NM Officials Sued By Man With West Nile Virus - Associated Press
A federal appeals court is allowing a Texas man to sue southern New Mexico officials for not promptly providing him medical care after being arrested for drunken driving although he was suffering from West Nile virus.
The Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday turned down a request by Eddy County officials to reject a lawsuit by Irving Marquez of El Paso, who was arrested by a sheriff's deputy in 2009.
Marquez couldn't keep his balance when he got out of his pickup truck. He failed a field sobriety test although a chemical breath analysis showed no alcohol.
He wasn't evaluated for illness until hours later when his condition deteriorated. Marquez was rushed to a hospital but suffered permanent injuries from brain swelling.
Santa Fe National Forest Offering Field Trips - Associated Press
The Santa Fe National Forest is hosting field trips for the public to learn about planned restoration efforts for the southwest Jemez mountains.
The free trips are being offered Nov. 8 and 9 to various locations in the forest with specialists who manage the landscape.
The Southwest Jemez Mountains Restoration project aims to make a 110,000-acre landscape in the mountains less susceptible to the effects of wildfires, insects and disease outbreaks and climate change. The proposal would restore meadows and streams, relocate some campsites, thin overcrowded forests and remove fuels.
All are welcome but reservations are required. To register contact Phyllis Ashmead at (505) 438-5431 or email pashmead@fs.fed.us.
Businessman Alan Webber Running For Governor In NM - Associated Press
Santa Fe businessman and former magazine publisher Alan Webber has joined the race for governor, becoming the fourth Democratic candidate to take on Republican incumbent Susana Martinez.
Webber said Monday in an interview that he's entering the race because New Mexico faces problems in creating good jobs and providing a quality education to children.
Webber said "it's going to take new leadership in the governor's office to turn those things around."
The 65-year-old Webber co-founded the business magazine Fast Company in the 1990s and later sold it.
Webber joins Attorney General Gary King and state Sens. Linda Lopez of Albuquerque and Howie Morales of Silver City in seeking the Democratic nomination.
Webber is a political newcomer but he said voters are looking for a fresh face with new ideas.
New Mexico Legislator Expresses Unease About Yoga - Associated Press and the Albuquerque Journal
A New Mexico legislator has voiced concern that stretching during school physical education activities is really yoga and possibly could introduce children to Eastern religions.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Albuquerque elementary school teacher Ann Paulls-Neal recently spoke to a legislative study committee about student health and obesity.
Paulls-Neal said she refers to her class exercises as stretching or mat work rather than yoga because she doesn't want to give the impression that religion is involved.
Rep. Alonzo Baldonado expressed concern.
The Los Lunas Republican said parents should be notified and given the option of alternative activities for their children because yoga is linked to Eastern religions.
Baldonado said he wouldn't want his own home-schooled children to be exposed to non-Christian religious practices.