New Mexico aims to foster trust in census to protect funding
POJOAQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico are turning to firefighters, religious leaders and rural irrigation associations to instill trust and promote participation in the 2020 census. About 41% of New Mexico residents live in hard-to-count areas. An Associated Press analysis of government data shows that's the largest proportion of any state in the nation. The census determines the allocation of $1.5 trillion in federal spending. New Mexico officials estimate that a 1% undercount would cost the state more than $700 million in federal aid over the course of a decade.
PROPOSED WASTEWATER PIPELINE
Santa Fe Council moves forward with plans for $20M pipeline
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — City officials in New Mexico have approved a proposed project to design and construct a $20 million pipeline that would funnel treated wastewater back into the Rio Grande River despite concerns from environmentalists and irrigators. Santa Fe City Council directed city staff Wednesday to develop and propose 40-year and 80-year water plans to maximize resources. The plans include construction of the pipeline. Environmentalists and farmers say the plan could jeopardize the amount of water available for irrigation. City officials say the proposed project was in its early stages and would require dozens of permits before breaking ground.
AIR FORCE-CONTAMINATION
Lawmakers cheer bid to ease Air Force contamination impact
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's congressional delegation is praising a defense spending bill that's close to clearing Congress. They say the measure would provide relief for communities affected by contamination at Air Force bases in the state and elsewhere. New Mexico is in a legal battle with the U.S. government over plumes at two military installations that contain chemicals left behind by past firefighting activities. Under the legislation, the U.S. Defense Department would have authority to take action to prevent further human exposure and provide alternate sources of water for those affected.
COLORADO RIVER-DROUGHT PLAN
US water chief praises Colorado River deal, sees challenges
LAS VEGAS (AP) — States in the U.S. West that have agreed to take less water next month from the drought-stricken Colorado River got praise and a push for more action from the nation's top water official. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman told water managers from seven states that the promises they made to avoid severe cutbacks are crucial. She also said Thursday that tougher challenges are ahead. Beginning Jan. 1, Arizona, Nevada and Mexico start taking less water from the river that supports about 40 million people. Officials say cuts won't be noticeable. California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming also have a stake in river water.
NEW MEXICO SCHOOL SHOOTING-LAWSUIT
Family files lawsuit over deadly New Mexico school shooting
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The family of a New Mexico student who was killed when a gunman opened fire inside Aztec High School in 2017 is suing the school district and police, saying more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. Casey Jordan Marquez's family recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit in state court. School officials and police have declined to comment on the lawsuit. Marquez and classmate Francisco "Paco" Fernandez were killed. The shooting prompted lawmakers to allocate more money for infrastructure projects to improve school security around New Mexico, but Marquez's family says not much has changed at Aztec High School.
JACKSON WINK ACADEMY
AP Exclusive: Jackson Wink MMA Academy offers naming rights
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Jackson Wink MMA Academy is offering naming rights. The storied mixed martial arts gym has trained UFC light heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones and other notable fighters. Gym co-owner Greg Jackson tells The Associated Press that he and fellow owner Mike Winkeljohn will begin entertaining naming rights offers for their globally known training facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jackson Wink MMA Academy is sought out by mixed martial artists from around the world.
SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque police: No injuries in school bus accident
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police say there are no reported injuries from a freeway accident involving a school bus carrying 25 children. The Police Department said a vehicle rear-ended the bus Thursday on a flyover ramp from eastbound Interstate 40 to northbound Interstate 25, an interchange known as the "Big I." The department said the flyover remained open but that the accident caused significant traffic delays. A traffic camera image posted online by KRQE-TV showed the bus upright and parked with several emergency vehicles nearby.
AP-US-ODD-MISTAKEN-CALL-GETS-WALKER
Woman accidentally calls DA investigator, gets needed walker
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An 84-year-old New Mexico woman's misdial meant for a medical supply store went to an investigator in a district attorney's office _ and led to a new walker. KOB-TV reports Bernice Weems mistakenly called Kyle Hartsock with the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, seeking a new walker. She left a voicemail. It turns out Hartsock's number is just one digit off from the medical supply store she was trying to call. Hartsock says instead of ignoring the message, he went out and got Weems a walker.