Update

Salmonella Outbreak Linked To NM Poultry Hatchery- Associated Press

State health officials say a national outbreak of salmonella has been linked to an eastern New Mexico hatchery that sells live baby poultry by mail and supplies them to feed stores.

The Department of Health said Monday a strain of salmonella that's infected more than 300 people in 37 states was found in a duck pen at Privett Hatchery in Portales.

Feds To Fund 12 Energy Efficiency Projects In NM - Associated Press

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will be funding a dozen projects in New Mexico that are geared toward improving energy efficiency on farms and at rural businesses.

The projects were announced Thursday by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The New Mexico projects are among more than 630 across the nation that are being funded by the agency.

Gov. Martinez Unveils River Protection Plan-Associated Press

Gov. Susana Martinez has unveiled a plan aimed at protecting the state's rivers and watersheds amid drought and wildfires.

Martinez and other state officials gathered along the Rio Grande in Bernalillo on Thursday to talk about the New Mexico River Stewardship Program.

The governor says she will pursue $1.5 million in state capital outlay funds for projects that will include clearing vegetation, replanting native species and installing erosion control.

Albuquerque Mayor Announces Run For Re-Election - Associated Press

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry says he has a passion for the city and he's going to run for re-election.

Berry and challengers Pete Dinelli and Paul Heh filed their paperwork with the city clerk on Tuesday, officially kicking off the mayoral race.

Later this week, their names will be drawn to determine the order in which they will appear on the ballot.

Election Day is Oct. 8. If no candidate gets 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will be held Nov. 19.

NMSU-Led Biofuel Research Gets Federal Funding - Associated Press

Research into the potential of algae-based fuel is getting a $5 million boost from the U.S. Department of Energy.

New Mexico State University recently announced the funding, saying it will go to a research effort aimed at improving fuel that's compatible with existing refineries.

NMSU is working on the project along with Los Alamos, Argonne and Pacific Northwest national laboratories, Washington State and Michigan State universities and four companies.

US Attorney Gonzales Resigns, To Take Judge Oath - Associated Press

U.S. Attorney Ken Gonzales of New Mexico has resigned and is scheduled to take the oath as a federal judge.

Gonzales stepped down Thursday as the 44th U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. He is slated to take the oath Friday.

Gonzales was appointed to replace retiring U.S. District Judge Bruce Black of Santa Fe. But the seat will be moved to Las Cruces because of high caseloads in southern New Mexico.

GAO To Issue Report On Navajo Uranium Cleanup - Associated Press 

The investigative arm of Congress is looking into how federal agencies carried out a plan to clean up uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation.

About 4 million tons of uranium ore were mined from the reservation from 1944 to 1986, leaving a legacy of death and disease.

Federal agencies in 2008 began implementing a 5-year plan to address the contamination.

Nearly 300 NM Towns Face Water Crisis- Associated Press and The Albuquerque Journal

A state review says around 300 New Mexico community water systems are vulnerable to drought, dropping water tables and aging infrastructure.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that a state task force review to be made public Wednesday says towns or villages often depends on a single water source making them unguarded to drought and contamination.

Raton Declares Disaster Due To Rain, Flooding- Associated Press

Raton city commissioners have declared a disaster because of recent heavy rains and flooding.

Mayor Bobby Ledoux describes pot holes around the northeastern New Mexico community as immense and says some streets have been destroyed.

Ledoux estimates it would take close to $5 million to repair the city's streets. He says that's money Raton doesn't have.