- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico in line for small business loan help amid virusALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say the state has qualified for a federal disaster loan assistance program aimed at helping small businesses affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Tuesday the Small Business Administration's loan program is one of several tools that can help businesses, many of which have seen rapid declines in customer traffic and sales. Employees at businesses that close temporarily can access unemployment benefits without having to search for a new position. New Mexico has reported 23 positive tests for COVID-19. The latest cases include a man in Taos County in his 50s and a Santa Fe County man in his 40s.
- TEEN-KIDNAPPING-SHOOTING
Police: New Mexico teen arrested after kidnapping, shootingCLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico teen is facing charges after police say he kidnapped and shot two adults. KRQE-TV reports the 16-year-old male was arrested following a standoff at a Clovis home. According to police, officers were called to the home following reports of gunfire. Clovis Police Department SWAT arrived and the department's armored vehicle was able to provide cover to remove the woman. The woman and a man were taken to Plains Regional Medical Center as both were injured by gunfire. The female was later transferred to a Lubbock, Texas, hospital. Police have not identified the victims. The teen was later arrested.
- EUNICE-DEFAMATION LAWSUIT
Ex-Eunice officials sue mayor, city manager for defamationEUNICE, N.M. (AP) — The previous administration of a southeastern New Mexico city is suing the current administration for libel and slander. The Hobbs News-Sun reports former Eunice mayor J. Matt White and former city manager Martin Moore last week filed the lawsuit in state district court against Mayor Billy Hobbs, City Manager Jordan Yutzy and others. Court documents say the officials communicated falsehoods maliciously to defame White and Moore. Hobbs and Yutzy did not immediately return phone messages. Last year, Yutzy told the News-Sun the city would be seeking reimbursement of more than $34,000 for repair of the house that had been damaged in a sewer back-up situation while it had been unoccupied around June 2015.
- STEALING TVS WHILE DRUNK
New Mexico man says he unknowingly stole TVs while drunkGALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man is facing charges after he told police he unknowingly stole two televisions while drunk. The Gallup Independent reports Sage Aaron Cummins was arrested last week shortly following his arrival to the victim's apartment to return the TVs. According to Gallup police, an officer was investigating a burglary report when Cummins approached him and admitted he had stolen the televisions from the victim's home. Cummins told police he was "very intoxicated" when he entered the residence. The 24-year-old Cummins was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property. He was released on an unsecured bond of $1,500.
- ENDANGERED WOLVES
Endangered gray wolf population on the rise in southwest USTHE EDGE OF THE GILA WILDERNESS, N.M. (AP) — There are more Mexican gray wolves in the wild now than at any time since the U.S. government began reintroducing the endangered species in the American Southwest more than two decades ago. Federal officials on Wednesday announced the result of the latest survey, saying there are at least 163 wolves in the wild in New Mexico and Arizona. That marks a nearly 25% jump in the population from the previous year. No matter the number, ranchers and rural residents say the situation for them has become untenable. They point to thousands of dollars in losses as 2019 marked a record year for cattle killed by the wolves.
- NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Storm system to cross New Mexico on Wednesday, ThursdayALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The National Weather Service says a storm system producing widespread rain, mountain snow and strong wind will move eastward across New Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday. The weather service says impacts on travel are possible over high terrain and strong winds are likely Thursday with gusts of 55 mph possible. Forecasters say a few thunderstorms are likely and that snow levels will be at 8,000 feet but fall to near 5,000 feet by Thursday morning.
- ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Mathys says he has signatures for ballot in US House raceALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Las Cruces businessman says he has collected enough signatures to qualify to be placed on the ballot in a crucial U.S. House race in southern New Mexico. Chris Mathys told The Associated Press he will submit more than 3,000 signatures and is planning to be on the Republican primary ballot for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional seat. His announcement comes days after failing to obtain enough delegates at a statewide GOP convention. Mathys, former state lawmaker Yvette Herrell and oil executive Claire Chase are seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small. Herrell earned top billing at a statewide GOP convention on the Republican primary ballot for the 2nd Congressional District.
- UNEARTHED RADIOACTIVE WASTE
Hazardous waste found under housing site in New MexicoSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A crew in northern New Mexico has found low-level radioactive waste buried on land the U.S. Energy Department had transferred to Los Alamos County. The discovery has stopped construction of an affordable housing project northwest of Santa Fe. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the state Environment Department ordered the agency to provide more information about the waste found last month at a former Los Alamos National Laboratory site. The Energy Department has supplied documents to the state and is now analyzing the waste. There are concerns over the potential threat to human health and the environment. Officials say dozens of housing units were scheduled to be built.