New Mexico News Digest
Good afternoon. Here’s a look at how AP’s general news coverage is shaping up today in New Mexico.
Questions about today’s coverage plans are welcome, and should be directed to 505-822-9022 or [email protected]
This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.
Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date. All times are Mountain.
Some TV and radio stations will receive broadcast versions of the stories below, along with all updates.
TOP STORIES:
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office says it’s considering an Albuquerque rehabilitation center accused of displacing residents amid the coronavirus pandemic as part of an ongoing review of health and safety concerns in congregate care settings across the state. Republican Rep. Gregg Schmedes on Friday requested an investigation into the eviction of senior residents with disabilities at Canyon Transitional Rehabilitation Center under a plan orchestrated by the state Health Department. UPCOMING: Developing.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-TECH SURVEILLANCE
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Harnessing today’s technology to the task of fighting the coronavirus pandemic is turning out to be more complicated than it first appeared. The first U.S. state-adopted smartphone apps for tracing the contacts of COVID-19 patients are running into technical glitches and so far have only been downloaded by a tiny fraction of residents. By Matt O’Brien. SENT; 990 words, photos.
SHERIFF-DRUNK OBSTRUCTION ESPAÑOLA, N.M. — Police have seized cellphones of a New Mexico sheriff accused of showing up drunk to a SWAT standoff. The search warrants came as part of an investigation into a misdemeanor charge filed against Lujan by Española police for resisting, evading or obstructing an officer. SENT: 430 words.
OBIT-JORGE SANTANA
Guitarist Jorge Santana, the younger brother of Carlos Santana and whose guitar riffs on the band Malo’s 1972 hit “Suavecito” transformed the song into a Chicano anthem, has died. Carlos Santana announced his brother’s death on his Facebook page Friday. He was 68. By Russell Contreras. SENT: 300 words.
ALSO:
— OUTDOOR GRANTS: New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division for the first time is offering what it calls equity grants to local governments, tribes and nonprofit organizations to get more young people outside.
— WILDFIRE DANGER: Weather forecasters are warning of record heat that is setting the stage for critical fire weather this week. Fire restrictions are in place around the state.
— REVENGE PLOT-TIRES: A New Mexico woman is facing charges after police say she slashed the tires of her ex-boyfriend’s father in a possible fit of revenge.
SPORTS:
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MISSING OPPORTUNITIES
COLUMBUS, Ohio — There is an extra level of anxiety these days for college players who are NFL prospects and hoping for a big season to boost their exposure with pro scouts. The coronavirus pandemic did away with spring football and in-person workouts at on-campus facilities. By Mitch Stacy. SENT: 760 words.
NASCAR-IN THE PITS
DARLINGTON, S.C. — Anything could have gone wrong as NASCAR shuffled more than 900 people into Darlington Raceway for the first race since the coronavirus pandemic. When Kevin Harvick crossed the finish line, there was a collective sigh of relief in that its safety protocols worked. Now, NASCAR gets to do it over, again and again and again. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer. 700 words. By 6 pm.
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