ALBUQUERQUE, NM — The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque will receive a Soviet missile this Saturday morning.

The demilitarized V-750 Dvina missile will be transported on its launcher from a New Mexico National Guard storage unit in Rio Rancho. It will arrive at the Nuclear Museum around 9 am Saturday.

The 34-1/2″ long missile will be a part of the museum’s “Operation Preservation” initiative, aimed at restoring iconic aircraft in their outdoor exhibit.

NATO knew the V-750 Dvina as the SA-2 Guideline. It was the Soviet Union’s first effective surface-to-air missile developed after the US deployment of the B-47 and B-52. In use, it could reach a maximum altitude of 60,000 feet and a top speed of around 2,685 mph.

Around 40 nations have used or continue to use versions of the Guideline, including Egypt, China and North Vietnam. The Soviet Union replaced the Guideline by the early 1980s.

The V-750 Dvina is coming to the Nuclear Museum on loan from the New Mexico Museum of Military History. It will sit alongside artifacts such as a B-29 Superfortress, fighter jets and a replica of the 100-foot Trinity test tower.

Law enforcement officers search a property on Coors near Arenal early Thursday morning during an FBI Violent Gang Task Force raid that resulted in the arrests of the three people. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal)

Three people are in custody after the FBI Violent Gang Task Force conducted a series of early morning raids at several South Valley addresses, according to Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge of the FBI in New Mexico. Law enforcement agents also found firearms during the operation , which included searches of a sprawling property off Coors Boulevard north of Arenal Road.

“We’re still processing the scene, but I know when the SWAT teams went to the various locations, … they already saw in plain sight firearms,” Bujanda said. “… We also expect to have quite a bit of drugs as well, probably fentanyl.”

Bujanda said the three people arrested were adults, and include a mix of men and women. Their identities and ages have not been released.

Nobody was injured during the raid, according to Bujanda.

Bujanda did not identify three other properties he said were searched in the operation, which started about 6 am Thursday, other than to say they were “close by” the Coors address.

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Bujanda said the raid is linked to another operation in September that netted more than 1 million fentanyl pills, as well as large amounts of methamphetamine, cash and weapons. One person was believed to be a member of the Sureños gang, according to reporting at the time.

Millions in cash, fentanyl seized in raid

Affidavidt cites FBI investigation into new gang alliance…

The FBI, the New Mexico Attorney General’s office, New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department and Laguna Police Department all participated in the raid, according to Bujanda.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – Utah State’s streak over New Mexico continues. The Aggies used a strong start to run away Richard Pitino and his Lobos 84-73 Wednesday night.

Fight month: 3 per fights coming to New Mexico in February

It’s now six straight wins over New Mexico for the Utah State Aggies. The Lobos allowed 20 points on turnovers in the first half and were outrebounded 18-11 in the first half. The Lobos went into the break down 46-27. A cold shooting first helped did not help the Lobos cause either. Sean Bairstow, brother of former Lobo Cam Bairstow, had the hot hand for the Aggies, scoring a game high 20 points. Three Aggies scored in double figures with Steven Ashworth contributing 19 points. Max Shulga scored 13 points for the Aggies. The Lobos had five players in double figures led by Jamal Mashburn Jr., who scored 17 points. Morris Udeze had a double double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Jaelen House scored 12 points while Josiah Allick and Javonte Johnson finished with 10 points each.

The loss dropped the Lobos Mountain West record to 6-4, 19-4 overall. Utah State improved to 7-3 in the Mountain West and 18-5 overall. Up next for the Lobos is a home game against the Nevada Wolfpack and former UNM head coach Steve Alford Feb 7.

Emergency workers and local residents clear the rubble after a Russian rocket hit an apartment building in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Yevgen Honcharenko)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Top European Union officials arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for talks with Ukrainian officials as rescue crews dug through the rubble of an apartment building in eastern Ukraine struck by a Russian missile, killing at least three people and wounding about 20 others.

The scene of devastation in the eastern Donetsk provincial city of Kramatorsk, where emergency workers spent the night searching for survivors after the missile hit late Wednesday, served as a grim reminder of the war’s toll almost a year after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has frequently struck apartment buildings during the war, causing civilian casualties, although the Kremlin has denied targeting residential structures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was due to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell before what officials described as a summit on Friday.

Borrell tweeted that the visit was aimed “to convey EU’s strongest message of support to all Ukrainians defending their country.”

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EU assistance for Ukraine, he said, has reached 50 billion euros ($55 billion) since the start of Russia’s war on Feb. 24.

“Europe stood united with Ukraine from day one. And will still stand with you to win and rebuild,” Borrell tweeted.

It was Von der Leyen’s fourth visit since the invasion. The last such summit was held in Kyiv in October 2021 — a few months before the war started.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive was expected to be on the agenda of the talks. Kyiv’s long path toward potential membership in the 27-nation bloc will be a key issue under discussion, with stamping out corruption a key condition for joining.

Von der Leyen tweeted: “We are here together to show that the EU stands by Ukraine as firmly as ever. And to further deepen our support and cooperation.”

Zelenskyy on Wednesday took aim at corrupt officials for the second time in the space of a week. Several high-ranking officials were dismissed.

Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 on an anti-establishment and anti-corruption platform in a country long gripped by graft.

The latest corruption allegations came as Western allies are channeling billions of dollars to help Kyiv fight Moscow’s forces and as the Ukrainian government is introducing reforms so it can potentially join the EU one day.

Ukraine’s government is keen to get more Western military aid, on top of the tanks pledged last week, as the warring sides are expected to launch new offensives once winter ends. Kyiv is now asking for fighter jets.

US President Joe Biden has ruled out providing F-16s to Ukraine. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday during a trip to the Philippines that the focus of American aid is to increase Ukraine’s military capabilities by sending artillery, armor, air defense and providing training to Ukrainian troops.

The US is “focused on providing Ukraine the capability that it needs to be effective in its upcoming anticipated counteroffensive in the spring,” Austin said.

“And so we’re doing everything we can to get them the capabilities that they need right now to be effective on the battlefield,” he said.

___

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Lobo Shaiquel McGruder, left, fights for a loose ball with Colorado State’s Hannah Ronsiek on Jan. 26. McGruder and her UNM teammates face Mountain West-leading UNLV on Thursday at the Pit.
(Roberto E. Rosales/Journal)

Not everything that happens in Vegas remains there.

The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team, for example, would be only too happy to forget all about its January visit to Las Vegas, Nevada. Coach Mike Bradbury won’t allow it.

Mountain West Conference-leading UNLV put a first-class thumping on the Lobos on Jan. 14, rolling to a 79-63 win in a nationally televised game that arguably featured one of UNM’s worst performances this season.

“Domination from start to finish,” Bradbury said. “I don’t know how much you can even take away from that game. UNLV just had its way.”

The Lobos (13-9, 5-4) get another shot at the Lady Rebels (20-2, 10-0) at the Pit on Thursday, and payback is not a main focus. Putting together a better performance in front of the home fans is objective no. 1.

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“Right now, that’s our mindset,” fifth-year senior Shaiquel McGruder said. “We’re working hard in practice, encouraging each other and trying to be the best team we can be. We weren’t even close to our best last time we played (the Rebels). We have to be better.”

McGruder, UNM’s leading scorer, suffered through a dismal night in Vegas, failing to score or grab a rebound in 25 minutes. She didn’t struggle alone as Paula Reus (10 points) was the only Lobos starter to approach her season scoring average. Amaya Brown and twins LaTascya and LaTora Duff combined for 15 points.

UNM has since bounced back and is riding a three-game winning streak that included a 98-60 romp at Utah State on Saturday.

UNLV has been even hotter. As of Wednesday, the Rebels’ 11-game win streak was sixth-longest among Division I women’s teams.

“They haven’t changed anything since the last time we saw them,” Bradbury said. “Why would they? They’re still undefeated in conference. (Desi-Rae) Young and (Essence) Booker are two of the best players in the league and they’ve got five other players who can make you pay if you get too hung up on those two.”

The Lobos are hoping to change things up considerably from their first meeting with UNLV, but more in terms of execution than scheme. The Rebels outrebounded UNM 40-25 in the first meeting, and hitting the boards has been a point of emphasis for the Lobos ever since.

Bradbury and McGruder said the Lobos’ focus also has improved since the loss at UNLV.

“Most definitely,” McGruder said. “We had some practices and games where we lost focus, even for five minutes, and it cost us. The way we’re practicing and working now, if we can do that in every quarter, we’ll be right there with anyone.”

TAKE YOUR PICK: Bradbury avoids frequent changes to his starting lineup and has employed the same five starters (Duff twins, Brown, Reus and McGruder) nearly all season. Viané Cumber has started the last two games in place of Reus, who missed one contest with an ankle injury and came off the bench at Utah State.

Bradbury downplayed the significance of which player starts.

“We rotate those two along with (McGruder) throughout the game,” he said. “Paula and V play similar minutes no matter who starts. In their case, I don’t think it makes a difference.”

PROMOTION: Thursday’s game will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, with girls ages 12 and under admitted free. Members of UNM women’s athletic teams will be on the pit concourse prior to the game to sign autographs and hold clinics.

CATCHING ON: UNLV women’s basketball hasn’t been a big fan draw over the years, but this season’s team is beginning to attract attention. The Rebels drew 2,500 for Saturday’s win over rival Nevada – the program’s first sellout at Cox Pavilion.

UNLV ranks seventh in the MWC in home attendance (905 per game). UNM (4,905) and Wyoming (2,654) are first and second.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – Little League season is right around the corner, and organizers are using a unique approach to get the diamonds ready.

Mile High Little League partnered with Galloping Goat to clean up the field.

A total of 280 were used to eat dead brush, tumbleweeds, and other pesky plants to clean up the field.

Organizers said their volunteer numbers are low, and the goats help with the lack of manpower, and the interesting approach to landscaping might attract new volunteers.

The goats have helped with fire mitigation efforts in the Bosque and their stomaches break down the seeds, so they won’t grow back.

If you volunteer and help the little league, click here.

House fire in southeastern Albuquerque

Updated: 6:11 PM MST Feb 1, 2023

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NEWS AT SIX STARTS RIGHT NOW. WE BEGIN WITH BREAKING NEWS AND THAT BREAKING NEWS. FIRE ENGINES AND PARAMEDICS ON THE SCENE OF A HOUSE FIRE IN SOUTHWEST ALBUQUERQUE, SASHA LENNINGER GEORGE IS THERE LIVE WITH DETAILS. DOUG, WE’RE IN A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR RIO BRAVO AND 98TH STREET, SO TAKE A LOOK. I’M JUST UP OUT OF THE WAY SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE’RE WORKING HERE. SO FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED AROUND 420 THIS AFTERNOON. AND YOU CAN SEE THE TOP OF THIS HOUSE HERE. THIS IS THE 10,700 BLOCK OF NOTO ROAD AT SOUTHWEST. FLAMES ARE STILL SHOWING AT THIS POINT AND WANT TO EXIT RIO BRAVO OFF OF I-25. YOU CAN SEE THAT BLACK SMOKE IN A DISTANCE AS WE GOT HERE, ABOUT TEN, 15 MINUTES AGO. YOU CAN SEE PART OF THE ROOF IN HERE, PART OF THE ROOF COLLAPSING, THE ENTIRE ROOF OF THIS HOUSE IS NOW GONE. AND YOU CAN SEE THE LADDER TRUCK HERE SPRAYING THROUGH FOR THOSE FLAMES ARE POPPING UP. RIGHT NOW, IT’S NOT CLEAR WHAT

House fire in southeastern Albuquerque

Updated: 6:11 PM MST Feb 1, 2023

Several Albuquerque Fire Rescue units are responding to a fire at a southwest Albuquerque home. Flames could be seen escaping the home.The home is located near Rio Bravo and 98th Street. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available

Several Albuquerque Fire Rescue units are responding to a fire at a southwest Albuquerque home. Flames could be seen escaping the home.

The home is located near Rio Bravo and 98th Street.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available

CARLSBAD, NM (KRQE) – There was an officer-involved shooting in Carlsbad on Sunday. That afternoon, Eddy County Sheriff’s Deputies were helping with a vehicle fire at home on Mora Street.

The homeowner, Christopher Bell, had an outstanding warrant. Officials said Bell barricaded himself on the property.

On two occasions, sounds that seemed like gunshots were heard coming from the home. It was reported that an Eddy County Deputy and a Carlsbad Police Officer each fired at least one shot. Eventually, Bell was taken into custody.

Bell was taken to the hospital and is expected to be okay. No officers were injured.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – Alex Vallejos, accused in a 2020 Albuquerque murder was expected to take a plea deal Wednesday. Instead, he ended up turning the deal down.

Arrest made in Ponderosa school teacher murder

In March 2020, police say Vallejos and a group of people went to a home near Central and Coal, planning to rob the place. Witnesses told police gunfire broke out and four people were shot. One of those people, Jeffrey Baca, was killed.

Wednesday, Vallejos was expected to plead guilty to three charges of conspiracy with a potential sentence of six years. His attorney told the court he was not interested in the plea. Vallejos’ trial is scheduled to start Monday.

A proposal to use some of New Mexico’s budget surplus to expand health care services in rural parts of the state could benefit existing hospitals, like Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas, shown in this December file photo, that are seeking to expand their services. The bill passed its first assigned Senate committee Monday on a 7-1 vote. (Eddie Moore/Journal)

SANTA FE — A proposal to tap New Mexico’s revenue windfall to bolster health care services in rural parts of the state where residents frequently have to drive long distances to find a hospital or health care facility — if they can even find one — is on the move at the Roundhouse.

The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee voted 7-1 on Monday to approve the measure, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has touted as a priority during this year’s 60-day legislative session.

“Expanding rural health care delivery not only benefits New Mexicans in rural communities,” Lujan Grisham said in a Monday statement. “It benefits every single New Mexican by increasing provider access statewide.”

The legislation could free up funding for projects like a proposed new inpatient behavioral health facility in Curry County, as Clovis Mayor Mike Morris said funding concerns loom as a potential stumbling block for the project that would serve residents in a five-county region.

“There is no inpatient facility in the area, so (currently) it’s a drive, sometimes as far as El Paso,” said Morris, who traveled to Santa Fe to speak with lawmakers Monday about the facility that he said could also benefit service members at Cannon Air Force Base and their family members.

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“If we don’t lift up New Mexicans who need some help … how will we ever have a strong workforce?” Morris also said in an interview.

The legislation, Senate Bill 7, is similar to a previous measure that stalled during last year’s session.

It would be appropriate $200 million in state funds to help defer the costs related to building new health care clinics — or hospitals — in rural parts of the state and expanding services for existing health care facilities.

Under the definition of the bill, only hospitals in counties with fewer than 100,000 people could qualify for the money, which would be issued in the form of grants by the state Human Services Department.

That means at least five New Mexico counties would be ineligible — Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval and San Juan counties — that, combined, make up nearly two-thirds of the state’s population.

Troy Clark, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Hospital Association, said after Monday’s hearing the funding would not be available directly for hospital land acquisition and construction costs, but could be used to offset the costs of staffing and other operational expenses while a new one facility is ramping up.

He also said bill backers are hopeful there would be demand to use the funding to expand behavioral health and maternal care services in particular.

But he acknowledged labor shortages could make it difficult for some hospitals to expand, despite recent state efforts to bolster the state’s medical provider pipeline.

“I really think that’s the issue that will determine how widely this is tapped,” Clark told the Journal.

Meanwhile, Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice, the only senator who voted against the bill during Monday’s hearing, questioned bill backers about whether funding distributed under the bill could be used for abortion services.

But Kari Armijo, the interim acting secretary of the Human Services Department, sought to dispel the concern, saying, “That’s not the intention of the bill.”

New Mexico has long struggled to recruit health professionals to clinics and hospitals in rural parts of the state.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, some rural hospitals also saw financial losses due to elective surgeries and other procedures being put on hold in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.

At least five New Mexico counties currently did not have a hospital located within their boundaries as of 2019, according to a state rural health care plan, while several other largely rural counties had hospitals that offer only limited services.

Christina Campos, administrator of the Guadalupe County Hospital in Santa Rosa, said it’s not unusual for some New Mexico residents to have to drive more than an hour to reach the nearest hospital.

She said the proposed funding infusion would support rural start-up hospitals while they get their finances in order.

“All New Mexicans deserve access to quality hospital and emergency services regardless of where we choose to live, urban or rural communities,” Campos added. “This is one important step toward achieving that goal.”

The bill now advances to the Senate Finance Committee — its last assigned panel before reaching the full Senate.