Albuquerque Man Facing Federal Hate Crime Charge The Associated Press
A 58-year-old Albuquerque man is facing a federal hate crime charge after authorities said he posted threatening anti-Semitic notes outside a Jewish deli.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that John W. Ng (ING) made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque related to notes found at the Nosh Jewish Delicatessen & Bakery.
According to a criminal complaint, Ng posted the threatening anti-Semitic notes in late January and early February. He was arrested by the FBI on Friday for interfering with the victim's federally protected rights by threatening the victim and interfering with her business because of her religion.
Ng faces a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison.
His court-appointed attorney, Kari Converse, declined the comment.
Gov. Martinez Signs Community Health Workers Act - The Associated Press
Legislation that would create a state certification program for all community health workers in New Mexico will become law.
Gov. Susana Martinez signed off on the legislation Sunday afternoon after participating in a discussion with several health workers in Albuquerque.
The bill creates voluntary community health worker training that would be the standard statewide.
Martinez says community health workers are an important piece of the health care workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas of New Mexico.
Supporters say better trained community health workers could help with the state's shortage of health care providers.
The certification would make community health workers eligible to be reimbursed by insurance plans and even Medicaid for certain services.
Officials: Air Testing At Nuclear Dump Shows No Contamination - The Associated Press
The U.S. Department of Energy says new air testing in the nation's only underground nuclear repository shows no detectable radioactive contamination from a leak last month.
Officials at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad said Sunday that instruments used to measure air quality and radioactivity were sent underground Friday and Saturday in the first step to resuming operations at the plant.
They say initial results indicate no contamination in the air or on the measuring equipment.
Federal officials say four more employees have tested positive for low levels of contamination, adding to the 13 tested immediately after the leak.
Authorities say none should suffer health effects.
WIPP officials say they may send personnel into the mine next week.
Sensors alerted officials to a release of radiation on Feb. 14.
New Mexico to Proclaim 'Tibet Day' - The Associated Press
New Mexico plans to celebrate the anniversary of Tibet's rebellion against China.
State Secretary Veronica N. Gonzales will read a proclamation at the state Capitol on behalf of Gov. Susana Martinez, proclaiming Monday as "Tibet Day."
The day marks 55 years since thousands of Tibetans marched in Lhasa, Tibet's capital, and surrounded the home of the Dalai Lama in an uprising against the People's Republic of China.
Officials say a peace march is planned at the Santa Fe Plaza after the 10 a.m. ceremony in the Rotunda.
New Law Will Allow Schools To Stock Medications - The Associated Press
New Mexico schools will now be able to stock emergency medication to treat students who suffer asthma attacks or allergic reactions.
Gov. Susana Martinez signed Senate Bill 75 into law Sunday at the American Lung Association's Albuquerque office.
Martinez says the law can and will save the lives of children.
The legislation will allow school nurses to administer the medication even to students who don't have a prescription.
Supporters say this will help quickly treat children who haven't been diagnosed with a respiratory problem but suffer an asthma attack at school.
However, those who have asthma often carry their medications.
DEA Warns Of Extortion Scheme In New Mexico - The Associated Press
The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning New Mexico residents about an extortion scheme involving impostors posing as DEA agents.
Sean Waite, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA's Albuquerque district office, says the scam appears to have made its way to New Mexico and the agency telling residents to watch out.
According to the scheme, victims who buy drugs over the internet or by telephone are contacted by fake DEA agents who tell the victims they have broken the law. The agency says the scam artists, who stole the victims' private information, then demand that the victims to pay a "fine."
Waite says no DEA agent will demand money from residents for any reason.
He says those contacted by suspected fake agents should call the DEA immediately.