President Barack Obama is removing Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terrorism. It's a key step in the president's bid to normalize relations between the two countries.. In a message to Congress, Obama said the Cuban government "has not provided any support for international terrorism" over the last six months. And he said Cuba has "provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future." New Mexico Democratic Senator Tom Udall supports the move: *****041515-Udall-2 :21***** Udall added that those relationships, built through tourism and trade, are the best way to bring freedom and openness to Cuba. The announcement comes days after Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro met on the sidelines of a regional summit in Panama. Removing Cuba from the terror list could pave the way for the opening of a U.S. Embassy in Havana and other steps. Still on the list are Iran, Sudan and Syria.
Another Arizona-based nonprofit has confirmed it plans to cease providing Medicaid-funded mental health services in southern New Mexico. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Tucson-based La Frontera plans a staggered transition to phase out its operations in Dona Ana County and several counties in southwestern New Mexico. La Frontera had said in February it would provide a 90-day notice to withdraw from New Mexico, and CEO Dan Ranieri said recent talks didn't change that course. The other Arizona-based provider pulling out is Turquoise Health and Wellness. It offered mental health to Medicaid patients in Carlsbad and other locations in southeastern New Mexico. Both La Frontera and Turquoise were brought in to replace other Medicaid-funded providers terminated under a 2013 shake-up by Governor Susana Martinez's administration.
Some political action committees continued to spend and raise money in New Mexico after the November election. But the latest financial disclosures filed with the secretary of state's office show it wasn't nearly as much as before voters went to the polls. Spending by the New Mexico House Majority Fund and the Keep New Mexico House Majority PAC dwindled to virtually zero following the election that saw the GOP take control of the House for the first time in decades.
The filings for the Oct. 7 to April 6 reporting period were due Monday for all PACs and elected officials. ActBlue, a committee that contributed to Democratic campaigns, raised and spent about 93-thousand dollars. The Realtors Association of New Mexico PAC raised about 74-thousand dollars and spent 30-grand, including five-thousand for Governor Martinez's inaugural.
If your plans include dining out in Santa Fe tomorrow night, you’ll be doing the community a favor by choosing one of the many local restaurants taking part in an important fund-raiser for the non-profit Kitchen Angels. Tony McCarty is the Executive Director at Kitchen Angels. *****041515-McCarty-2 :10***** The event is called “Angel’s Night Out.” McCarty says if you opt to dine at one of the restaurants listed on the website: KitchenAngels-dot-org tomorrow, the eatery will donate 25-percent of the days’ revenue to the hunger-fighting non-profit. *****041515-McCarty-3 :31***** McCarty adds that people are encouraged to invite their friends and fill the participating restaurants. Diners will be able to enter a drawing for a 500-dollar gift card and a weekend get-away package at Buffalo Thunder Resort.
Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry's nominee for city attorney would be the first female in that office. Berry has announced his nomination of Jessica Hernandez. She's worked as an associate and director of a law firm and also worked as Gov. Susana Martinez's general counsel, where she led the state’s team negotiating the recently-signed gambling compact with several Native American tribes.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today with the high 59. It’ll be breezy this afternoon with gusts up to 35 miles an hour. There’s also a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms. Tonight: Partly cloudy and breezy with the low down to 35. Tomorrow: Partly sunny and cooler with the high topping out at 49-degrees.