- VIRUS OUTBREAK-INCENTIVES
New Mexico tries carrot-stick approach to boost vaccinationSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state of New Mexico is moving forward with a carrot-and-stick approach to immunizations against COVID-19 with a renewed $100 payout to newly vaccinated residents. That offer started on Monday and remains in effect through the end of August. The strategy was pioneered by New Mexico for several days in June, with about 25,000 eligible participants. The state's $5 million sweepstakes prize for one vaccinated resident is scheduled to be awarded on Saturday. President Joe Biden has recommended that more states use cash payments to break through plateaus in vaccination rates. A immunization mandate for vaccine-eligible state workers takes effect Tuesday.
- TRIPLE MURDER CONVICTIONS UPHELD
New Mexico court affirms sentencing in 2011 triple killingsSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court is upholding the sentencing of a man who, as a teen, killed three members of a family with a large pickax. The high court announced Monday that it determined Nicholas Ortiz's constitutional rights were not violated because he was sentenced as an adult for three first-degree murder convictions. Ortiz's attorneys argued that since he was 16 at the time of the crimes, Ortiz should have had an "amenability hearing" to see if he was open to some sort of juvenile rehabilitation. But the court argued an amenability hearing is only mandated for minors convicted of second-degree murder. Ortiz was sentenced to25 years in 2019.
- DRIVE-BY KILLING-TRIAL
Trial in 2018 Espanola drive-by shooting death to beginSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A murder trial for an Ojo Caliente man is slated to begin this week after being delayed more than a year because of possible COVID-19 exposure. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that jury selection was underway Monday for the trial of 25-year-old Mark Hice, who faces first-degree murder and other charges. Hice was about to go on trial in July 2020 when his defense attorney disclosed she was exposed to COVID-19 patients while working as a midwife. The judge declared a mistrial. Hice is accused of killing 18-year-old Cameron Martinez and wounding three others on N.M. 68 north of Española in October 2018 in a case of mistaken identity.
- NEW MEXICO UNITED-STADIUM
Albuquerque to vote to put $50M bond for stadium on ballotALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque officials will vote on a resolution Monday to let voters decide whether to pursue a new stadium for the New Mexico United soccer team. KOB-TV reports city councilors will weigh the resolution for a ballot measure involving a $50 million dollar tax revenue bond. The resolution has been heavily promoted by Mayor Tim Keller, who collaborated with the team's owner. The $50 million would fund designing, constructing and improving the stadium. Advocates say the stadium could be used for several things beyond soccer matches such as concerts and other massive events.The Albuquerque City Council is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m.
- RACIAL INJUSTICE-POLICE CANDIDATES
Police officers become candidates as policing debate ragesLAS VEGAS (AP) — About a half-dozen police chiefs and high-ranking law enforcement officers are running for higher office more than a year after George Floyd's murder prompted debate over police reform and whether to slash law enforcement funding. The candidates are white, Black and Latino and a mixture of Republicans and Democrats. Their political views mostly tack toward the center but sometimes defy traditional party lines. As violence rises in cities nationwide, the outcome of these elections could send a strong signal about evolving attitudes on policing and crime in America.
- ALBUQUERQUE HOMICIDE
Albuquerque police respond to 3rd homicide case of weekendALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say they are investigating their third homicide case of the weekend. They say officers were called out around 2 a.m. Sunday after a man was found unresponsive and with trauma to his body. Police say the man was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name and age haven't been released yet. On Saturday morning, police were called to a southeast Albuquerque neighborhood about a man found dead outside a residence. Officers also were called to a southeast Albuquerque apartment complex where a person was found dead Saturday evening.
- UTILITY SHUTOFFS
New Mexico's largest utilities to resume normal billingALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Tens of thousands of people in New Mexico who are behind on their gas and electric bills could lose power as soon as mid-August. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission prevented utilities from disconnecting service over unpaid bills during much of the pandemic. The moratorium for investor-owned and large gas companies ended in May but has a 90-day transition period. The soonest customers could be cut off is Aug. 12. Utilities say shutoffs are a last resort and would happen only after customers receive multiple past-due notices. The utilities and the state also have financial assistance for people struggling to pay their bills.
- MAN FATALLY SHOT-WIFE ARRESTED
74-year-old New Mexico woman is accused of killing husbandALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a 74-year-old New Mexico woman has been accused of fatally shooting her husband and wounding another person after a night of heavy drinking. The Albuquerque Journal reported Sunday that Sheryl Graeb is jailed on suspicion of an open count of murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon. Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office deputies responded around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday to a home about 20 miles south of Santa Fe. A neighbor called 911 to say she found a woman in her yard with a shoulder wound. The victim told deputies she had been shot by Graeb and that woman also allegedly shot her 75-year-old husband, Kenneth Graeb.