New Mexico Couple In Family Found Dead Was Getting Divorce – Albuquerque Journal, Associated Press
New Mexico police say a married couple found dead on Christmas Day in their home with their two dead sons in what authorities have called a murder-suicide was in the process of getting a divorce.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that a search-warrant affidavit filed by police in Rio Rancho also says the husband was a recent U.S. Army retiree who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to the affidavit, Carlos Velasquez's body was found face down across the legs of his wife. A handgun was found underneath his body. The older son was home on break from Stanford University.
Federal Spending Bill Includes Buffer Around New Mexico Park – Farmington Daily Times, Associated Press
The U.S. Senate has passed a package of bills signed by President Donald Trump that includes enacting a buffer zone around a national park in New Mexico protecting it from oil and gas leasing activities.
The Farmington Daily Times reported that the 2020 federal spending package was passed last week and gives the Chaco Culture National Historical Park a 10-mile buffer zone. Officials say no federal funds can be used to accept a nomination for oil and gas leasing in the zone until a cultural resources investigation is completed.
Advocates say the buffer zone protects ancient roads and significant cultural resources pending needed studies and consultation with tribal communities.
Higher Minimum Wage Among New Laws In New Mexico On Jan. 1 - By Morgan Lee, Associated Press
New Mexico's minimum wage will increase for the first time in over a decade as several new state laws take effect on New Year's Day.
Hourly base pay rises to $9 an hour starting in 2020 and eventually to $12 by 2023 under a law signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The state also is increasing oversight of so-called surprise medical billing that occurs when an insured person inadvertently receives care from an out-of-network provider.
Local governments may raise more money to promote tourism as New Mexico closes a tax loophole for homeowners who rent rooms on a short-term basis through Airbnb-style third-party websites.
Mitsubishi Flight Crews To Test Jets At New Mexico Airport – Roswell Daily Record, Associated Press
An international aircraft manufacturer has announced plans to test some of its aircraft at a New Mexico airport in 2020.
The Roswell Daily Record reported Wednesday that flight crews with the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation are expected to conduct a range of testing on a regional passenger jet from February to April.
Company officials say tests on two or three Mitsubishi SpaceJet M90s will be held at the Roswell Air Center as the company seeks certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Agency officials say complete certification of a new type of aircraft can take five to nine years.
New Mexico Police Plan For Sobriety Patrols In January - Associated Press
New Mexico State Police are planning a series of sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols in January as part of an effort to catch drunk drivers.
The patrols will happen in counties across the state. Authorities say they hope continued attention will help reduce alcohol-related fatalities.
Statistics compiled by state transportation officials and the University of New Mexico show 369 people died on New Mexico roads between January and November.
That's more than last year, but fewer crashes this year have involved alcohol.
William Pratt, Latecomer To New Mexico Statehouse, Dies - Associated Press
Physician and political latecomer William Pratt has died after serving just over a year in the state House of Representatives.
The 84-year-old Democrat died Wednesday in Albuquerque from complications related to a stroke. He joined the Legislature by appointment in 2018 and then was elected to fill a seat held for 24 years by a Republican who retired.
Pratt served in a northeastern Albuquerque district where registered Republicans slightly outnumber Democrats.
A spokesman for the House speaker says Pratt's legislative stint and long career in medicine showed a dedication to public service.
New Mexico's El Morro Monument Recognized For Dark Skies - Associated Press
A national monument in western New Mexico that is home to an impressive bit of Southwest history inscribed on a towering sandstone bluff has earned recognition as an International Dark Sky Park.
Officials at El Morro National Monument made the announcement earlier this month, saying they're planning to host more programs in 2020 that will highlight the area's spectacular night skies.
The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.