facing a complaint that his publicly financed campaign is accepting "in-kind" cash donations.

DEPUTY STRIKES WOMAN
Sandoval Sheriff's deputy fatally strikes woman with truck

PLACITAS, N.M. (AP) — Police in New Mexico say a 68-year-old woman died after a Sandoval County Sheriff's deputy backed his truck into her and ran her over.
The incident happened on Thursday afternoon when the deputy was investigating a burglary alarm at a home. The deputy, who has not been identified, was called to another burglary alarm and got into his marked department truck. As he backed out of the house, he struck Linda Baragiola of Placitas and ran her over with the truck's back tire.
Baragiola died at the hospital.
New Mexico State Police say Baragiola was standing behind the deputy's truck and was possibly on her cell phone when she was struck.
An investigation is ongoing.

BAIL REFORM-ASSESSING RISK
Supporters: Risk assessment key to bail reform in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Drug Policy Alliance and others are joining in support of bail reforms in New Mexico, saying there's a need for more risk assessment tools to help judges determine whether defendants should be detained or released pending trial.
Officials with the alliance, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation and the Rio Grande Foundation gathered Friday in Albuquerque to talk about protecting the fundamental principles of New Mexico's bail reform initiative as the state Supreme Court considers possible changes.
District attorneys from across the state proposed this week that the rules include more details about what judges can consider when assessing a defendant's risk.
The recommendations also suggest that the courts not require evidence in any particular form for pretrial detention hearings. Prosecutors say the current interpretation of the rules is draining resources and adding to an already burdensome caseload.

SPACEPORT AMERICA-LAWMAKERS' CONCERNS
New Mexico legislators are concerned about spaceport's costs

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers are questioning if more state funding is necessary for the commercial spaceport in the southern part of the state.
The Albuquerque Journal reported on Thursday that members of the Legislative Finance Committee held a hearing about the future of the facility where they questioned Spaceport America CEO Dan Hicks about the business plan.
Hicks says the facility has the ability to be a commercial hub and it has advantages over competing spaceports, but it requires government funding to operate.
Republican state Sen. Sander Rue says legislators are concerned about how much money it will take to make the spaceport fully operational and more self-sustaining.
While Virgin Galactic is the anchor tenant of the spaceport, Space X, Up Aerospace and EXOS Aerospace have all used the facility.

DUAL CREDIT COURSES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico questions spending on college courses for kids

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are reconsidering whether increasingly popular college-level classes taken by high school students warrant growing public subsidies.
A progress report published Thursday by the nonpartisan Legislative Finance Committee shows that students who pursue dual-credit coursework that can count toward high school and college degrees tend to have higher academic aptitudes based on standardized testing.
In New Mexico, total state spending on dual credit education has increased 60 percent since 2012 to $54 million, as classes shift to college faculty and campuses without a reduction in high school funding.

CHARTER SCHOOLS-FEDERAL FUNDING
New Mexico gets federal grant for charter school expansion

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education awarded New Mexico a $22-million grant to expand charter schools in the state.
The Albuquerque Journal reported on Thursday that the funding awarded to the state Public Education Department will be distributed over five years to launch 22 new charter schools and expand eight existing charter schools.
The grant was part of $253 million the federal government awarded to states and other entities to increase the role of charter schools.
State education officials say the funding will help it improve charter authorizing practices and the fiscal and organizational performance of the schools.
About 7 percent of all New Mexico students are enrolled in the roughly 100 charter schools authorized by the state and local districts.
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Your Morning New Mexico News - Friday September 29, 2017

9/29/2017

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DUAL CREDIT COURSES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico questions spending on college courses for kids

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are reconsidering whether increasingly popular college-level classes taken by high school students warrant growing public subsidies.
A progress report published Thursday by the nonpartisan Legislative Finance Committee shows that students who pursue dual-credit coursework that can count toward high school and college degrees tend to have higher academic aptitudes based on standardized testing.
The findings come as several states call into questions whether dual credit programs exposing students who need it the most to the rigors of collegiate studies so that they can avoid remedial college coursework graduate in reasonable time.
In New Mexico, total state spending on dual credit education has increased 60 percent since 2012 to $54 million, as classes shift to college faculty and campuses without a reduction in high school funding.

DONA ANA COUNTY-CRIME
Dona Ana County steps up patrols following auto burglaries

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in southern New Mexico are stepping up patrols following a string of auto burglaries in Dona Ana County.
The sheriff's office says five incidents involving eight vehicles were reported Wednesday by residents in an area near East Picacho Elementary School. All vehicles were reportedly left unlocked and were parked in a garage or driveway.
Detectives with Dona Ana County's Criminal Investigations Division are working the cases. They say crimes of opportunity like these are the most preventable.
Sheriff Enrique Vigil says people have a right to feel safe in their neighborhoods but they must also stay vigilant.
Figures released this week by the FBI show that Dona Ana County saw 12 percent fewer reports of property crimes, burglaries, larceny incidents and motor vehicle thefts when compared to 2015 figures.

LOS ALAMOS LAB-CLEANUP
US extends contract for cleanup work at nuclear lab

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Energy Department has extended a contract worth $65 million for environmental cleanup work at one of the nation's premier nuclear research laboratories.
With the extension announced this week, the private consortium that runs Los Alamos National Laboratory will be paid for an additional six months of work. The contract was set to expire Saturday.
The temporary cleanup contract was first extended in 2016. Officials say the latest extension will give the Energy Department more time to finish procurement of a long-term contract worth an estimated $1.7 billion over 10 years.
The contract was initially awarded as part of a shake-up that came after the lab improperly packed a drum of waste that was shipped to the federal government's underground repository in southern New Mexico. The resulting chemical reaction in 2014 caused a radiation release.

ALBUQUERQUE MAYOR'S RACE
Crime, police reforms focus of open Albuquerque mayor's race

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Seven candidates are vying to become the next mayor of New Mexico's largest city amid rising crime and pressures to revamp the Albuquerque Police Department.
Polls show Democrat and current State Auditor Tim Keller is leading the crowded field with former New Mexico Democratic Party chair Brian Colon and Republican City Council Dan Lewis battling for the second spot.
There are eight people on the ballot for mayor, and if no candidate gets 50 percent, the top two vote-getters will face off in a November runoff. FBI statistics released this week showed the violent crime in Albuquerque last year jumped around 16 percent.
This year's race is the first mayoral campaign in 20 years without an incumbent on the ballot.
The election is Tuesday. Voter turnout is expected to be low.

VETO CHALLENGE
Court invalidates 10 vetoes by New Mexico governor

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's secretary of state says 10 bills have been enacted into law after a court found that vetoes by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez were invalid.
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said Thursday that a state district court judge denied a request to block the bills while the governor prepares an appeal.
Members of the Democrat-led Legislature say Martinez either failed to indicate the reason why she vetoed the bills or missed a three-day deadline. Those veto requirements are designed to help lawmakers respond to the governor's concerns and to keep the Legislature operating efficiently.
If left standing, the newly enacted laws open the way for industrial hemp research programs and allow high school students to count computer science classes toward core math credits needed for graduation.

NUKE REPOSITORY-ROCK FALL
Managers monitor for rock falls at US' nuclear waste dump

CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — Managers at the nation's only underground nuclear waste repository in southeastern New Mexico say monitors have picked up on increasing movement, indicating instability of the walls and ceilings in an area of the facility that has been closed off for more than a year.
Officials at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant say there's a potential for falling rock inside one of the disposal rooms.
They say rock falls are not uncommon in areas where crews have been unable to perform regular maintenance. A rock fall last November forced a brief evacuation, but there were no injuries or contamination.
The repository began accepting shipments earlier this year after a nearly three-year shutdown that stemmed from a radiation release. The incident was caused by a chemical reaction inside a container of waste shipped from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

ALBUQUERQUE MAYOR'S RACE-CHAVES
Albuquerque businessman Chaves dropping out of mayor's race

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque businessman Ricardo Chaves says he's dropping out the city's mayoral race.
Chaves said in a statement Thursday that he's aware of the poll numbers and has become convinced that he'll come up short of votes in Tuesday's election.
Chaves says he's now endorsing fellow Republican Dan Lewis for mayor.
He says Lewis has the best chance of being one of the final two candidates to make it into a runoff election.
There are eight people running for mayor and if no candidate gets 50 percent, the top two vote-getters will face off in a November runoff.
This year's race is the first mayoral campaign in 20 years without an incumbent on the ballot.
Richard Berry has been Albuquerque's mayor since 2009 and isn't seeking re-election to a third term.

BAIL REFORM-PROSECUTORS
New Mexico district attorneys push for changes to bail rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Top prosecutors from judicial districts across New Mexico say rules adopted earlier this year for overhauling the state's bail and pretrial detention system have led to confusion within the criminal justice system.
Several of the district attorneys gathered in Albuquerque on Thursday to discuss proposed changes to the bail reform rules that were adopted by the state Supreme Court and implemented in July.
The rules were in response to a constitutional amendment overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2016. The aim was to ensure dangerous defendants remain in custody pending trial, while allowing for the release of nonviolent suspects who might otherwise languish in jail because they cannot afford bail.
The district attorneys say there's no uniformity in how the rules are being interpreted in courtrooms across the state and that the language should be clarified.

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New Mexico State News - Thursday September 28, 2017

9/28/2017

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SOLAR-BROADBAND SERVICE
Regulators approve Sacred Wind solar proposal

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Residents in some of the most remote corners of the Navajo Nation will have access to phone and internet service under a plan approved by New Mexico utility regulators.
The Public Regulation Commission on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to a plan by Sacred Wind Communications to use the New Mexico Universal Service Fund to help pay for individual solar units that can be used on homes without electricity.
Officials say the units can power a wireless subscriber antenna, a voice and broadband modem, a computer and at least one desk lamp.
Commissioner Lynda Lovejoy says at least 150 homes on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico will benefit from the technology.
The service fund will cover half the cost of the solar unit. Sacred Wind will cover the other half.

CRIME SPREE CONVICTION
Man convicted in 2016 armed robbery, chase in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man has been convicted for his role in an armed robbery and chase that ended when a vehicle he was in crashed into an off-duty Albuquerque police officer last October.
Prosecutors say 20-year-old Xavier Montoya was found guilty Wednesday of first-degree kidnapping with a firearm enhancement, conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing from a police officer and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Montoya is facing up to a 52-year prison term when he's sentenced Nov. 21 in Second Judicial District Court.
He was one of five people arrested in the robbery and chase, but Montoya was the oldest at the time at age 19. The others ranged in age from 13 to 17.
Montoya was charged as an adult in the case.

GOVERNOR-LUNCH ORDER
New Mexico governor calls unpaid lunch a misunderstanding

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A waitress at a Santa Fe restaurant says New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez picked up a take-out lunch meal and left without paying the bill — in what the governor's office has called a misunderstanding.
Waitress Clarissa Lucero said she watched Martinez crumple up the lunch bill, throw it in a wastebasket and walk out of Five Star Burgers with a bison burger early Wednesday afternoon. The 20-year-old waitress says a man accompanying the governor at lunch returned at about 7 p.m. to pay with a card and left a $4 tip.
A spokesman for the governor, Joe Cueto, called the events an "obviously honest misunderstanding" without describing what happened. Clarissa says the explanation does not make sense and that Martinez should apologize in person.

CRIME SPREE SUSPECT
Texas man pleads not guilty in New Mexico crime spree

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Texas man accused of armed robbery, carjacking and firearm offenses in New Mexico two months ago has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors say 23-year-old Lane Michael Reed of Killeen was arraigned Wednesday in federal court in Albuquerque. He remains detained pending trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
A seven-count indictment last week charged Reed with armed robbery of two businesses involved in interstate commerce; carjacking; using, brandishing and discharging a firearm in relation to crimes of violence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
He allegedly robbed gas stations and convenience stores at gunpoint in New Mexico on July 24 and 25.
Reed also allegedly carjacked a pickup truck on July 25 in Miguel County and unlawfully possessed firearms and ammunition in two other New Mexico counties.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
District attorney to New Mexico lawmakers: You must act now

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The top prosecutor in New Mexico's busiest judicial district is telling legislators that the situation is growing dire and that the state's troubled criminal justice system needs to be reformed urgently.
District Attorney Raul Torrez presented a series of charts outlining crime rates nationally, across New Mexico and in the Albuquerque area. When it came to the rates of auto thefts, property crimes, violent crimes and murder, Albuquerque far outpaced other areas between 2013 and 2016.
Torrez spokes Wednesday to members of a special legislative panel that is studying New Mexico's criminal justice system.
Torrez says the patterns that have developed in recent years indicate New Mexico's most populous area is headed in the wrong direction. He blamed the crime wave, a lack of resources and court rules that mandate how his office must manage its caseload.

NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS-AD RESIGNS
New Mexico Highlands University athletic director resigns

(Information from: Las Vegas Optic, http://www.lasvegasoptic.com)
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Highlands University's athletic director has resigned.
University spokesman Sean Weaver says Bob Clifford turned in his resignation letter Tuesday and it was effective immediately. Clifford had served in the position since 2015.
The Las Vegas Optic reports that it's is not clear whether Clifford left on his own accord and the university did not immediately disclose whether Clifford will receive any severance package or contract buyout.
Men's basketball coach Craig Snow is taking over as interim athletic director as the university searches for a replacement.

BORDER WALL
Government gives glimpse of border wall prototype work

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The federal government has given the media a first peek at construction of prototypes for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall.
Crews working Wednesday on two of the eight prototypes moved dirt, with one of the crews also installing steel reinforcing bars before concrete is poured.
Each crew gets only 60 square feet (18.2 square meters) to work on their prototype, prompting some to do assembly work elsewhere before moving the structure to their designated site.
Contractors have 30 days to finish.
The rectangular construction zone is fenced off from public viewing in a remote area of San Diego along the Mexico border.

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New Mexico State News - Wednesday September 27, 2017

9/27/2017

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XCEL-WIND ENERGY
Xcel seeks approval for wind farms in Texas, New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Xcel is seeking approval for two new wind farms that would serve customers in eastern New Mexico and West Texas.
Company officials say if regulators approve the wind farms planned for Roosevelt County in New Mexico and Texas' Hale County, wind-generated electricity would end up meeting about 40 percent of the region's annual needs by 2021.
Xcel spokesman Wes Reeves says the company also is seeking to finalize a contract to buy additional wind energy from two facilities being built in Texas.
The company says as more wind power is added to the portfolio, that helps displace the higher cost of generating electricity at older fossil fuel plants. Xcel is estimating that customers could save $2.8 billion over the next three decades as energy production costs are reduced.
Xcel is anticipating regulatory approval next year.

CONSERVATION FUNDS
New Mexico gets $1.1M for outdoor recreation projects

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than $1.1 million in federal grants will be distributed to New Mexico for outdoor recreation and conservation projects.
The funding, recently announced by the U.S. Interior Department, comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is financed throughout revenues from offshore oil and natural gas leasing. In all, more than $93 million from the fund is being distributed to all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
Members of New Mexico's congressional delegation said Tuesday that the grants help fuel jobs in the state and an outdoor recreation industry that contributes billions of dollars nationwide.
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich said the fund in the past has protected places such as Ute Mountain near New Mexico's northern border and Valles Caldera in the Jemez Mountains.

TIRE IRON DEATH-SENTENCING
Las Cruces man gets 14-year prison term in tire iron killing

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A Las Cruces resident has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for killing another man by throwing a tire iron at his head.
Prosecutors say 37-year-old Vernon Castle Clark was sentenced Tuesday after reaching a plea agreement.
He pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count each of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Clark had been facing a second-degree murder charge.
Jose Lopez-Perez was found dead with a tire iron lodged in his head at a home outside the Las Cruces city limits in February 2016.
Police say Clark and the 33-year-old Lopez-Perez were arguing before Clark threw the tire iron in an attempt to scare the other man.
Clark also was sentenced on three other counts in separate cases involving batteries on peace officers.

LOS ALAMOS LAB-WASTE STORAGE
Texas firm awarded $19M for storing New Mexico nuclear waste

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — A Texas firm is being awarded a contract worth more than $19 million to continue storing radioactive waste from a federal laboratory that was initially intended to be disposed of at an underground government site in southern New Mexico.
The U.S. Energy Department had the containers sent to Waste Control Specialists in Andrews County, Texas, after a 2014 radiation release forced a nearly three-year closure of the government's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.
The repository resumed operations earlier this year, but the two-year storage order allows for the waste to remain in Texas until shipments to the repository ramp up.
Los Alamos National Laboratory initially sent 582 barrels of waste to Texas, including 113 containers similar to one that caused the radiation leak at the repository. Investigators say that container was inappropriately packed and caused a chemical reaction.

NUKE REPOSITORY-SETTLEMENT
New Mexico receives road money as part of settlement

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has received almost $27 million from the U.S. Energy Department as part of a settlement reached over a radiation release that forced a nearly three-year shutdown at the federal government's only underground nuclear waste repository.
State officials and the agency inked the agreement in early 2016 over dozens of permit violations stemming from the mishap at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad two years earlier. At the time, the total $74 million settlement was the largest ever negotiated between a state and the Energy Department. It followed months of negotiations.
Gov. Susana Martinez says the settlement was meant to hold the federal government accountable and she's pleased some of the funds will go toward improving the waste transportation routes that lead to the repository.

NEW MEXICO-CAMPAIGN DONATIONS
New Mexico governor wants politicians off investment council

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez says she supports removing elected officials — including the state governor — from a council overseeing the investment of $21 billion in state funds amid concerns about political donations from investment firms hired by the state.
Martinez announced her support Tuesday for changes to the composition of the New Mexico State Investment Council that would remove any appearance of impropriety when it comes to campaign or political donations from private firms that are paid to invest state money.
Martinez previously vetoed a bill that would have removed her from the investment council while keeping two other elected officials in place — the state treasurer and land commissioner.
The 11-member council oversees an endowment derived from oil and natural gas production that supplements the state budget.

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New Mexico State News - Tuesday September 26, 2017

9/26/2017

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BAIL REFORM
New Mexico dispute over bail reform escalates in court

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court is pushing back against a lawsuit that seeks to block new rules governing pre-trial release of defendants.
On behalf of the court, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has described the lawsuit from the Bail Bond Association of New Mexico and several state lawmakers as frivolous and asked a federal court to sanction the plaintiffs' attorneys.
Bail Bond Association President Gerald Madrid on Monday accused state prosecutors of using strong-arm tactics in court.
Proponents of the new rules say they help ensure defendants are not kept in jail only because they cannot afford bail provisions.
Voters approved a state constitutional amendment last year that lets judges deny bail to dangerous defendants and overhaul the pre-trial release system for others.

ROSWELL-HOMICIDE CASE
Roswell man is accused of killing his girlfriend's brother

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Police in Roswell have arrested a man who's suspected of fatally shooting his girlfriend's brother.
They say 33-year-old Michael Anthony Herrera turned himself in to police, who were looking for him in connection with the death of 26-year-old Jared Analla.
Police say Analla was found dead in his family's home Friday night. He shared the house with his mother and sister.
Investigators say Herrera went to the house intending to shoot his girlfriend and another man who allegedly was having a relationship with her.
But when Herrera arrived at the house, Analla was the only one home. Investigators believe the two men talked before the shooting occurred.
Police say Herrera is being held on suspicion of an open count of murder, attempt to commit a felony and tampering with evidence.

METH TRAFFICKING SENTENCE
Roswell woman gets 10 years in prison for meth trafficking

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A Roswell woman has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking.
Prosecutors say 48-year-old Jennifer Rene Barela was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Las Cruces.
They say Barela's criminal history includes prior felony convictions for methamphetamine trafficking, burglary, forgery and fraud.
She was arrested last December and charged by criminal complaint with possessing heroin and methamphetamine with intent to distribute the drugs in New Mexico's Otero County.
U.S. Border Patrol agents at a checkpoint south of Alamogordo seized more than 191 grams of black tar heroin, a kilogram of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia from Barela and the vehicle she was in.
Barela pleaded guilty last July to a charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

CHARTER SCHOOL-EMBEZZLEMENT
New Mexico prosecutor calls on school board member to resign

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is seeking the resignation of a member of the Albuquerque Public Schools education board concerning her prior role as executive director at a charter school that is under scrutiny for the alleged embezzlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Balderas on Monday wrote to Analee Maestas to say she no longer qualifies for her position on the education board in light of concerns regarding the misuse of public funds at La Promesa Early Learning Center.
Maestas has said she was unaware of any wrongdoing at La Promesa. The state auditor's office has reported allegations that La Promesa's former assistant business manager — Maestas' daughter — had deposited over 500 checks worth more than $475,000 into her personal bank account over several years.

SUSPECT SOUGHT-ALBUQUERQUE
Authorities seek man accused of threatening girlfriend

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — SWAT team members entered an Albuquerque home in search of a man accused of threatening his girlfriend with a weapon.
But the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office says no one was inside Monday when they entered the home.
Sandia Preparatory School, located less than a mile away, was under a temporary lockdown while officers were at the home in an effort to locate 35-year-old Steven Lucero.
Lucero was believed to be inside the home and armed.
Authorities who had gotten a warrant to search the home made attempts to contact anyone inside.
But ultimately SWAT team members didn't find anyone inside.
Authorities say Lucero's girlfriend had reported the alleged threat on Saturday night.
Lucero also is wanted on unrelated arrest warrants on charges of child abuse, aggravated battery and false imprisonment.

AUTO FATALITY-CARLSBAD
Man dies after being ejected from vehicle near Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — A man was killed in an auto accident near Carlsbad when his vehicle entered the median of U.S. 285 and overturned.
New Mexico State Police say 24-year-old Jared Galindo of Carlsbad died as a result of Saturday's accident.
Galindo wasn't wearing a seat belt at the time and was ejected from the vehicle.

FATAL CRASH-INVESTIGATION
Officer was traveling about 67 mph at time of fatal crash

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An investigation shows an Albuquerque police officer was driving approximately 67 mph in April when his cruiser slammed into a car that was carrying a 6-year-old who died in the collision.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Officer Johnathan McDonnell had emergency lights and sirens on and was able to brake, but still collided with Antoinette Suina's car.
Both drivers had green lights.
Suina didn't see any cars coming when she started to make a turn.
An investigator wrote that he didn't believe either driver should be criminally charged.
The investigation was forwarded to prosecutors for review.
Joel Anthony Suina, 6, died as a result of the wreck, and his 9-year-old sister suffered a pelvis fracture and other injuries.
McDonnell suffered extensive leg injuries and a bruised lung.

LOS ALAMOS LAB-CONTAMINATION
Extent of Los Alamos chromium contamination still uncertain

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — A top official with the U.S. Energy Department says the agency is still uncertain about the extent of contamination from a massive plume of chromium that resulted from decades of poor waste management at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Doug Hintze with the Energy Department's environmental management field office in Los Alamos told state lawmakers during a recent hearing that cancer-causing chromium and other chemicals have continued to seep from the soil in Mortandad Canyon into the groundwater.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that chromium was detected at concentrations five times the state limit in July in a newly drilled well outside the perimeter of the plume.
Lawmakers say they plan to appeal to New Mexico's congressional delegates and request more federal funds to expedite cleanup.

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New Mexico State News - Monday September 25, 2017

9/25/2017

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LOS ALAMOS LAB-CONTAMINATION
Extent of Los Alamos chromium contamination still uncertain

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — A top official with the U.S. Energy Department says the agency is still uncertain about the extent of contamination from a massive plume of chromium that resulted from decades of poor waste management at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Doug Hintze with the Energy Department's environmental management field office in Los Alamos told state lawmakers during a recent hearing that cancer-causing chromium and other chemicals have continued to seep from the soil in Mortandad Canyon into the groundwater.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that chromium was detected at concentrations five times the state limit in July in a newly drilled well outside the perimeter of the plume.
Lawmakers say they plan to appeal to New Mexico's congressional delegates and request more federal funds to expedite cleanup.

ROSWELL-POLICE SHOOTING
New Mexico pursuit, shootout ends with suspect in custody

(Information from: Roswell Daily Record, http://www.roswell-record.com)
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico authorities say a man is in custody after a pursuit and shootout.
The Roswell Daily Record reports that no officers were injured, but the suspect is believed to have been hit by gunfire at least three times.
Authorities say the suspect, 30-year-old Jose Manual Diaz Montelongo, is expected to recover.
The incident began Sunday when authorities were called to investigate a possible drunken driver passed out behind the wheel. Once police got there, the suspect drove off.
There was a brief standoff before the suspect fled, driving through fences. Authorities believe he fired shots at officers as he left.
He stopped again, gunfire was exchanged and his last attempt to drive away was unsuccessful.
Authorities say Montelongo has a record and was wanted by federal authorities on a drug trafficking charge.

ARTESIA KILLING-SENTENCE
New Mexico man sentenced in 2012 deadly shooting case

(Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus, http://www.currentargus.com/)
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — A Carlsbad man has been convicted for the second time in the 2012 killing of another southern New Mexico man.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports that it took nearly an hour and a half for jurors to find Mathew Sloan guilty of first-degree murder and burglary. He was sentenced to life in prison.
The verdict came last week in district court. It was the second time Sloan was tried for the shooting death of 50-year-old Timothy Wallace of Artesia as the New Mexico Supreme Court had reversed Sloan's previous convictions last year.
Prosecutors said while it's unclear if Sloan intended to kill Wallace, evidence proved he was aware of his actions.
Sloan's attorney pushed for lesser convictions, saying his client was more fearful of a co-defendant who was also convicted.

LINCOLN FOREST-PRESCRIBED FIRES
Handful of prescribed fires planned for New Mexico district

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Fire officials with a ranger district on the Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico are planning a handful of prescribed fires over the next several months to clear out dead trees and reduce fuel loads.
Officials on the Sacramento Ranger District say the work is scheduled to begin in October and run through next April as long as weather conditions permit.
The prescribed fires will target a total of about 3,200 acres (1,295 hectares) around the communities of Mayhill, Weed and Cloudcroft. The largest of the projects will involve the burning of more than 2,100 acres (850 hectares) about 5 miles southwest of Weed.
Officials say reducing forest fuels can help minimize future wildfire risks.
They also warned that smoke may be visible during the prescribed fires.

COLD CASE-NEW LOOK
Filmmaker, family begin new look at New Mexico cold case

(Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Nearly three decades since a 19-year-old woman disappeared from her small New Mexico town, the family with the help of a former friend and filmmaker are still searching for answers.
KRQE-TV reported last week that filmmaker Melinda Esquibel began a new investigation into the disappearance of Tara Calico whose case has remained unsolved since she went missing from Belen in September 1988.
Esquibel with help from Calico's family began a documentary film project examining the vanishing of her high school friend, but that examination became an investigation after finding the case files in disorder. She also began releasing what they have learned in a podcast.
Eaquibel says progress has been made on the case, and they're sharing the information they gather with law enforcement agencies.

SKY HARBOR-FLIGHTS DIVERTED
46 flights diverted from Phoenix airport after tower alarm

(Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com)
PHOENIX (AP) — More than 45 flights headed to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were temporarily diverted after an alarm activated at the air traffic control tower.
The Arizona Republic reported that Phoenix Fire crews responded to the alarm around 8:45 a.m. Sunday.
A spokeswoman for Sky Harbor officials say the control tower was evacuated as a precaution.
According to Phoenix Fire Department officials, the problem stemmed from a faulty air handler sensor and is being investigated.
The faulty mechanism caused low water pressure, which produced steam from the tower at air traffic control.
In all, 46 flights were diverted to airports in other cities including Tucson; Mesa, Las Vegas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; El Paso, Texas; Burbank, California; and Ontario, California.
All the flights were traveling back to Phoenix as of 10 a.m.

ROSWELL-HOMICIDE CASE
Police say man found dead in his Roswell home was murdered

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Police in Roswell say they're investigating the death of a man found dead in his family's home and it's a homicide case.
They have identified the victim as 26-year-old Jared Analla.
Members of Analla's family say they had been away from the house they shared with him before returning home to find him dead Friday night.
Based on the examination of the scene, police investigators say they believe Analla was murdered but they won't disclose any details.
Investigators are tracking down information to try to identify a suspect.
The cause of Analla's death will be determined by an autopsy.

NUCLEAR LAB-SAFETY VIOLATION
Oversight panel: Nuclear lab workers violated safety rules

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A federal oversight panel reports that Los Alamos National Laboratory workers producing a shell for a triggering device for nuclear weapons violated safety rules in August by storing too much material at one location in a facility for plutonium, a highly radioactive material.
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board memorandum said workers at the northern New Mexico site discovered the placement error made by a casting crew three days later when they moved the grapefruit-sized shell again.
The memo says workers at that point failed to follow proper reporting procedures. It does specify whether the shell itself contained plutonium.
Efforts to obtain comment from the federal agency that oversees Los Alamos weren't immediately successful. The lab said in a statement "there was no criticality accident" and that the lab "takes criticality safety very seriously and is conducting a full fact finding." In physics, the term criticality refers to the point at which a nuclear reaction is self-sustaining.

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New Mexico State News - Saturday September 23, 2017

9/23/2017

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PNM-RENEWABLE ENERGY
New Mexico regulators consider utility's power plan

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider wants to add another 50 megawatts of solar energy to its portfolio.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico also wants to boost output from its current wind and geothermal resources as part of a plan to comply with the state's renewable energy standards.
The state Public Regulation Commission wrapped up hearings on the proposal this week.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that one environmental group has taken issue with the plan, saying the utility stacked the deck to gain ownership over the new solar farms rather than considering purchase agreements with independent power producers.
Utility officials and other environmentalists dismissed those arguments, saying the plan was more cost effective.
If approved, the utility would pay Albuquerque-based Affordable Solar to build five small solar farms.

OUT OF STATE TUITION
Eastern New Mexico to drop out-of-state tuition

PORTALES, N.M. (AP) — Eastern New Mexico University says it's lowering tuition for out-of-state students next year.
The small university said Friday that its board of regents approved the drop in cost and that it will take effect in fall 2018.
Currently, out-of-state students pay 203 percent of what in-state students do. That'll be down to 150 percent.
The 2016-2017 tuition cost was roughly $6,000 for in-state students and a little over $15,000 for out-of-state students.
ENMU says it wants students to graduate with as little debt as possible and that it hopes to recruit more students from outside New Mexico.

NAVAJO WATER-SETTLEMENT FUND
$9.1M project to deliver more water to Navajo communities

GREASEWOOD, Ariz. (AP) — Work has started on a $9.1 million project to improve access to water in several Navajo communities.
Navajo President Russell Begaye signed legislation last year to fund dozens of water and sanitation projects across the reservation.
Officials gathered in Greasewood on Friday for a groundbreaking ceremony for one of the projects. It's being funded partly through a $554 million settlement the tribe reached with the federal government over management of natural resources revenue.
Rex Kontz of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority says the project will double the water capacity for several communities, including Ganado, Greasewood, Dilkon and Teesto. A new well and a water filtering plant are planned.
The work is expected to take 18 months.
Other funding sources include federal grants and the tribal utility.

COURT OF APPEALS-APPOINTMENT
Martinez makes court of appeals appointment

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has appointed Emil John Kiehne to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.
Martinez announced the appointment Friday.
Kiehne is from Los Lunas and is replacing Judge James Wechsler, who retired.
Kiehne is on the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government board and until now has been a partner at a private firm.

CHACO CANYON-DRILLING
Archaeologists: More protections needed for Chaco region

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Archaeologists and other researchers are calling for more protections of an expansive area surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
In a report released Friday, they say increased oil and gas development in northwestern New Mexico has the potential to destroy parts of the landscape that could provide a better understanding of the ancient civilization that once inhabited the area.
The report comes as federal officials revamp a management plan that will guide development as more companies look to tap the region's shale deposits.
A world heritage site, Chaco and its outlying archaeological remnants have become the focus of the fight over expanded drilling.
Outside park boundaries, scientists say new technology has uncovered indiscernible sections of ancient roads. They also pointed to less tangible features that could be at risk, such as views of distant buttes or mountain peaks.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BAKE SALE
University students set up Affirmative Action Bake Sale

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Some University of New Mexico students held a campus bake sale, charging students based on their race.
A group called Turning Point USA set up an "Affirmative Action Bake Sale" on campus Thursday to question affirmative action practices.
Turning Point USA regional director William Witt set up a table of cookies and a sign with advertised prices of $1.50 for Asians, $1 for Caucasians, and 50 cents for black or Hispanic people.
Witt said certain groups get different opportunities than others and Turning Point USA believes affirmative action doesn't give equal opportunity.
Students called for Witt and the group to leave. They did. Their sign was destroyed.
A university spokeswoman said Turning Point USA is not recognized as an official student group on campus, but has applied to become one.

SENATOR-FRAUD CASE
Judge strikes prosecutor from witness list in fraud case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An unusual effort to call New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas as a witness in a high-profile corruption trial being prosecuted by his office has been rejected by a district court judge.
General Counsel Ken Stalter of the attorney general's office said that Judge Brett Loveless on Friday found that Griego's defense attorney had not been able to adequately justify calling Balderas as a witness.
A trial date is approaching for former Sen. Phil Griego on allegations he used his position as a state senator to profit from the 2014 sale of a state-owned building in Santa Fe without proper disclosure. Griego resigned from the Senate in 2015 amid an ethics investigation.

HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico insurance regulator opposes GOP health overhaul

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top insurance regulator says a Republican drive to erase the Affordable Care Act would cripple the state's efforts to provide health coverage to the poor.
Insurance Superintendent John Franchini says the so-called Graham-Cassidy bill would greatly hinder New Mexico's efforts to provide health care to individuals and families living just above the federal poverty level. He hopes the initiative fails.
Senate Republicans continued a final push Thursday to repeal much of President Barack Obama's health care law. Their bill would end the Medicaid expansion and subsidies for people buying private insurance and combine the money into new block grants for states.
Meanwhile, New Mexico Medicaid officials have proposed adding monthly premiums and expanding co-payments to more patients to limit state expenses. Currently only isolated copayments are collected.
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New Mexico State News - Friday September 22, 2017

9/22/2017

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
New Mexico panel seeks solutions for curbing crime wave

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A group of New Mexico lawmakers is scheduled to hold another meeting as they search for legislative solutions to reforming the state's beleaguered criminal justice system and curbing crime in one of its most populated areas.
The bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform subcommittee will be meeting next week in Albuquerque.
Co-chair Sen. Sander Rue says the crime wave has turned into an ocean of crime for Bernalillo County. The Albuquerque Republican says problems are escalating on a daily basis and public safety needs to be the priority as the panel considers changes.
A recent poll by the Albuquerque Journal shows voters believe crime is a problem.
Law enforcement officials also have been raising concerns about the state's bail reform efforts, pointing to cases in which repeat offenders are released and end up committing new crimes.

TAPIA-ALBUQUERQUE STATUE
Albuquerque set to unveil statue of late boxer Johnny Tapia

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The hometown of the late boxer Johnny Tapia is set to honor the former champion with a statue at a community center that will also bare his name.
The city of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department are scheduled Saturday to unveil the statue at the Johnny Tapia Community Center at Wells Park. The area is where Tapia was raised by his grandparents.
His turbulent boxing career was marked by cocaine addiction, alcohol, depression and run-ins with the law.
Tapia died at his Albuquerque home in 2012. Investigators said there were no indications of a drug overdose or alcohol use but that the 45-year-old former fighter likely developed medical complications from past illegal drug use.
Tapia was orphaned at 8 when his mother was stabbed 26 times.

NMSU-SCIENCE LAB
New Mexico State University to open new innovation lab

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University has teamed with White Sands Missile Range to create a new lab aimed at sparking interesting among students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
The Test and Evaluation Collaboration Hub — or TECH for short — will open its doors next week following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Officials describe it as an immersive learning experience.
The university and the missile range recently received a $900,000 grant from the U.S. Defense Department to build and maintain the lab.
New Mexico State University is one of only five schools in the nation to call itself home to a Defense Department educational lab.
One side of the lab simulates a training camp in Afghanistan and the other features a New Mexican backdrop. The lab also has computers and flight simulators so students can learn math concepts.

SEX ASSAULT CASE REVIVED
Albuquerque man indicted in rape, kidnapping of teen in 2013

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque man has been indicted in the alleged sexual assault and kidnapping of a Rio Rancho teenager in 2013.
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced Thursday that the Bernalillo County grand jury indicted Eli Kronenanker on four counts of criminal sexual penetration plus single counts of kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, intimidation of a witness and sexual exploitation of children.
The AG's Office had filed more charges earlier this month against Kronenanker in a case that had been dropped by local prosecutors after it was discovered evidence had been destroyed.
He also faces charges in a separate rape case being prosecuted by the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office.
Kronenanker's attorney says she needs to see what evidence prosecutors plan to present before commenting on the cases.

HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico insurance regulator opposes GOP health overhaul

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top insurance regulator says a Republican drive to erase the Affordable Care Act would cripple the state's efforts to provide health coverage to the poor.
Insurance Superintendent John Franchini says the so-called Graham-Cassidy bill would greatly hinder New Mexico's efforts to provide health care to individuals and families living just above the federal poverty level. He hopes the initiative fails.
Senate Republicans continued a final push Thursday to repeal much of President Barack Obama's health care law. Their bill would end the Medicaid expansion and subsidies for people buying private insurance and combine the money into new block grants for states.
Meanwhile, New Mexico Medicaid officials have proposed adding monthly premiums and expanding co-payments to more patients to limit state expenses. Currently only isolated copayments are collected.

NEW MEXICO LIBRARY SHOOTING
New Mexico library shooting teen suspect pleads not guilty

(Information from: The Eastern New Mexico News, http://www.easternnewmexiconews.com)
CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — The teen accused of killing two people and seriously injuring four at a New Mexico library has waived a scheduled arraignment and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Eastern New Mexico News reported Thursday that 16-year-old Nathaniel Jouett could potentially face two life sentences and 117 years in prison if convicted.
He has been charged with two counts of murder and numerous other crimes stemming from the Aug. 28 shooting at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. He remains in custody at the Curry County jail.
Assistant Public Defender Stephen Taylor did not respond to the newspaper's request for comment on Jouett's plea.
The Associated Press generally does not identify juveniles accused of crimes. It is identifying Jouett because of the seriousness of the crime and because authorities are seeking adult sanctions.

DESERT BODIES MYSTERY-PARK
Families of murder victims help design memorial park

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in Albuquerque have unveiled plans for a memorial park that will honor the 11 women whose bodies were found in a mass grave and are believed to be victims of a serial killer.
The Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department and City Councilor Klarissa Pena on Thursday released the final design after years of work to secure land and funding.
Officials say the design was approved by family members of the victims. The families helped select trees, shrubbery, benches and other design features.
In 2009, the discovery of a human bone by a woman walking her dog led police to the mass grave on Albuquerque's west side.
Authorities say many of the victims worked as prostitutes or were involved in drugs before they disappeared between 2003 and early 2005.
The case has never been solved.

NEW MEXICO-CAMPAIGN DONATIONS-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico investment council defend process

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Officials with New Mexico's State Investment Council say there have been no violations of financial disclosure laws.
Council spokesman Charles Wollmann said Thursday the council is likely to discuss whether additional disclosure is appropriate for outside financial managers about contributions to national political action committees.
The comments follow an online report that raised questions about political donations made by financial firms that were awarded millions in investment work by the state of New Mexico.
Wollmann said the current structure of the 11-member investment council doesn't allow for any individual, including the governor, to manipulate investment decisions.
He said the commission has been shifting funds into alternative investments, sometimes with significant management compensation, to limit risks associated with stock market losses that cost the state dearly after the 2007 financial crisis.

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New Mexico State News - Thursday September 21, 2017

9/21/2017

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8TH DWI
Police: Northern New Mexico man arrested on 8th DWI

(Information from: Las Vegas Optic, http://www.lasvegasoptic.com)
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A northern New Mexico man is facing his eighth drunken driving charge after police say he tried to avoid a sobriety checkpoint.
The Las Vegas Optic reports that Arsenio Anaya was arrested earlier this month while traveling on Highway 65 toward Montezuma, New Mexico.
According to New Mexico State Police, the 53-year-old Anaya made a U-turn on a blind curve to avoid the checkpoint and led police on a brief chase.
Police say he was arrested after turning into a driveway.
Records show Anaya had been driving on a suspended license and had a warrant out for his arrest.
It was not known if Anaya had an attorney.
___
FLOOD DAMAGE-ROADS
Roosevelt County eyes disaster funds from August storms

(Information from: The Eastern New Mexico News, http://www.easternnewmexiconews.com)
PORTALES, N.M. (AP) — An eastern New Mexico county is still working on getting a federal disaster declaration from storms that caused an estimated $4.5 million in damage.
The Eastern New Mexico News reports Roosevelt County Superintendent Ricky Lovato said Tuesday he recently took representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security on a tour of roads damaged by flooding in August.
County Manager Amber Hamilton said the representatives took pictures of 75 percent of the damaged roads, and asked for information for each road.
Hamilton says a declaration could allow the county to access disaster relief funding.
Officials hope to have more information in 30 days.
___
DESERT BODIES MYSTERY-PARK
Families of murder victims help design Memorial Park

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in Albuquerque are unveiling design plans for a Memorial Park in honor of the 11 women whose bodies were found in a mass grave and are believed to be victims of a serial killer.
The Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department and City Councilor Klarissa Pena will release details this week of a park after years of work securing land and funding.
Officials say the Memorial Park design was approved by the families of the victims. The families helped select trees, shrubbery, benches, and other design features.
In 2009, a mass grave on Albuquerque's West Mesa where 11 bodies and a fetus were found after a tip to police.
Authorities say nearly all the dead women worked as prostitutes before they disappeared between 2003 and early 2005.
The case has never been solved.
___

WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO HELP
New Mexico sends crews to help with western wildfires

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Firefighters with the New Mexico State Forestry Division are answering the call for help as states around the West are dealing with large wildfires.
At least 100 State Forestry personnel are supporting firefighting efforts around the region.
State Forester Donald Griego says the West has seen one of the worst fire seasons on record with more than 2 million acres (809,371 hectares) burned. With New Mexico's fire season winding down, he says his agency has been able to share resources.
One crew made up of military veterans and civilians is helping with a fire in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge. This marks the team's fifth tour and third fire in Oregon.
Crews also have been sent to California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Washington state.
___

HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
Insurance rate hike sets record for New Mexico exchange

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico insurance regulators have approved the largest increases in health insurance premiums on the state's subsidized exchange since its creation nearly four years ago.
New Mexico Insurance Superintendent John Franchini on Wednesday confirmed agency estimates of average premium increases ranging from 36 percent and 41 percent on mid-level insurance plans for 2018.
Franchini attributes nearly one-third of the approved price hikes to uncertainty about whether the federal government will block or discontinue subsidies to insurers. He also says rates are rising because not enough people are buying insurance through New Mexico's federally subsidized marketplace.
About 55,000 New Mexico residents purchase insurance through the exchange.
for health insurance on the state exchange
health care premiums are making the steepest climb in 2018

___

CALIFORNIA-BORDER WALL-LAWSUIT-THE LATEST
The Latest: Sessions says US will win border wall lawsuits

SAN DIEGO (AP) — U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he expects the Trump administration to prevail in legal challenges to its proposed border wall with Mexico.
The nation's top law enforcement officer addressed reporters Wednesday at a San Diego landing dock to trumpet Coast Guard drug seizures in the Pacific Ocean. He says anyone has a right to sue but that his responsibility is to defend U.S. borders.
Sessions says he expects construction of the wall to advance as Congress provides money. Democrats have balked at Trump's $1.6 billion request for next year.
Sessions reiterated opposition to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, barely three months before California becomes the latest state to do so.
His visit came as California's attorney general sued in federal court in San Diego to halt wall construction.
___ 10:30 a.m.
California's attorney general has sued the Trump administration over its plan to construct a wall along the country's border with Mexico.
The suit filed Wednesday by Attorney General Xavier Becerra (HAH-vee-air Bah-sehr'-ah) makes arguments similar to those in a lawsuit filed by advocacy groups last week arguing the federal government is overstepping its authority by waiving environmental reviews and other laws.
Both lawsuits aim to stop the design, planning and construction of the wall.
The Trump administration recently waived environmental reviews on a 15-mile stretch in San Diego where wall prototypes will be constructed and a 3-mile stretch in downtown Calexico.
Becerra is announcing his suit near the border in San Diego. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is also in San Diego to discuss drug seizures.

___

EL PASO EDITOR
El Paso Times editor resigns in effort to save newsroom jobs

(Information from: El Paso Times, http://www.elpasotimes.com)
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — The executive editor of the El Paso Times is leaving the paper after being directed by its parent company to cut newsroom staff.
The Times reports that Robert Moore plans to step aside Oct. 6 in an effort to preserve reporting positions at the paper.
His resignation coincides with the departure of Lilia Castillo Jones, the president of the Times and several sister properties in New Mexico, whose position was eliminated by the USA Today Network, a division of Gannett.
The 57-year-old Moore has twice served as the top editor at the Times. He left in 2006 to helm the Fort Collins Coloradoan before returning to El Paso five years later.
He has received a number of journalism awards, including the Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year Award from the National Press Foundation.
___
DWI ABSCONDER ARRESTED
Brimhall man wanted on 2 warrants arrested by State Police

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say they have arrested a Brimhall man on two outstanding warrants out of McKinley County.
They say 29-year-old Gilbert John is being held on one warrant for failure to appear on charges of aggravated DWI and abandonment of a child.
Police say the second warrant is for failure to appear on charges of DWI (second offense), revoked driver's license and traffic violations.
They say John has been booked into the McKinley County Detention Center.
It was unclear Wednesday if he has a lawyer yet.

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New Mexico State News - Wednesday September 20, 2017

9/20/2017

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LAS CRUCES-SHOOTING ARRESTS
3 men shot during botched Las Cruces robbery now in custody

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Police in Las Cruces say they've have arrested three men shot and wounded during the botched robbery of a roommate four months ago.
They say 26-year-old Edward Hartley, 24-year-old James Melendres and 25-year-old Joseph Aragon all lived in the home.
Police say the men were shot during the May 18 incident and have been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
When officers arrived, they found Melendres with a gunshot wound to his neck outside the home.
Police say Hartley was suffering from two gunshot wounds and Aragon was found inside a bathtub.
Melendres and Aragon each received five gunshot wounds and were both in critical condition when transported a hospital.
Investigators believe Melendres and Aragon likely approached Hartley with the intention of stealing money from him.

GREEN CHILE BURGER THEFT
Police: Man steals green chile burger after slapping victim

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man is facing charges after police say he randomly slapped a customer then stole the man's green chile cheeseburger before dashing away.
Santa Fe police arrested 25-year-old Anthony Frazier on Sunday near the Shake Foundation where authorities say the bizarre attack occurred.
According to a criminal complaint, the victim says Frazier walked up to him to dance then slapped him across his face. The victim says Frazier then stole his green chile cheeseburger and ran from the scene.
Witnesses say Frazier also had a belt around his neck.
Police later caught up with Frazier and arrested him for robbery after the victim identified him as the alleged burger thief.
It was not known if he had an attorney.

OIL AND GAS LEASE SALE
Oil and gas leases net $6.7M for New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's latest monthly oil and gas lease sale has netted $6.7 million for the State Land Office.
The agency says that brings earnings for the first quarter of this fiscal year to nearly $50 million. That's more than six times the amount collected during the same period last year.
Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says the agency is on track for a top-performing year and that means more money flowing into education.
Nearly all of the revenues collected by the State Land Office are from oil and gas development on state trust lands, and most of that goes to public schools. The office collected $546 million during the last fiscal year.
For the September lease sale, the agency offered 10 tracts covering 1,560 acres (631 hectares) in Eddy and Lea counties.

VA BENEFITS-FRAUD
New Mexico woman sentenced in VA fraud case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Las Cruces woman has been sentenced to four months in prison for her conviction on theft of government property and forgery charges stemming from a scheme to defraud the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Federal prosecutors said 55-year-old Donah Davison will also be required to pay more than $147,000 in restitution as part of the sentence handed down Tuesday.
Davison was charged in November in a multi-count indictment. Most of the counts stemmed from allegations that she deposited surviving-spouse benefit checks to which she wasn't entitled.
Prosecutors say Davison admitted that when her mother died in 1997, she failed to inform the VA and continued to collect and deposit the checks into her own bank account after signing her mother's signature on the back of the checks.

MEDICAID OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico presses forward with Medicaid premiums, copays

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is pressing forward with plans to limit increases in state spending on Medicaid health care for low-income and disabled residents by adding monthly premiums and copays from patients, as Senate Republicans in Washington contemplate fundamental changes to Medicaid.
State officials will brief lawmakers Wednesday on an array of proposed changes to the state's Medicaid health care program designed to keep costs down while improving the delivery of health care for New Mexico's poorest residents.
Consumer advocates are warning that that plans to charge premiums and copays for people living just above the federally defined poverty level could end up reducing or delaying the use of health care services.
Concerns are overshadowed by a U.S. Senate proposal to repeal Medicaid's expansion to about 250,000 individuals in New Mexico.

NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR'S RACE
New Mexico elections agency defends campaign restrictions

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico campaign finance regulators are sticking to conclusions that drastically limit Republican Congressman Steve Pearce's access to federal campaign funds as he runs for governor.
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver filed a response Tuesday to a lawsuit by Pearce that seeks access to $1 million in campaign contributions held in a federally registered account.
The Secretary of State's Office reiterates that only $11,000 can be transferred by Pearce to his campaign for governor, based on a New Mexico law that limits campaign contributions to $5,500 for the primary and general election cycles.
Attorneys for Pearce say he followed federal limits on individual contributions that are more stringent than state restrictions.
Agency spokesman Joey Keefe says Pearce has failed to prove allegations that his campaign has been irreparably harmed.

WOMAN FATALLY JUMPS FROM CAR
New Mexico woman dies after jumping from fiance's moving car

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the death of a woman who allegedly jumped from her fiance's moving car near Las Cruces.
Dona Ana County Sheriff's officials say 26-year-old Brenda Lenderman was pronounced dead at the scene Saturday night.
They say 26-year-old Lauro Hinojosa was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and released on his own recognizance Sunday.
Sheriff's officials say foul play isn't suspected, but the incident remains under investigation.
They say Lenderman and Hinojosa had just left a family gathering about 10 p.m. Saturday and were driving home when she reportedly opened the passenger-side door and jumped out of the vehicle on her own volition.
Sheriff's officials say Lenderman was the only passenger in the car being driven by her fiance at the time of the incident.

TIRE IRON DEATH-PLEA
New Mexico man accused of tire iron death accepts plea deal

(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man who is accused of killing another man by throwing a tire iron at his head has taken a plea deal to lessen charges.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reported Monday that 37-year-old Vernon Castle Clark pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, instead of second-degree murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Clark is accused of killing 33-year-old Jose Lopez-Perez, who was found dead at a house in February 2016 with a tire iron lodged in his head.
Authorities say Clark told them he threw the tire iron in an attempt to scare lopez-Perez.
As part of the deal, prosecutors will seek an enhanced sentence based on Clark's previous convictions, but will cap recommendations at 14 years. Clark has been scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 26.

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