DEPUTY-STUN GUN-LAWSUIT
Lawsuit: Eddy County detective used excessive force
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — A southeastern New Mexico man says Eddy County Sheriff's detectives illegally searched his home and used a stun gun on him seconds after making contact. The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports a lawsuit filed by Brandon Chandler says the detectives used excessive force. According to court records, detectives came to Chandler's home after a woman called authorities to report she was being held captive. The woman later told authorities she had taken drugs and wasn't being held. The lawsuit says authorities violated Chandler's constitutional rights. The Eddy County Sheriff's Office declined to comment on the pending litigation.

RELIGION-HALLUCINOGENIC TEA LEADER
New Mexico church sues US over religious discrimination
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico branch of a church that uses hallucinogenic tea is suing the federal government for failing to process immigration documents for one of its religious leaders. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports O Centro Espirita Beneficente União do Vegetal filed a lawsuit last week over claims of religious discrimination. The lawsuit comes after a Brazilian man who has led the church's Florida congregation since 2013 applied for visas that would allow him and his family to continue living in the United States while their immigration cases are pending.

BREAKING BAD STORE
New 'Breaking Bad' store to cater to fans of the AMC series
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A store will be opening in Albuquerque that will cater to fans of the AMC-TV hit series "Breaking Bad." A co-owner of The Breaking Bad Store ABQ says local artists have been commissioned to create unique items inspired by the long-running series and its cast of characters. The shop will also carry items inspired by the show that aren't readily available in the U.S. Co-owner Edward Candelaria tells Albuquerque station KOB-TV that the store's grand opening will be Jan. 4. "Breaking Bad" followed a high school chemistry teacher turned meth lord. The series ran from 2008 to 2013.

LEGISLATURE-VACANCY
Commission extends deadline to fill empty legislative seat
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The deadline for anyone interested in filling a vacant seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives has been extended. The Bernalillo County Commission is meeting Jan. 7 to appoint a replacement for Democratic Rep. William Pratt, who died last week. The deadline for applications now is Jan. 6. Pratt served in a northeastern Albuquerque district where registered Republicans slightly outnumber Democrats. Applicants to replace him must live within the district's boundaries and be at least 21 years old. At least two Republicans and two Democrats have indicated they'll run for the seat in 2020. 

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico lawmakers seek accountability on tax incentives
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators want greater accountability regarding state grants and tax incentives for businesses that are designed to create jobs. The push comes as the state ramps up financial support to a variety of industries. Proposed legislation by Democratic Rep. Bill Tallman of Albuquerque would require businesses that receive public support to provide the state with details about the number of related new full-time jobs, annual wages for those jobs and spending on local infrastructure. The proposal holds implications for hundreds of businesses that receive more than $100 million in incentives each year.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING-NEW MEXICO
Father who made kids panhandle for drug money gets 20 years
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A judge sentenced a New Mexico father to 20 years in prison after he was convicted of forcing his children to panhandle to get him money for drugs. The office of Attorney General Hector Balderas said Monday the man was sentenced in Albuquerque, nearly three months after a jury found him guilty of three counts of human trafficking. Authorities say the father forced all three of his children to panhandle around Albuquerque between 2015 and 2018. The children later testified against him. The father denied the charges during the trial and said he doesn't do drugs.

GILA RIVER FIGHT-FUNDING
Gila River diversion project misses out on extra funding
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Interior Department has decided not to extend a deadline involving a proposal to divert part the Gila River to aid rural communities, a move that cuts off access to more than $50 million in construction funds. U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat, and environmentalists praised the federal government's decision, saying the river that flows through southwestern New Mexico and into Arizona will be protected. Timothy Petty, Interior's assistant secretary for water and science, says the "slow pace of progress" reflected a lack of urgency and priority for delivering water to rural communities.

DRY SOUTHWEST
Pocket of severe drought lingers over Southwest US
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Drought has yet to give up its hold over parts of the southwestern United States despite a series of storms that have brought rain and snow to the region in recent weeks. The latest federal map shows a pocket of moderate and severe drought centered over the Four Corners region _ where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet. Despite the continued dry conditions, forecasters say things are better than they were last year at this time when exceptional and extreme drought _ the worst categories _ had set in. They say average moisture levels resulting from snowfall are above normal across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

COLD CASE-KILLING
Prosecutor seeks information in New Mexico cold case killing
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A district attorney in northern New Mexico says he is waiting on additional information in a nearly two-year-old  cold case killing. Fourth Judicial District Attorney Richard Flores told the Las Vegas Optic last week police in Las Vegas, New Mexico, have turned over evidence in the fatal shooting of Jeromy Vasquez. On Jan. 21, 2018, the 36-year-old was gunned down in the northern New Mexico city, but no charges were ever filed. Flores says his office was told more information in the case was coming. An Optic story examining the case earlier this month posed questions why a suspect wasn't investigated more thoroughly.

AP-US-SPORTS-EDITOR-SLUR
Sports editor apologizes for tweeting 'scalps' after game
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — A sports editor for a New Mexico newspaper has apologized after using "scalps" in a tweet to describe a high school basketball team defeating a team with Native American student-athletes. The world "scalp" has a racist history as white settlers regularly cut off pieces of Native Americans' heads after killing them. Hobbs News-Sun Sports Editor Jason Farmer said Friday his tweet was "very inappropriate and completely insensitive." Navajo Nation criticized Farmer's social media post, saying such comments should not be normalized.

BABY SHARK-NAVAJO
'Baby Shark' creators release Navajo version of viral video
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Creators of the popular video "Baby Shark," whose song was played at the World Series in October, have released a version in Navajo. Pinkfong, a brand of the South Korea company SmartStudy, said Sunday the video is available online and was created following auditions from Navajo actors. SmartStudy worked with the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona, to create a new version of the widely popular tune about a family of sharks. Navajo Baby Shark, is the 20th language version of Baby Shark. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. The Navajo word for shark translates to "angry fish."

PLASTIC BAG BAN
New Mexico's largest metro area prepares for plastic bag ban
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Businesses in New Mexico's largest metropolitan area are preparing for rules that will take effect with the start of the new year that call for banning plastic bags. Officials with the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County are hopeful the rules will encourage customers to curb their use of plastic bags that contribute to waste and take a long time to break down. But local business leaders say they're being forced to swap their supply of plastic bags for more expensive and less convenient options. Restaurants will be exempt, but as many as 6,800 other businesses may be affected.

PROPOSAL RECORDING GONE WRONG
Mom takes selfie instead of recording daughter's proposal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A future mother-in-law tasked with making a phone recording of her future son-in-law proposing to her daughter apparently missed the moment. She ended up recording a selfie on her reaction to what she was seeing. KOB-TV in Albuquerque reports Susan Griego somehow took a selfie video of herself watching Benjamin Steele Bacon proposed to her daughter. She did capture the moment Bacon popped the question to Amber Griego by the penguin exhibit at the Albuquerque Biopark. The couple said the selfie video made the proposal more memorable.

METHANE FIGHT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico releases methane emissions report
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An advisory panel has released a technical report that covers how emissions are produced by oil and natural gas development and how New Mexico might be able to curb pollution from the industry. Rather than outline specific recommendations, the 300-page document is meant to be a resource for state regulators as they begin the process in 2020 of drafting formal rules aimed at reducing methane emissions. Despite industry claims that companies have been able to reduce emissions while still setting production records, environmentalists have been pushing for more regulations to target methane leaks and the practice of venting and flaring.

WINTRY WEATHER-SOUTHWEST
Wintry weather restricts access to some parks in Southwest
Wintry weather is restricting access to some national park sites in the the Four Corners region of the U.S. Southwest. National Park Service sites announcing they were closed Saturday included Bandelier National Monument in northern New Mexico and Arches National Park in southern Utah . At Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, officials said 25 miles of State Route 64 between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. were closed due to snow before being cleared and opened Saturday afternoon. Other park roads were plowed but snowpacked and icy. Bandelier officials cited both accumulated snow and continued snowfall.  Arches officials said crews were working to clear the entry road of snow and ice.

NEW LAWS-NEW MEXICO
Higher minimum wage among new laws in New Mexico on Jan. 1
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's minimum wage will increase for the first time in over a decade as several new state laws take effect on New Year's Day. Hourly base pay rises to $9 an hour starting in 2020 and eventually to $12 by 2023 under a law signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The state also is increasing oversight of so-called surprise medical billing that occurs when an insured person inadvertently receives care from an out-of-network provider. Local governments may raise more money to promote tourism as New Mexico closes a tax loophole for homeowners who rent rooms on a short-term basis through Airbnb-style third-party websites.

​METHANE FIGHT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico releases methane emissions report
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An advisory panel has released a technical report that covers how emissions are produced by oil and natural gas development and how New Mexico might be able to curb pollution from the industry. Rather than outline specific recommendations, the 300-page document is meant to be a resource for state regulators as they begin the process in 2020 of drafting formal rules aimed at reducing methane emissions. Despite industry claims that companies have been able to reduce emissions while still setting production records, environmentalists have been pushing for more regulations to target methane leaks and the practice of venting and flaring.

WINTRY WEATHER-SOUTHWEST
Wintry weather restricts access to some parks in Southwest
Wintry weather is restricting access to some national park sites in the the Four Corners region of the U.S. Southwest. National Park Service sites announcing they were closed Saturday included Bandelier National Monument in northern New Mexico and Arches National Park in southern Utah . At Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, officials said 25 miles of State Route 64 between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. were closed due to snow before being cleared and opened Saturday afternoon. Other park roads were plowed but snowpacked and icy. Bandelier officials cited both accumulated snow and continued snowfall.  Arches officials said crews were working to clear the entry road of snow and ice.

FOREST USE INJUNCTION
Agencies seek end to forest rulings in New Mexico, Arizona
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Federal agencies have filed opinions for national forests in New Mexico and Arizona and have asked a judge to dismiss the court's previous ruling on timber management activities on Mexican spotted owl habitat land. The Albuquerque Journal reported Friday that a U.S. district court in Arizona imposed a forest use injunction limiting timber activities such as tree-cutting, gathering fuel wood and controlled burns until effects on the threatened spotted owl species were determined. Officials say the opinions claim the conditions that necessitated the injunction are no longer present. An environmental group that sued federal agencies for failure to monitor the bird populations says they are opposed to the motion.

ARMED ROBBERIES-PLEA
Man pleads guilty to robbing three Albuquerque businesses
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a New Mexico man has pleaded guilty to robbing three Albuquerque businesses at gunpoint over the course of two months. Lalonzo Simmons pleaded guilty this week to three counts of interfering with commerce by robbery and violence and to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He has yet to be sentenced. Authorities say Simmons and another man robbed a fast food restaurant in March 2018 and then robbed two separate marijuana dispensaries in the subsequent weeks. Police arrested Simmons at his home hours after the third robbery.

UNIVERSITY-ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
University in New Mexico to get new athletics director
PORTALES, N.M. (AP) — Eastern New Mexico University has hired a new athletics director. Matt Billings will start Jan. 20. Eastern New Mexico Chancellor Jeff Elwell says Billings was chosen from a strong group of finalists in part because he had experience in multiple areas at major Division I universities. He most recently served as deputy athletics director at Portland State University, where he oversaw the compliance office, academic services, financial aid, student housing, sports medicine and numerous other functions. He played a key role in a $50 million renovation of a weight room, new sports medicine and academic areas and a 3,300-seat arena.

FOUR DEAD NEW MEXICO
New Mexico couple in family found dead was getting divorce
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico police say a married couple found dead on Christmas Day in their home with their two dead sons in what authorities have called a murder-suicide was in the process of getting a divorce. The Albuquerque Journal reports that a search-warrant affidavit filed by police in the Albuquerque suburb of Rio Rancho also says the husband was a recent U.S. Army retiree who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. The affidavit says a handgun was found under Carlos Velasquez's body. His body was found face down across the legs of his wife. The older son was home on break from Stanford University.

OIL GAS-PARK BUFFER ZONE
Federal spending bill includes buffer around New Mexico park
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has passed a package of bills signed by President Donald Trump that includes enacting a buffer zone around a national park in New Mexico protecting it from oil and gas leasing activities. Farmington Daily Times reported Tuesday that the 2020 federal spending package was passed last week and gives the Chaco Culture National Historical Park a 10-mile buffer zone. Officials say no federal funds can be used to accept a nomination for oil and gas leasing in the zone until a cultural resources investigation is completed. Advocates say the buffer zone protects ancient roads and significant cultural resources pending needed studies and consultation with tribal communities.

AP-US-EL-MORRO-MONUMENT-DARK-SKIES
New Mexico's El Morro monument recognized for dark skies
RAMAH, N.M. (AP) — A national monument in western New Mexico that is home to an impressive bit of Southwest history inscribed on a towering sandstone bluff has earned recognition as an International Dark Sky Park. Officials at El Morro National Monument made the announcement earlier this month, saying they're planning to host more programs in 2020 that will highlight the area's spectacular night skies. The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.
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DWI CHECKPOINTS
New Mexico police plan for sobriety patrols in January
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police are planning a series of sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols in January as part of an effort to catch drunk drivers. The patrols will happen in counties across the state. Authorities say they hope continued attention will help reduce alcohol-related fatalities. Statistics compiled by state transportation officials and the University of New Mexico show 369 people died on New Mexico roads between January and November. That's more than last year, but fewer crashes this year have involved alcohol.

AP-US-FOUR-DEAD-NEW-MEXICO
New Mexico police investigate killing of 4 on Christmas Day
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Police in New Mexico are investigating the shooting of four people found dead on Christmas Day as a murder-suicide. Police in the Albuquerque suburb Rio Rancho on Thursday identified the dead as family members, including a 14-year-old boy. A woman told KRQE-TV she's related to the people who lived in the home, and her mother and brother found the bodies. They went to the home because they were concerned that they had not heard from the family. Police called the killings a tragic event for the family and the rest of the community.

NEW MEXICO-YEAR IN REVIEW
New Mexico Democratic agenda, oil boom make 2019 headlines
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Democrats pushed forward a progressive agenda as the booming oil industry made headlines in 2019 with record revenues for the state's coffers. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham began her tenure with a Democratic majority in the Legislature and set out with aggressive plans for the education system, energy production and gun control. She got almost everything she sought and has vowed to push ahead with legalizing recreational marijuana and expanding early childhood education. Meanwhile, violent crime in the state's largest city, the arrival of Virgin Galactic at Spaceport America and the immigration crisis along the border dominated the news this year.

OBIT-WILLIAM PRATT
William Pratt, latecomer to New Mexico Statehouse, dies
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Physician and political latecomer William Pratt has died after serving just over a year in the state House of Representatives. The 84-year-old Democrat died Wednesday in Albuquerque from complications related to a stroke. He joined the Legislature by appointment in 2018 and then was elected to fill a seat held for 24 years by a Republican who retired. Pratt served in a northeastern Albuquerque district where registered Republicans slightly outnumber Democrats. A spokesman for the House speaker says Pratt's legislative stint and long career in medicine showed a dedication to public service.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Forecasters: Storm systems to drop rain, snow on New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say much of New Mexico is about to get more snow and rain, with the precipitation continuing into next week. Advisories and watches issued by the National Weather Service say a pair of storm systems will initially drop rain in lower elevations starting late Thursday night and Friday before temperatures drop and change the precipitation to snow. The weather service says significant snow accumulations are likely across the northern and western mountains with lesser amounts in lower elevations of central and western New Mexico. Forecasters are advising travelers to check weather reports because travel impacts are possible along Interstates 25 and 40 in northern and western New Mexico.

NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE-SCHOLARSHIPS
Utility extends aid for Navajo workforce scholarship program
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric utility is making a $500,000 commitment to Navajo students in the Four Corners region to ensure they will continue to receive dedicated funding for future job opportunities. Public Service Co. of New Mexico recently announced its pledge as the utility prepares to close the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station near Farmington. In operation for decades, the power plant and the coal mine that feeds it have employed many tribal members. The utility already has funneled $1 million to the workforce training scholarship program since 2013. In that time, almost 700 scholarships have been awarded.
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WIND FARM-TRUST LAND
New Mexico land boss signs lease for Gladstone Wind Farm
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An Illinois-based company that develops wind farms in the United States and Canada has won a bid for thousands of acres of state trust land in New Mexico where it plans to build its next project.  The lease was approved and signed last week by Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. The Gladstone Wind Farm will be located in Union and Colfax counties in an area has been designated as prime for wind energy generation. It's also close to two existing transmission lines. Aside from the trust land, the project will include 8,000 acres (32 square kilometers) of private land.

FOUR DEAD NEW MEXICO
At least 4 people found dead in home in New Mexico suburb
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Police report that at least four people were found dead in a home in a suburb of Albuquerque on Christmas Day. Rio Rancho police Capt. Andrew Rodriguez says officers "found four people inside the residence deceased as a result of what we believe to be gunshot wounds." He says police officers responded at 4:14 p.m. to a call for help at the home. The officers found the deceased victims, the Albuquerque Journal reported. Authorities have not released the names, ages or the sex of the victims, or whether they are related.

NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE-SCHOLARSHIPS
Utility extends aid for Navajo workforce scholarship program
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric utility is making a $500,000 commitment to Navajo students in the Four Corners region to ensure they will continue to receive dedicated funding for future job opportunities. Public Service Co. of New Mexico recently announced its pledge as the utility prepares to close the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station near Farmington. In operation for decades, the power plant and the coal mine that feeds it have employed many tribal members. The utility already has funneled $1 million to the workforce training scholarship program since 2013. In that time, almost 700 scholarships have been awarded.

WIND FARM-TRUST LAND
New Mexico land boss signs lease for Gladstone Wind Farm
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An Illinois-based company that develops wind farms in the United States and Canada has won a bid for thousands of acres of state trust land in New Mexico where it plans to build its next project.  The lease was approved and signed last week by Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. The Gladstone Wind Farm will be located in Union and Colfax counties in an area has been designated as prime for wind energy generation. It's also close to two existing transmission lines. Aside from the trust land, the project will include 8,000 acres (32 square kilometers) of private land.

TROUBLED CITY-MAYOR CHARGED
New Mexico mayor charged with bribery, abusing power
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's attorney general has charged the mayor of a troubled city with six felony bribery and abuse of power charges after prosecutors said she steered contracts to a construction firm owned by a man she's accused of being romantically involved with. The Las Vegas Optic reported Tuesday that Las Vegas, New Mexico, Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron was charged. Gurule-Giron's listed attorney, Ben Andrew Mondragon, did not return phone or email messages left by The Associated Press on Wednesday. She has previously denied having a relationship with the construction firm owner or having a role in the contracts.

JACKSON WINK ACADEMY-TRAVEL WORKOUT
Jackson Wink MMA Academy to offer fans 'travel workouts'
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Jackson Wink MMA Academy is planning to offer mixed martial arts fans a chance to travel to New Mexico and train like its fighters. Gym co-owner Greg Jackson told The Associated Press he will begin providing personalize packages for fans who want to train as a mixed martial artist in Albuquerque, New Mexico's high altitude. He says trainees will get a chance to run in the Sandia Mountains and exercise along the Rio Grande. The move comes after New Mexico created an outdoor office as part of a push to build on hiking, biking and other recreational offerings across the state's diverse landscapes.

FATAL SHOOTING-ALBUQUERQUE
New Mexico police investigating death of shooting victim
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Albuquerque Police Department says it is investigating the fatal shooting of a man whose body was found by a passer-by. Authorities say officers responded to a report of a suspicious death after the discovery of a man's body in northeast Albuquerque around 9 a.m. Wednesday. Police say the man died from an apparent gunshot wound. The man's name was not immediately released and police did not say if there were any suspects in custody.

GEORGE RR MARTIN-BOOKSTORE
'Game of Thrones' author Martin opens bookstore in Santa Fe
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — "Game of Thrones" author and television producer George R.R. Martin is adding bookstore owner to his resume. The fantasy writer quietly opened Beastly Books last month in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the shop is next to the movie theater Martin revived in 2013. The store carries books by him and local authors, including some that are autographed. It also has "Game of Thrones" merchandise. Martin's novel series "A Song of Ice and Fire" inspired the HBO TV show "Game of Thrones." Martin is a longtime Santa Fe resident.
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LOS ALAMOS LAB-CONTAMINATION
EPA to issue permits for Los Alamos storm water runoff
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are planning another public meeting focused on the state's oversight and scientific monitoring of environmental impacts at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Environment Department has scheduled the next meeting for Jan. 9 at the University of New Mexico campus in Los Alamos. The gathering follows a recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that storm water runoff from the lab and Los Alamos County are contributing to violations of water quality standards and that those discharges must be controlled and regulated under an EPA-issued permit. Environmentalists say controlling the discharges will protect downstream users from heavy metals and other contaminants.

GEORGE RR MARTIN-BOOKSTORE
'Game of Thrones' author Martin opens bookstore in Santa Fe
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — "Game of Thrones" author and television producer George R.R. Martin is adding bookstore owner to his resume. The fantasy writer quietly opened Beastly Books last month in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the shop is next to the movie theater Martin revived in 2013. The store carries books by him and local authors, including some that are autographed. It also has "Game of Thrones" merchandise. Martin's novel series "A Song of Ice and Fire" inspired the HBO TV show "Game of Thrones." Martin is a longtime Santa Fe resident.

LOS ALAMOS LAB-CONTAMINATION
EPA to issue permits for Los Alamos storm water runoff
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are planning another public meeting focused on the state's oversight and scientific monitoring of environmental impacts at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Environment Department has scheduled the next meeting for Jan. 9 at the University of New Mexico campus in Los Alamos. The gathering follows a recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that storm water runoff from the lab and Los Alamos County are contributing to violations of water quality standards and that those discharges must be controlled and regulated under an EPA-issued permit. Environmentalists say controlling the discharges will protect downstream users from heavy metals and other contaminants.

NEW MEXICO-FIRST DAY HIKES
New Mexico urges residents to get outside on New Year's Day
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are urging residents to spend time outside on the first day of the year. The State Parks Division is hosting a series of hikes at nine state parks on New Year's Day as part of the annual First Day Hikes initiative. Visitors can also participate in Polar Bear Plunges at Storrie Lake State Park and Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Last year, the National Association of State Park Directors reported that nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year on First Day Hikes, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles (214,043 kilometers) throughout the country on the guided hikes.

ALBUQUERQUE-LANGUAGE SERVICES
New Mexico city gets grant to fund language services
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest city has been awarded a grant by a private foundation to increase the number of interpreters who can help non-English-speaking residents navigate local government. The city of Albuquerque recently awarded a $45,000 contract to a local nonprofit organization to boost access to language services for residents. The 18-month contract with Valley Community Interpreters is covered in full by the grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. City officials say the effort is aimed at increasing participation by all people in civil programs and economic life in Albuquerque.

ROUTE 66-LOSING PRESERVATION?
Congress goes on recess without Route 66 preservation funds
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Congress has recessed for the holidays, and it has gone another year without passing legislation that would boost funding for Route 66. The lack of movement on reauthorizing the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program means there will be no cost-share grants aimed at reviving old tourist spots in struggling towns where the Mother Road passed through. The program has helped finance projects like rehabilitating parts of the historic Rialto Theatre in Winslow, Arizona. Route 66 Alliance executive director Ken Busby says the lack of dedicated federal funding for preservation work puts people trying to save Route 66 in a jam.

NEW MEXICO GAS-NEW RATES
New Mexico Gas Co. makes case for rate hikes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gas Co. is proposing a rate increase to recover the costs of capital investments. The state's largest natural gas distribution utility announced Monday that it has filed a request with state regulators for a rate hike that would generate more than $13 million. If approved by the Public Regulation Commission, new rates would go into effect in 2021. The company says average residential customers could see their monthly bill increase by about $1.70. Utility president Ryan Shell said in a statement that bills will still be the lowest in the region. The utility serves roughly 530,000 customers.

LOTTERY BOARD-SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship advocate appointed to New Mexico lottery board
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed five people to the board that oversees the state lottery, including an official with a nonpartisan think tank that has advocated for New Mexico's lottery-funded scholarship program. The appointment of Think New Mexico's field director to the New Mexico Lottery Authority was announced Monday. Think New Mexico successfully advocated for legislation that guarantees at least 30% of lottery revenues being funneled to scholarships. Solvency of the program has been an issue for years as the gap between revenues and demand for the financial aid has widened, even though enrollment has been sagging.

IMMIGRATION-NEW MEXICO
Bill would ban private immigration detention in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Democrats plan to try once again to ban privately run detention centers in the state from housing migrants. Democratic Rep. Angelica Rubio of Las Cruces recently introduced a bill that would prevent cities and counties from signing contracts with the private companies to house or detain immigrants. It is one of the 90 or so prefiled bills drafted by state lawmakers. Under the proposal, cities and counties with existing contracts can't renew their agreements after June 30, 2020. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has not said if she would place immigration on the call for the upcoming 30-day legislative session.