- Congresswoman Deb Haaland picks favorite for open House seat
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A progressive voice in New Mexico's congressional delegation is endorsing attorney Teresa Leger Fernandez in a crowded Democratic primary for the state's 3rd Congressional District seat. Leger Fernandez was endorsed Wednesday by Albuquerque-based U.S. Rep. Debra Haaland. Haaland is a tribal member of Laguna Pueblo and was chairwoman of the state Democratic Party before winning election to Congress in 2018. The endorsement holds implications for Democratic candidates including former CIA operative Valerie Plame and Santa Fe-based District Attorney Marco Serna. The Democratic primary is likely to be decisive in the open race to succeed Rep. Ben Ray Luján as he runs for U.S. Senate to replace retiring Sen. Tom Udall.
- Agency cites 'staggering' cost of reining in US wild horses
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Federal land managers say it will take two decades and cost more than $1 billion over the first six years alone to slash wild horse populations to sustainable levels on U.S. rangeland. The Bureau of Land Management's latest plans envision capturing 200,000 mustangs over the next two decades. It also calls for new regulations allowing the sterilization of horses roaming federal lands for the first time. It stops short of repeating past requests to ease prohibitions on the resale of excess horses for slaughter. But horse defenders say that's clearly the intention of painting such a dire picture of the challenges ahead.
- New Mexico hit with infestation of moths after hibernation
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An infestation of moths has hit the state of New Mexico amid an ideal climate for the invading bugs. KRQE-TV reports thousands of moths have been seen in state parks, outside of homes, and along highways. Albuquerque BioPark Curator of Entomology Jason Schaller says the moths come from a family called Noctuidae. He says most of them are pretty medium to small, brownish, and greyish. Schaller says this influx in moths has been going on for the last two years. He says they spend the winters hibernating under rocks as caterpillars and soil and others fly down south. The infestation is prompting New Mexico residents to post photos and videos on social media about the invading bugs.
- Officials expect $31M loss for New Mexico's largest airport
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — With a drastic reduction in traffic at New Mexico's largest airport, Albuquerque officials say they're estimating revenue loss from fiscal year 2020 to 2022 at $31 million. City officials said Wednesday that the Albuquerque International Sunport is getting more than $19.7 million in grant money as part of federal relief efforts aimed at easing financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The funds are part of nearly $10 billion allocated to more than 3,000 U.S. airports. The extent to which the funds will cover long-term lost revenue is unclear, so Mayor Tim Keller says the city is planning a layered approach based on the scope and rate of recovery.
- New Mexico sewage treatment plant gets odor control tech
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than $15 million has been spent on new odor control technology at a sewage treatment plant that serves New Mexico's most populated area. Officials with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority announced this week that the new technology brings the decades-old plant into the 21st Century. The project is part of a 10-year, $250 million plant overhaul that's now more than halfway complete. The odor control system includes four low-profile aluminum covers. Each dome is about 160 feet in diameter and designed to contain odor-causing compounds emanating from the plant's clarifier tanks.
- New Mexico OKs more businesses to open, mandates masks
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is giving the green light for nonessential businesses including retailers and service providers to reopen come Saturday while mandating that face masks be worn in public with few exceptions. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a news videoconference from the state Capitol that the next public health order will allow businesses to reopen at 25% of ordinary occupancy to avoid crowding and guard against coronavirus transmission. Large retailers have a 20% limit. New Mexico health officials cautioned that infections among children are surging. New Mexico health officials have announced 12 more deaths and 155 newly confirmed infections from the coronavirus.
- Panel to consider petition seeking Pecos River protections
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Farmers, environmentalists and local officials say portions of the Pecos River, its tributaries and drainages in the upper reaches of the northern New Mexico watershed should be protected against future degradation. They are petitioning the state Water Quality Control Commission for an outstanding national waters designation. The commission agreed Tuesday to consider the petition and set a hearing for November. The move comes as residents have come out against a mining company's proposal to conduct exploratory drilling. Those behind the petition say the Pecos watershed supports agriculture as well as an economy that draws millions of dollars each year from hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
- Hikers fight plan for border wall at start of scenic trail
PHOENIX (AP) — Hikers of the 800-mile Arizona Trail are opposing the proposed construction of a border wall they say will destroy the beginning marker of the nationally protected route. The government plans on building a two-mile stretch of 30-foot fencing at Border Monument 102, a historical marker where the Arizona Trail begins. It has to waive a law that provides national protection for the trail, which is one of only 11 nationally recognized scenic trails. The plan is part of President Donald Trump's campaign promise to build a wall along the southern border.