Albuquerque news

• NMSU campus to get 120-room hotel

  15-04-2016 23:58
  
  LAS CRUCES — A 120-room hotel will be built on the New Mexico State University campus, according to the Albuquerque development team behind the project. Tentative plans for the four-story property call for it to be branded as a Courtyard by Marriott, according to a news release. Estimated construction costs were not immediately available. The […]
  
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• Graduation rate in Santa Fe increases to 66.8 percent

  15-04-2016 23:54
  
  Graduation rates for Santa Fe Public Schools students continued their upward trend and closed the gap yet again on the statewide average, according to graduation data released Friday by the state Public Education Department. A  third of Santa Fe students still don’t graduate or don’t graduate on time. Santa Fe’s graduation rate for the 2015 […]
  
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• New Mexico school board member resigns due to old conviction

  15-04-2016 23:50 via krqe.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) – A northern New Mexico school board member has resigned amid controversy over his previously unknown 2002 drug conviction.
  The Las Vegas Optic reports that Anthony “Leroy” Benavidez resigned from his position at a West Las Vegas School Board meeting Thursday.
  The resignation comes just over a week after the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office sent a letter warning Benavidez that he would face criminal or civil sanctions if he didn’t step down.
  
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• El Vado Motel project could break ground this summer

  15-04-2016 23:50
  
  A scaled-back redevelopment plan for the El Vado Motel near Old Town has advanced to the point that construction could begin this summer. The $16 million plan to convert the derelict El Vado motor lodge site and an adjacent parcel into an urban city hub on historic Route 66 recently got approval for a reduced […]
  
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• New Mexico unemployment rate declines slightly in March

  15-04-2016 23:44 via krqe.com
  
  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment declined to 6.2 percent in March, down from 6.4 percent in February and 6.5 percent a year ago.
  The state Department of Workforce Solution’s monthly report issued Friday says total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 3,000 jobs between March 2015 and last month.
  The report says six industries added jobs in March and seven reported losses.
  Education and health services was up 6,800 jobs while leisure and hospi
  
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• Training to be held to teach kids dating, cyber safety

  15-04-2016 23:33 via krqe.com
  
  ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – Cyber safety and teen dating violence will be the two main topics for an upcoming student training.
  Starting Monday, the Office of the Attorney General Community Outreach Division will be holding several training sessions in Albuquerque and Wagon Mound. Training InformationCyber Safety – Albuquerque
  Monday and Tuesday, April 18 and 19, 2016 from 7:25am – 2:25pmAlbuquerque High School800 Odelia Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
  Teen Dating Violence – Wagon
  
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• REDW names new managing principal

  15-04-2016 23:30
  
  REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest accounting and business consulting firms, has announced that Steve Cogan will succeed Ron Rivera as managing principal. Rivera has been managing principal for the past 15 years. REDW’s governance structure calls for the election of the managing principal every three years. Cogan was elected in late 2015 […]
  
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• At the Vatican, Sanders blasts ‘immoral’ wealth inequality

  15-04-2016 22:58 via krqe.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican on Friday to address “immoral and unsustainable” wealth inequality and poverty, using the high-profile gathering to echo one of the central platforms of his presidential campaign.
  The Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St. John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on socia
  
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• FBI seeks man who used stolen truck to drag away Albuquerque ATM

  15-04-2016 22:19
  
  Albuquerque police and the FBI are looking for a man who allegedly used a stolen rental truck to drag an ATM away from a northeast Albuquerque bank Friday morning.
  
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• APS graduation rate dips to 61.7 percent in 2015

  15-04-2016 21:29
  
  Fewer Albuquerque high school students are earning diplomas in four years, according to new data released today by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Districtwide, 61.7 percent of the class of 2015 got caps and gowns, compared with 62.5 percent in 2014 and 68.7 percent in 2013. The APS statistics also highlight a large achievement […]
  
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• Market boycott due to LGBT law could hurt state’s economy

  15-04-2016 21:24
  
  HIGH POINT, N.C. — Furniture retailer Ron Werner usually spends $2 million a year at North Carolina’s gargantuan, semiannual furniture market, but he’s skipping this week’s event. Werner knows not attending the High Point Market will mean missing an early look at new trends that could get hot later on, translating to big sales for […]
  
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• AMC U-turns; texting in theaters now on ‘cutting room floor’

  15-04-2016 21:23
  
  LOS ANGELES — Oops. The idea lasted about as long as a Snapchat text: the head of AMC Theatres mulled openly about creating texting-friendly movie theaters to appeal to smartphone-addicted youngsters. Two days later, after a backlash on social media, the company says it’s leaving the idea on “the cutting room floor.” Adam Aron, who […]
  
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• Storms after mine spill raised some pollutants, not others

  15-04-2016 21:22 via krqe.com
  
  DENVER (AP) – Researchers who studied a southwestern Colorado river after a massive mine spill say runoff from autumn storms kicked up the levels of some contaminants in the river but not others.
  A report released by the Environmental Protection Agency Friday may offer clues about what will happen this year when melting mountain snow makes the Animas River run higher, potentially stirring up pollutants that settled to the bottom.
  The EPA inadvertently triggered a 3-million-gallon spill fro
  
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• Head of New Mexico oil and gas group to retire

  15-04-2016 21:22
  
  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The head of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association will be retiring later this year and the industry group has launched a national search for his replacement. Steve Henke’s last day will be Sept. 1. He has served as president of the group for the past six years. He previously was […]
  
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• US rig count drops 3 this week to 440, another all-time low

  15-04-2016 21:20 via krqe.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) – The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. dropped by three this week to 440, again reaching an-time low amid depressed energy industry prices.
  A year ago, 954 rigs were active.
  Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday 351 rigs sought oil and 89 explored for natural gas.
  Among major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas lost three rigs and Alaska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Wyoming each dropped one.
  New Mexico gained two rigs w
  
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• Motorcycle rider injured in Rio Bravo crash dies

  15-04-2016 21:19
  
  One of two motorcycle riders seriously injured in a Thursday crash has died.
  
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• New Mexico asks primary care to help with suicide prevention

  15-04-2016 21:18 via krqe.com
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico officials are turning to primary care doctors to help lower the state’s suicide rate.
  The New Mexican reports that officials are training primary care providers to screen for mental health issues because they are often a suicidal patient’s only connection to the health care system.
  The state’s suicide rate has soared to a 19-year high. The latest data places it fifth-highest in the nation.
  New Mexico’s budget for fiscal year 201
  
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• Latina governor’s fundraising prowess on display at GOP gala

  15-04-2016 21:16 via krqe.com
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – Second-term Gov. Susana Martinez is raising money through a political committee as if she still is a political contender, and lavishing more funds than ever on a political strategist while taking her tough-talking agenda on immigration issues and taxes to out-of-state audiences.
  The fundraising prowess of the nation’s only Latina governor and potential pick for vice president was on display Thursday at a New York City gala where the three GOP presidential candid
  
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• Local hotel searches for ‘Albuquerque’s Best Mom’

  15-04-2016 21:12 via krqe.com
  
  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Think you have the best mother in Albuquerque? One local hotel wants to hear your story.
  It’s all part of their “Albuquerque’s Best Mom” contest.
  Starting Friday, people can submit their stories for a chance to win a luxurious prize package for their mom.
  Chefs at Hotel Andaluz say they wanted to do something more personal and intimate this year, so they decided on a personalized a la carte brunch, a stay in the penthouse and pam
  
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• Updated: Hazmat material causes explosion in Espanola, 2 people treated for burns

  15-04-2016 21:08
  
  SANTA FE — State Police say a canister of an explosive substance ignited and caused an explosion in a Jeep carrying hazmat material in Española, sending two people to the hospital with burns.   Authorities say the Jeep was traveling on Paseo de Oñate near the intersection of Los Alamos Highway around 11 a.m. when at […]
  
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• Police arrest woman accused of attacking boyfriend with scissors

  15-04-2016 21:00 via krqe.com
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A woman is behind bars accused of attacking her boyfriend with scissors.
  According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, 26-year-old Chantelle Chavez told investigators she acted in self-defense.
  Police say they both had been drinking at a Santa Fe home off Old Las Vegas Highway when an argument started.
  Chavez is charged with aggravated battery.
  
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• State Police: 2 injured in Española hazmat situation

  15-04-2016 20:34 via krqe.com
  
  ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – State Police say there is currently a hazmat in Española near Paseo de Onate and Los Alamos Highway.
  According to State Police, a Jeep was transporting hazardous materials around 11 a.m Friday in the area when an explosion occurred.
  Both the driver and a passenger have been transported to a local hospital where they are being treated for burns. No word yet on their condition.
  Emergency responders have since declared that the sc
  
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• Española hazmat situation sends 2 to hospital

  15-04-2016 20:34 via krqe.com
  
  ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – State Police say there is currently a hazmat in Española near Paseo de Onate and Los Alamos Highway.
  According to State Police, a Jeep was transporting hazardous materials around 11 a.m Friday in the area when an explosion occurred.
  Both the driver and a passenger have been transported to a local hospital where they are being treated for burns. No word yet on their condition.
  Emergency responders have since declared that the sc
  
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• Former NMSU student who opened fire at house party takes plea deal

  15-04-2016 20:17 via krqe.com
  
  ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – A former New Mexico State University student who opened fire on fellow students at a house party has taken a plea deal.
  Philip Zaman was arrested in November 2014 after getting into a fight and then holding a gun to the head of 19-year-old Robert Williams.
  Kellen Hester intervened and tried to get the gun away. Both men were shot but did survive.
  Zaman pleaded no contest to several charges including attempted first-degree murder. He faces a maximum of 15 years in
  
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• Balloon Fiesta officials announce higher prices after losing 2 parking lots

  15-04-2016 20:07 via krqe.com
  
  ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – Get ready to pay more for parking at Balloon Fiesta. On Friday, officials announced that they’re losing two parking lots.
  Balloon Fiesta regulars know parking fills up fast, especially on opening weekend for the mass ascension and balloon glow. In the past couple of years, some visitors were turned away because all parking lots were at capacity, and now there will be even fewer spots available.
  Balloon Fiesta officials say two of the private lots they u
  
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• Colorado moving to expand pot advertising restrictions

  15-04-2016 19:44
  
  DENVER — Colorado is expanding a law limiting marijuana advertising. The state House gave tentative approval Friday to a bill saying that medical marijuana can’t be advertised to people under 21. A similar restriction already exists for recreational marijuana advertisers. Sponsors call the expanded limit a commonsense safeguard to prevent underage pot consumption. The industry […]
  
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• AP FACT CHECK: Clinton vs. Sanders on Wall Street

  15-04-2016 19:43
  
  WASHINGTON — Her intent was to mar the voting record of her rival. But Hillary Clinton also cast aspersions on the presidential record of her husband in testy exchanges with Bernie Sanders over Wall Street regulation. A look at some of the claims in Thursday night’s Democratic presidential debate and how they compare with the […]
  
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• Rock ramps at North Texas park help turtles exit the water

  15-04-2016 19:36
  
  BEDFORD, Texas — Some turtles having a tough time crawling out of an updated North Texas pond can now use special exit ramps. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram (http://bit.ly/1qM5G2q ) reported Thursday that the small lake at Boys Ranch Park in Bedford was lined with concrete and has steeper embankments. The reptiles were having a tough […]
  
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• ABQ mayor urges local participation in Gathering of Nations

  15-04-2016 19:36
  
  About 90 percent of the ticket sales for Gathering of Nations — the largest event of its kind, supporters say — are from people outside New Mexico. Mayor Richard Berry on Friday urged local residents to turn out in greater numbers and also enjoy the food, dancing, music and other events that draw visitors from […]
  
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• Fishing fan George H. W. Bush gets giant replica lure

  15-04-2016 19:35
  
  COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Former President George H.W. Bush loves to fish and his well-known appreciation for angling landed him a giant replica of a lure. The 91-year-old Bush was honored Thursday night as part of efforts to get more children — especially Hispanics — interested in fishing. Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris presented […]
  
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• Upcoming steps for New Mexico Real ID

  15-04-2016 19:04
  
  Now that New Mexico is getting Real ID compliant, a lot of residents are wondering what’s next.
  
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• Strong quake hits southern Japan, tsunami advisory

  15-04-2016 19:01 via krqe.com
  
  MASHIKI, Japan (AP) — A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 has struck southern Japan, barely 24 hours after a deadly quake hit the same region.
  The quake shook the Kumamoto region at 1:25 a.m. Saturday. On Thursday night the area was hit by a magnitude 6.5 quake that left nine dead and more than 800 injured.
  Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued an advisory for a tsunami up to 1 meter (3 feet) along the coast east of the epicenter in Kumamoto.
  
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• State Police work to change Amber Alert system

  15-04-2016 19:01 via krqe.com
  
  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – The New Mexico State Police Department is working to change the way Amber Alerts are issued so officers have more control over what information is broadcast after a child is abducted.
  The Albuquerque Journal reports that a State Police spokeswoman says the changes have been in the works for months and are not because of misinformation that was sent during an Amber Alert on Monday.
  Monday’s alert reported incorrect license plate information after a 9-mont
  
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• 2nd strong quake hits southern Japan; some reported trapped

  15-04-2016 19:01 via krqe.com
  
  MASHIKI, Japan (AP) — A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck southern Japan early Saturday, barely 24 hours after a smaller quake hit the same region and killed nine people.
  Japanese broadcaster NHK said a number of calls were coming in from residents reporting people being trapped inside houses and buildings. Video showed a resident, apparently rescued from underneath a collapsed house, on a stretcher being taken to a hospital by ambulance.
  The quake shook the Ku
  
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• Mississippi governor signs law allowing armed church members

  15-04-2016 18:30 via krqe.com
  
  JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Gov. Phil Bryant has signed into law a bill that allows some members of churches to undergo firearms training so they can provide armed security for their congregations.
  The Church Protection Act specifies that those designated can carry guns into church buildings. It also allows people to carry holstered weapons without a permit.
  Republican State Representative Andy Gipson of Braxton says the law gives small congregations an option to defend themselves against attack
  
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• Today in History: April 15

  15-04-2016 18:16 via krqe.com
  
  Today is Friday, April 15, the 106th day of 2016. There are 260 days left in the year.
  Today’s Highlight in History:
  On April 15, 1912, the British luxury liner RMS Titanic foundered in the North Atlantic off Newfoundland more than 2 1/2 hours after hitting an iceberg; 1,514 people died, while less than half as many survived.
  On this date:
  In 1850, the city of San Francisco was incorporated.
  In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln died nine hours after being shot the night before by John Wilkes
  
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• German Air Force to end contract with Holloman base

  15-04-2016 18:08 via krqe.com
  
  ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) – The German Air Force is terminating its contract to train its pilots at Holloman Air Force Base.
  The Alamogordo Daily News reports that the Luftwaffe will end its mission training German pilots in Tornado aircraft by 2019. The German pilots have been a presence at Holloman since 1992.
  Commander of German forces in the United States Col. Heinz-Josef Ferkinghoff says the German Air Force Flying Training Center has appreciated Holloman’s hospitality and that
  
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• House OKs bill on high-speed Internet service rates

  15-04-2016 17:56 via krqe.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans snubbed a White House veto threat and pushed legislation through the House Friday that would bar the government from regulating rates that high-speed Internet service providers charge consumers.
  House approval came on a near party-line 241-173 vote. With the Senate yet to act and facing a promised veto from the Obama administration, the measure faces long odds of enactment.
  Federal Communications Commission has said it has no intention of regulating broadband
  
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• State Police investigating deadly multi-vehicle crash

  15-04-2016 16:59 via krqe.com
  
  LOVING, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico State Police are currently investigating a deadly multi-vehicle near Loving.
  Police say it happened near mile marker 5 on State Road 128 near the southeast New Mexico town.
  They also say the road will be shut down during the investigation.
  KRQE News 13 will update this story as more information becomes available.
  
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• Fans, friends to pay respects to slain former Saints player

  15-04-2016 16:48 via krqe.com
  
  METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Fans of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith will pay their respects Friday to the fallen sports hero who was shot and killed last Saturday.
  The Saints organization and Smith’s family are hosting a visitation Friday afternoon at the team’s practice facility in a New Orleans suburb. Then a traditional second-line parade is set for the evening in the same area Smith died.
  Smith, 34, was shot and killed by Cardell Hayes, 28, after a traffic alter
  
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• US factory output fell again in March

  15-04-2016 16:38
  WASHINGTON — U.S. factory output dropped in March for the second straight month as manufacturers churned out fewer cars, metal parts and machinery. Factory production fell 0.3 percent, following a 0.1 percent drop in February, the Federal Reserve said Friday. The figures suggest that American manufacturers are still struggling with the triple whammy of weak […]
  
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• Obama backs effort to give consumers options on cable boxes

  15-04-2016 16:37 via krqe.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is throwing his weight behind an effort to give consumers more choice when it comes to the cable boxes that control which television channels they watch.
  Most TV subscribers lease boxes from their cable service provider. The Federal Communications Commission is pursuing new regulations giving consumers more options to buy elsewhere. Obama will formally back that effort Friday, the White House said.
  Jason Furman, who advises the president on economic
  
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• GM to recall over 1 million pickups to fix seat belt problem

  15-04-2016 16:37
  DETROIT — General Motors is recalling more than a million Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks worldwide because the seat belts may not hold the driver in a crash. The company, which announced the recall on Friday, says it covers certain 2014 and 2015 model 1500 pickups. A steel cable that connects the belts […]
  
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• US stocks slip as oil prices skid ahead of OPEC meeting

  15-04-2016 16:36
  NEW YORK — U.S. stocks are taking small losses Friday morning as energy companies are slipping with the price of oil. Citigroup became the latest bank to report weak but better-than-expected results for the first quarter. MORNING RUSH: The Dow Jones industrial average fell 28 points, or 0.2 percent, to 17,898 as of 10:10 a.m. […]
  
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• New York primary brings campaign tension to a boil — again

  15-04-2016 16:34 via krqe.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats clashed on a Brooklyn debate stage while Republicans courted donors in Manhattan as “New York values” framed the 2016 race for the White House Thursday night, just days before the state’s high-stakes presidential primaries in both parties.
  As protests raged outside a state GOP gala, Republican front-runner Donald Trump delivered an impassioned defense of the city he calls home. The billionaire businessman praised the city’s response to the
  
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• Judge considers bail requests in Slender Man stabbing cases

  15-04-2016 16:29
  WAUKESHA, Wis. — A judge will consider whether to reduce bail for two Wisconsin girls accused of trying to kill their friend as a sacrifice to the horror fiction character Slender Man. The girls have been in custody for nearly two years. A hearing is set for Friday on their requests that bond be reduced […]
  
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• Author, transgender activist Janet Mock to speak at NMSU

  15-04-2016 16:28
  LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New York Times best-selling author and MSNBC web series host Janet Mock is scheduled to visit New Mexico State University to speak on gender identity. The transgender activist is slated to appear on campus April 19 as part of the university’s Pride Season. Zooey Sophia Pook, coordinator of LGBT+ Programs […]
  
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• New Mexico to hit solar tax credit limit this summer

  15-04-2016 16:23 via krqe.com
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico energy conservation officials have been hit with a flood of applications for the state’s solar tax credit and are on track to meet the $3 million cap way before the end of the year.
  The cap has been met each of the last four years, but officials say it’ll likely happen by the end of July this year.
  This marks the last year for the 10-percent tax credit. A measure that called for extending the incentive through 2024 stalled during the last legisl
  
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• Southeastern New Mexico city cuts salaries amid oil downturn

  15-04-2016 16:22 via krqe.com
  
  EUNICE, N.M. (AP) – A southeastern New Mexico city is cutting salaries for elected officials thanks to a downturn in oil prices.
  The Hobbs News-Sun report that the Eunice City Council set the stage to cut their own paychecks this week a month after the city laid off 10 employees.
  The council made the mostly symbolic move since the savings will amount to only $15,000 per year even though the councilmen’s cut is around 50 percent and the mayor’s cut is 25 percent.
  Eunice May
  
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• Lobos host Basketball Banquet and Awards

  15-04-2016 16:03 via krqe.com
  
  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The 2015-2016 season wasn’t what the Lobos anticipated it would be. They wrapped up 17-15 overall, 10-8 in the Mountain West and had an early exit in the Mountain West Tournament losing to Nevada.
  “I’d say it is a part of the growth process,” said Associate Head Coach Chris Harriman.
  The Lobos are optimistic looking forward, as they are projected to return 9 of their top 10 scores from last season.
  “I think everyone understands
  
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