- POLITICAL ACCESS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor posts her first appointments online
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An online appointment book is providing clues about who met with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham during her tumultuous first months in office.
Accessible on Monday, the schedule of daily events and meetings shows Lujan Grisham set aside time for Native American leaders, an ExxonMobile subsidiary and an investor in a proposed racetrack-casino.
Lujan Grisham scheduled time with state lawmakers from both parties as the Legislature approved teacher pay increases, gun control laws and energy reforms. A dinner was reserved for lead House budget negotiator and Rep. Patricia Lundstrom.
The governor's appointments included actor-turned-politician Steven Quezada of "Breaking Bad" fame and a call with President Trump's former secretary of homeland security.
Meetings apparently were held with political strategist David Contarino, former chief of staff to Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson.
- IMMIGRATION-NEW MEXICO
Migrant funding proposal put before Albuquerque City Council
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque city councilor is proposing a $250,000 emergency fund for the city to assist migrants released by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The resolution sponsored by City Councilor Pat Davis on Monday proposes funding a full-time Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs position for an asylum services coordinator.
If approved, the money also would fund contracts with non-profits, faith-based organizations and other groups to provide medical services, showers, clothing, toiletries and shelter for migrants.
The proposal follows a decision in Las Cruces for the southern New Mexico city to spend $75,000 on humanitarian aid amid an influx of international asylum seekers.
Citing local officials, the Las Cruces Sun-News reports that federal authorities have dropped off more than 1,700 asylum seekers in the city since April 12.
- MILITARY BASE-JET FUEL SPILL
Air Force spends $125M cleaning up New Mexico jet fuel spill
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Air Force says it has spent $125 million so far cleaning up thousands of tons of soil and millions of gallons of water contaminated by jet fuel at a base bordering New Mexico's largest city.
Air Force Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Correll briefed Albuquerque water utility managers on the project at Kirtland Air Force Base during a meeting last week.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Correll also reiterated the Air Force's commitment to the clean-up. He said drinking water wells are tested monthly and no contamination has been found.
The fuel leak — believed to have been seeping into the ground for decades — was detected in 1999.
While state and military officials say drinking wells are protected, community watchdogs are pushing for an independent review of the cleanup.
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- AP-US-BORDER-ARMED-GROUPS-ARREST-THE-LATEST
Latest: New Mexico man charged after weapons found at home
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A member of an armed civilian group that has detained migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border was charged Monday with being a felon in possession of firearms.
The federal charges stem from a search of his New Mexico home in 2017.
Larry Hopkins made his initial court appearance Monday in Las Cruces. The 69-year-old man was arrested over the weekend near Sunland Park, where he and others members of his group have been patrolling the border.
The group gained attention last week for stopping hundreds of migrants, drawing criticism from immigrant advocates and Democratic leaders in New Mexico.
A criminal complaint states Hopkins, who has three prior felony convictions, had nine firearms and ammunition in his northern New Mexico home.
Federal officials declined to say why they waited over a year to file the charges.
Hopkins' lawyer said he plans to enter a plea of not guilty at a bond hearing in Albuquerque next week.
- NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
New Mexico utility says it will be emissions-free by 2040
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider says it's the nation's first investor-owned utility to set a goal of being 100% emissions-free by 2040.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico made the announcement Monday while gathered with dozens of state, local and tribal officials and students in Albuquerque.
The announcement comes as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and fellow Democrats in the Legislature push for more renewable energy investments and to adopt policies addressing climate change.
That includes a law passed during the legislative session that sets ambitious renewable energy goals. Utilities such as PNM must get at least half of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. That would jump to 80 percent by 2040.
PNM CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn says technological advancements and battery storage will help the utility meet that goal five years ahead of the state's schedule.
- ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
2020 could disrupt New Mexico's all-male Senate lineage
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A woman is knocking on the door of the ultimate boys' club in New Mexico politics, as Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver signals her interest in the 2020 race for U.S. Senate.
Toulouse Oliver was viewed Monday as a likely candidate for a seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Udall. New Mexico never has sent a woman to the U.S. Senate, though it has elected consecutive female governors.
An unabashed progressive, Toulouse Oliver registered a campaign committee last week with the Federal Election Commission. The Democratic nomination already is being sought by U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján.
GOP Senate nominee Heather Wilson lost in 2012 amid a gradual Democratic electoral shift. Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich won re-election last year in a three-way contest without female or minority candidates.
- FORREST FENN TREASURE-STALKER
Nevada man arrested for lurking outside Forrest Fenn's home
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Santa Fe police say a Nevada man with a history of stalking famed art and antiquities collector Forrest Fenn's family has been arrested.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Francisco "Paco" Chavez of Henderson was arrested in Nevada on Monday, two days after he allegedly went to Fenn's home.
According to jail records, he is being held in lieu of bond.
Fenn's 2010 memoir, in which he writes of hiding $1 million in treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, has drawn would-be treasure hunters over the years.
Police say Chavez was sentenced last year to three years of probation after admitting to stalking Fenn's daughter and adult granddaughter in order to find the treasure.
When reached by email, Fenn said he wished to remain "quiet" about the incident.
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- TRIPLE HOMICIDE
Teen suspects in triple homicide angry over party ejection
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say three teenagers shot and killed three people at a home near Los Lunas because they were kicked out of a party.
KOB-TV in Albuquerque reported Monday that a criminal complaint details a motive for the triple homicide that occurred over the weekend.
According to the complaint, 18-year-old Brandon Dowdy, 19-year-old Robert Wilson and a 17-year-old boy were attending a party hosted by Dowdy's co-worker.
Valencia County sheriff's officials say the three suspects were told to leave after they got into an altercation with others.
The complaint states they left but returned with a shotgun.
Deputies say 40-year-old Darren Bernal and 28-year-old Nathan Morrison from Belen and 29-year-old Joseph Santiago, from Albuquerque, were killed.
The three suspects are in custody.
Court records do not list defense attorneys for them.
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