- 81 new coronavirus cases in New Mexico; 12th death reported
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials have announced 81 new cases of coronavirus and the state's 12th death. The state Department of Health said Sunday that New Mexico now has 624 cases of COVID-19 including 34 new positive cases in Sandoval County and 21 in Bernalillo County. Health officials said a McKinley County man in his 40s died Sunday and had underlying chronic medical conditions. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus-related deaths on the Navajo Nation has grown to 13. The Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service announced one new death Sunday and 51 new confirmed cases. Of the 321 confirmed positive cases on the vast reservation, most are in Arizona, including 137 in Navajo County.
- Super PAC: GOP House hopeful in New Mexico 'bashing' Trump
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — A new super PAC with ties to a New Mexico oil trucking company owner is attacking Republican House candidate Yvette Herrell for what it called lying about her support for President Donald Trump. A Super PAC calling itself Citizens for a United New Mexico said in ads this week former state lawmaker Herrell sent emails in 2016 "to undermine Trump's campaign for president." The group also said Herrell was recently critical of Trump on a podcast. Herrell called the ad "disgusting." Herrell, oil executive Claire Chase and Las Cruces businessman Chris Mathys are vying for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, who represents the traditionally Republican-leaning seat in southern New Mexico.
- Police: Sheriff's deputy arrested store worker after 'look'
ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (AP) — A former deputy of the troubled Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office has been charged with battery and false imprisonment in connection with an episode at a Family Dollar store. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Joseph Aquino recently was charged after New Mexico State Police say he pushed and fought with a store employee before arresting him on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in March 2019. Police say Aquino had no lawful authority to do so. According to the complaint, the 44-year-old Aquino told an investigator he felt threatened by the employee because of the way the worker looked at him in Chimayó, New Mexico.
- New Mexico Land Office considers emergency oil and gas rule
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Land managers in New Mexico are considering an emergency rule that would allow oil and gas companies that lease state trust land to temporarily stop producing without penalty for at least 30 days, with a possible extension of up to 120 days. State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard on Friday pointed to the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. She says it's in the best interest of public schools and other trust land beneficiaries if her agency allows companies to apply for temporary well shut-ins. A public hearing is planned for April 17.
- Cleanup of US nuclear waste takes back seat as virus spreads
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. government's efforts to clean up Cold War-era waste from nuclear research and bomb making at federal sites around the country has lumbered along for decades, often at a pace that watchdogs and other critics say threatens public health and the environment. Now, fallout from the global coronavirus pandemic is resulting in more challenges as the nation's only underground repository for nuclear waste finished ramping down operations Wednesday to keep workers safe. Shipments to the desert outpost will be limited for the foreseeable future while national laboratories and defense sites around the country have shifted to only those operations considered "mission critical."
- Police: Man tried to set wife on fire over stimulus check
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man is facing charges after police say he became enraged he didn't qualify for a COVID-19-related stimulus check and tried to set his wife on fire. The Albuquerque Journal reports Joe Macias was arrested Wednesday shortly following an argument with his disabled wife, where he allegedly doused her with gasoline. According to police, the 63-year-old Macias pulled out a cigarette and attempted to light it several times, but was unsuccessful due to the lighter getting gasoline on it. Macias charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated battery against a household member.
- New Mexico city mayor sworn in after predecessor indicted
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — The northern New Mexico city of Las Vegas has officially sworn in a new mayor whose predecessor resigned amid bribery charges. The Las Vegas Optic reports Louie Trujillo took the oath of office Wednesday during a special ceremony that was live-streamed to the public. The ceremony was limited to five people due to order restrictions over the spread of COVID-19. Trujillo was elected during the March municipal election, when he received 57.4% of the votes. He replaces Tonita Gurule-Giron, who resigned in January two weeks after she was indicted on charges of bribery and accepting kickbacks.
- Police: Husband captured, charged in wife's disappearance
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say the husband of a missing Florida woman was arrested in New Mexico in connection to her disappearance. Jupiter Police say 43-year-old David E. Anthony was charged Tuesday with the second-degree murder and kidnapping of Gretchen Anthony. Police say she was last seen March 20. Police haven't elaborated on the evidence that led them to his arrest. The Palm Beach Post reports the Anthonys have an open divorce case that was filed in late February. Police say David Anthony was also arrested five days before his wife's disappearance for violently resisting arrest. He is awaiting extradition back to Palm Beach County.