- GIRL KILLING-TRIAL
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Opening statements have started this week for a trial against a New Mexico man prosecutors say raped and killed 6-year-old Ariana "Jade" Romeo in August 2018. Jade's mother, Stephanie Romeo, told a jury on Wednesday that she came home from a long night of work and didn't notice until the following morning on Aug. 11 that her daughter was dead. Court records show Jade had multiple injuries to her body. The Rio Rancho Police Department responded to the home where an officer encountered 24-year-old Leland Hust, later identified as a suspect. Hust is charged with child abuse and rape and could be sentenced to life in prison.
- STIMULUS IMMIGRANTS ROUND TWO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico residents who weren't eligible for those $1,400 direct cash payments from the federal government have another chance to get some direct relief. New Mexico state officials are accepting applications starting next week for a $5 million program approved by the state legislature. It offers up to $750 to state residents not eligible for federal relief, including immigrants in the country without legal permission, elderly residents who count as dependants, and others. Applicants can prove residency with taxpayer numbers and state driver's licenses. Both are available to immigrants without legal status. A similar round of payments in December reached around 15,000 people.
- BETTER INTERNET-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top information technology official says a new $100 million state account for expanding access to high-speed internet is just a start and that investments of $1 billion are likely needed to modernize infrastructure. In a presentation to legislators on Thursday, Information Technology Secretary John Salazar said that international consultant Deloitte is helping the state anticipate opportunities for federal grants to improve internet access and data transfer rates. A nationwide search is underway for an administrator to guide New Mexico's expansion of high-speed internet. The COVID-19 pandemic and a year-long pivot to online learning have exposed gaps in internet service.
- OIL AND GAS-SPILLS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico oil and gas regulators have revised state rules to make it unlawful for drillers to spill liquid waste. The Oil Conservation Commission adopted the changes Thursday, a day after hearing testimony from environmentalists, industry representatives and residents. The changes stem from a joint proposal by the state's energy agency and the environmental group WildEarth Guardians. Before now, New Mexico — one of the top producing states in the U.S. — did not have a rule barring operators from spilling oil and other byproducts from hydraulic fracturing. Instead, companies had to report the spill and then work with the state to clean it up.
- FLOODING-EMERGENCY
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Severe flooding in eastern New Mexico has prompted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to declare states of emergency in Lincoln and Chaves counties. The governor issued her executive orders Wednesday. State officials say the flooding that began over the Memorial Day weekend continues to threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. The declarations will free up $1.5 million for the counties to use for repairs and to prevent more damage. Local officials say a levee near Roswell was overwhelmed by heavy rain over the holiday weekend and that water had breached the levee in at least two locations.
- COLORADO RIVER-DROUGHT
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A key reservoir on the Colorado River is shrinking to record low levels, prompting concerns throughout the drought-stricken U.S. West about future water supply. The dropping surface elevation of Lake Mead along the Arizona-Nevada state line dipped to a historic low on Wednesday, surpassing 2016. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation says the lake level is projected to continue falling until November, affecting recreation and hydropower efficiency. Already, water users in Arizona and Nevada are prepared to get less water in 2022 from the Colorado River. Millions of people in the U.S. West rely on the river that has been declining amid a prolonged drought and climate change.
- POLICE SHOOTING-ESPANOLA
ESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — Two Espanola police officers fatally shot a man who allegedly used his vehicle to drag one of the officers during an encounter in a park. A New Mexico State Police statement said the officers drew their guns and shot 38-year-old Luis Nathan Leyba of Española, Tuesday night after he disregarded commands to stop. The statement said a woman who was with Leyba was released from a hospital after treatment for minor injuries. The two officers were placed on administrative leave pending the State Police investigation into the incident.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Private child care centers are the latest to offer perks to parents lining up to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Starting last week and running through July 4, they are offering free child care to parents with vaccine appointments, or who are recovering from vaccine side effects. That's on top of other corporate and state incentives, which range from free beer to lottery sweepstakes. State early childhood officials announced the participation Wednesday of the state's largest daycare chains, KinderCare and La Petite Academy, in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. YMCA locations across the state are also offering free child care, including for nonmembers.