New Mexico news

• Transgender student: South Dakota bill doesn’t accept me

  17-02-2016 23:49
  
  PIERRE, S.D. — When Thomas Lewis told his South Dakota high school last year that he is transgender, teachers called him by his new name and used male pronouns when addressing him. But he says the accommodations stopped at being able to use the men’s bathroom. Instead, the 18-year-old senior chooses to go home for […]
  
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• House panel agrees wild horses at Salt River need protection

  17-02-2016 22:57
  
  PHOENIX — Lawmakers, wildlife advocates and state officials came together Wednesday to safeguard wild horses that had faced federal roundups near the Salt River, though they were still divided on how those protections should take shape. The U.S. Forest Service planned to remove the horses in December but backed down after public backlash. The agency […]
  
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• Superintendent apologizes after student, 8, handcuffed

  17-02-2016 22:56
  
  TEMPLE, Texas — A Central Texas school administrator has apologized to the family of a disruptive 8-year-old who was briefly handcuffed by a police officer trying to calm the boy. Belton Independent School District Superintendent Susan Kincannon (kin-KAN’-uhn) also says it’s not district practice “to call police for unruly elementary students.” The boy’s stepfather says […]
  
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• Phoenix VA postpones surgeries due to technical difficulties

  17-02-2016 22:56
  
  PHOENIX — Officials at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System say surgeries have been postponed because of technical difficulties with the operation room ventilation system. A VA spokeswoman says all scheduled surgeries for Wednesday are being rescheduled at other area medical facilities. She says an engineering team will complete a review of the mechanical […]
  
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• AZ house panel advances 3 bills affecting gun rights

  17-02-2016 22:56
  
  PHOENIX — A House committee dominated by Republicans advanced a bill Wednesday barring any government agency in Arizona from enforcing new federal firearms laws or regulations. The prohibitions in House Bill 2300 were crafted by gun-right advocates who believe the federal government is poised to enact rules that violate the Second Amendment. “I think it’s […]
  
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• The Latest: Opening statements begin in Islamic State trial

  17-02-2016 22:55
  
  PHOENIX — The Latest on a federal trial in Phoenix against a man charged with supporting the Islamic State group in a case stemming from a thwarted attack at an anti-Islam event in Texas (all times local) 2:50 p.m. Prosecutors have begun making their case against a man standing trial in Phoenix on charges that […]
  
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• Native American venture fund awards $60,000

  17-02-2016 22:42
  
  Los Alamos National Security LLC, which manages Los Alamos National Laboratory, established the venture fund in 2013 to provide seed and early-stage funding for Native American companies and business-related projects.
  
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• Updated: APD: Bronze dog stolen from Museum recovered at recycling yard

  17-02-2016 21:55
  
  The bronze dog stolen from the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History last week was recovered from a recycling yard Wednesday morning, according to a spokesman for the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. “Our recycling metals compliance officer received a call from an individual choosing to remain anonymous saying he had paid an individual […]
  
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• APD: Bronze dog stolen from Museum recovered at recycling yard

  17-02-2016 21:55
  
  The bronze dog stolen from the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History last week has been recovered from a recycling yard, according to a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department. Officer Tanner Tixier said an investigator with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department told him the statue was found Wednesday morning. “We’re working with […]
  
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• Shakespeare continues to pop up in many guises in Santa Fe

  17-02-2016 21:40
  
  “Shake a leg” should be the words of luck for actors in Santa Fe these days, since so much of their work is involving Shakespeare. It’s all part of the activities that have blossomed around the First Folio’s visit to the New Mexico Museum of Art this month. Members of the Santa Fe Shakespeare Society […]
  
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• Utility pleads not guilty in Los Angeles-area gas leak

  17-02-2016 21:31
  
  SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Southern California Gas Co. pleaded not guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor criminal charges stemming from a weekslong leak of gas from a storage well that led thousands of nearby Los Angeles residents to relocate. The utility’s attorneys entered the pleas in Los Angeles County Superior Court in suburban Santa Clarita. “We do […]
  
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• Explosion in Ankara kills at least 18, wounds 45 others

  17-02-2016 21:29
  
  ANKARA, Turkey — Assailants on Wednesday exploded a car bomb near vehicles carrying military personnel in the Turkish capital, killing at least 18 people and wounding some 45 others, officials said. The explosion occurred during evening rush hour in the heart of Ankara, in an area close to where military headquarters and parliament are located. […]
  
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• Thousands turn out for Pope Francis’ visit to Ciudad Juárez

  17-02-2016 20:56
  
  Pope Francis today became the first pope to set foot in Ciudad Juárez, the border town that only recently emerged from a bloody drug war. Multitudes of local residents — New Mexicans and Texans among them — lined up to welcome the pontiff as he made his way through the city to a series of […]
  
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• Los Alamos pays $2 million settlement to three former police officers

  17-02-2016 20:19
  
  Los Alamos County will pay a total of $2 million to three former police officers who two years ago filed a lawsuit claiming retaliation for their actions that led to a fellow officer being sent to the state mental hospital for evaluation. According to a media release from Los Alamos County, former officers Randy Foster, […]
  
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• New: Lawmakers give final OK to bail reform measure

  17-02-2016 20:05
  
  SANTA FE — New Mexico voters will have their say in the November election on a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would allow judges to hold dangerous felony defendants without bail pending trial. The Senate, in a unanimous vote today, gave final approval to the proposed amendment — the result of a compromise reached […]
  
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• German leader renews call for Syria no-fly zone

  17-02-2016 19:39
  
  DAMASCUS, Syria — German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday renewed her proposal for a no-fly zone in Syria where civilians would be protected, a suggestion that was promptly rebuffed by Moscow that said it can only be done with the Syrian government’s consent. In Damascus, over 100 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid that were expected […]
  
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• Former SF County Commissioner Mike Anaya running for state Senate

  17-02-2016 19:36
  
  Former two-term Santa Fe County Commissioner Mike Anaya, a Democrat who lives in Galisteo, plans to formally announce his candidacy for state senator in District 39 on Saturday, according to a news release. District 39, a sprawling area that includes parts of the counties of Bernalillo, Lincoln, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance and Valencia, was […]
  
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• Former Sen. Domenici laments Scalia’s death

  17-02-2016 19:36
  
  Former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, a New Mexico Republican who retired from office in 2008, said today that he mourns the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who was a good friend of Domenici’s and a fellow son of Italian immigrants. Scalia’s body was found at a hunting ranch in West Texas over the […]
  
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• Obama to visit court to pay respects to Scalia on Friday

  17-02-2016 19:35
  
  WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will visit the Supreme Court on Friday to pay their respects as Justice Antonin Scalia lies in repose. Spokesman Josh Earnest says Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden will attend Scalia’s funeral on Saturday at the Basilica of […]
  
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• Nevada race tightens: A big test for Clinton’s campaign

  17-02-2016 19:34
  
  LAS VEGAS — Nevada was supposed to be one of Hillary Clinton’s safest bets. She already had staff on the ground last spring, weeks before officially announcing her presidential bid. One of her earliest campaign stops was an emotional meeting with immigrant students at a Las Vegas high school. And as recently as last month, […]
  
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• Supreme Court may face extended period with 8 justices

  17-02-2016 19:20
  
  WASHINGTON — Is eight enough? The Supreme Court has managed to function effectively at less than its full nine-member strength for two extended periods in the past 50 years. The question now is whether the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in the middle of the court term and a polarizing presidential campaign will make it […]
  
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• SPLC notes uptick in hate, extremist groups in 2015

  17-02-2016 19:19
  
  MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Leaders of a civil rights advocacy group say the number of hate groups and anti-government militias increased in 2015 — and they say the rise coincides with the increasing presence of fear and hate speech in mainstream politics. Southern Poverty Law Center released its Year In Hate and Extremism report Wednesday. The […]
  
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• AZ house panel OKs bill giving state right to refuse refugees

  17-02-2016 19:19
  
  PHOENIX — A House panel has passed a bill that would block the state from helping resettle refugees if it can’t ensure they have been properly screened and vetted for terrorism risks. House Bill 2370 by Rep. Bob Thorpe also would require the federal government’s refugee resettlement program to reimburse the state for any costs […]
  
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• Updated: Fight over gay marriage, equal rights laws renews in Texas

  17-02-2016 19:18
  
  AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ attorney general, who faces an ethics investigation for advising government officials they could deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, backed Republican lawmakers Wednesday who want new religious objection measures and new scrutiny on city equal rights ordinances. Although a top aide to Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton told a Senate panel […]
  
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• Fight over gay marriage, equal rights laws renews in Texas

  17-02-2016 19:18
  
  AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Republicans wanting religious objection laws are getting guidance from the state attorney general, who is under an ethics investigation for telling government officials they could refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Powerful members of the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature signaled Wednesday they are continuing to pursue new efforts that critics say are […]
  
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• Cruz may be first Hispanic president, but rejects the label

  17-02-2016 19:18
  
  COLUMBIA, South Carolina — After his big win in the Iowa caucuses, Ted Cruz is one step closer to becoming the first Hispanic president in U.S. history. But that’s not how he wants to be known. Cruz, whose father was born in Cuba, admits that his Spanish-speaking skills are “lousy.” He offers up only the […]
  
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• The Latest: Attackers in Ankara targeted military vehicles

  17-02-2016 19:16
  
  ANKARA, Turkey — The Latest on the large explosion in the Turkish capital Ankara (all times local): 8:10 p.m. Turkey’s military says the attack that killed at least five people in the capital Ankara targeted military vehicles carrying personnel. A statement from the military said the vehicles were attacked as they stopped at traffic lights […]
  
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• The Latest: Sunland Park horse track plans to resume racing

  17-02-2016 19:03
  
  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The latest on an equine herpes outbreak that has infected several dozen horses in New Mexico (all times local): 10:35 a.m. Officials at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino plan to resume live horse racing later this month despite a continued quarantine stemming from an equine herpes outbreak that has infected several dozen […]
  
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• Updated: The Latest: SC Gov. Haley to endorse Rubio in SC

  17-02-2016 19:00
  
  BEAUFORT, S.C. — The Latest on the 2016 race for president, three days out from the South Carolina Republican primary (all times local): 3:00 p.m. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is endorsing Marco Rubio ahead of Saturday’s first-in-the-South Republican presidential primary. A person close to the Republican governor with direct knowledge of her decision says […]
  
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• The Latest: Rubio to address extreme language at events

  17-02-2016 19:00
  
  BEAUFORT, S.C. — The Latest on the 2016 race for president, three days out from the South Carolina Republican primary(all times local): 11:41 a.m. Marco Rubio says going forward he’ll address audience members who use “outrageous, over-the-top and egregious” language during his events. That’s in response to an incident Tuesday night when an audience member […]
  
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• For budding female game designers, a new source of support

  17-02-2016 18:59
  
  LAS VEGAS — The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences wants to empower women to create video games. The organization unveiled a new initiative Wednesday called WomenIn that seeks to boost gender diversity in the male-dominated gaming industry. “When I grew up playing games — and I can say this because it’s true — games […]
  
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• Updated: Iran snubs Doha proposal, won’t freeze oil output

  17-02-2016 18:19
  
  TEHRAN, Iran — Iran appeared Wednesday to back a plan laid out by four influential oil producers to cap their crude output if others do the same, though it offered no indication that it has any plans to follow suit itself. The agreement reached in Doha the day before by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Russia and […]
  
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• Uber, Lyft bill on New Mexico impasse heads to full Senate

  17-02-2016 18:14
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. — A bill aimed at welcoming and regulating ride-booking companies like Uber and Lyft in New Mexico is headed to the full state Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to move the proposal to the Democratic-led Senate despite objections from traditional taxi companies. The GOP-led House overwhelmingly passed the measure 58-8 […]
  
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• New Mexico officials to address horse herpes outbreak

  17-02-2016 17:54
  
  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — State horse racing officials are weighing the effects of an equine herpes outbreak that has infected several dozen horses in New Mexico and resulted in the death of a horse that was transported to Arizona. The New Mexico Racing Commission has scheduled a special meeting Wednesday in Albuquerque. Officials will discuss development […]
  
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• Q&A: A look at the Apple vs Justice Dept. court fight

  17-02-2016 17:45
  
  WASHINGTON — A U.S. magistrate judge has ordered Apple to help the FBI break into a work-issued iPhone used by a gunman in the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. Apple CEO Tim Cook immediately objected, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal fight between Silicon Valley and the federal government. Here’s a look at […]
  
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• University of Texas president approves campus gun rules

  17-02-2016 17:44
  
  AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas President Greg Fenves has approved rules that will allow concealed handgun license holders to bring their weapons into classrooms. State law requires public universities to allow concealed handguns in classrooms and buildings starting Aug. 1, but also gives campuses some leeway to carve out gun-free zones. The rules approved […]
  
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• BLM meeting on methane rules draws hundreds in Farmington

  17-02-2016 17:07
  
  FARMINGTON – A public meeting over a proposed change to federal regulations governing methane leaks drew so many people to San Juan College on Tuesday that the meeting was halted after less than an hour when the fire marshal ordered the meeting moved to a larger space. The meeting, organized by Bureau of Land Management […]
  
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• Big US banks will be rolling out ATMs that take smartphones, not cards

  17-02-2016 17:05
  
  To the long list of things you can do with your phone — including watch a movie, buy a latte and hail a ride — prepare to add one more: get cash. Over the next few months, the nation’s three biggest banks will start rolling out ATMs that will let customers withdraw currency using their […]
  
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• Feds find explosives, trenches, guns at Oregon preserve

  17-02-2016 17:01
  
  PORTLAND, Ore. — Federal prosecutors say investigators combing through an Oregon wildlife refuge occupied for nearly six weeks by an armed group discovered firearms, explosives and trenches dug near artifacts. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan Knight and Geoffrey Barrow also said in a court filing Tuesday that the FBI is concerned vehicles at Malheur National Wildlife […]
  
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• Director hopes ‘Zero Days’ will spark debate on cyberwarfare

  17-02-2016 17:01
  
  BERLIN — When machines at a nuclear plant in Iran suddenly began spinning out of control six years ago, suspicion quickly fell on the United States and Israel, especially after a sophisticated virus was found that appeared to have been tailored to sabotage a key process in the enrichment of weapons-grade uranium. Computer security experts […]
  
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• Georgia to execute ex-Navy crewman who killed fellow sailor

  17-02-2016 17:00
  
  ATLANTA — A former Navy crewman is set to be executed Wednesday in Georgia for killing a fellow sailor whose remains were found buried in two states. Travis Hittson, 45, is scheduled to receive an injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital at 7 p.m. at the state prison in Jackson. He was convicted in the April […]
  
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• Troy Wolverton: Self-driving cars promise a ‘revolution,’ but not necessarily a positive one

  17-02-2016 16:58
  
  With self-driving car technology rapidly advancing and such vehicles already driving on city streets, the time is ripe to start talking about how they might change more than just how we get around. Self-driving cars won’t just be cool technological gadgets. They are also likely to spur profound changes to the economy and society. The […]
  
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• Google visits Las Cruces classrooms

  17-02-2016 16:57
  
  LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Students in Las Cruces saw a glimpse of what classrooms of the future may look like, and the role virtual reality may play in education. In early February, Lisa McCuller, a special education teacher at Arrowhead Park Early College High School, received last-minute notice that a representative from Google Expeditions would […]
  
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• $1M donation to boost restoration efforts along Rio Grande

  17-02-2016 16:56
  
  TAOS, N.M. — A $1 million donation from a nonprofit group is expected to triple the acres thinned along the Rio Grande Valley in northern New Mexico and help leverage more funding for restoration projects. The Nature Conservancy says the funding comes from the Wyoming-based LOR Foundation. It marks the second donation by the foundation […]
  
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• Helpware: Latest gadgets no match for Murphy’s Law

  17-02-2016 16:55
  
  The first corollary of Murphy’s Law is that gadgets fail when you need them most. The second is that manufacturers release their gadgets before the bugs are worked out. And the third is that the gadget-makers don’t let their offshore techies in on the secrets of dealing with the bugs. So it is with the […]
  
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• Gov. Martinez won’t travel to El Paso to hear Pope Francis

  17-02-2016 16:55
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez won’t be traveling to the city of her birth to see Pope Francis. A spokesman for Martinez said because the Legislative session was wrapping up this week the governor can’t make time to travel Wednesday to El Paso, Texas for events surrounding the pope. Ciudad Juarez, […]
  
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• Texas mayor jailed after disrupting City Council meeting

  17-02-2016 16:53
  
  CRYSTAL CITY, Texas — A Texas mayor accused of public corruption spent the night in jail after allegedly disrupting a City Council meeting as he fights a recall effort. Jail records show Crystal City Mayor Ricardo Lopez was being held Wednesday on charges that include hindering a proceeding by disorderly conduct. The records don’t indicate […]
  
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• Family seeks snow donations to help Frosty last until spring

  17-02-2016 16:53
  
  MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. — A suburban New York family is seeking snow donations to help its 14-foot snowman last until spring — and some cold weather would help, too. Newsday reports (http://nwsdy.li/1SybmbC ) that members of the Fregoe family of Massapequa Park wrapped their indomitable snowman tightly in plastic before heavy rain hit Monday. Then […]
  
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• The Latest: Laser light hit papal jetliner

  17-02-2016 16:52
  
  MEXICO CITY — The Latest on Pope Francis’ visit to Mexico (all times local): 9:15 a.m. The airline that carried Pope Francis to Mexico says the plane carrying the pontiff was hit by a laser light from the ground as it arrived on Friday. Alitalia says no one was hurt and the aircraft landed safely. […]
  
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• Man killed in Arizona hang glider crash

  17-02-2016 16:51
  
  BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Authorities say a North Dakota man is dead after a powered hang glider crashed while taking off from an airport in the Phoenix area. Buckeye police say the only person aboard the aircraft when it crashed Tuesday afternoon at Buckeye Municipal Airport was the pilot, 55-year-old James George III of West Fargo, […]
  
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