OPEN FIELD DEATH-BODY FOUND
New Mexico police discover third open field death this month
(Information from: Gallup Independent, http://www.gallupindependent.com)
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico authorities have reported a man was found dead in Gallup marking the third open field death police responded to this month.
The Gallup Independent reported Thursday that two people walking in the area discovered the body Tuesday and stood by until Gallup Police arrived.
Police Capt. Erin Toadlena-Pablo says the body appears to be that of a Native American man, but he has yet to be identified.
Authorities say the body was sent to a medical investigator for an autopsy.
Police say two other bodies were discovered dead this month.
Toadlena-Pablo says her cousin 45-year-old John Toadlena was identified after his body was found Nov. 2.
Authorities say the other person was discovered Nov. 10 but the release of his name is pending until family is notified.
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INSPECTING NEW MEXICO
Inspectors wanted: New Mexico sets sights on public health
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — From taco stands to toxic waste, environmental regulators are tasked with inspecting tens of thousands of businesses, restaurants and industrial sites every year.
Demand far outpaces the number of available inspectors, so the head of the New Mexico Environment Department is calling for legislators to make a bigger investment in the agency to address the problem.
Environment Secretary James Kenney is asking for an additional $8.8 million in state general funds. He says that would help pay for nearly 70 more employees and fund operations aimed at ensuring public health.
First-year Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham supports the proposal. Her administration is pushing for greater regulation of emissions from the oil and gas sector and also needs to build up the permitting and inspection infrastructure needed for the burgeoning hemp industry.

COYOTE KILLING CONTEST
New Mexico prosecutor warns against coyote killing contests
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas says coyote killing contests are illegal and anyone caught organizing one or participating could face a misdemeanor.
The warning came Friday, after authorities learned through a social media post that a contest was planned Saturday in Curry County.
Balderas' office and the State Land Office sent letters to the sheriff, requesting an investigation. State police and local prosecutors also were notified.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill outlawing the contests earlier this year.
Many ranchers and outfitters say the contests are a tool for managing packs of coyotes that threaten livestock.
Balderas said he supports ranchers' rights to protect their livestock but said the law doesn't allow for unlimited killing through contests for cash prizes.

DWI CHECKPOINTS
New Mexico police to crack down on DWI in December
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police officers will be watching for drunk drivers throughout the month of December.
State officials this week announced the sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, saying they will occur throughout New Mexico over the next few weeks.
Authorities say bringing awareness to the crackdown is part of an effort to change society's attitude about drinking and driving and to ultimately reduce alcohol-related fatalities.
Nearly 350 traffic fatalities were reported for the first 10 months of the year. That's higher than the fatalities recorded during the same period in 2017 and 2018, but statistics compiled by the state show the number of alcohol-related fatalities so far this year is far lower than the previous two years.
The numbers show 92 traffic fatalities between January and October involved alcohol.

ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT
Albuquerque's rapid transit system to begin operations
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in New Mexico's largest city say after false starts and delays, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project is expected to begin operations Saturday.
The new system includes designated bus-only lanes and 19 stops along Central Avenue.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the first ART bus is expected to leave the station at 5:20 a.m. Saturday. Buses will continue running through 11 p.m. that day.
Transportation officials say ambassadors will be stationed at each stop to answer questions and help direct passengers.
Rides will be free through Dec. 31.
Law enforcement says there are plans to issue warning citations and eventually fines for people who drive or park vehicles in the bus lanes.
The long-embattled transit project was put on hold last year over issues with buses made by the original vendor.
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WATER PROJECTS-FINANCING
New Mexico communities get funding for water projects
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Nearly $34 million in federal funding is being funneled to New Mexico to help make improvements to water and wastewater systems.
The U.S. Agriculture Department says in all, $635 million is being invested in 122 projects across the country. Those include projects at Laguna Pueblo and the cities of Lordsburg and Truth or Consequences.
A loan and grant financing package worth more than $19 million has been awarded to Laguna Pueblo to rehabilitate existing sewer lines. The money also will be used to enlarge a sewage lagoon.
Lordsburg will use nearly $5 million to complete a massive rehabilitation project of the city's water system. That includes the installation of a backup power generator and replacement of old water lines.
In Truth or Consequences, more than $9.4 million is going toward system upgrades.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Albuquerque breaks Thanksgiving Day snowfall record
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest city has set a record for snowfall on Thanksgiving Day.
The National Weather Service says 3.1 inches (7.8 centimeters) were recorded at the Albuquerque airport Thursday. Looking back over 60 years of data, forecasters say the previous snowiest Thanksgiving was only a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) in 2007.
Some areas around Albuquerque and Santa Fe reported even more snow Thursday.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect for some areas.
Forecasters say a second round of snow and strong winds will begin Friday afternoon. The storm will move in from the west and through the northern mountains late Friday where the highest elevations could see another foot (30 centimeters) of snow or more.
A cold front will affect western and central portions.

NEW MEXICO-ENERGY FUTURE
New Mexico utility stands by plan to close coal-fired plant
(Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com)
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider says continued operation of a coal-fired power plant using carbon-capture technology wouldn't be in the best interest of customers.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico made the declaration in testimony filed with state regulators who are weighing the San Juan Generating Station's pending closure.
The recent filing was in response to concerns that the utility had not presented an alternative case for installing carbon capture at the plant. At issue is the economic effects closure will have on the region.
The utility is standing behind its proposal to rely on a mix of natural gas, renewable resources and batteries.
The utility's modeling shows carbon capture technology would cost slightly less than an all-renewables plan. But overall savings would be less than under PNM's preferred option.
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NEW MEXICO-ENERGY FUTURE
New Mexico utility stands by plan to close coal-fired plant
(Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com)
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider says continued operation of a coal-fired power plant using carbon-capture technology wouldn't be in the best interest of customers.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico made the declaration in testimony filed with state regulators who are weighing the San Juan Generating Station's pending closure.
The recent filing was in response to concerns that the utility had not presented an alternative case for installing carbon capture at the plant. At issue is the economic effects closure will have on the region.
The utility is standing behind its proposal to rely on a mix of natural gas, renewable resources and batteries.
The utility's modeling shows carbon capture technology would cost slightly less than an all-renewables plan. But overall savings would be less than under PNM's preferred option.
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MISSING GIRL-TRIAL DELAYED
Trial delayed for New Mexico man accused of killing girl
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A federal judge has delayed the trial of a New Mexico man arrested on murder charges in the death of a 5-year-old girl after attorneys on both sides requested more time.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Wednesday that District Judge William Johnson designated the case "complex" delaying the trial to October to provide additional time.
Attorneys say the FBI produced thousands of pages of discovery including medical evidence, about 3,000 images and hundreds of witness interviews.
Officials say 26-year-old Malcolm Torres was scheduled to start trial Monday in Albuquerque.
Authorities say Torres was arrested Sunday on a second-degree murder charge.
Authorities say police discovered the body of Renezmae Calzada in the Rio Grande Sept. 11 following an FBI investigation and three-day search.
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AP-DE-SWATTING HOAX
New Mexico man gets over 2 years in Delaware swatting case
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — A New Mexico man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for making bomb threats against an elementary school and a Walmart in southern Delaware.
The office of U.S. Attorney in Delaware David Weiss says 29-year-old Stephen Scott Landes was sentenced Wednesday to 27 months in federal prison. Landes earlier pleaded guilty to interstate threats concerning the use of an explosive.
Prosecutors say Landes falsely reported in May 2018 that he had planted bombs at the Georgetown school and Walmart while claiming to be a Georgetown resident.
Such schemes, which cause police and SWAT teams to respond to fake emergencies, are known as "swatting."
Authorities say the incident stemmed from an online feud between Landes and a Georgetown man, who himself is accused of falsely reporting shootings and other emergencies in five states.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico officials urge shoppers to go small, local
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are urging residents to shop local.
This year's Small Business Saturday tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and runs through midnight.
For 24 hours, the state suspends collections of gross receipts tax on sales of qualifying items at businesses that have fewer than 10 employees and whose primary place of business is in New Mexico.
Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke says it's a great opportunity to support home-grown New Mexico businesses.
In Albuquerque, city officials are using the shopping day to launch Albuquerque Rapid Transit, or ART. The bus service runs through a popular shopping corridor along historic Route 66.
In Roswell, Mayor Dennis Kintigh will be reading an official proclamation in support of small businesses to kick off the shopping event.

NAVAJOS-METHANE
Navajo Nation to convert methane into hydrogen
(Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Navajo Nation announced this week it has signed a contract with renewable energy companies to convert methane from its oil-producing operations in Utah into eco-friendly hydrogen.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Navajo Nation Oil and Gas technology officer Bill McCabe announced the plan Monday at the Utah State Capitol.
He says the plan will allow the Navajo Nation to take something that was going up in smoke and convert it a "fuel of the future" that has higher economic value.
Laura Nelson, who heads the Utah Governor's Office of Energy Development, called it a monumental step toward clean energy and more tribal sovereignty.
Missouri-based alternative-energy company H2GO declined to fully explain how the conversion process works.
Hydrogen is considered cleaner and can be used in fuel-cell electric cars.
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PUBLIC LAND-CEMETERY EXPANSION
Public land considered for New Mexico cemetery expansion
SOCORRO, N.M. (AP) — A small parcel of public land would be used for the expansion of a cemetery in central New Mexico under a proposal being considered by federal land managers.
The Bureau of Land Management says the public will have until Jan. 10 to comment on the conveyance of the nearly 3-acre parcel.
The agency says it determined the proposed conveyance will have no impact on outdoor recreation access, including hunting and fishing.
Federal officials decided that the parcel would be offered through a non-competitive direct sale to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe's San Miguel Parish for no less than the appraised fair market value. They cited the location, the ownership of surrounding lands and the need to expand the existing cemetery.
The San Jose Cemetery is just south of Socorro.

RURAL MAINSTREET PROJECTS
Small, rural communities get help from New Mexico MainStreet
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Economic development projects in a handful of tribal and rural communities will be getting assistance through New Mexico's MainStreet program.
Officials announced this week that the pueblos of Picuris, Laguna and Pojoaque along with the village of Folsom and the city of Lordsburg will receive professional services and technical assistance to complete projects over the next year to 18 months.
Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes says the initiative is aimed at helping communities showcase their historic and cultural treasures.
Laguna's project includes a survey of historic buildings and a plan for revitalization of property along the pueblo's main street area.
At Pojoaque, the pueblo is working on the area around the Poeh Cultural Center, which could potentially lead to the area being recognized as an arts and culture district.

OBIT-HISPANIC US AMBASSADOR
First Hispanic woman to serve as US ambassador dies
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The first Hispanic woman to serve as a U.S. ambassador has died.
Mari-Luci Jaramillo died Nov. 20 in Albuquerque. She was 91.
Jaramillo had served as ambassador to Honduras under President Jimmy Carter, helping ease the country out of military dictatorship.
Jaramillo was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Her father was a Mexican-born shoemaker and musician, and her mother was a Spanish-American homemaker. They encouraged her to get an education to escape poverty.
Jaramillo served in various positions at universities and in the education field. She was deputy assistant secretary of defense for Latin America under President Bill Clinton's administration.
Friends and family remembered her as a humble woman who advocated for civil rights.
Funeral services for Jaramillo are scheduled Tuesday in Albuquerque.

CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS
Permits on sale to harvest Christmas trees on federal land
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Christmas tree permits are now available at Bureau of Land Management offices around New Mexico.
Federal land managers say the $5 permits will be sold in Albuquerque, Socorro, Taos, Farmington and Santa Fe through Dec. 24.
For the Rio Puerco and Taos areas, Christmas tree harvesters are able to purchase a permit online.
Only piñon and juniper trees are available for harvest as Christmas trees on BLM lands.
When transporting a tree taken from BLM public land, officials say the permit must be attached to the tree.

BABY OCELOTS
Albuquerque zoo welcomes baby ocelots
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque's zoo is celebrating the births of two ocelots.
Officials at the ABQ BioPark announced Tuesday that the kittens were born in October.
Mammal Curator Erin Flynn says the births mark an important milestone for the zoo. She says it's a big deal for a first-time mom to have two kittens and be taking such good care of them.
Officials say ocelots are notoriously difficult to get pregnant.
In 2017, staff artificially inseminated the mother, named Lucy, under the direction of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's species survival plan. Although Lucy didn't become pregnant at that time, the process made her more receptive to breeding.
Officials say Lucy had not shown any signs of being pregnant such as weight gain or behavioral changes, so the babies were a surprise.

TRUMP-NATIVE AMERICANS
Trump order creates task force on missing American Indians
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order creating a White House task force on missing and slain American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The task force will be overseen by Attorney General William Barr and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. It is tasked with developing protocols to apply to new and unsolved cases and creating a multi-jurisdictional team to review cold cases.
Trump on Tuesday called the scourge of violence facing Native American women and girls "sobering and heartbreaking."
The National Institute of Justice estimates that 1.5 million Native American women have experienced violence in their lifetime, including many who are victims of sexual violence. On some reservations, federal studies have shown women are killed at a rate over 10 times the national average.

HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY
New Mexico's homeland security secretary steps down
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Homeland Security and Emergency Management Secretary Jackie Lindsey has resigned, effective immediately.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's office announced Lindsey's resignation Tuesday, saying she informed the governor that she wanted to focus on her family and health.
Lindsey said she made the decision after careful consideration and that she was honored to have served New Mexicans over the last year.
The governor's office says Deputy Secretary Kelly Hamilton will serve as acting secretary to ensure that operations continue as normal as the state braces for wintery weather.
A search will begin immediately to fill the role permanently.
Lindsey has served as secretary since Lujan Grisham took office at the start of the year. She previously worked as a captain with Albuquerque Fire Rescue, overseeing security and emergency management for that department.

PUBLIC FUNDED GIFT CARDS
Elected city councilor used public financing for gift cards
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A newly elected city councilor in New Mexico has spent public financing on gift cards for her volunteers raising concerns about the use of public campaign funds.
The Santa Fe-New Mexican reported Monday that Santa Fe city councilwoman Jamie Cassutt-Sanchez purchased $220 in gift cards from a local coffee shop to hand out to her volunteers.
Officials say Cassutt-Sanchez then wrote the city a check for $3.93 for the remaining public finance dollars she didn't spend.
Cassutt-Sanchez says she didn't hesitate to buy the gift cards with taxpayer money and is open to speaking with people who don't agree with the purchases.
Officials say city code imposes multiple restrictions on public finance funds, but it is unclear if gift cards fell into any of the prohibited uses.
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SAVING THE SILVERY MINNOW
More endangered minnows released in Rio Grande
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — About 15,000 Rio Grande silvery minnows are now swimming in the river as part of a decades-long effort to keep the tiny fish from disappearing.
Staff from Albuquerque's BioPark released the latest batch of fish last week. In all, more than 800,000 minnows have been released since 2000 as part of a partnership with an endangered species collaborative.
The minnow had a chance this year to rebound since the river got a boost from healthy snowmelt in the higher elevations.
The favorable flows resulted in spawning so no captive-bred fish were needed to augment the wild population.
Still, some environmentalists are concerned that without changes in the way the Rio Grande is managed, the minnow won't have a chance to make it on its own without continued human intervention.

ALBUQUERQUE-CRIME CRACKDOWN
Albuquerque launches operation targeting violent offenders
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque officials say they're launching a new operation that will target the 15 most violent criminal offenders in the city.
The "Metro 15 Operation" announced Tuesday will be conducted by Albuquerque police in conjunction with state and Bernalillo County prosecutors and investigators from multiple agencies.
According to the announcement, an apprehension team will go after offenders on a continuously updated list prepared by the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office.
Mayor Tim Keller said the operation is intended to focus on "the worst perpetrators of violent crime" with a narrowly targeted approach to reduce crime in the city.
Participating agencies also include investigators from the state Attorney General's Office, the state Office of Superintendent of Insurance and the state Office of Probation and Parole.
​
TAX EVASION-GUILTY PLEA
Former foundation director pleads guilty to tax evasion
(Information from: Alamogordo Daily News, http://www.alamogordonews.com)
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — A former New Mexico foundation director has pleaded guilty to tax evasion after authorities say he didn't include more than $1 million allegedly embezzled on his taxes.
Alamogordo Daily News reported that 65-year-old former Robert W. Hamilton Foundation director Marion Ledford entered his plea Monday in Las Cruces federal court.
The Internal Revenue Service says Ledford filed tax returns for 2011 to 2016 but did not report an additional $1,785,300 allegedly embezzled through more than 60 personal checks.
Ledford agreed to pay the foundation restitution for the embezzled funds.
Authorities say the plea agreement requires Ledford to pay the IRS about $629,000 in lost tax revenue. He faces up to five years imprisonment.
The Robert W. Hamilton Foundation provides scholarships to Otero County high school graduates.
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MASS SHOOTINGS-NEW MEXICO
Lawmakers, enforcers weigh response to El Paso mass shooting
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has convoked a second meeting of legislators and law enforcement officials in response to the August mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.
In a statement on Monday, the first-year Democratic governor described a meeting with the state attorney general, state House speaker and U.S. Congressional delegation on possible action to decrease the risk of home-grown terrorism in New Mexico.
Lujan Grisham says the discussion centered on access to weapons, possible tougher penalties for "domestic terrorism" and more robust data tracking. She stressed the importance of evidence-based reforms.
The Aug. 3 shooting at an El Paso Walmart killed 22 people and took place within 10 miles (15 kilometers) of New Mexico. The state Legislature convenes in mid-January to consider possible safety reforms.

BEEF PRODUCTION-GRANT
Grant aimed at making cattle ranching more sustainable
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University is getting a grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study how to make cattle ranching more sustainable.
The $8.9 million grant has been awarded to NMSU's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
The work is geared toward improving the sustainability of beef production in the southwestern U.S., where environmental conditions are driving up the cost of raising cattle.
The researchers will be looking at cattle genetics, the use of sensors and technology to more accurately understand what's occurring on the range and options for marketing Southwest beef.
The grant will support research for the next five years and involve as many as 50 people from 12 institutions. That includes five cattle ranches located in New Mexico, Utah, California and South Dakota.

LOS ALAMOS LAB-EQUALITY
Los Alamos lab makes pledge to tackle gender barriers
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — Los Alamos National Laboratory says it's committed to breaking down gender barriers and making equality a reality when it comes to nuclear policy.
The northern New Mexico lab made the announcement last week, saying it's the first national laboratory to make an official pledge.
The lab joined the national Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy group, a leadership network that brings together heads of organizations working in nuclear policy.
Lab Director Thom Mason says nuclear policy, like many technological fields, has long been a male-dominated space and as a result, woman in the field have too often been marginalized.
With the commitment, Mason says the lab will work to bring more women into the field and foster a culture of respect.
About one-third of the lab's 12,000 employs are women.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Sanders, Warren attract most dollars from New Mexicans
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico residents are throwing their financial support in the presidential race primarily behind candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
An analysis of campaign contributions by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics shows the two notably progressive candidates for the Democratic nomination have raised more dollars from individuals in New Mexico than other candidates. The estimates do not include recent donations of under $200.
Campaign committees for Sanders have raised at least $379,000, trailed closely by Warren. Pete Buttigieg raised at least $239,000 locally. That's more than twice the tally for former Vice President Joe Biden.
Former Democratic National Committee chairman Fred Harris says New Mexico is closely tracking national trends in fundraising.
Warren last week tapped U.S. Rep. Debra Haaland of Albuquerque as a co-chairwoman of her presidential campaign.

BAIL REFORM-NEW MEXICO
Court official: New Mexico's bail reforms are working
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A top official with New Mexico's court system says bail reforms are working and the state is moving in the right direction.
Artie Pepin, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, appeared Monday in Santa Fe before a panel of state lawmakers. His testimony comes as critics contend the voter-approved system has allowed for the release of violent and dangerous offenders.
Pepin disputed those claims, pointing to a new study by the University of New Mexico's Institute for Social Research that shows the majority of people released pending trial will show up for subsequent court hearings and aren't committing new crimes.
The researchers reviewed the cases of nearly 6,400 defendants over 21 months.
Pepin says the study shows bail reforms are not to blame for Albuquerque's high crime rates.
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LIVESTOCK BOARD
New Mexico Livestock Board gets new executive director
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — For the first time, a woman will lead the New Mexico Livestock Board.
The state Agriculture Department says Belinda Garland was appointed executive director of the board earlier this month.
Garland has nearly 30 years of experience in state and county government. She was most recently the deputy county manager in Torrance County and previously served as the county's manager.
Her career also includes positions with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, the Human Services Department and the Gaming Control Board.
Born and raised in Torrance County, Garland is a fourth-generation rancher. She earned degrees in agricultural business and animal science from Panhandle State University.
Garland will start her new job Dec. 9.
The board does patrols and inspections around the state to curb livestock diseases and theft.