NM GOP Draws Heat For Remark About 'Complexion' -Associated Press
The Republican Party of New Mexico is facing criticism for urging supporters to change the "complexion" of the state's congressional delegation.
The party in an email pleaded with supporters "to work hard to change the complexion of our Congressional delegation."
The email came after Democrat Ben Ray Luján voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Luján is Hispanic and is running for the U.S. Senate. He called the language "race-baiting."
GOP Senate hopeful Gavin Clarkson, who is Native American, also called the language a "careless word choice."
A GOP spokesman says the email was referring to changing the state from blue to red, not about skin color.
Ex-New Mexico Prison Contractor To Release Public Records -Albuquerque Journal, Associated Press
The New Mexico Supreme Court has refused to overturn two lower court rulings in a public records lawsuit forcing a former state prison contractor to release settlement agreements with prisoners.
The Albuquerque Journal reported Thursday that the original lawsuit filed in 2016 stems from a refusal by contractor Corizon to release settlement agreements over alleged malpractice and sexual abuse by a physician.
Court officials say the high court decision upholds a verdict requiring Corizon to release requested public records and pay legal fees.
Officials say Corizon had to comply because it was under contract with a state agency to perform a public function.
Authorities Seek To Stem Crime In New Mexico Oilfields -Carlsbad Current-Argus, Associated Press
Authorities in a New Mexico region that is rich in oil and gas say they have participated in a recent blitz targeting thefts and burglaries in the oilfields.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage said detectives and deputies conducted an operation last week at various oilfields amid concerns over crime.
Earlier this year, the Eddy County Sheriff's office investigated an alleged theft from Concho Resources near Carlsbad.
The estimated loss from 139 stolen barrels of crude oil was around $7,000. The sheriff's office said an estimated $35,000 of oilfield equipment was allegedly stolen from Tiger Industrial in July 2018.
Man Stole Car While Another Man Slept Inside -Las Cruces Sun-News, Associated Press
A New Mexico man is facing charges after authorities say he stole a car without knowing that another man was sleeping inside.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Joseph Allen was arrested in connection with allegedly taking the running car in Vado, New Mexico.
Ignacio Baca, of Las Cruces, told authorities the episode began after he fell asleep in the back seat of his girlfriend's 2006 Toyota Corolla.
He told deputies he left the car running and woke up to find the 40-year-old Allen driving the vehicle along Interstate 10.
Deputies say the men got into a knife fight before Allen fled. Allen is facing several charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and auto burglary.
Police: Dad Brutally Killed Puppies In Front Of Children -Associated Press
A New Mexico man is facing abuse charges after authorities say he choked his child, brutally killed his children's puppies as they watched and forced one of the siblings to bury the animals.
The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office said this week that Miguel Angel Sanchez was arrested following a child abuse investigation.
Deputies say the 34-year-old hit one of his children with a wooden paddle, choked another, and punished another for praying over his other brothers.
The children also reported watching their father kill several puppies by either throwing them into oncoming traffic or by shooting them in the desert.
Prosecutors Won't Charge New Mexico Man Who Fatally Shot 2 -Las Cruces Sun-News, Associated Press
Prosecutors have decided not to charge a man after he fatally shot two people earlier this year.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reported Thursday that the district attorney's office declared the shooting "justifiable homicide" after he shot at two people attempting to rob him.
Authorities are not releasing the shooter's name but have said he is 21 years old.
A prosecutor says evidence established the situation that led to the shooting was brought about by the two 22-year-old victims.
Authorities say the man was driving the pair in Las Cruces before they pulled a knife on him and asked for his cell phone, wallet and keys.
Letter: Officers Felt Unsafe Enacting Trump Asylum Crackdown -Associated Press
U.S. border officers who were charged with turning away asylum seekers coming from Mexico accused their leadership of misleading the public and disregarding concerns for their own safety, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
A March 2019 letter sent to the head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection demanded that he intervene to ensure its front-line employees "are not injured or killed" enforcing the Trump administration policy.
Olivia, Liam Were Top Baby Names In New Mexico During 2019 -Associated Press
Olivia and Liam were the most popular names for babies born in New Mexico during 2019.
The state Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics says Ava was the second most popular name for girls while Noah was the top runner-up among names for boys.
Other girls names in the top 10 were Sophia spelled with a "p-h" in the third spot and Sofia spelled with an "f" in the eighth spot.
The other top-10 names for girls were Isabella, Mia, Emma, Abigail, Camila and Aria.
The other top boys names behind Liam and Noah were Mateo, Elijah, Ezekiel, Sebastian, Daniel, Ezra, Logan and Isaiah.