New Mexico May Up Tobacco Oversight -Associated Press
New Mexico legislators are considering a full ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine vaping products along with more robust oversight of retail sales to discourage use by young people.
Backed by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, one initiative would expand enforcement of the age limit on tobacco sales by requiring licenses for retailers.
The licenses could be revoked for repeated illegal sales to those under age 21.
Some legislators support new sanctions against sales to children but oppose restrictions on flavored products for adults.
Navajo Lawmakers Opt For Smaller Buffer Around National Park -Associated Press
Lawmakers from the country's largest American Indian reservation may have thrown a wrinkle into efforts aimed at establishing a permanent buffer around Chaco Culture National Historical Park as New Mexico's congressional delegation, environmentalists and other tribes try to keep oil and gas development from getting closer to the World Heritage site.
Navajo Nation delegates voted Thursday to support a buffer only half the size of the one proposed in legislation pending in Congress.
They cited concerns from Navajo landowners who depend on oil and gas royalties and lease payments.
The vote comes despite support from the tribe's president and individual Navajo communities for the more expansive protective zone.
New Mexico State University Suspends Fraternity Over Hazing -Las Cruces Sun News, Associated Press
New Mexico State University has suspended a fraternity for five years after a student was injured in a shooting during an initiation event.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Kappa Sigma fraternity held the November event at a campground in Cloudcroft.
One member has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon while intoxicated.
He told investigators he did not know the .40 caliber handgun was loaded when he shot the other student's leg.
Officials say Kappa Sigma's New Mexico State charter has been revoked and the organization banned from campus through 2024.
Man Makes Plea Deal In Connection With Kidnapping, Slaying -Albuquerque Journal, Associated Press
A 33-year-old man pleaded guilty to kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap in a case that involved the death of a man and the kidnapping of his friend, the Albuquerque Journal reported Friday.
Chase Smothermon's guilty plea came in the August 2017 case that involved the death of 41-year-old John Soyka and kidnapping of Soyka's friend Matthew Tressler.
Smothermon faces between 40 and 60 years in prison.
US Scientist Pleads Guilty To Lying About China Contact -Associated Press
A scientist who once worked at a U.S. laboratory in New Mexico has pleaded guilty to lying about his involvement with a Chinese government technology program.
Federal prosecutors said 67-year-old Turab Lookman entered his plea Friday in Albuquerque.
He was initially indicted last year on three counts of making false statements. Lookman's attorney said previously that prosecutors failed to prove his client had accessed or downloaded any high-level security information before his job was terminated at the lab.
Prosecutors say Lookman faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
New Mexico Justices Work To Boost Access To Legal Services -Associated Press
More New Mexico residents would have access to civil legal services under proposals approved by the state Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice said Friday the court recognizes the state faces a significant gap in access to justice.
The proposals endorsed by the court include efforts to attract more out-of-state law school graduates to practice in New Mexico and possible financial incentives for attorneys who practice in rural or underserved communities.
Albuquerque Police: Suspect Wounded In Exchange Of Gunfire -Associated Press
Albuquerque police say a man sought in an earlier shooting was shot and wounded during an exchange of gunfire with at least one officer early Friday morning.
Police say a gun was found at the scene and that 31-year-old Daniel Montoya was in police custody after being treated at a hospital.
No details on his injuries were released but police said no officer was injured.
Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said the man later identified as Montoya was sought in a shooting Thursday morning.
Nobody was hurt in that incident.
Montoya was jailed on suspicion of aggravated assault and other crimes.
Court records didn't list a defense attorney for Montoya who could comment on his behalf about the allegations.
Access Road To Top Of Extinct Volcano Reopens In New Mexico -Associated Press
The only road to the top of an extinct volcano in northeastern New Mexico has reopened after being closed for five months.
Capulin Volcano National Monument officials reopened the road Thursday, ending a closure that began Aug. 9 due to a washout caused by heavy rain.
Monument officials cautioned drivers to obey restrictions in a 90-yard (82-meter) segment of the road that has only one lane.
The road is closed to RVs, buses, attached trailers or any other vehicles over 26 feet (7.9 meters) long while the road has the one-lane section.
Officials say the road may close again in the future for maintenance.