- FRATERNITY BANNED-HAZING
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University has suspended a fraternity for five years after a student was injured in a shooting during an initiation event. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Kappa Sigma fraternity held the November event at a campground in Cloudcroft. One member has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon while intoxicated. He told investigators he did not know the .40 caliber handgun was loaded when he shot the other student's leg. Officials say Kappa Sigma's New Mexico State charter has been revoked and the organization banned from campus through 2024.
- LEGAL SERVICES-ACCESS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More New Mexico residents would have access to civil legal services under proposals approved by the state Supreme Court. The Chief Justice said Friday the court recognizes the state faces a significant gap in access to justice. She pointed to residents who cannot afford an attorney to resolve legal problems ranging from housing and financial disputes to family matters such as child custody and support. The proposals endorsed by the court include efforts to attract more out-of-state law school graduates to practice in New Mexico and possible financial incentives for attorneys who practice in rural or underserved communities.
- VAPING RESTRICTIONS-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators are considering a full ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine vaping products along with more robust oversight of retail sales to discourage use by young people. Backed by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, one initiative would expand enforcement of the age limit on tobacco sales by requiring licenses for retailers. The licenses could be revoked for repeated illegal sales to those under age 21. Some legislators support new sanctions against sales to children but oppose restrictions on flavored products for adults.
- POLICE SHOOTING-ALBUQUERQUE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police say a man sought in an earlier shooting was shot and wounded during an exchange of gunfire with at least one officer early Friday morning. Police say a gun was found at the scene and that 31-year-old Daniel Montoya was in police custody after being treated at a hospital. No details on his injuries were released but police said no officer was injured. Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said the man later identified as Montoya was sought in a shooting Thursday morning. Nobody was hurt in that incident. Montoya was jailed on suspicion of aggravated assault and other crimes. Court records didn't list a defense attorney for Montoya who could comment on his behalf about the allegations.
- CAPULIN VOLCANO-ROAD REOPENS
CAPULIN, N.M.. (AP) — The only road to the top of an extinct volcano in northeastern New Mexico has reopened after being closed for five months. Capulin Volcano National Monument officials reopened the road Thursday, ending a closure that began Aug. 9 due to a washout caused by heavy rain. Monument officials cautioned drivers to obey restrictions in a 90-yard (82-meter) segment of the road that has only one lane. The road is closed to RVs, buses, attached trailers or any other vehicles over 26 feet (7.9 meters) long while the road has the one-lane section. Officials say the road may close again in the future for maintenance.
- COAL MINE OPERATOR-TAXES
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Federal officials say the newest operator of three coal mines has fallen behind on federal and county mineral taxes. The Casper Star-Tribune reported Thursday that the Navajo Transitional Energy Company owes the federal government more than $10 million in unpaid taxes. Officials say the U.S. Interior Department filed a motion in bankruptcy court this month. Officials say the company took over the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Wyoming and the Spring Creek mine in Montana in October from bankrupt coal firm Cloud Peak Energy. Officials say part of the agreement was that Navajo Transitional Energy Company would pay royalties accumulated since May in payments, but the company fell behind.
- FIRE STATION RENAMED
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — City council members in New Mexico have named a fire station after late councilor Ken Sanchez. The Albuquerque City Council met Wednesday for the first time since Sanchez's death and voted unanimously to name a fire station in western Albuquerque after him. Council members say Sanchez was "instrumental in securing funding for the land acquisition and construction of" the station, which opened in 2012. Sanchez was elected in 2005 and represented a west side district that included west of the Rio Grande between Central and Montano. The Albuquerque Journal reported he died Jan. 1 from an undisclosed medical emergency.
- NEW MEXICO-COAL PLANT
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The closure of a coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Nation sooner than expected will be a major blow to a region where coal has been a mainstay of the economy for decades. The Arizona Public Service Co. operates the Four Corners Power Plant near Farmington, New Mexico. The utility announced this week it will close the plant in 2031 — several years earlier than expected. Regional officials say they're more focused now on promoting tourism and recreation, and ensuring the area has internet and other infrastructure to draw businesses. Another coal plant just miles away is set to close in 2022.