1. 1916 - The first plane to cross the Continental Divide landed in New Mexico
On May 9, 1916, flying pioneer Ruth Law crossed the Continental Divide in New Mexico in a biplane, becoming the first person to do so by air. Law was attempting to fly from Chicago to New York in record time, and her successful crossing of the Rockies was a major accomplishment in the early days of aviation.

2. 1945 - New Mexico celebrates Victory in Europe Day
On May 9, 1945, the Allies declared Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe. New Mexico, like many other states, held parades and celebrations to mark the occasion and honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the war.

3. 2012 - A forest fire threatens the town of Ruidoso
On May 9, 2012, a wildfire broke out in the Lincoln National Forest near Ruidoso, New Mexico. The fire grew quickly and threatened the town, prompting mandatory evacuations and the deployment of firefighters and resources from across the state. In the end, over 44,000 acres were burned, and several homes and businesses were lost.

4. 2018 - New Mexico passes a law decriminalizing cannabis possession
On May 9, 2018, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez signed a bill into law that decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis. The law reduced the penalty for possessing up to half an ounce of marijuana to a $50 fine, and removed the possibility of jail time. While New Mexico has yet to fully legalize cannabis, it has taken steps towards decriminalization and medical legalization in recent years.

5. 2020 - New Mexico becomes a hotspot for COVID-19
On May 9, 2020, New Mexico reported over 200 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the state to over 4,800. The state was beginning to see a surge in cases, with the governor issuing a stay-at-home order in March and gradually reopening businesses and public spaces in the following weeks. New Mexico has since taken measures to control the spread of the virus, including requiring masks in public and limiting large gatherings.