Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Wilderness District fire managers estimate the McKenna Fire has grown to 1,900 acres since it was first reported Friday, May 7 in the Gila Wilderness. The fire is located about eight miles west of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The McKenna Fire is being managed for multiple objectives that will help reduce exposure to firefighters, remove hazardous fuels and decrease the probability for high severity wildfires in the future. Officials say this fire could continue for several weeks depending on current and forecast weather, fuels and terrain.
The Blues and Bikes Festival, held annually in Silver City, is moving into its third decade this spring. Blues Hall of Famer Taj Mahal will headline the Festival Saturday night and, this year, the Busted Knuckles Harley-Davidson Stunt Tour will perform stunts that include wheelies, acrobatics, jumps and more. The People’s Choice Bike Show will display Antique and Vintage bikes, New Custom bikes, and Hand Built Bikes, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band will offer a history of New Orleans’ music.
The New Mexico Environment Department is now accepting applications for a second round of 2016-2017 Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) Act grants that fund scrap tire and illegal dumping clean-ups, along with recycling projects. Municipalities, counties, solid waste authorities, cooperative associations, land grant communities, pueblos, tribes, and nations are eligible entities that are encouraged to apply for these funds that improve New Mexico’s environment. Funds totaling $437,546 are available to these eligible entities. Ineligible entities are encouraged to partner with eligible entities.
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today announced that the president has signed into law legislation they introduced designating the bison as the U.S. national mammal. The bipartisan bill, the National Bison Legacy Act, also recognizes the historical, economic, and cultural significance of the bison, as well as its importance to many Native American tribes as a sacred and spiritual symbol of their heritage.
A New Mexico lawmaker says attempts to crack down on tax refund fraud is delaying money to legitimate taxpayers throughout the state. Rep. Debbie Armstrong, of Albuquerque, is demanding Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla disclose how regulators choose which taxpayers to scrutinize.
