- ELECTION 2021-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Nearly 13,000 absentee and early ballots have been cast in local elections that will determine the next mayors of New Mexico's largest city as well as its state capital, with two weeks remaining before Election Day. The secretary of state's office on Tuesday released its first tally of voter participation in the consolidated Nov. 2 election for local government offices including school boards and bond initiatives that influence local tax rates. More than 25,000 absentee ballots have been requested. Mayors Tim Keller in Albuquerque and Alan Webber in Santa Fe are running for reelection in three-way races.
- AIR FORCE CONTAMINATION-ALBUQUERQUE
CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico environmental protection officials have wrapped up testing of nearly five dozen private wells near a U.S. Air Force base in eastern New Mexico for so-called "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. The chemicals can be toxic to humans and animals. The state Environment Department said Monday that neither of two PFAS contaminants the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established health advisories for were detected in the samples collected during the study. However, other types of PFAS compounds were found at very low levels in some wells. Contamination with the chemicals has been documented at and around Cannon and Holloman air force bases, leading to a legal fight with the Air Force.
- AMAZON-CARGO FACILITY-ALBUQUERQUE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Amazon is eying the airport of New Mexico's most populous city as the site for construction of a new cargo facility. Albuquerque City Council members on Monday formally proposed a lease agreement for Seattle-based Amazon to build a 30,750-square-foot cargo facility at the Albuquerque International Sunport. Amazon spokeswoman Eileen Hards declined comment beyond a prepared statement saying that the company hasn't signed a lease for the site yet, but is "actively exploring options locally." Albuquerque officials said existing cargo operations at the airport are at capacity. The city recently secured a $6.5 million federal grant to expand the airport's cargo apron.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is clearing the way for hospitals to ration care if necessary. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase says hospitals already have been juggling patients with fewer resources, and the order he signed Monday sets up an "equitable procedure" for making tough decisions. Hospitals can suspend procedures that aren't medically necessary if they don't have capacity. Officials say many patients are being treated for non-COVID-19 illnesses and for delaying care. State officials again pushed vaccinations, as the rate in New Mexico continues to hover just below 72%. There is a proposal being introduced in Albuquerque that would require that city's police officers and first responders to be vaccinated or face termination.
- ELECTIONS EDUCATION FUNDING
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Early voting is underway across New Mexico towns, including for education funding. If approved, ballot measures would renew property taxes to pay for school buildings, computers and air ventilation systems. Due to changes in the state funding formula, 100% of the property tax mill levies would stay in local school districts. In the past, the state took credit for 75% of the taxes, allowing it to send more money to other schools across the state. School districts are also getting $900 million in federal pandemic aid this year. Early voting is underway, and the final Election Day is Nov. 2.
- SKYBOX FALL-LEGAL SETTLEMENT
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A man who fell from a luxury suite at a university sports arena in Albuquerque onto concrete stairs below has been awarded $144,000 under a state-negotiated settlement. During a basketball game in December 2016 at the University of New Mexico, Eduardo Bracamonte Jr. fell while making his way to a seat and his momentum carried him over a short wall. The university denies wrongdoing and had no immediate comment Monday. Bracamonte landed feet-first, shattering bones in his foot and ankle in a fall witnessed by his son. A lawsuit described the design and arrangement of the luxury suite as dangerous.
- ARMY VETERAN KILLING
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The man convicted of killing a decorated Army veteran at an Albuquerque ATM in 2016 will get a new trial. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the state Court of Appeals overturned the convictions of Matthew Chavez in a ruling earlier this month. A jury found Chavez guilty in 2018 of second-degree murder and lesser charges in 24-year-old Tyler Lackey's death. He was sentenced to more than 23 years. The Court of Appeals found jurors should have been told they could consider a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. Defense attorneys say Chavez tried to rob Lackey but then shot him in self-defense after Lackey drew his own gun.
- CLERGY SEX ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It's been nearly three years since the Archdiocese of Santa Fe filed for bankruptcy, and letters sent to a federal judge reflect impatience with the pace of proceedings. About 385 victims filed claims against the archdiocese, saying they were sexually abused by clergy members. The archdiocese's vicar general wrote on the institution's website at the end of September it is collecting money to pay the victims. The archdiocese also is negotiating with insurance companies, and the vicar general acknowledged that it "may take a while." A lawyer representing the diocese in the case said the frustration of survivors is understandable.