CHRISTMAS PARTY FIGHT
Police: Christmas party for county employees turned violent
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Police say a Christmas party for county employees in New Mexico turned violent after an attendee punched a deputy in the nose and struck a radio dispatcher.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the alcohol-infused melee took place Sunday at a Santa Fe hotel following a holiday party for Santa Fe County employees that resulted in a battery complaint against a facilities operation maintenance manager.
Witnesses told police Phillip "PJ" Montano had been drinking heavily before he struck Santa Fe County Sheriff's Lt. Michael Delgado in the face "for an unknown reason." The report says Montano also hit 22-year-old radio dispatcher Alyssa Martinez in her chest after she tried to break up a fight.
Officers reported finding blood stains on the carpet, walls and bed sheets in the room.
It was not known if Montano had an attorney.

IMMERSION ARTS STARTUP-NEW MEXICO
Santa Fe-based arts venture sets sights on Washington
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico-based startup company for immersive art installations known as Meow Wolf is planning a large-scale exhibition in Washington, D.C.
Meow Wolf announced Tuesday that it is working in partnership with the Washington-based Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation to create the venture.
The three-story exhibit is scheduled for 2022 in the Fort Totten community. It will span an area the size of a large grocery story.
Meow Wolf rose to prominence with an interactive exhibit in a converted Santa Fe bowling alley that combines psychedelic design work with narrative story telling.
The company has been awarded public economic development incentives in New Mexico and is launching other ventures in Denver and Las Vegas. A self-made documentary describes the emergence of Meow Wolf from a local arts cooperative.

DOG POOP-POLICE RIFLE
Case of dog poop cleaning mistaken for burglary in appeals
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A lawsuit involving a well-known Native American artist who was cleaning up dog poop in his car but was mistaken for a burglar by Santa Fe police remains in court.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Mateo Romero's case now is before the New Mexico Court of Appeals over public records and police immunity from liability.
Romero filed a lawsuit alleging the violation of his constitutional rights in 2014 that he says began when his Shih Tzu defecated in his car. Romero told The Associated Press a Santa Fe officer pointed a rifle at him during the bizarre misunderstanding.
Last year, a judge ruled an officer's belt recorder showed the officer acted properly.
However, officials had told Romero's lawyer no belt recording existed.
Mateo is an award-winning painter whose work has been exhibited in Canada and the United States.

CHARTER SCHOOL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico charter school gets money for students who left
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state budget analysts say an embattled charter school continues to receive money for hundreds of students who no longer are enrolled.
An accountability report from the state Legislative Finance Committee says New Mexico Connections Academy will receive about $6 million during the current school year for students who are no longer enrolled. New Mexico bases school funding on prior-year enrollment.
Enrollment plunged by hundreds of students after the state education officials declined to renew the school's charter amid lagging student academic proficiency. A district judge overturned the decision in October.
Connections Academy teaches students over the internet without traditional classrooms. The school contracts with the for-profit education curriculum provider Connections Education that is owned by Pearson.
Officials at the school were not immediately available to comment.

BABY SHOT IN FACE
Police: Baby girl shot by brother, 3, in critical condition
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — Police say an 8-month-old girl shot in the face by her 3-year-old brother in a New Mexico motel room is in critical condition.
Gallup Police Capt. Marinda Spencer said Tuesday that the girl's condition has not changed since she was shot Saturday in Gallup, New Mexico.
Police say Shayanne Nelson and her boyfriend, Tyrell Bitsilly, were in a motel shower when Nelson's child found a gun and accidentally shot the baby.
A criminal complaint says the 18-year-old Nelson says she didn't know a gun was in the room.
A witness told police he saw the 21-year-old Bitsilly wipe the gun after the shooting.
The baby was taken to Gallup Indian Medical Center.
Nelson and Bitsilly face child abuse charges.
It was not known if either is represented by an attorney.

SCOUTS-ABUSE LAWSUIT
Lawsuit accuses Boy Scouts of negligence in New Mexico abuse
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 44-year-old man has filed a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America, saying two Catholic priests who served as scout leaders in New Mexico sexually abused him starting in the early 1980s.
The lawsuit filed Thursday accuses the organization of negligence. The victim, who remains unnamed in the court filing, accuses officials of having known or having had reason to know the priests had abused boys.
The man says he was abused during hiking and camping trips in the state, including at Cochiti Lake, and that he had been a member of troop that operated out of an Albuquerque parish.
The director of the Boy Scouts branch in New Mexico did not immediately return a call requesting comment.

COLLEGE LOCKDOWN
Gunman prompts lockdown at Northern New Mexico College
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
ESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — Officials say a gunman forced Northern New Mexico College to lockdown its campus.
KOB-TV reports students at the Espanola college were urged Monday night to stay indoors as authorities searched for a reported gunman who allegedly confronted two female student-athletes on campus.
Campus security officer Elijah Abeyta says the incident happened around 6:30 p.m., when a male suspect allegedly pointed a gun at the students in front of the main library.
The incident prompted a campus lockdown as authorities searched for the alleged gunman.
The lockdown was lifted around 7:30 p.m.
Abeyta says it's unclear as to why the two student-athletes were targeted. He says no shots were fired but the suspect fled in a vehicle with two other occupants, a male and a female.
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SANTA FE COLLEGE ART-LOAN PROGRAM
Santa Fe considers lending former college's art collection
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The city of Santa Fe is considering lending out a collection of art and multimedia assets that once belonged to the College of Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the city Public Works Committee approved Monday the proposed loan program that would allow the collection to be loaned to public or private nonprofit entities as a means of providing for "responsible stewardship of a significant financial and community asset."
The collection valued in the millions of dollars includes rare books, recordings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, oil paintings and ancient ceramics.
According to a city memo, the collection is intended to be used in an educational setting.
The city Finance Committee is expected to consider the proposal later this month. The city council is scheduled to hear it in January.
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COUNTY SCAMMED-PHISHING FRAUD
Report: New Mexico county lost $32K in phishing scam
(Information from: Hobbs News-Sun, http://www.hobbsnews.com)
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Officials say a southeastern New Mexico county has become the latest victim of a phishing scam after an employee was duped into sending money to a fake account.
The Hobbs News-Sun reports Lea County Manager Mike Gallagher said last week a fraudulent email purporting and appearing to be from one of the recent fair and rodeo's vendors sought payment of $32,500 and an employee paid the wire transfer.
Gallagher says as soon as officials learned of the scam, the county reported it to the Lovington Police Department and it turned the matter over to state police.
Lovington Police Department Detective David Miranda confirmed the county reported the money transfer on Sept. 5.
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BUDGET OUTLOOK-NEW MEXICO
Oil sector boosts state government fortunes in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A surge in income from the New Mexico's oil sector is providing a financial windfall to state government as the governor's office passes from Republican to Democratic control.
State government economists on Monday said state revenues will outpace current spending obligations by $1.1 billion or 17 percent for the fiscal year that begins in July as lawmakers prepare to craft a budget.
State financial reserves are expected to exceed $2.5 billion by mid-2019, bolstered by unusually large federal mineral lease payments. The savings are equal to 40 percent of annual state general fund spending.
Democratic Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham has placed a high priority on increasing resources for public education as she prepares to succeed termed-out Republican Gov. Susana Martinez on Jan. 1.

DRINKING WATER-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico city celebrates $450M drinking water project
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A $450 million drinking water project that was first conceived decades ago has reduced reliance on groundwater for New Mexico's most populous region by almost 70 percent as the pressures of drought persist.
Utility officials are celebrating as the San Juan-Chama Project has been in operation for 10 years now.
Once thought of as a boondoggle, the project has delivered nearly 137 billion gallons (518 billion liters) of purified water to Albuquerque and has helped to spur a significant recovery of the aquifer beneath the city.
The project also serves other communities and farmers along the Rio Grande through a system of diversion dams, tunnels and other infrastructure.
Officials say the project has provided a much needed hedge against the demands of a growing population and predictions of drier times.

BABY SHOT IN FACE
Police: Boy, 3, shot an 8-month-old girl in motel room
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A couple is facing charges after authorities say a 3-year-old shot an 8-month-old girl in the face while the couple was in a motel shower.
Police say Shayanne Nelson and Tyrell Bitsilly were at a motel Saturday in Gallup, New Mexico, when Nelson's child found a gun and accidentally fired it, hitting the baby.
According to a criminal complaint, the 18-year-old Nelson says she didn't know a gun was in the room and it may have been left by a prior occupant.
A witness told police he saw the 21-year-old Bitsilly wipe the gun after the shooting.
The baby was taken to a hospital. Her current condition is unknown.
Nelson and the Bitsilly are facing child abuse charges.
It was not known if either is represented by an attorney.

BORDER-TROOPS
Some US troops to leave border this week; about 3K to remain
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say active duty troops will begin leaving the southern U.S border this week and the number of forces there will go down to at least 3,000 by the holidays.
There have been roughly 5,400 active duty troops along the border in recent weeks installing wire barriers and protecting border patrol agents in California, Arizona and Texas.
President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of troops in response to a caravan of Central American migrants moving toward the U.S. border. The number of migrants has been declining and the military has finished much of the wire barrier placement.
Officials say there is less need for combat engineers and helicopter transport crews. But many of the military police will remain. The officials spoke anonymously because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.

BORDER-ASYLUM SEEKERS
Claims of fear to return home spike at US-Mexico border
SAN DIEGO (AP) — U.S. immigration authorities say the number of people expressing fear of returning home when they are stopped at the Mexican border spiked in the last year.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection released the figures Monday reflecting the first step in the asylum process. The agency fielded nearly 93,000 claims of so-called "credible fear" in the 2018 fiscal year ending Sept. 30, up 67 percent from the previous year. The claims accounted for 18 percent of all people arrested or stopped at the border, up from 13 percent.
It was the first time it released the figures.
Claims at official border crossings — the prescribed way to claim asylum — more than doubled. Others asylum seekers cross illegally.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan says the claims are straining resources.

IMMIGRANT DRIVER'S LICENSES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico revises rules for obtaining driving credentials
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has issued new rules that will ease identification requirements for people who want driving credentials or an alternate ID card.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the state Motor Vehicle Division on Friday announced applicants for driving authorization cards won't need to provide a Social Security card or two forms of identification.
The MVD will also accept a broader range of documents as proof of age and identity.
The revisions are part of a court-approved settlement stemming from a dispute by civil rights groups over the state's two-tiered system of issuing drivers' licenses.
Opponents of the 2016 law say immigrants and the homeless don't always have the extensive documents required for a driver's license compliant with the federal REAL ID Act.
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SHELTER STANDOFF
Police use beanbags to resolve standoff at Santa Fe shelter
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Police ended a standoff with a woman at a Santa Fe homeless shelter after firing nonlethal beanbag shots.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports officers were called to Pete's Place on Sunday evening about a woman threatening to assault one of the volunteers with garden shears.
Capt. Anthony Tapia says police tried for several minutes to persuade Veronica Salas, who urged officers to shoot her, to put the shears down.
Tapia says police then deployed two beanbag rounds, hitting the woman in the torso and the back.
She was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Tapia says the male volunteer declined to press charges.
However, Salas will face charges of aggravated assault on an officer, trespassing and methamphetamine possession.
It was not known Monday if she had an attorney.
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​IMMIGRATION-TEEN DETENTION CAMP
Soccer ball Christmas drive eyed for teens at migrant camp
(Information from: KTSM-TV, http://www.ktsm.com)
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A Texas state senator is gathering donated soccer balls as Christmas gifts for the more than 2,000 migrant teens being held a tent city in Tornillo, Texas.
KTSM-TV in El Paso, Texas, reports Texas Sen. Jose Rodríguez has launched a soccer ball donation drive for the migrant teens after working out an agreement with federal immigration authorities.
The El Paso Democrat says other advocates have shown up at the facility with donated toys but federal immigration authorities don't allow those gifts inside.
More than 2,300 teens are being held at the remote tent city in Tornillo, Texas, which opened in June as a temporary, emergency shelter.
The soccer ball drive is one of many donation efforts taking place for detained migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border.

FEMINIST ARTIST-MUSEUM FLAP
New Mexico mayor to donate $10K for eyed Judy Chicago museum
(Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com)
BELEN, N.M. (AP) — The mayor of a small New Mexico city has announced he will donate a year of his salary to help open a museum in town dedicated to a feminist artist.
KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reports Belen Mayor Jerah Cordova recently announced he would give around $10,000 toward an effort to erect a museum celebrating artist Judy Chicago.
The contemporary artist backed out of a deal with the city of Belen to open a museum showcasing her art following a backlash. Some resident protested the museum idea and said Chicago's artistic focus on female genitalia would be "inappropriate" for children.
But supporters began an online drive to raise money for the museum.
Chicago, a Belen resident, has garnered international acclaim for her work.
Cordova says the museum would help spark economic development in the city.
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DOUBLE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
'Person of interest' in Albuquerque double homicide arrested
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say a "person of interest" in a double homicide investigation has been arrested in Oklahoma.
They say 39-year-old Richard Alan Ross was found with the victims' vehicle and other pieces of evidence.
Albuquerque homicide detectives are traveling to Oklahoma on Sunday to interview Ross, who police say was one of the last persons the victims were seen with.
Police didn't immediately disclose the Oklahoma location where Ross was found.
The victims' identities haven't been released yet.
Police were called to a home on Albuquerque's west side Friday night for a welfare check and found two people dead.
They say both bodies had signs of trauma.
Police say Ross had an active felony warrant for violating his parole by cutting off his ankle monitor.

TRAIN DERAILMENT
2 trains derail in collision near Belen Rail Runner Station
BELEN, N.M. (AP) — Two Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotives have been involved in a train collision near the Belen Rail Runner Station in New Mexico.
BNSF officials say two trains were derailed in Saturday's incident and it doesn't appear that there were any leaks or spills of any cargo.
Two BNSF staff members were taken to a hospital for treatment, but no life-threatening injuries were reported.
Company officials didn't immediately say how the collision occurred.
BNSF crews still are at the scene evaluating the work needed to remove damaged locomotives and cars.

CONQUISTADOR-EXPLORER EVIDENCE
Traces of Spanish conquistador said found at New Mexico site
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials say an ongoing metal detector survey of the Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo has uncovered evidence that Spanish conquistador Francisco Vazquez de Coronado explored the area.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the survey of the area recently uncovered the first evidence that places Coronado's group there in the form of copper arrow points from crossbows, lead musket balls, chain mail fragments and other artifacts.
The historical artifacts likely tell the story of many Rio Grande pueblos as Coronado and his expedition swept through the area in the winter of 1540.
But New Mexico Historic Sites regional manager Matthew Barbour says the artifacts do not suggest Coronado camped at the location. He says the artifacts suggest he killed people there.
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COLORADO RIVER WATER-DROUGHT
US states to meet at deadline on Colorado River drought plan
LAS VEGAS (AP) — With drought continuing and reservoirs shrinking, seven Southwestern U.S. states that depend on the Colorado River had been expected to ink a crucial share-the-pain contingency plan by the end of 2018.
Officials now say they're not going to make it — at least not in time for upcoming meetings in Las Vegas involving representatives from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and the U.S. government.
Arizona has been the holdout, with farmers, cities, Indian tribes and lawmakers still negotiating how the first state to feel the pinch would deal with water cutbacks when a shortage is declared, probably in 2020.
And a final agreement will have to pass the Arizona state legislature, which doesn't convene until January.
Federal water managers are set to extend the deadline.

REPUBLICAN PARTY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Republican Party selects Pearce as next chairman
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Republican Party's next chairman will be U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, who didn't run for re-election in order to make what proved to be an unsuccessful try for governor.
Current GOP Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi announced that the party's state central committee selected Pearce "by an overwhelming margin" while meeting Saturday in Albuquerque.
Businessman John Rockwell also sought the party's top leadership post.
Cangiolosi congratulated Pearce and said the party will be in capable hands and "positioned to succeed thanks to his extensive experience in management and New Mexico politics."
The state GOP had multiple losses in November, topped by Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham's win over Pearce in the race to succeed termed-out Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
The party chairman oversees staff, coordinates fundraising and helps identify political candidates.

RELIGIOUS SECT-CHILD ABUSE
New Mexico sect co-leader faces up to 10 years in prison
GRANTS, N.M. (AP) — A co-leader of a rural western New Mexico paramilitary religious sect is going to prison after previously pleading no contest to child abuse charges.
James Green was sentenced Friday in Grants on convictions stemming from abuse of a Ugandan child brought to the United States illegally and from a 13-year-old boy's 2014 death at the sect's commune from a probable infectious disease.
District Judge Cindy Mercer sentenced Green to 13.5 years in prison but suspended 3.5 years, and the Gallup Independent reports that Green could get out of prison in about four years with credit for time served and for good behavior in prison.
Green's wife, Deborah Green, was sentenced to 72 years in prison after being convicted of child abuse and other charges in the case.

OIL BOOM-PERMIAN PROMISE
USGS puts bull's eye on Permian Basin with new assessment
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Some of the largest energy companies in the U.S. have already invested billions of dollars on claims up and down the Texas-New Mexico state line, tapping one of the nation's richest and most prolific oil and natural gas regions.
Now the stakes just got higher, as the U.S. Geological Survey announced Thursday that portions of the Permian Basin could hold even more promise.
The agency pegs that potential at more than 46 billion barrels of oil and some 280 trillion cubic feet of gas, or the largest continuous oil and gas resource potential ever assessed.
But the agency's geologists acknowledge that more study would be needed to determine if it would be profitable to go after the resources.
Still, industry groups are encouraged and say the assessment underscores the activity that's already happening in the basin.

NEW MEXICO-SCHOOL SHOOTING
New Mexico high school students mark shooting anniversary
(Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com)
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Students and teachers are marking the one-year anniversary of a shooting that claimed two lives at a New Mexico high school.
Officials tell the Farmington Daily Times that the students at Aztec High School want to focus "on life and coming together" for the anniversary.
They'll start the day with breakfast, group art projects, and talking with the first responders called to the shooting scene that happened exactly a year ago Friday. They also have the option of speaking with therapists.
On the morning of Dec. 7, 2017, authorities say a 21-year-old gunman entered the small-town high school near the northwest corner of New Mexico, and fatally shot two students —  Francisco I. Fernandez and Casey J. Marquez. He then fired randomly in a hallway and a computer lab, before killing himself.
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FAMILY REUNION-POLICE LAWSUIT
Lawsuit accuses Hobbs police of wrongful arrests
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Three New Mexico police officers have been accused in a federal lawsuit of wrongfully detaining a man as he stood near a parked car on a residential street, and arresting another after he asked officers why they had interrupted their family gathering.
The lawsuit stemming from a June encounter was filed this week on behalf of Shamus Wright and Kentoine Penman. Both are black, from Hobbs, members of a family that had been planning a reunion for the next day.
The lawsuit says an officer approached Penman and another relative because they were not standing on the sidewalk.
Moments later, Wright asked the officers why they were on the scene. He was accused by police of "interjecting himself" and not identifying himself.
A Hobbs police spokesman did not immediately return a call requesting comment.

SUSPECT-RESPONDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Larceny suspect demands social media photo removed, arrested
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Police say a man suspected of stealing a computer from a New Mexico church was arrested after he demanded a surveillance photo of him be removed from social media.
KTSM-TV in El Paso, Texas, reports Eric Martin Carnero was arrested last week and charged with larceny stemming from a June 6 theft at Calvary Chapel Three Crosses in Las Cruces.
According to police, the 40-year-old Carnero stole a backpack containing a laptop computer from the church.
The owner of the backpack posted surveillance camera still images of the suspect on a social media page. That generated several responses identifying Carnero as the suspect.
Carnero, himself, responded to the social media post and asked that his image be removed.
It is not known if Carnero had an attorney.

ELECTION 2018-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Torres Small kept money edge in US House race in final days
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal documents show newly elected Democratic Congresswoman Xochitl (ZOH'-cheel) Torres Small continued to vastly outraise her GOP opponent in the final days of a closely watched U.S. House race in southern New Mexico.
New Federal Election Commission filings show Torres Small raised more than $875,000 from the last two weeks of October until the end of November. Meanwhile, Republican state lawmaker Yvette Herrell pulled in around $270,000 in the same time period.
Overall, Torres Small raised almost $4.4 million to flip a congressional district held by outgoing GOP Rep. Steve Pearce. Filings show Herrell took in $1.5 million.
Torres Small defeated Herrell after absentee ballots in Dona Ana County put her over the top. Herrell has refused to concede and her campaign is examining those absentee ballots.
Filings show Herrell had $196,151 cash on hand as of Nov. 26.

UNM-DEPUTY ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
University of New Mexico fires deputy athletic director
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico has fired its deputy athletic director as officials say more changes are coming to the athletics department.
The Albuquerque Journal reports deputy athletic director Brad Hutchins will receive a $175,000 buyout that was negotiated down from the $225,000 stipulated on his contract.
Athletic director Eddie Nunez says Hutchins signed termination papers Wednesday.
He says he will be announcing other changes in coming days and weeks, noting the university will be "discussing additional guidelines and policies consistent with building the kind of athletic department we believe is expected."
Hutchins did not return the newspaper's call or message seeking comment.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Hutchins thanked university and athletics staffs for the opportunity to work alongside them.
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AP-US-BORDER-ILLEGAL-CROSSINGS
November border arrests jump 78 percent on year
SAN DIEGO (AP) — U.S. Border Patrol arrests in November jumped 78 percent from a year earlier, with families and children accounting for a majority for a third straight month.
The numbers released Thursday by parent agency Customs and Border Protection are the latest sign that people who cross the border illegally are increasingly families and children traveling alone. It's a trend that began several years ago but has accelerated since summer.
The Border Patrol made more than 25,000 arrests of people who came as families in November, nearly four times the same period last year. There were nearly 5,300 arrests of unaccompanied children, up 33 percent from a year earlier.
Overall, the Border Patrol made nearly 52,000 arrests last month. It was the fourth straight month-to-month increase.
​
NEW MEXICO-NEW MEXICO ST-SKIRMISH
New Mexico coach apologizes for pregame skirmish
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico head coach Paul Weir is apologizing for the actions of some of his players before the start of Tuesday's matchup against in-state rival New Mexico State.
Weir in a statement issued Thursday said he was extremely disappointed and wanted to apologize to everyone at the state's flagship university and at NMSU.
He says he was embarrassed and described the behavior as unsportsmanlike.
Neither Weir nor Aggies head coach Chris Jans witnessed the scuffle that ensued as the teams took the floor to warm up. They didn't want to talk about it much after the game, saying only that they would look into it.
Witnesses reported shoving and punches thrown between the teams.
The Aggies went on to rout the Lobos 100-65, extending their streak to five victories in the series for the first time since 1956.

NEW MEXICO RACINO LICENSE
New Mexico racing regulators set to rule on 6th 'racino'
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico racing regulators are set to decide if they will issue the state's sixth and final license for a horse racetrack and casino.
The New Mexico Racing Commission on Thursday also could name the winning bid for the final license despite objections from New Mexico five existing "racinos."
Under the state's compacts with casino-operating tribes, only six racinos are allowed in New Mexico. The five existing racinos are in Hobbs, Ruidoso, Farmington, Albuquerque, and Sunland Park.
There three other proposals out of Clovis, New Mexico, including one involving "moving grandstand" that will allow an audience to travel alongside running horses.
Two other projects are proposed for Tucumcari along this historic Route 66 and Lordsburg near New Mexico's Bootheel.

STATE SENATE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Republican retires from state Senate
(Information from: Hobbs News-Sun, http://www.hobbsnews.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican state Sen. Carroll Leavell of Jal is retiring after more than two decades in the New Mexico Legislature.
Leavell told the Hobbs News-Sun that he decided to step aside due to health reasons. He says he fought cancer for more than two years and while it's under control, the aftermath has been difficult.
First elected in 1996, Leavell sat on the influential Legislative Finance Committee that drafts the state budget. He represented a Republican-dominated district that spans Lea and Eddy counties in the southeastern corner of the state, where oil and natural gas development are concentrated.
His replacement can be chosen by the state governor from suggestions by county commissions within the Senate district.
Democrats currently hold a 26-seat majority in the 42 member Senate.
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ROLLOVER-TEEN GIRL KILLED
State Police: 14-year-old Carlsbad girl killed in a rollover
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say a 14-year-old Carlsbad girl is dead after a car crash in Eddy County.
They say eight people ranging in age from 14 to 17 were in an SUV that rolled southeast of Carlsbad around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
State Police say Sierra Corrales was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Three other occupants of the SUV were also taken to hospitals with varying degrees of injuries not believed to be life threatening.
According to State Police, the SUV was travelling at a high rate of speed at the time of the rollover.
They say alcohol isn't believed to be a factor in the crash and it appears seat belts weren't in use.
State Police say charges are pending against the driver.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO-ATHLETICS
Search warrant targets Lobo Club bank records, spreadsheets
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Agents with the state attorney general's office have seized documents from the University of New Mexico Lobo Club as part of an ongoing investigation into questionable spending by the school's troubled athletics department.
A search warrant made public Wednesday shows the agents were after bank statements, spreadsheets, reimbursements and other records related to former Athletic Director Paul Krebs.
Krebs stepped down last year amid inquiries into the handling of public money within the athletics department.
The investigation began after tens of thousands of dollars was spent on a 2015 golf trip to Scotland that included athletics officials and private donors.
Prosecutors are looking at whether there were possible violations of conduct laws and the state Constitution's anti-donation clause. They've also alleged that Krebs asked employees to delete emails and text messages relating to the spending.

CLERGY ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
Bankruptcy filing provides rare window into church finances
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest Catholic diocese has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent months on lawyers to fight claims of clergy sex abuse and to prepare for a potentially lengthy fight in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe's petition for reorganization provides a rare look into the finances of a religious organization that has for decades been wrestling with the financial and social consequences of a scandal that has rocked churches across the country.
Archbishop John Wester describes the filing as an equitable thing to do as reserves dwindle. He says compensating victims is a priority.
National watchdog groups say the archdiocese's actions suggest otherwise as tens of millions of dollars in real estate have been transferred to parishes in recent years. They say that tactic shields church assets from victims hoping to recover damages.

SUBPAR LAWYERING
New Mexico high court complains about quality of lawyering
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court is grousing about the quality of legal briefs filed by some lawyers, even in appeals arguing that defendants' earlier legal representation was subpar.
The Supreme Court commented Thursday in an opinion that acknowledged that appellate representation of a man convicted of child abuse was deficient in some ways but still ruled that he wasn't denied his constitutional right to appeal.
The justices said it was with "a degree of irony" that they were complaining about the quality of lawyering in a case involving a brief with structural and clarity problems.
The decision said judges should order lawyers to redo briefs that are unclear or "otherwise unprofessional," and it said judges can impose sanctions on lawyers who don't meet their obligations.
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MINE WASTE SPILL-FISH
EPA: Fish damage from mine spill wasn't severe, long-lasting
DENVER (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency says fish and other aquatic life didn't suffer severe or long-lasting damage from a 2015 mine waste spill that polluted rivers in three states.
An EPA report released last week analyzed the effects of Gold King Mine spill in southwestern Colorado, which an EPA-led contractor inadvertently triggered. Rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah were polluted with a bright yellow-orange plume carrying iron, aluminum and other metals.
The EPA says parts of the Animas River in Colorado were already so polluted by decades of waste spilling from inactive mines that some fish had already been killed or driven off.
The agency says that in other areas, the potential damage to fish was lower because the pollution was diluted and kept moving downriver, so they weren't exposed long.

COMPLAINT-RACIAL HARASSMENT
Report: Store called 911 on student for being 'black'
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Advocates have filed a complaint in New Mexico on behalf of a college student who says a convenience store employee called police on him for "being arrogant because he's black."
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico this week filed a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau on behalf of Jordan McDowell, an African American university student from New Orleans, following an August episode at a Santa Fe Allsup's convenience store.
According to the complaint, McDowell, a pre-med student at Xavier University in New Orleans, drew attention from an employee at the Allsup's Convenience Store. The complaints say the employee felt McDowell was being "suspicious and sneaky."
After McDowell confronted the employee, the complaint says the employee called 911. No one was arrested.
The Clovis, New Mexico-based Allsup's did not immediately return phone messages.

CLERGY ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
Bankruptcy filing provides rare window into church finances
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest Catholic diocese has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent months on lawyers to fight claims of clergy sex abuse and to prepare for a potentially lengthy fight in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe's petition for reorganization provides a rare look into the finances of a religious organization that has for decades been wrestling with the financial and social consequences of a scandal that has rocked churches across the country.
Archbishop John Wester describes the filing as an equitable thing to do as reserves dwindle. He says compensating victims is a priority.
National watchdog groups say the archdiocese's actions suggest otherwise as tens of millions of dollars in real estate have been transferred to parishes in recent years. They say that tactic shields church assets from victims hoping to recover damages.

COMPLAINT-RACIAL HARASSMENT
Report: Store called 911 on student for being 'black'
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Advocates have filed a complaint in New Mexico on behalf of a college student who says a convenience store employee called police on him for "being arrogant because he's black."
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico this week filed a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau on behalf of Jordan McDowell, an African American university student from New Orleans, following an August episode at a Santa Fe Allsup's convenience store.
According to the complaint, McDowell, a pre-med student at Xavier University in New Orleans, drew attention from an employee at the Allsup's Convenience Store. The complaints say the employee felt McDowell was being "suspicious and sneaky."
After McDowell confronted the employee, the complaint says the employee called 911. No one was arrested.
The Clovis, New Mexico-based Allsup's did not immediately return phone messages.

SUBPAR LAWYERING
New Mexico high court complains about quality of lawyering
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court is grousing about the quality of legal briefs filed by some lawyers, even in appeals arguing that defendants' earlier legal representation was subpar.
The Supreme Court commented Friday in an opinion that acknowledged that appellate representation of a man convicted of child abuse was deficient in some ways but still ruled that he wasn't denied his constitutional right to appeal.
The justices said it was with "a degree of irony" that they were complaining about the quality of lawyering in a case involving a brief with structural and clarity problems.
The decision said judges should order lawyers to redo briefs that are unclear or "otherwise unprofessional," and it said judges can impose sanctions on lawyers who don't meet their obligations.

RENEWABLE ENERGY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico utility reaffirms 20 percent renewables goal
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electricity provider has reaffirmed its commitment to build five new solar plants next year as it plans to obtain 20 percent of retail electricity sales from renewable sources by 2020.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the state Public Regulation Commission approved last week the 2019 renewable energy plan for Public Service Co. of New Mexico.
The utility's plan reaffirms projects outlined in this year's plan, including the construction of 50 more megawatts of solar power generation.
The utility will also increase its renewable energy rate rider, raising the monthly charge from about $3.77 to about $4.32 next month.
The increase is expected to raise revenue to $49.6 million to help fund construction costs.
The utility is currently getting more than 15 percent of its energy from renewable sources.
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SEXUAL MISCONDUCT-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Lawmaker launches GoFundMe legal defense fund
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico state lawmaker is raising money online through GoFundMe to offset legal defense costs after sexual harassment charges against him were dismissed.
State Rep. Carl Trujillo on Tuesday said he spent nearly $106,000 on attorney fees and that his name had been cleared by an ethics panel of the Legislature. Harassment charges by former political lobbyist Laura Bonar were dismissed after the Bonar declined to be deposed or testify before an investigative panel.
Bonar said through an attorney that a deposition would have forced her to identify other victims of unrelated sexual harassment. Trujillo disputes that and criticizes Bonar for interfering in an election by calling on him to resign.
Trujillo lost the June Democratic primary in the wake of the allegations.
Trujillo says the ordeal caused incalculable stress on him and his family, a damaged reputation and lots of money.

TEEN KIDNAPPING
Mississippi police: Georgia man kidnapped New Mexico teen
FULTON, Miss. (AP) — A Georgia man is charged in Mississippi with kidnapping a New Mexico teenager.
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesman Capt. Johnny Poulos says a state trooper stopped a van Tuesday matching one described by New Mexico police.
Poulos says a 14-year-old girl reported missing from Espanola (ehs-pan-YOH'-luh), New Mexico was inside the vehicle. With her was 25-year-old Didier Gonzales and 25-year-old Blanca Vazquez, both Georgia residents.
Gonzales on Wednesday was charged with kidnapping and is jailed in Itawamba County pending $150,000 bail. Poulos says Vazquez is jailed there on misdemeanor traffic charges. It's unclear if either has a lawyer.
Child Protective Services is caring for the teen until a parent arrives in Mississippi.
Espanola Police Chief Louis Carlos tells WTVA-TV that police concluded the girl was kidnapped after obtaining her cellphone information.

AIR BASE-GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
Air Force cited for groundwater contamination in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Environment Department has issued a notice of violation to the U.S. Air Force for failing to properly address groundwater contamination at a base near Clovis.
Chemicals associated with firefighting foam once used at Cannon Air Force Base have been detected in groundwater on and near the military installation.
That has prompted requests by state officials for more tests and a study to determine the extent of the toxic plume.
Environment Department officials announced Tuesday that it is requiring swift action from the base to comply with specific requirements of state law to protect human health and the environment.
They say failure to comply with the violation notice could result in an administrative compliance order that can assess civil penalties up to $15,000 per day for each violation.

ELECTION 2018-NEW MEXICO
Herrell begins ballot inspection after losing US House race
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A Republican who lost a closely watched U.S. House race in southern New Mexico has begun inspecting absentee ballots from a key county.
KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas, reports Yvette Herrell's campaign began Monday inspecting 8,500 absentee ballots from Dona Ana County.
Lawyers for Herrell got a state district judge to agree to impound the ballots so her campaign could examine them.
Herrell lost to Democrat Xochitl Torres Small after absentee ballots from Dona Ana County put her over the top.
Herrell alleged on Fox News that she was a victim of voting irregularities but has declined to give details. She also has not returned a number of calls from The Associated Press.
Dona Ana County Clerk Amanda Lopez Askin says she has heard of no allegations of irregularities.

DEFAMATION LAWSUIT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico land commissioner settles defamation suit over ad
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn has reached a settlement agreement with Garrett VeneKlasen in a defamation lawsuit over 2017 political attack ads.
Aubrey Dunn's attorney and son Blair Dunn on Monday said that settlement terms are private other than a written public apology from VeneKlasen.
The ads against Dunn were launched by VeneKlasen as he campaigned unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for land commissioner. Under the settlement, VeneKlasen says he did not intend to state that Dunn was corrupt, self-dealing or dishonest.
Dunn eventually declined to run for re-election as land commissioner and briefly campaigned for Congress as a Republican and then U.S. Senate as a Libertarian before withdrawing. Democrat state Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard won election in November as land commissioner against Republican Patrick Lyons.

NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS-HALLOWEEN STUNT
Schools: Teacher won't return after 'bloody Indian' comment
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials say a teacher at an Albuquerque high school will no longer work for the school district after she was accused of calling one Native American student a "bloody Indian" and cutting the braid of another.
Albuquerque Public Schools spokeswoman Monica Armenta said the relationship between the district and Cibola High School teacher "was severed." Armenta wouldn't say whether the teacher resigned or was fired.
The statement followed calls from the Navajo Nation president for cultural sensitivity training within the schools as a result of the Oct. 31 incident.
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye says the teacher's acts were part of a "Halloween stunt." He says one teen's parents told him it was traumatizing.
Armenta says the district's superintendent contacted the students' parents to tell them the employee would no longer teach at the school as of Friday.

CLERGY ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico's largest diocese files bankruptcy petition
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The largest Catholic diocese in New Mexico has filed its bankruptcy petition in federal court, beginning a reorganization process that could take more than a year.
Attorney Ford Elsaesser, who is representing the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, confirmed the filing was made Monday afternoon.
The move comes as the archdiocese faces more than three dozen active cases involving clergy sex abuse.
Archbishop John Wester announced last week that he had been contemplating the action for years but that the archdiocese had reached a tipping point. Expecting more cases to be filed, he said he wanted to ensure there would be resources to provide compensation for victims.
About 20 dioceses and other religious orders around the U.S. have filed for bankruptcy protection as a result of clergy sex abuse claims.

ALBUQUERQUE FAMILY KILLED-THE LATEST
The Latest: Court reviews fate of man who killed 5 as a teen
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors are placing scrutiny on how authorities perceived the demeanor of a New Mexico man who as a 15-year-old killed his parents and three young siblings.
At a hearing Monday, a former sheriff's deputy answered questions about his interview with 21-year-old Nehemiah Griego after the 2013 killings.
The weeklong hearing for Griego is meant to determine whether he has been rehabilitated while in state custody and is prepared for release. It's the second such hearing for Griego, who three years ago pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.
A judge in 2016 determined Griego could be released at age 21, but was ordered to revisit the case after an appeal from state prosecutors.
Witnesses this week include therapists who have provided Griego with psychological treatment. That testimony is expected to remain sealed.
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INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico lawmakers seek to rename Columbus Day
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state of New Mexico may have celebrated its last Columbus Day.
A legislative proposal to rename Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples' Day has cleared its first hurdle in the New Mexico Legislature with a unanimous committee endorsement.
Sandia Pueblo tribal member and Democratic state Rep. Derrick Lente is preparing a bill for the coming legislative session that renames the state holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October.
He told fellow lawmakers that it is fitting that the tribute to Christopher Columbus be dropped in a state with 23 designated Native American communities.
Tributes to European conquerors are fading or being rewritten out of consideration for Native Americans in many New Mexico communities amid enduring expressions of pride in the state's Spanish colonial heritage.

GRAZING PERMIT-WOLF KILLED
Forest Service revokes permit for rancher who trapped wolf
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service has revoked a grazing permit for a rancher who trapped an endangered Mexican gray wolf and hit it with a shovel.
The agency notified Craig Thiessen of its decision late last week.
The Datil rancher held the permit for an allotment near Reserve on the Gila National Forest. The permit had been at risk after Thiessen pleaded guilty in May to knowingly taking threatened wildlife.
The 10-month-old wolf pup died in February 2015.
Thiessen has said he knew he caught a Mexican gray wolf because it had a radio tracking collar. He disputed killing it.
A group that included environmentalists had called on the Forest Service to revoke Thiessen's permit.
The Forest Service says it will offer other ranchers an opportunity to graze on the allotment.

NEW MEXICO-DAVIE
UNM AD says football coach Bob Davie is back for 2019 season
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Despite consecutive 3-9 seasons, University of New Mexico officials say football coach Bob Davie will be back next year.
Lobos Athletic Director Eddie Nunez says he met with Davie on Friday and the veteran coach "is committed to working tirelessly to return UNM to the level of success in 2015 and 2016."
After losing records in each of Davie's first three years at UNM, the Lobos were 7-6 in 2015 and 9-4 the following season.
The 16-10 mark tied the school record for the most victories in back-to-back seasons.
Nunez says Davie "wants to be at New Mexico and wants nothing more than a program that our university and our fans can be proud of."
If UNM had chosen to terminate Davie's contract, he would have been owed $1.2 million.

OIL BOOM-CHARITIES
Oil and gas boom in Permian Basin boosts local charities
(Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus, http://www.currentargus.com/)
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — With the recent oil and gas boom in the Permian Basin, charities are seeing an increase in donations from some of the oil companies that have come in, but the number of clients being served is also on the rise as many workers can't afford rent and are looking for other help.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports the boom began in about mid-2017. Linda Dodd, executive director of the United Way of Carlsbad and South Eddy County, says the boom led to a dramatic influx of workers into the area, increasing housing demands and causing housing costs to spike.
She says she still sees some families living in their vehicles because places in Carlsbad are too expensive.
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NAVAJO NATION ELECTION
Navajo Nation certifies general election results
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Officials on the Navajo Nation have certified results from the tribe's general election.
The final counts show Vice President Jonathan Nez won the tribal presidency with 41,261 votes. Contender and former President Joe Shirley Jr. had 20,751 votes.
Nearly 63,150 ballots were cast in the Nov. 6. election for the presidency and other positions on the reservation. About 94,900 Navajos were registered to vote, putting turnout around 67 percent.
The Farmington Daily Times reports the Navajo Board of Election Supervisors certified the results Thursday.
Tribal members also elected representatives to the Navajo Nation Council, the election board and other offices.
The tribe allowed some Navajos who left their information at polling places to vote late after experiencing widespread ballot shortages. That didn't change the outcome of any races.

DOG BUS ATTACK
Lawsuit: Dog attacked man, service dog on Albuquerque bus
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man is suing the city of Albuquerque after he says he and his service animal were attacked by a dog on a city bus.
The Albuquerque Journal reports an attorney for Vernon Lewis recently filed a lawsuit in state district court against the city stemming from an alleged attack last year.
According to the lawsuit, Lewis, who has one leg and uses a wheelchair, boarded a city bus in April 2017 with his small dog, Rocco, on his lap.
The lawsuit says moments later another person boarded the bus along with an "unmuzzled pit bull" that attacked Rocco and Lewis.
Lewis' attorney, David Berlin, says Rocco died weeks after the attack.
Albuquerque Transit Department spokesman Rick De Reyes says it appears the bus driver did not properly follow procedure when he let the pit bull on board.
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LOS ALAMOS LAB-WASTE
Environment department accuses Los Alamos lab of violations
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State environment officials have accused Los Alamos National Laboratory of violating its hazardous waste permit and state regulations.
The allegations came in a letter the New Mexico Environment Department sent to lab officials in early November, days after a new contractor began operating the lab.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the allegations include sending tons of construction waste to a landfill in Santa Fe and sites in Albuquerque and Colorado between 2015 and 2017 without proper notification and labeling.
A spokesman for the lab said it shipped thousands of hazardous waste containers during that time. He said four had discrepancies in documentation and labeling, but neither the public nor the environment was at risk.
State environment and lab officials declined to say whether they're discussing a settlement.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Snowfall expected to create hazardous conditions for travel
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say expected snowfall this weekend will create hazardous travel conditions in parts of New Mexico, including portions of Interstates 25 and 40 and U.S. Highways 285 and 550.
The National Weather Service said Saturday that snowfall will occur overnight across western New Mexico before expanding eastward Sunday across northern and central New Mexico.
According to forecasters, accumulations of snow are likely even in lower elevations due to the very cold air mass accompanying an upper level trough being pushed toward the southeast by the jet stream.
Over 1 foot (30 centimeters) of snow is possible across the northwest mountains.

DAY CARE-CHILD ON STREET
Albuquerque day care apologizes after girl found on street
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque day care center is apologizing but has been temporarily closed while the state conducts an investigation after a driver found a 2-year-old girl standing in a traffic lane of a nearby busy street.
KOAT-TV reports that a Hope Head Start and Nursery employee retrieved the girl after the driver stopped and picked up the child Thursday.
Assistant Director Gely Flores says the day care loves its children and is asking parents and the public for forgiveness for the lapse.
Worker Judith Cabalero says she lost track of the girl while tending to another child while two other workers were on break.
The day care has installed a new door lock, is appealing its suspension and faces a hearing Thursday with a Children, Youth and Families Department hearing officer.
​
WRONG-WAY DRIVER
Woman accused of attempted homicide in wrong-way I-40 crash
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A New Mexico woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, aggravated DUI and other charges accusing her of driving the wrong way on Interstate 40 in northern Arizona before colliding head-on with a Highway Patrol sergeant's vehicle while having her 2-year-old daughter in her vehicle's back seat.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said 32-year-old Patricia Rose Carvalho of Los Ranchos and the sergeant whose name was not released were injured in the Nov. 17 collision near Flagstaff but that Calvalho's daughter was uninjured.
The DPS said sergeant likely saved the lives of other drivers by conducting a traffic break after Carvalho began driving the wrong way.
Video shot from another vehicle showed two vehicles stopping before the collision.
Court records don't list an attorney for Carvalho who could comment on the allegations.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Snowfall expected to create hazardous conditions for travel
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say expected snowfall this weekend will create hazardous travel conditions in parts of New Mexico, including portions of Interstates 25 and 40 and U.S. Highways 285 and 550.
The National Weather Service said Saturday that snowfall will occur overnight across western New Mexico before expanding eastward Sunday across northern and central New Mexico.
According to forecasters, accumulations of snow are likely even in lower elevations due to the very cold air mass accompanying an upper level trough being pushed toward the southeast by the jet stream.
Over 1 foot (30 centimeters) of snow is possible across the northwest mountains.

SUPERINTENDENT-FLEEING ACCIDENT
Police: New Mexico superintendent crashed into fence, fled
(Information from: Las Vegas Optic, http://www.lasvegasoptic.com)
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A northern New Mexico superintendent who recently was placed on paid administrative is facing charges after police say he drove through a resident's fence and fled.
The Las Vegas Optic reports Kelt Cooper was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving damage and immediate notice of accident.
New Mexico State Police say the 58-year-old Cooper was driving a Chevrolet pickup in Sapello, New Mexico, when the truck left the roadway and drove through a fence.
State Police Officer Dusty Francisco says no one was injured and the crash is still under investigation.
Cooper was placed on paid administrative leave by the Las Vegas Schools Board of Education. No reason was given.
It was not known if Cooper had an attorney.

LOS ALAMOS LAB-WASTE
Environment department accuses Los Alamos lab of violations
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State environment officials have accused Los Alamos National Laboratory of violating its hazardous waste permit and state regulations.
The allegations came in a letter the New Mexico Environment Department sent to lab officials in early November, days after a new contractor began operating the lab.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the allegations include sending tons of construction waste to a landfill in Santa Fe and sites in Albuquerque and Colorado between 2015 and 2017 without proper notification and labeling.
A spokesman for the lab said it shipped thousands of hazardous waste containers during that time. He said four had discrepancies in documentation and labeling, but neither the public nor the environment was at risk.
State environment and lab officials declined to say whether they're discussing a settlement.

DOG BUS ATTACK
Lawsuit: Dog attacked man, service dog on Albuquerque bus
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man is suing the city of Albuquerque after he says he and his service animal were attacked by a dog on a city bus.
The Albuquerque Journal reports an attorney for Vernon Lewis recently filed a lawsuit in state district court against the city stemming from an alleged attack last year.
According to the lawsuit, Lewis, who has one leg and uses a wheelchair, boarded a city bus in April 2017 with his small dog, Rocco, on his lap.
The lawsuit says moments later another person boarded the bus along with an "unmuzzled pit bull" that attacked Rocco and Lewis.
Lewis' attorney, David Berlin, says Rocco died weeks after the attack.
Albuquerque Transit Department spokesman Rick De Reyes says it appears the bus driver did not properly follow procedure when he let the pit bull on board.
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NAVAJO NATION ELECTION
Navajo Nation certifies general election results
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Officials on the Navajo Nation have certified results from the tribe's general election.
The final counts show Vice President Jonathan Nez won the tribal presidency with 41,261 votes. Contender and former President Joe Shirley Jr. had 20,751 votes.
Nearly 63,150 ballots were cast in the Nov. 6. election for the presidency and other positions on the reservation. About 94,900 Navajos were registered to vote, putting turnout around 67 percent.
The Farmington Daily Times reports the Navajo Board of Election Supervisors certified the results Thursday.
Tribal members also elected representatives to the Navajo Nation Council, the election board and other offices.
The tribe allowed some Navajos who left their information at polling places to vote late after experiencing widespread ballot shortages. That didn't change the outcome of any races.

DAY CARE-CHILD ON STREET
Albuquerque day care apologizes after girl found on street
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque day care center is apologizing but has been temporarily closed while the state conducts an investigation after a driver found a 2-year-old girl standing in a traffic lane of a nearby busy street.
KOAT-TV reports that a Hope Head Start and Nursery employee retrieved the girl after the driver stopped and picked up the child Thursday.
Assistant Director Gely Flores says the day care loves its children and is asking parents and the public for forgiveness for the lapse.
Worker Judith Cabalero says she lost track of the girl while tending to another child while two other workers were on break.
The day care has installed a new door lock, is appealing its suspension and faces a hearing Thursday with a Children, Youth and Families Department hearing officer.

WRONG-WAY DRIVER
Woman accused of attempted homicide in wrong-way I-40 crash
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A New Mexico woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, aggravated DUI and other charges accusing her of driving the wrong way on Interstate 40 in northern Arizona before colliding head-on with a Highway Patrol sergeant's vehicle while having her 2-year-old daughter in her vehicle's back seat.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said 32-year-old Patricia Rose Carvalho of Los Ranchos and the sergeant whose name was not released were injured in the Nov. 17 collision near Flagstaff but that Calvalho's daughter was uninjured.
The DPS said sergeant likely saved the lives of other drivers by conducting a traffic break after Carvalho began driving the wrong way.
Video shot from another vehicle showed two vehicles stopping before the collision.
Court records don't list an attorney for Carvalho who could comment on the allegations.

ALBUQUERQUE FAMILY KILLED
Fate of New Mexico man who killed 5 as a teen revisited
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man who killed five family members as a teen is set to return to court Monday for a weeklong hearing to determine whether he has been rehabilitated while in the state's juvenile detention system.
It is the second such hearing for 21-year-old Nehemiah Griego, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting deaths of his parents and three young siblings. He was 15 at the time of the killings and has since undergone behavioral health treatment.
After a 2016 hearing, Judge John Romero found Griego had proven receptive to treatment for schizoaffective disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The judge ruled Griego could be released from state custody on his 21st birthday.
But the state appeals court overturned that decision and sent the case back to Romero after finding he hadn't considered certain testimony from prosecutors.