UNEMPLOYMENT-JOB SEARCHES
New Mexico waives job search requirements amid pandemic
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico labor officials say they will continue to waive job search requirements until further notice for those receiving unemployment benefits. The Workforce Solutions Department made the announcement Monday, citing the increasing number of reported COVID-19 cases in the state. Department Secretary Bill McCamley says with the recent spike, the decision was made to give New Mexicans more time before work searches are required. The announcement reverses an earlier decision that had required people to report at least two work searches during their weekly certification process beginning Oct. 25. The agency also is delaying the opening of its offices for in-person visits to limit spread. 

DRY SOUTHWEST
Fire danger increases as New Mexico faces hot, dry weather
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico is the latest to join other forests in New Mexico and neighboring Arizona that are all at a high, very high or extreme fire danger rating. Lincoln officials announced the move to the higher rating Monday, as weather forecasters said more hot, dry weather were on tap for the region this week. Forest officials say despite it being late October, multiple fires larger than 1,000 acres have cropped up in the past week, including the Luna Fire in northern New Mexico and the Horse Fire south of Prescott, Arizona.

NEW MEXICO GAMBLING RULES
New Mexico tribes concerned about pitch to expand gambling
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Native American leaders in New Mexico are raising concerns about a proposal by non-tribal racetracks and casinos to open the state to Las Vegas-style gambling. They told state lawmakers during a meeting Monday that allowing unlimited slot machines, table games, online gambling and sports wagering at the tracks and casinos would be a "reckless attempt to expand private wealth." The tribal leaders also said they were not approached about the plan until just days before tracks executives testified before another legislative panel earlier this month. Track executives predict that expanded gambling would boost tourism and ensure the survival of the horse racing industry in New Mexico. 

ARTS COLLECTIVE-LABOR UNION
Meow Wolf may unionize amid pandemic turmoil
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Workers at a popular immersive arts entertainment project were voting Monday on whether to unionize under the Communications Workers of America umbrella, amid economic uncertainty linked to COVID-19. Meow Wolf coined a new brand of family entertainment with its "House of Eternal Return" exhibition in Santa Fe that is currently idled by a statewide pandemic health order. Meow Wolf has about 270 current employees after laying off just over 200 workers in April amid aggressive state restrictions on businesses'. Meouw Wolf furloughed more workers, even as it forges ahead with efforts to open venues in Las Vegas in early 2021 and Denver later that year.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Early voting surges in New Mexico as Senate candidates clash
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More than 80,000 people cast ballots across New Mexico over the weekend as Democrats continue to dominate early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election. The secretary of state's office said Monday that more than 265,000 ballots have been cast. Voting convenience centers opened Saturday across the state. Registered Republicans currently account for one-third of ballots, while about 54% were cast by Democrats. On Sunday, candidates in an open U.S. Senate race presented clashing visions for the future of the U.S. health care system, responses to climate change and potential policing reforms during a televised debate. Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan and Republican former meteorologist Mark Ronchetti hope to replace Democratic Sen. Tom Udall, who is retiring. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Tech shut down after reports of weekend parties
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Tech has temporarily closed out of caution against COVID-19 after officials learned of several off-campus weekend parties. University President Stephen Wells announced on the school's website that the campus would be shut down Monday. According to Wells, between 50-100 students gathered over the weekend at multiple parties in the area surrounding the Socorro campus. Wells says extreme measures are needed due to "the irresponsibility of a few." State health officials on Monday reported an additional 518 cases, bringing the statewide total to more than 37,300 since the pandemic began.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 14 new COVID-19 cases and 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials are confirming 14 new cases of COVID-19 and one additional death. The figures released Monday night bring the total number of cases to 10,969. The known death toll now is 574. Tribal health officials say 116,676 people on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,396 have recovered. A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation. Most people experience mild or moderate symptoms with the coronavirus, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.  

CANNABIS PLANT EXPLOSION
Explosion at New Mexico cannabis plant critically injures 2
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two men are in critical condition after an explosion at a cannabis manufacturing facility in New Mexico. The explosion Thursday at the New MexiCann Natural Medicine facility in Santa Fe was the second explosion that has injured workers at the plant in the last five years. The two men were transported by air ambulance to a hospital. Their identities were not made public. A state official says the incident is under investigation. Fire officials obtained two search warrants Friday for camera footage of dispensary. 

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Voters flock to early voting locations across New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Voters are flocking to early voting locations Saturday as New Mexico expands early balloting in the lead-up to Election Day. At an early voting center in Santa Fe, cars lined up hours ahead of the 10 a.m. opening time. Reports of slow mail and long in-person voting lines in other states motivated many voters to show up early. Scores of voting convenience centers opened Saturday amid a surge in early in-person and remote absentee balloting. Those centers accept voters from across their home county without regard to traditional precinct assignments. According to the Secretary of State's office, more than 180,000 ballots have been cast statewide as of Friday.

CANNABIS PLANT EXPLOSION
Explosion at New Mexico cannabis plant critically injures 2
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two men are in critical condition after an explosion at a cannabis manufacturing facility in New Mexico. The explosion Thursday at the New MexiCann Natural Medicine facility in Santa Fe was the second explosion that has injured workers at the plant in the last five years. The two men were transported by air ambulance to a hospital. Their identities were not made public. A state official says the incident is under investigation. Fire officials obtained two search warrants Friday for camera footage of dispensary. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico marks another daily record for virus cases
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials confirm that the state set another new single-day record with 819 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The state Department of Health reported new cases Friday. The previous record of 672 confirmed cases on Thursday already had eclipsed records set in recent days. The new cases of the novel coronavirus bring the state total to 35,770. In addition to the new cases, the state also reported that six more people in New Mexico died of the virus. The spike in cases comes as eight football players at the University of New Mexico and one assistant coach tested positive for the coronavirus. The positive cases announced Wednesday led state officials to step in and shut down all team activities.

SPACEPORT CEO-NEW MEXICO
Spaceport America board fires executive director
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — The CEO of New Mexico's commercial spacecraft launch facility facing accusation he pressured a former chief financial officer to circumvent internal financial controls has been ousted. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Dan Hicks was terminated as Spaceport America's executive director and CEO with little public discussion on Friday. The governing board of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority met in a special session via video conference. The firing comes as Hicks has been on administrative leave since June while allegations of mismanagement and abuse of authority have been under investigation by the New Mexico State Auditor and the New Mexico Spaceport Authority. Hicks did not immediately return phone messages.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Torres Small keeps big money edge in key US House race
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. House Rep. Xochitl Torres Small has kept a fundraising edge in a crucial House race in southern New Mexico that Republicans hope to flip. Federal election reports show the Las Cruces Democrat pulled in $2,247,575 during that third quarter, which ended September 30. She now has $1,869,189 cash-on-hand going into the final weeks before the election. Republican challenger Yvette Herrell saw a surge in fundraising during the same period and raised $1,013,687 _ one of the biggest fundraising quarters for a Republican congressional candidate in state history. The Alamogordo Republican reported having $514,096 cash-on-hand.

MANSLAUGHTER PLEA
NM man who shot and killed another guilty of manslaughter
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a 22-year-old man who fatally shot another man while staying at his girlfriend's house has pleaded guilty to a voluntary manslaughter charge. The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico announced that Joshua Gutierrez entered the plea Friday in Albuquerque federal court. A news release from the U.S. attorney says Gutierrez was staying at a home on the Navajo Nation where his girlfriend and her father lived when the shooting occurred on March 29 when he went to investigate an argument. The shooting happened on the Navajo Nation and Gutierrez faces 12 years in prison. 

PENSION FUND-PRIVATE PRISONS
New Mexico retirement board to amend investment policies
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A panel that oversees a multibillion-dollar pension fund for New Mexico teachers and other educational retirees is taking a step toward dropping investments in private prison companies. The Educational Retirement Board voted 4-2 with one member abstaining to amend its investment policies to exclude private prisons. Teachers' unions and immigrant activists have been pushing the board to do so for more than a year, saying divesting in certain companies would make a statement. Some board members reiterated their concerns during Friday's meeting, saying the board has to be mindful of constitutional mandates and statutory requirements that guide investment of the retirement fund.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Charter school teacher named New Mexico Teacher of the Year
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque charter school educator has been named New Mexico Teacher of the Year. Alisa Cooper de Uribe is a bilingual first grade teacher at New Mexico International School. She's the second charter school teacher to win the award in its 57-year history. As Teacher of the Year, Cooper de Uribe will serve as an example to her peers and work with the state Public Education Department. She will represent her state in the national Teacher of the Year competition. She is receiving a $25,000 grant from the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association to support her professional development.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Voters flock to early voting locations across New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Voters are flocking to early voting locations Saturday as New Mexico expands early balloting in the lead-up to Election Day. At an early voting center in Santa Fe, cars lined up hours ahead of the 10 a.m. opening time. Reports of slow mail and long in-person voting lines in other states motivated many voters to show up early. Scores of voting convenience centers opened Saturday amid a surge in early in-person and remote absentee balloting. Those centers accept voters from across their home county without regard to traditional precinct assignments. According to the Secretary of State's office, more than 180,000 ballots have been cast statewide as of Friday.

CANNABIS PLANT EXPLOSION
Explosion at New Mexico cannabis plant critically injures 2
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two men are in critical condition after an explosion at a cannabis manufacturing facility in New Mexico. The explosion Thursday at the New MexiCann Natural Medicine facility in Santa Fe was the second explosion that has injured workers at the plant in the last five years. The two men were transported by air ambulance to a hospital. Their identities were not made public. A state official says the incident is under investigation. Fire officials obtained two search warrants Friday for camera footage of dispensary. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico marks another daily record for virus cases
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials confirm that the state set another new single-day record with 819 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The state Department of Health reported new cases Friday. The previous record of 672 confirmed cases on Thursday already had eclipsed records set in recent days. The new cases of the novel coronavirus bring the state total to 35,770. In addition to the new cases, the state also reported that six more people in New Mexico died of the virus. The spike in cases comes as eight football players at the University of New Mexico and one assistant coach tested positive for the coronavirus. The positive cases announced Wednesday led state officials to step in and shut down all team activities.

SPACEPORT CEO-NEW MEXICO
Spaceport America board fires executive director
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — The CEO of New Mexico's commercial spacecraft launch facility facing accusation he pressured a former chief financial officer to circumvent internal financial controls has been ousted. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Dan Hicks was terminated as Spaceport America's executive director and CEO with little public discussion on Friday. The governing board of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority met in a special session via video conference. The firing comes as Hicks has been on administrative leave since June while allegations of mismanagement and abuse of authority have been under investigation by the New Mexico State Auditor and the New Mexico Spaceport Authority. Hicks did not immediately return phone messages.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Torres Small keeps big money edge in key US House race
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. House Rep. Xochitl Torres Small has kept a fundraising edge in a crucial House race in southern New Mexico that Republicans hope to flip. Federal election reports show the Las Cruces Democrat pulled in $2,247,575 during that third quarter, which ended September 30. She now has $1,869,189 cash-on-hand going into the final weeks before the election. Republican challenger Yvette Herrell saw a surge in fundraising during the same period and raised $1,013,687, one of the biggest fundraising quarters for a Republican congressional candidate in state history. The Alamogordo Republican reported having $514,096 cash-on-hand.

MANSLAUGHTER PLEA
NM man who shot and killed another guilty of manslaughter
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a 22-year-old man who fatally shot another man while staying at his girlfriend's house has pleaded guilty to a voluntary manslaughter charge. The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico announced that Joshua Gutierrez entered the plea Friday in Albuquerque federal court. A news release from the U.S. attorney says Gutierrez was staying at a home on the Navajo Nation where his girlfriend and her father lived when the shooting occured on March 29 when he went to investigate an argument. The shooting happened on the Navajo Nation and Gutierrez faces 12 years in prison. 

PENSION FUND-PRIVATE PRISONS
New Mexico retirement board to amend investment policies
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A panel that oversees a multibillion-dollar pension fund for New Mexico teachers and other educational retirees is taking a step toward dropping investments in private prison companies. The Educational Retirement Board voted 4-2 with one member abstaining to amend its investment policies to exclude private prisons. Teachers' unions and immigrant activists have been pushing the board to do so for more than a year, saying divesting in certain companies would make a statement. Some board members reiterated their concerns during Friday's meeting, saying the board has to be mindful of constitutional mandates and statutory requirements that guide investment of the retirement fund.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Charter school teacher named New Mexico Teacher of the Year
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque charter school educator has been named New Mexico Teacher of the Year. Alisa Cooper de Uribe is a bilingual first grade teacher at New Mexico International School. She's the second charter school teacher to win the award in its 57-year history. As Teacher of the Year, Cooper de Uribe will serve as an example to her peers and work with the state Public Education Department. She will represent her state in the national Teacher of the Year competition. She is receiving a $25,000 grant from the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association to support her professional development.

Another Record Setting Day of COVID-19 Cases in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials confirm that the state set another new single-day record with 819 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The state Department of Health reported new cases Friday. The previous record of 672 confirmed cases on Thursday already had eclipsed records set in recent days. The new cases of the novel coronavirus bring the state total to 35,770. In addition to the new cases, the state also reported that six more people in New Mexico died of the virus. The spike in cases comes as eight football players at the University of New Mexico and one assistant coach tested positive for the coronavirus. The positive cases announced Wednesday led state officials to step in and shut down all team activities.

More Early Voting Locations Opening Across the State
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More voting locations are opening across New Mexico as the state expands early balloting in the lead-up to Election Day on Nov. 3. Scores of voting convenience centers were scheduled to open Saturday amid a surge in early in-person and remote absentee balloting. Those centers accept voters from across their home county without regard to traditional precinct assignments. In-person early voting extends for three weeks through Saturday, Oct. 31. More than 180,000 ballots have been cast statewide. Republicans are voting mostly in person, while there is a strong tendency among Democrats to vote by absentee ballots that can be mailed.

Spaceport CEO Fired
​LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — The CEO of New Mexico's commercial spacecraft launch facility facing accusation he pressured a former chief financial officer to circumvent internal financial controls has been ousted. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Dan Hicks was terminated as Spaceport America's executive director and CEO with little public discussion on Friday. The governing board of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority met in a special session via video conference. The firing comes as Hicks has been on administrative leave since June while allegations of mismanagement and abuse of authority have been under investigation by the New Mexico State Auditor and the New Mexico Spaceport Authority. Hicks did not immediately return phone messages.

Torres-Small Out Raises Funds Over Herrell
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. House Rep. Xochitl Torres Small has kept a fundraising edge in a crucial House race in southern New Mexico that Republicans hope to flip. Federal election reports show the Las Cruces Democrat pulled in $2,247,575 during that third quarter, which ended September 30. She now has $1,869,189 cash-on-hand going into the final weeks before the election. Republican challenger Yvette Herrell saw a surge in fundraising during the same period and raised $1,013,687 _ one of the biggest fundraising quarters for a Republican congressional candidate in state history. The Alamogordo Republican reported having $514,096 cash-on-hand.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor: 'The virus is now winning'
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is warning that an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 infections is likely to strain the state's health care system as confirmed cases set a new one-day record at 672. State health official said that intensive care units are full at two major hospitals out of three in Albuquerque as infections accelerate and that the trend could end up constraining other medial services. Lujan Grisham has already limited gatherings to five people or less, reduced hotel capacities and a set 10 p.m. closing time for restaurants. Health officials responded in one week to 611 reports of infections at businesses and other institutions.

AP-US-ELECTION-2020-BLACK-VOTERS
Black scholars form effort to fight trolls, disinformation
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — A group of U.S. Black scholars, activists, and writers has launched a new project combat misleading information online around voting, reparations and immigration. The recently launched "National Black Cultural Information Trust" seeks to counter fake social media accounts and Twitter trolls that often discourage Black voters from participating in elections. The project's founder, Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor, says some dubious accounts behind the social media #ADOS movement _ which stands for American Descendants of Slavery _ tell Black voters to skip the presidential election. She says some accounts also use the hashtag to flame divisions between African Americans and Black immigrants.

SUPREME COURT-TRUMP
3 key Trump policies teed up for Supreme Court action
WASHINGTON (AP) — Controversial Trump administration policies on the census, asylum seekers and the border wall, held illegal by lower courts, are on the Supreme Court's agenda Friday. The most pressing case before the justices when they meet privately by telephone is the administration's appeal to be allowed to exclude people living in the U.S. illegally from the census, which will be used to allocate seats in the House of Representatives. The administration wants the court to hear arguments in December and decide the case before Trump's Jan. 10 deadline to send the figures to Congress. The justices could reveal their plans as early as Friday.

GOVERNOR-CHIEF OF STAFF
Gov's chief of staff on leave to aid Biden transition team
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's chief of staff John Bingaman has taken a leave of absence to help with Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's transition team. Lujan Grisham was recently named as one of the co-chairs of Biden's transition committee and asked Bingaman to assist with the potential transition. A spokeswoman for Lujan Grisham, Nora Meyers Sackett, says Bingaman took a leave of absence starting last week because his duties relevant to the Biden campaign are not within the scope of state government affairs. Bingaman has been the governor's chief of staff since she took office in Jan. 2019. 

NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
New Mexico utility, tribe to break ground on solar farm
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric utility is breaking ground on a 50-megawatt solar field that will provide power to large users that have signed on to a new program officials hope will serve as a cost-effective model for boosting access to renewable energy. Officials said Thursday the third-largest solar project on tribal land in the U.S.will be capable of producing enough electricity to power the equivalent of about 16,000 average homes for a year. Tribal officials gathered on the Jicarilla Apache Nation in northern New Mexico for a ceremony ahead of the groundbreaking.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Close congressional race in southern New Mexico draws eyes
RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is on the verge of electing the nation's largest U.S. House delegation made up entirely of women of color, but the close race the state's southern district is grabbing the most attention. Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small is seeking to hold her traditionally GOP-leaning seat against Republican challenger Yvette Herrell in a rematch of 2018 that will be decided by turnout. Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, one of the nation's first Native American females in Congress, is facing re-election against Republican challenger Michelle Garcia Holmes for the Albuquerque seat. Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez and Republican Alexis Johnson are vying to represent New Mexico's Democratic-leaning northern district.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 31 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Thursday reported 31 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, but no deaths for the second consecutive day. The latest figures bring the total number of cases to 10,819 including 14 delayed reported cases. The known death toll remained at 571. Tribal health officials say 114,515 people on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,360 have recovered. A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation. Most people experience mild or moderate symptoms with the coronavirus, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.  

VIRUS OUTBREAK-EDUCATION LAWSUIT
Judge won't force New Mexico to send kids back to school
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health and school officials can keep restricting in-person learning for the vast majority of young children based on county-wide coronavirus outbreaks. A federal judge denied a request for a sweeping injunction to allow in-person learning to return, saying plaintiffs likely can't sue the governor and that the regulations ordered by the state are likely to be upheld. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has allowed some in-person learning for special needs students and allowed districts with low coronavirus transmission to bring kids back to school two days per week. Parents in counties forced to remain closed have been angry over the restrictions.
​
NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
New Mexico utility, tribe to break ground on solar farm
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric utility is breaking ground on a 50-megawatt solar field that will provide power to Western New Mexico University, the city of Albuquerque and other large users. Officials will gather Thursday on the Jicarilla Apache Nation in northern New Mexico for a ceremony. As the third largest solar project on tribal land in the U.S., the array will be capable of producing enough electricity to power the equivalent of about 16,000 average homes for a year. The project was approved in March by state regulators. It's part of Public Service Co. of New Mexico's Solar Direct program.

​AP-US-TV-BAD-HOMBRES
'Bad Hombres' film uses baseball to show the game of borders
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — A new Showtime sports documentary follows a Mexican League baseball team that plays on both sides of the border amid the tension around migration, divisive politics, and cartel violence. "Bad Hombres" centers around the 2019 season of the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredo, a binational professional baseball team with home stadiums in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and Laredo, Texas. Players often cross the border by foot to each game with equipment in tow. Meanwhile, surrounding the players chasing dreams are the dangers of drug cartel violence and President Donald Trump's heated rhetoric about a border wall. 

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Close congressional race in southern New Mexico draws eyes
RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is on the verge of electing the nation's largest U.S. House delegation made up entirely of women of color, but the close race the state's southern district is grabbing the most attention. Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small is seeking to hold her traditionally GOP-leaning seat against Republican challenger Yvette Herrell in a rematch of 2018 that will be decided by turnout. Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, one of the nation's first Native American females in Congress, is facing re-election against Republican challenger Michelle Garcia Holmes for the Albuquerque seat. Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez and Republican Alexis Johnson are vying to represent New Mexico's Democratic-leaning northern district.

NAVAJO COAL PROGRAM
Program that provides coal to Navajos for heating resumes
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A program that provides free coal to Navajos to heat their homes resumes this month. Many tribal members still use coal as a heating source, but accessing it became harder after a mine in northeastern Arizona shut down last year. The Navajo Transitional Energy Company expanded its coal resource program to help fill the gaps. Coal tickets can be obtained through Navajo Nation chapters in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. One ticket equals one ton of coal. It must be picked up at the Navajo Mine near Farmington, New Mexico. 

DISASTER AID-OVERSIGHT
Lawmakers: New Mexico farmers shortchanged on disaster aid
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's congressional delegation says some farmers and ranchers have been shortchanged on federal disaster aid. They also say Hispanic farmers who rely on traditional acequias to irrigate their crops have been told they're ineligible for assistance. The delegation is asking the U.S. Agriculture Department to monitor management of the disaster aid program in New Mexico given the concerns. They say the Farm Service Agency in New Mexico has been telling farmers and ranchers that drought is not an eligible cause of loss on irrigated lands despite most of the state experiencing either severe or extreme drought.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico shatters its record for confirmed COVID-19 cases
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has shattered its previous record for confirmed COVID-19 cases amid fears the state is experiencing a second wave of the deadly virus. Health officials reported Wednesday that the state recorded 577 new coronavirus cases. That breaks last week's record for the U.S. Southwestern state when it recorded 488 new cases in a single day. The new cases come as Gov. Michele Lujan Grisham announced Tuesday she would renew public health restrictions and warned that more stringent rules could be imposed because of a rise in cases. New rules limit gatherings to five people or less and reduced hotel capacities.

INDIAN EDUCATION-LEADER CHOSEN
New Mexico names leader of Indigenous education reform
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Former Navajo Nation legislative staffer LaShawna Tso has been selected to lead New Mexico's Indian Education division. Wednesday's announcement by the state Public Education Department marks the end of a months-long search. She will fill a key role in a state where 11% of the population is Native American. As assistant secretary of Indian Education, Tso will oversee New Mexico's compliance with a court order that stems from a sweeping lawsuit that accused the state of failing to provide a sound education to vulnerable children from minority communities, non-English speaking households, impoverished families and students with disabilities.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor renews restrictions as virus cases rise
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she will renew public health restrictions and is warning that more stringent rules could be imposed because of a rise in COVID-19 cases. The regulations she announced Tuesday will take effect later this week. They will include limiting gatherings to five people, a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors from high-risk states, reduced hotel capacities and a 10 p.m. closure for any food or drink establishments that serve alcohol. Without a vaccine, the governor said there are only a few tools to fight the virus, such as wearing masks, staying home as much as possible and avoiding groups of people.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico judge issues ruling in marijuana reciprocity case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A state district judge has cleared the way for hundreds of patients to be re-authorized to participate in New Mexico's medical marijuana program. The ruling issued Tuesday stemmed from a challenge of a mandate and subsequent rule adopted by the state health department that placed additional requirements on some patients who have medical marijuana cards from other states. The health department says it will comply with the ruling and that all 323 people affected by the decision will once again be able to buy from licensed cannabis providers in the state. Marijuana is only legal for medical use in New Mexico.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO REGULATORS
New Mexico voters to decide future of powerful commission
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to New Mexico voters to decide the future of a powerful commission in charge of regulating utilities and other businesses. If approved during the general election, a constitutional amendment on the ballot would change the Public Regulation Commission from an elected panel to one comprised of members appointed by the governor. Supporters say the change would insulate the staff from political considerations. Opponents call it a power grab by the governor that would take away the right of voters to elect commissioners. It was an amendment approved by voters in 1996 that created the regulatory commission.

SANTA FE ARCHDIOCESE-BANKRUPTCY
Judge: Victims can sue Santa Fe Archdiocese over transfer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A U.S. bankruptcy judge has ruled clergy sex abuse survivors can file lawsuits alleging the Archdiocese of Santa Fe fraudulently transferred millions to avoid bigger payouts to victims. The Albuquerque Journal reports the recent decision by Judge David T. Thuma in the Chapter 11 reorganization case opens the door to what could be a multimillion-dollar boon to hundreds of alleged victims. Or it could set off protracted, costly legal appeals that would tap funds that could have paid valid abuse claims. An estimated $52 million has been paid in out-of-court settlements to victims in prior years.

AP-US-TV-DRIVING-WHILE-BLACK
'Driving While Black' shows history of US Black motorists
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A new film examines the history of African Americans driving on the road from the Great Depression to the height of the Civil Rights movement.  "Driving While Black," airing this week on most PBS stations in the U.S., show how the automobile liberated African Americans to move around the country while still navigating segregation and violence. Directed by Ric Burns, the documentary was inspired by Gretchen Sorin's 2019 book, "Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights." She argued the car allowed African Americans to avoid segregated trains and buses throughout the American South. 

SKI PASSES SOLD OUT
Ski Santa Fe sells out its 2,900 passes in under 10 hours
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It's not even winter yet, but Ski Santa Fe has sold out of its nearly 3,000 passes. Albuquerque TV station KOB reports that the ski passes were gone in less than 10 hours Monday. Ski Santa Fe general manager Ben Abruzzo says they put 2,900 different reservation-based passes on sale at midnight. All of them were all sold by 10 a.m. Monday. In a typical season, Ski Santa Fe sells close to 6,000 season passes over a few months. Abruzzo says state officials finalized ski areas' coronavirus-safe plans Monday. Some of those plans include limiting ski lift capacity to 25%. Abruzzo says those who missed out on buying a season pass at Ski Santa Fe will still have other options, including an online reservation system.  

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL
New Mexico governor urged to take stand against nuclear plan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmentalists and other watchdog groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to create a government agency that would be tasked with keeping the state from becoming a permanent dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste. Dozens of groups have sent a letter to the Democratic governor. They pointed to Nevada's success in mothballing the Yucca Mountain waste repository project and asked the governor to consider similar measures to protect New Mexico. In comments recently submitted to federal regulators, state officials opposed a preliminary recommendation that a license be granted to Holtec International to build a multibillion-dollar storage facility in southeastern New Mexico.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
Activists in New Mexico, Arizona mark Indigenous Peoples Day
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Protesters have torn down a historical monument in Santa Fe as New Mexico, Arizona and other states marked Indigenous Peoples Day. Protesters used a rope and chain Monday to topple the obelisk on the Santa Fe Plaza, spurring cheers from the crowd. A point of contention for years, the obelisk was dedicated in part to the "heroes" who died in battle with "savage Indians." In Arizona, protesters clashed with law enforcement officers after staging protests near the U.S.-Mexico border. Video showed vehicles stopped on the side of the road and some people being taken into custody. Other events across the country Monday focused on the history and contributions of Native Americans.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
Activists in New Mexico, Arizona mark Indigenous Peoples Day
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Protesters have torn down a historical monument in Santa Fe as New Mexico, Arizona and other states marked Indigenous Peoples Day. Protesters used a rope and chain Monday to topple the obelisk on the Santa Fe Plaza, spurring cheers from the crowd. A point of contention for years, the obelisk was dedicated in part to the "heroes" who died in battle with "savage Indians." In Arizona, protesters clashed with law enforcement officers after staging protests near the U.S.-Mexico border. Video showed vehicles stopped on the side of the road and some people being taken into custody. Other events across the country Monday focused on the history and contributions of Native Americans.

​SKI PASSES SOLD OUT
Ski Santa Fe sells out its 2,900 passes in under 10 hours
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It's not even winter yet, but Ski Santa Fe has sold out of its nearly 3,000 passes. Albuquerque TV station KOB reports that the ski passes were gone in less than 10 hours Monday. Ski Santa Fe general manager Ben Abruzzo says they put 2,900 different reservation-based passes on sale at midnight. All of them were all sold by 10 a.m. Monday. In a typical season, Ski Santa Fe sells close to 6,000 season passes over a few months. Abruzzo says state officials finalized ski areas' coronavirus-safe plans Monday. Some of those plans include limiting ski lift capacity to 25%. Abruzzo says those who missed out on buying a season pass at Ski Santa Fe will still have other options, including an online reservation system.  

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL
New Mexico governor urged to take stand against nuclear plan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmentalists and other watchdog groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to create a government agency that would be tasked with keeping the state from becoming a permanent dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste. Dozens of groups have sent a letter to the Democratic governor. They pointed to Nevada's success in mothballing the Yucca Mountain waste repository project and asked the governor to consider similar measures to protect New Mexico. In comments recently submitted to federal regulators, state officials opposed a preliminary recommendation that a license be granted to Holtec International to build a multibillion-dollar storage facility in southeastern New Mexico.

PORTLAND PROTESTS
Protesters knock down Roosevelt, Lincoln statues in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Protesters overturned statues of former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in Portland, Oregon, Sunday night in a declaration of "rage" against Columbus Day. Protest organizers dubbed the event "Indigenous Peoples Day of Rage," in response to Monday's federal holiday named after 15th-century Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. The group threw chains around Roosevelt's statue, pulling it down just before 9 p.m. Protesters then turned their attention to Lincoln's statue, pulling it down about eight minutes later. Police say windows were broken on several buildings and declared a riot. Along with Columbus, historians have said both presidents have expressed hostility and racism toward Native Americans. Three people were arrested.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico homeless shelter reports more coronavirus cases
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque officials are confirming more COVID-19 infections at the city's homeless shelter as cases statewide are on the rise. The city on Sunday reported an additional 72 cases at the shelter. Anyone at the shelter who's experiencing symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 is isolated and tested. Officials have been able to use some hotels to house those who test positive in an effort to curb spread among the homeless population. New Mexico has had some of the most restrictive health orders in place since the pandemic began but has been reporting sharp increases in recent days. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 30 new coronavirus cases and 6 deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Monday reported 30 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and six more deaths. The latest numbers bring the total number of cases to 10,728 including two additional cases that was previously unreported due to delayed reporting. The known death toll is now at 571.  Tribal health officials said 112,648 people on the the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,343 have recovered. A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHILD-WELFARE
Remote schooling forces child welfare agencies to adapt
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Child welfare monitoring and enforcement have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers, the backbone of the abuse and neglect reporting system, are separated from their students by remote learning. In New Mexico, schools, state agencies, and law enforcement officials say the lack of in-person schooling has required more attention. Reports of "educational neglect" can lead investigators to a household where children are unfed, unkempt, and unschooled. But it can also mean a capable parent has had trouble with Wi-Fi. In Albuquerque, law enforcement officers are applying a light touch to truancy calls that don't result in arrest and regularly connect families to social services.

DRY NEW MEXICO
Forecasters: Hot, dry, windy weather on tap for New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say much of New Mexico will be hot, dry and windy this weekend, with wildfire smoke in some areas. The National Weather Service says there will be record and near-record temperatures ranging from 8 to 17 degrees above normal through Saturday and that winds will strengthen statewide on Sunday, creating concerns about wildfires. Forecasters also say chances for precipitation will be near zero across all of northern and central New Mexico. And the weather service says smoke from a wildfire in eastern Arizona will continue to impact the area around the New Mexico communities of Glenwood, Reserve and Socorro.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico comes close to marking another high on new cases
SANTA FE. N.M. (AP) — A day after reporting a record daily number of additional COVID-19 cases, New Mexico officials came close to doing so again on Saturday. State officials reported 486 additional COVID-19 cases — two short of the 488 reported Friday — and five additional deaths. The state's totals increased to 32,722 cases and 907 deaths. Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press indicated the state's seven-day rolling average of new deaths declined in the past two weeks from 3.3 on Sept. 25 to 2.4 on Friday. Meanwhile, the rolling average of daily new cases over the same period rose from 146 to 299.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHILD-WELFARE
Remote schooling forces child welfare agencies to adapt
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Child welfare monitoring and enforcement have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers, the backbone of the abuse and neglect reporting system, are separated from their students by remote learning. In New Mexico, schools, state agencies, and law enforcement officials say the lack of in-person schooling has required more attention. Reports of "educational neglect" can lead investigators to a household where children are unfed, unkempt, and unschooled. But it can also mean a capable parent has had trouble with Wi-Fi. In Albuquerque, law enforcement officers are applying a light touch to truancy calls that don't result in arrest and regularly connect families to social services.

HAZING FRATERNITY MEMBER CHARGED
Former frat member sentenced for shooting student as hazing
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A former New Mexico State University fraternity member who shot another student during a hazing ritual last year was given an 18-month suspended sentence on Friday. Miguel Altamirano pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon while intoxicated. Altamirano shot Jonathan Sillas in the leg at a campground in November 2019 during hazing for the Kappa Sigma fraternity at the university. The university revoked Kappa Sigma's charter and Altamirano was expelled. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Virus infections set new one-day record in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is losing ground in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as newly reported daily infections hit a record of 488 cases. Three additional deaths from the pandemic also were disclosed Friday by state health officials as fatalities from the pandemic surpassed 900. Bernalillo County, with the state's most populous urban area, accounted for 135 new cases, while Dona Ana had 81. Lea and Chaves counties together accounted for 77 new cases. The state's infection and positivity rates for the spread of the virus are climbing as the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham holds the line on emergency public health restrictions. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation members eligible for $1,500 for virus relief
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be eligible for payments of up to $1,500 as part of the tribe's response to the coronavirus. President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer on Friday approved the $49 million plan adopted by the tribal council. The funding comes from the tribe's share of federal coronavirus relief funding. Adults will be eligible for payments of $1,500 while minors are eligible for $500. Nez said in a statement that there isn't enough funding to cover payments for all enrolled members of the tribe, so the money should be directed to elders and those most in need.
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VIRUS OUTBREAK—EDUCATION LAWSUIT
Schools allege overreach by New Mexico education secretary
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A group of New Mexico school districts argue in a lawsuit that the Public Education Department is overstepping its authority during the pandemic. From forcing children without the internet to learn remotely to commandeering toilet paper for child care centers, they say the education department's mandates exceed the powers laid out in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's emergency health order to deal with COVID-19. A number of the school districts represented in the lawsuit are on or near the Navajo Nation, where stakes are high for in-person learning. The region was hit hard early in the pandemic. Now its students, around half of whom cannot connect to the internet, are struggling to keep up with school.