Morning Word: Oil Tank Fires Force Evacuations in San Juan County

Energy firm says its workers are all accounted for Tuesday morning

Oil Tank Fires Force Evacuations

More than 30 oil storage tanks are on fire in and around Nageezi after fire broke out at an oil field run by WPX Energy. KRQE reports

. Some families living near the 5-acre site were ordered evacuated. Officials say the fires are so hot they’ve decided to let them burn themselves out.

Presbyterian Backs Out of Health Care Exchanges

If you're one of the 10,000 who bought Presbyterian through Obamacare, you’ll have to find a new provider next year.

because it’s losing money. Last year, Blue Cross Blue Shield dropped out when its request for a 54 percent premium increase was denied, but the firm plans to get back in this year with a lower rate hike.

Martinez in Dallas for Memorial

Gov. Susana Martinez is in Texas today to attend

killed by a sniper during a protest last week.

Las Cruces City Manager Candidates Still Unknown

Hobbs City Manager

for a similar job in Las Cruces, despite Murphy’s claim that he was, Heath Haussamen reports. In fact, finalists have not been named for the job, the mayor says. Haussamen has sued the city to get a copy of all the candidate applications, because

. They claim the records are held by a private executive recruitment firm.

Wage Hike Didn't Tank Las Cruces Economy

Folks in Las Cruces who opposed raising the minimum wage may be surprised to learn that 18 months after the first phase was implemented,

Gross receipt tax revenues and new construction projects have grown. Next January, the minimum wage will get a second boost from $8.40 to $9.20 an hour.

APD Officer Resigns before Being Fired

The Albuquerque police officer who allegedly

he’d previously arrested has resigned. Frank Tillman had faced termination.

Republicans Won't Put Pot in Platform

Even though public opinion polls show that more than 80 percent of Republican Party members support the use of medical cannabis,

in its platform this year. The Huffington Post reports one committee delegate argued, “People who are involved in mass murders are all smoking pot.”

Cheaper Gila River Diversion Options Reviewed

Two Gila River diversion plans adopted by a local planning board for more reviews

than the original $1 billion estimate, but they will not deliver as much water.

Food Truck Vote Delayed in Santa Fe

The Santa Fe City Council’s Public Works Committee delayed a decision on allowing food trucks on Canyon Road so

before a vote.

Coolin’ Off

If you live in southeastern New Mexico, you might want to

, like scores of other people are doing to beat the area’s record heat. "Last year, more than 100,000 people visited the park. The state park is expecting to shatter that record this year," reports KOB.

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