CHILD DEAD-BORDER
Trump blames Democrats, not his team, for border deaths
President Donald Trump claims that two Guatemalan children who died in U.S. custody were already ill, yet both young migrants passed initial health screenings by border officials.
As Democrats criticized Trump for also tweeting Saturday that Democratic immigration policies were responsible for the deaths, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen visited medical officials and Border Patrol agents at the Arizona and Texas southern borders. The visit came amid promises of additional wellness screenings for migrant children.
In Guatemala, the mother of 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo, who died Christmas Eve, told The Associated Press that her son was healthy when he left with his father on their journey hoping to migrate to the U.S.

STRANDED FAMILY RESCUED
New Mexico family stuck in snow, rescued after 2 days
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — Searchers rescued a family of four who "stayed hunkered down" in their pickup for two days after getting stuck in snow in mountains in southern New Mexico.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports that the family from Carlsbad was reported missing Thusday and that searchers on snowmobile found them safely inside their pickup near Mayhill in the Lincoln National Forest.
The search began after the Otero County Sheriff's Office contacted the New Mexico State Police upon being notified that the family didn't return to a hotel in the area.
State Police Officer David Miller said the family — a man and his three children ages 11-14 — "stayed hunkered down in that pickup truck for the last two days, waiting."
Mayhill is 98 miles (157 kilometers) north of El Paso, Texas.

AMERICAN MOTHERS-LATHAM
New Mexico woman to lead mothers' advocacy group
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A nonprofit group that advocates on behalf of mothers across the U.S. has tapped New Mexico's tourism secretary to be its next leader.
American Mothers Inc. announced Friday that Rebecca Latham will assume the role of chief executive officer on Jan. 1. Latham served as the state's tourism boss under outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez.
Latham has been a member of American Mothers' board of directors since April 2017.
Before being appointed tourism secretary in 2015, she served as the agency's communication director and was previously the director of tourism and economic development in the northern New Mexico community of Red River.
Latham's new duties will include growing a philanthropic initiative that supports other nonprofit organizations that help women and children.

NAVAJO NAVAJO-COMPANY
Navajo bill aimed at changing company to for-profit status
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A bill proposed for consideration by the Navajo National Council is aimed at making a tribal-owned energy company a for-profit corporation.
The Daily Times reports that the legislation would authorize the tribe to petition the U.S. Interior Department to allow the Navajo Transitional Energy Co. to become a for-profit corporation under the Indian Reorganization Act.
The NTEC is a tribal enterprise company created in 2013 to purchase the Navajo Mine near Fruitland.
Besides owning the mine, the company acquired a 7 percent interest in the Four Corners Power Plant this year and is exploring options for the tribe's potential purchase of the Navajo Generating Station near Page, Arizona.
The council on Friday began a special session scheduled to conclude Monday.

JUVENILE RECORDS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico court rescinds proposed rules on juvenile records
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Proposed rule changes that would have sealed records in many New Mexico crime cases involving juveniles have been rejected by the state Supreme Court.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the court on Dec. 30 rescinded amendments that the court previously approved in 2017 but suspended last January to provide more time for public comment.
A committee that drafted the proposed amendments said sealing records in delinquency proceedings was consistent with "protecting the privacy of children who come in contact with the courts, particularly in the digital age."
However, the court's latest order said it was rescinding the proposed amendments under "the general rule of transparency" guiding New Mexico courts and because the Legislature hasn't required the automatic and immediate sealing of court records filed in delinquency proceedings.

OFFICER KILLED-APPEAL
Court upholds sentence for man accused in officer's death
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld the life sentence for a man convicted of killing a suburban Albuquerque police officer.
In 2016, Andrew Romero was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, plus 60 years, following a jury trial in Los Lunas. He was convicted of shooting and killing Rio Rancho Officer Gregg Nigel Benner in 2015.
Romero's attorney argued on an appeal before the state's high court that the jury was tainted during his trial because four jurors indicated they had been exposed to media coverage resulting from the shooting. The defense argued that that none of the 12 jurors should have been exposed to media headlines in the case.

DISTRIBUTION COMPANY-INVESTMENT
Distribution company to invest $16.5M in New Mexico
SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) — A regional distribution company has plans to invest another $16.5 million to expand its operations in southern New Mexico.
Gov. Susana Martinez's office announced Friday that Valley Cold Storage and Transportation plans to increase its presence in the border community of Santa Teresa and will add 10 jobs.
The expansion is being supported by up to $150,000 in local economic development funds.
State Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel called Valley Cold Storage a homegrown success story. The company serves southern New Mexico, West Texas and northern Mexico.
Since 2011, the governor's office says New Mexico has invested nearly $130 million in improvements in Santa Teresa to attract businesses to the bustling area. That has included roadway reconstruction, water infrastructure and a port of entry visitor center.
​
PEOPLE-CHEVEL SHEPHERD
Winner of "The Voice" to perform at New Mexico inauguration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Chevel Shepherd, the winner of NBC's "The Voice," is scheduled to perform next week at the inauguration of New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Lujan Grisham's office says Shepherd will perform "God Bless America" at the inaugural ceremony along with other songs at the two inaugural balls on Jan. 1.
The Democratic politician says Shepherd, a 16-year-old from Farmington, has made New Mexicans proud with her remarkable talent.
Shepherd was declared the winner of "The Voice" earlier this month after weeks of competition. Singer Kelly Clarkson was her coach.
Shepherd has said she also plans to schedule a concert in January in her hometown.

STRANDED FAMILY RESCUED
New Mexico family stuck in snow, rescued after 2 days
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — Searchers rescued a family of four who "stayed hunkered down" in their pickup for two days after getting stuck in snow in mountains in southern New Mexico.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports that the family from Carlsbad was reported missing Thusday and that searchers on snowmobile found them safely inside their pickup near Mayhill in the Lincoln National Forest.
The search began after the Otero County Sheriff's Office contacted the New Mexico State Police upon being notified that the family didn't return to a hotel in the area.
State Police Officer David Miller said the family — a man and his three children ages 11-14 — "stayed hunkered down in that pickup truck for the last two days, waiting."
Mayhill is 98 miles (157 kilometers) north of El Paso, Texas.

AMERICAN MOTHERS-LATHAM
New Mexico woman to lead mothers' advocacy group
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A nonprofit group that advocates on behalf of mothers across the U.S. has tapped New Mexico's tourism secretary to be its next leader.
American Mothers Inc. announced Friday that Rebecca Latham will assume the role of chief executive officer on Jan. 1. Latham served as the state's tourism boss under outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez.
Latham has been a member of American Mothers' board of directors since April 2017.
Before being appointed tourism secretary in 2015, she served as the agency's communication director and was previously the director of tourism and economic development in the northern New Mexico community of Red River.
Latham's new duties will include growing a philanthropic initiative that supports other nonprofit organizations that help women and children.

NAVAJO NAVAJO-COMPANY
Navajo bill aimed at changing company to for-profit status
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A bill proposed for consideration by the Navajo National Council is aimed at making a tribal-owned energy company a for-profit corporation.
The Daily Times reports that the legislation would authorize the tribe to petition the U.S. Interior Department to allow the Navajo Transitional Energy Co. to become a for-profit corporation under the Indian Reorganization Act.
The NTEC is a tribal enterprise company created in 2013 to purchase the Navajo Mine near Fruitland.
Besides owning the mine, the company acquired a 7 percent interest in the Four Corners Power Plant this year and is exploring options for the tribe's potential purchase of the Navajo Generating Station near Page, Arizona.
The council on Friday began a special session scheduled to conclude Monday.

JUVENILE RECORDS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico court rescinds proposed rules on juvenile records
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Proposed rule changes that would have sealed records in many New Mexico crime cases involving juveniles have been rejected by the state Supreme Court.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the court on Dec. 30 rescinded amendments that the court previously approved in 2017 but suspended last January to provide more time for public comment.
A committee that drafted the proposed amendments said sealing records in delinquency proceedings was consistent with "protecting the privacy of children who come in contact with the courts, particularly in the digital age."
However, the court's latest order said it was rescinding the proposed amendments under "the general rule of transparency" guiding New Mexico courts and because the Legislature hasn't required the automatic and immediate sealing of court records filed in delinquency proceedings.

CHILD DEAD-BORDER-THE LATEST
The Latest: Mother says boy was not sick on trek to US
YUMA, Ariz. (AP) — The mother of a boy who died while in U.S. custody says her son was healthy when he left Guatemala with his father on their journey hoping to migrate to the United States.
The mother of 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo, Catarina Alonzo, spoke Saturday with Associated Press journalists at the family's home in a remote Guatemalan village some 250 miles west of Guatemala City.
She said her son reported he was doing well every time that he and his father called home during their trek. She said the last time she spoke with Felipe he was in Mexico at the U.S. border and said he was eating chicken.
U.S. authorities say the boy was suffering from the flu when he died last Monday in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
He was the second child this month to die in U.S. custody after crossing the border.

OFFICER KILLED-APPEAL
Court upholds sentence for man accused in officer's death
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld the life sentence for a man convicted of killing a suburban Albuquerque police officer.
In 2016, Andrew Romero was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, plus 60 years, following a jury trial in Los Lunas. He was convicted of shooting and killing Rio Rancho Officer Gregg Nigel Benner in 2015.
Romero's attorney argued on an appeal before the state's high court that the jury was tainted during his trial because four jurors indicated they had been exposed to media coverage resulting from the shooting. The defense argued that that none of the 12 jurors should have been exposed to media headlines in the case.

DISTRIBUTION COMPANY-INVESTMENT
Distribution company to invest $16.5M in New Mexico
SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) — A regional distribution company has plans to invest another $16.5 million to expand its operations in southern New Mexico.
Gov. Susana Martinez's office announced Friday that Valley Cold Storage and Transportation plans to increase its presence in the border community of Santa Teresa and will add 10 jobs.
The expansion is being supported by up to $150,000 in local economic development funds.
State Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel called Valley Cold Storage a homegrown success story. The company serves southern New Mexico, West Texas and northern Mexico.
Since 2011, the governor's office says New Mexico has invested nearly $130 million in improvements in Santa Teresa to attract businesses to the bustling area. That has included roadway reconstruction, water infrastructure and a port of entry visitor center.

PEOPLE-CHEVEL SHEPHERD
Winner of "The Voice" to perform at New Mexico inauguration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Chevel Shepherd, the winner of NBC's "The Voice," is scheduled to perform next week at the inauguration of New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Lujan Grisham's office says Shepherd will perform "God Bless America" at the inaugural ceremony along with other songs at the two inaugural balls on Jan. 1.
The Democratic politician says Shepherd, a 16-year-old from Farmington, has made New Mexicans proud with her remarkable talent.
Shepherd was declared the winner of "The Voice" earlier this month after weeks of competition. Singer Kelly Clarkson was her coach.
Shepherd has said she also plans to schedule a concert in January in her hometown.

CHILD DEAD-BORDER
DHS Secretary Nielsen visits border after child's death
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is visiting the Texas border city where an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy was detained with his father before dying in government custody .
DHS spokeswoman Katie Waldman said Nielsen is heading to El Paso on Friday. Waldman says Nielsen will tour multiple stations and substations operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Nielsen is also scheduled to meet with emergency medical technicians and medical professionals, as well as local officials.  Nielsen will go to Yuma, Arizona, on Saturday.
The trip comes four days after the death of 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo. Felipe was the second Guatemalan child to die in CBP's custody in three weeks.
Nielsen has called the death "deeply concerning and heartbreaking" and requested medical help from other government agencies.

OFFICER KILLED-APPEAL
Court upholds sentence for man accused in officer's death
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld the life sentence for a man convicted of killing a suburban Albuquerque police officer.
In 2016, Andrew Romero was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, plus 60 years, following a jury trial in Los Lunas. He was convicted of shooting and killing Rio Rancho Officer Gregg Nigel Benner in 2015.
Romero's attorney argued on an appeal before the state's high court that the jury was tainted during his trial because four jurors indicated they had been exposed to media coverage resulting from the shooting. The defense argued that that none of the 12 jurors should have been exposed to media headlines in the case.

DISTRIBUTION COMPANY-INVESTMENT
Distribution company to invest $16.5M in New Mexico
SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) — A regional distribution company has plans to invest another $16.5 million to expand its operations in southern New Mexico.
Gov. Susana Martinez's office announced Friday that Valley Cold Storage and Transportation plans to increase its presence in the border community of Santa Teresa and will add 10 jobs.
The expansion is being supported by up to $150,000 in local economic development funds.
State Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel called Valley Cold Storage a homegrown success story. The company serves southern New Mexico, West Texas and northern Mexico.
Since 2011, the governor's office says New Mexico has invested nearly $130 million in improvements in Santa Teresa to attract businesses to the bustling area. That has included roadway reconstruction, water infrastructure and a port of entry visitor center.

PEOPLE-CHEVEL SHEPHERD
Winner of "The Voice" to perform at New Mexico inauguration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Chevel Shepherd, the winner of NBC's "The Voice," is scheduled to perform next week at the inauguration of New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Lujan Grisham's office says Shepherd will perform "God Bless America" at the inaugural ceremony along with other songs at the two inaugural balls on Jan. 1.
The Democratic politician says Shepherd, a 16-year-old from Farmington, has made New Mexicans proud with her remarkable talent.
Shepherd was declared the winner of "The Voice" earlier this month after weeks of competition. Singer Kelly Clarkson was her coach.
Shepherd has said she also plans to schedule a concert in January in her hometown.

NEW MEXICO RACINO LICENSE
Legal stalemate clouds fate of New Mexico racino license
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico horse racing regulators have reluctantly decided for a third time to put off a vote on issuing the state's sixth and final license for a new racetrack and casino operation.
Racing Commission Chairman Ray Willis said the state attorney general's office warned that if the commission moved ahead with issuing the license, the office would not be obligated to defend the commissioners if a legal fight ensued.
At issue is a petition filed in district court by one of the companies vying for the license. The company is seeking a temporary injunction, saying the commission hasn't done enough to study the issue.
There had been some pressure to make a decision before the end of the year as the makeup of the commission could change in 2019 with a new governor in place.

NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR-REGENTS
Incoming New Mexico governor looks to appoint regents
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham has more than a dozen university regent positions to fill and now she has a process for how she plans to get it done.
The Democrat on Friday announced that three advisory committees are interviewing prospective candidates and vetting the background of each. The committees then will offer recommendations to the incoming governor, who takes office Jan. 1.
The University of New Mexico, Northern New Mexico College, New Mexico Highlands University, New Mexico State University and Western New Mexico University all have spots that will need to be filled.
Critics say the state's system for appointing regents enables the governor to pack the universities' governing boards with donors and friends.
The confirmation process in the Democrat-controlled Senate also has been politicized over the years.

NEW MEXICO-GRADUATION RATE
New Mexico reports highest graduation rate in 2018
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico education officials say the rate of high school students who are earning diplomas is the highest it has ever been.
Gov. Susana Martinez, who is wrapping up her second and final term, announced Friday that the 2018 class marked the highest graduation rate in the state's history at 73 percent.
While that's still below the national average, state officials say this year's numbers mark a 10 percent increase since 2011.
Martinez said New Mexico students have made improvements even as the state has raised academic standards and graduation requirements. The Republican says they're better prepared to enter the workforce and college.
Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham and fellow Democratic lawmakers have vowed to reform the state's education system in 2019.
Officials say final and complete graduation rate data will be published in February.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER-THE LATEST
The Latest: 24-mile stretch of I-40 closed in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 24-mile (39-kilometer) stretch of Interstate 40 in central New Mexico is closed to traffic in both directions because of blizzard conditions.
According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation's road-conditions website , the closure Friday is between Moriarity and Clines Corner.
Most of New Mexico is under a winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service due to heavy snow expected to continue through Saturday morning.
---

INTERNET OUTAGE-THE LATEST
The Latest: CenturyLink says internet will be restored soon
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — CenturyLink says engineers have identified a problem that left customers across the country without internet service and expected to restore it within hours.
The company said Thursday night the problem involved a "network element" that was affecting services but didn't provide details.
The outages reported Thursday afternoon stretched from New York to California and even temporarily shut down phone services at the Idaho Department of Correction and knocked out 911 emergency call services in parts of western Washington state.
Most of the trouble appeared to be in the West.
Verizon says it had service interruptions in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and parts of Montana because of issues with CenturyLink, which Verizon said helps handle wireless network data traffic for several providers.
Neither company indicated how many customers were affected.

GUATEMALA-CHILD DEAD-BORDER-THE LATEST
The Latest: Autopsy: Dead Guatemalan boy had influenza
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — New Mexico authorities say an autopsy performed on the 8-year-old Guatemalan boy who died in U.S. custody shows he had the flu.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator says in a statement late Thursday that more tests need to be done before a cause of death can be determined for Felipe Gomez Alonzo.
Authorities say Felipe Gomez Alonzo died at a New Mexico hospital after suffering coughing, vomiting and a fever. Another Guatemalan child, 7-year-old Jakelin Caal, died in U.S. custody on Dec. 8. Both deaths are under investigation.

ALBUQUERQUE POLICE SHOOTINGS
Mayor: Figures show decline in crime in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials say the overall crime rate in New Mexico's largest city has dropped for the first time in nearly a decade.
At a news conference Thursday, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said he and his administration were sharing the statistics showing the decrease in crime from 2017 with "sober optimism."
In 2019, Keller's administration plans to target gun violence in the same way it did auto theft and robbery in 2018. He says gun violence "remains unacceptably high."
The figures released Thursday show a roughly 30 percent decrease in auto burglary and auto theft from 2017 to 2018.
Homicides and robbery also were among crime categories with decreases, while non-fatal shootings increased by 4 percent.

NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR-CABINET
Retired New Mexico brigadier general to lead veterans agency
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham has named the first woman to ever be promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the New Mexico National Guard to serve as the secretary of the state Department of Veteran Services.
The incoming governor announced the appointment of Judy Griego during a news conference Thursday. She also appointed William Scott Carreathers to lead the Office of African American Affairs and Jen Schroer as the state tourism secretary.
Lujan Grisham will take the helm Jan. 1. Still pending are decisions on key agencies that oversee public safety, public education, health and the environment.
Lujan Grisham and Griego said they want to create a model agency that can bridge the gap between the state and the services for veterans that are provided by the federal government.

NAVAJO SCHOLARSHIPS-HEALTH
Health scholarships open to Navajos at Fort Lewis College
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo students pursuing degrees in health science at Fort Lewis College are eligible for new scholarships.
Outgoing tribal President Russell Begaye and college President Tom Stritikus signed the scholarship agreement Thursday.
Navajo students in health or exercise science can apply to receive $2,500 per semester in the 2019 calendar year. Students must be enrolled full time.
About 20 percent of students in the college's Health Sciences Department are Navajo.
The school in Durango, Colorado, waives tuition for Native American students. The scholarships funded by the Navajo Nation will help cover living expenses, textbooks and student fees.
Students who receive the scholarships must agree to serve the Navajo Nation for at least two years after graduation.
Begaye says the scholarships will help address gaps in the tribe's workforce.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Winter storm to hit New Mexico starting Thursday night
ALBQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say a major winter storm will hammer New Mexico in the next few days with significant snowfall accumulations and bitterly cold wind chills, along with road closures and other travel impacts.
The National Weather Service encourages people traveling the region to prepare for dangerous winter weather conditions, and says driving in the mountains and plateaus could be difficult to impossible.
The storm was expected to strike the state Thursday night through Saturday, first taking aim at northern and central New Mexico. Heavy snow is expected on the eastern plains Friday.
Wind gusts in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas are expected to reach up to 60 mph (97 kph), and cause blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions at times.

ENDANGERED WOLF-ZOO
Gray wolf arrives at New Mexico zoo for recovery program
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque's zoo has received another Mexican gray wolf as part of an international recovery effort that includes breeding the endangered animals in captivity to ensure their genetic viability.
The ABQ BioPark said Thursday it received the wolf earlier this month from the Binder Zoo in Michigan. The animal will be a mate for a 4-year-old female wolf already at the Albuquerque zoo.
The transfer stemmed from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan, and the zoos holding Mexican wolves.
The wild population in Arizona and New Mexico has struggled to gain significant ground since the first release in 1998. About 114 wolves are believed to be roaming the two states.
​
BABY NAMES-NEW MEXICO
Isabella, Noah are top names in 2018 for New Mexico newborns
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The top names for New Mexico babies born in 2018 are Isabella for girls and Noah for boys.
Isabella was fourth last year but this year pushed Mia down to second, while Noah supplants Elijah, which is ranked third among boys.
After Isabella and Mia, the other top names for girls are Sophia, Olivia, Emma, Sofia, Ava, Amelia, Camila and Mila.
After Noah, the top names on the boys list are Liam, Elijah, Logan, Mateo, Daniel, Mason, Sebastian, Benjamin and Julian.
The state Department of Health says Mia has been among the top two names for newborn girls in New Mexico since the department began releasing its annual list in 2014.
The department says Noah has been in the top two among boys for four of the last five years.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Winter storm to hit New Mexico starting Thursday night
ALBQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say a major winter storm will hammer New Mexico in the next few days with significant snowfall accumulations and bitterly cold wind chills, along with road closures and other travel impacts.
The National Weather Service encourages people traveling the region to prepare for dangerous winter weather conditions, and says driving in the mountains and plateaus could be difficult to impossible.
The storm was expected to strike the state Thursday night through Saturday, first taking aim at northern and central New Mexico. Heavy snow is expected on the eastern plains Friday.
Wind gusts in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas are expected to reach up to 60 mph (97 kph), and cause blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions at times.

ENDANGERED WOLF-ZOO
Gray wolf arrives at New Mexico zoo for recovery program
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque's zoo has received another Mexican gray wolf as part of an international recovery effort that includes breeding the endangered animals in captivity to ensure their genetic viability.
The ABQ BioPark said Thursday it received the wolf earlier this month from the Binder Zoo in Michigan. The animal will be a mate for a 4-year-old female wolf already at the Albuquerque zoo.
The transfer stemmed from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan, and the zoos holding Mexican wolves.
The wild population in Arizona and New Mexico has struggled to gain significant ground since the first release in 1998. About 114 wolves are thought to be roaming the two states.

BABY NAMES-NEW MEXICO
Isabella, Noah are top names in 2018 for New Mexico newborns
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The top names for New Mexico babies born in 2018 are Isabella for girls and Noah for boys.
Isabella was fourth last year but this year pushed Mia down to second, while Noah supplants Elijah, which is ranked third among boys.
After Isabella and Mia, the other top names for girls are Sophia, Olivia, Emma, Sofia, Ava, Amelia, Camila and Mila.
After Noah, the top names on the boys list are Liam, Elijah, Logan, Mateo, Daniel, Mason, Sebastian, Benjamin and Julian.
The state Department of Health says Mia has been among the top two names for newborn girls in New Mexico since the department began releasing its annual list in 2014.
The department says Noah has been in the top two among boys for four of the last five years.

COURT APPOINTMENT-NEW MEXICO
Departing New Mexico governor makes judicial appointment
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican Daniel Gallegos has been appointed as a state district court judge in the Albuquerque-based second judicial district after losing election in November to the state Court of Appeals.
Departing New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez announced Wednesday the appointment of the Gallegos to replace retired Judge Alan Malott for a term that ends at the end of 2020. Malott initially was appointed by former Gov. Bill Richardson in 2009.
Gallegos served as an appointed member of the Court of Appeals since January and lost election in November to Democrat Megan Duffy. He previously worked as a prosecutor for the U.S. Navy.
Martinez is making final appointments before leaving office after two terms. She will be succeeded by Democratic Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham of Albuquerque.

WINTER WEATHER-DEPUTY STRUCK
Rio Arriba County deputy struck while investigating crash
HERNANDEZ, N.M. (AP) — The Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office says one of it deputies was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle while investigating a crash caused by snow-packed and icy conditions.
Authorities say Deputy Cindy Garcia had responded to the crash along U.S. 84/285 near the northern New Mexico community of Hernandez around noon Wednesday.
She just got out of her patrol unit when a southbound vehicle lost control and slid into the crash scene, striking the patrol unit and then Garcia.
Major Randy Sanches with the sheriff's office says Garcia's injuries were non-life threatening and that she was listed in fair condition at an Espanola hospital. One of her legs was broken, but the extent of her other injuries wasn't immediately known.

NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR-CABINET
Retired New Mexico brigadier general to lead veterans agency
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham has named the first woman to ever be promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the New Mexico National Guard to serve as the secretary of the state Department of Veteran Services.
The incoming governor announced the appointment of Judy Griego during a news conference Thursday. She also appointed William Scott Carreathers to lead the Office of African American Affairs and Jen Schroer as the state tourism secretary.
Lujan Grisham will take the helm Jan. 1. Still pending are decisions on key agencies that oversee public safety, public education, health and the environment.
Lujan Grisham and Griego said they want to create a model agency that can bridge the gap between the state and the services for veterans that are provided by the federal government.

FLIGHT DISTURBANCE-ARREST
Canadian man arrested in US for disturbing flight crew
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Canadian man is facing charges in the U.S. for allegedly interfering with crew members and attendants while on a flight from Ohio to Los Angeles.
The FBI said in a statement issued Wednesday that 49-year-old Ian Stewart Smallwood of Ontario was taken into custody after the plane was diverted to Albuquerque. It was not immediately clear if Smallwood had an attorney.
The charge stems from Dec. 21. According to a criminal complaint made public this week, Smallwood was accused of being verbally belligerent during the flight.
He allegedly intimidated one of the flight attendants while she was preparing service in the galley at the front of the plane. Other passengers were also seen out of their seats, asking Smallwood to move out of the way and sit down.

CHILD DEAD-BORDER-THE LATEST
The Latest: CBP to do health check on all minors after death
HOUSTON (AP) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it is conducting new medical checks on every child in its custody after the second reported death of a minor this month.
CBP said in a statement late Tuesday that it is focusing its checks on children under the age of 10.
An 8-year-old boy from Guatemala died early Tuesday while in the agency's custody. Felipe Gomez Alonzo's death came just weeks after 7-year-old Jakelin Caal died in a hospital shortly after being apprehended by border agents.
The statement says CBP needs the help of other government agencies to care for children it is detaining. The agency says it's "considering options for surge medical assistance" from the U.S. Coast Guard and potentially other departments.

BILINGUAL CHILDREN'S BOOK-NEW MEXICO
Chicano author, illustrator collaborate on animal adventure
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Celebrated Chicano author Rudolfo Anaya has teamed up with the Mexican-American street muralist known as El Moises to craft a bilingual children's book in English and Spanish about the harrowing adventure of a little owl who skipped school.
"Owl in a Straw Hat" from Museum of New Mexico Press is chocked full of references to northern New Mexico geography and homespun Hispanic tradition — from posole soup and pinon nuts to the "acequia" organizations that help irrigate fields and lend a special order to rural life in New Mexico.
Swirling illustrations chronicle adventures of a tiny owl named Ollie who longs to read on his own. He skips school and tangles with a cast of conniving animal characters in the hills and skies of northern New Mexico.
Anaya achieved lasting literary fame with the novel "Bless Me, Ultima" in 1972.

NEW MEXICO HEMP PRODUCTION
New Mexico cannabis company expands to include hemp
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico cannabis company says it's expanding its business to include hemp.
Ultra Health says in a Monday news release that it was awarded continual production licenses to grow hemp at its Bernalillo and Tularosa sites and will dedicate 872,000 square feet of its operation to hemp cultivation.
President Donald Trump last week signed a bill that removes hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.
The Farm Bill also legalized interstate commerce of hemp products, giving hemp farmers access to crop insurance, and empowering state and tribal governments to impose separate requirements on the production and sale of hemp products.
Hemp supporters in New Mexico have said the product could prove lucrative for farmers because the crop can be used to make a variety of products such as clothes.

HOBBS-HOUSING CRUNCH
New Mexico county funnels money toward public infrastructure
(Information from: Hobbs News-Sun, http://www.hobbsnews.com)
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Southern New Mexico's Lea County is committing almost $340,000 for public infrastructure to help the city of Hobbs as it deals with a housing shortage brought on by an oil boom.
The largest chunk of the funding will be used to partner with Hobbs in an infrastructure incentive program for single- and multi-family homes. The county has a similar partnership with the city of Lovington.
The Hobbs News-Sun reports that housing is at the top of the list of needs relayed by oil company executives to local government leaders.
A handful of major housing construction projects are underway in and around Hobbs. The city issued permits for 14 new homes in November, bringing the total for the year to 153 within city limits. That exceeds 2016 and 2017 numbers.
___
EPA PERMIT-FOUR CORNERS POWER PLANT
EPA pulls permit for Four Corners plant to study concerns
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Environment Protection Agency has withdrawn a permit it gave to the Arizona Public Service Company for discharge from the Four Corners Power Plant.
The Farmington Daily Times reported Monday that the federal agency pulled the permit back after several environmental groups appealed its decision to grant its approval.
The Clean Water Act requires that a special permit be issued for the discharging of pollutants into navigable water. The one the EPA had earlier issued allowed the coal-fired Four Corners Power Plant to empty water from a man-made cooling pond named Morgan Lake into a wash that flows into the Chaco River.
Withdrawing the permit will allow the EPA to examine the advocacy groups' concerns.

HISPANIC CHURCH CLOSURE
Members of small Denver Hispanic church fight to re-open
DENVER (AP) — Members of a small Denver Catholic church built by Hispanic families are fighting to re-open their parish over a year after it was closed by the archbishop.
About 50 of them gathered outside Our Lady of Visitation Church for a Christmas Eve vigil as a way to keep their community alive and draw attention to their fight.  Holding candles, they re-enacted Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem on the street.
In the fall, a Vatican panel said there must be at least two Masses held there each year, including one on its anniversary, which members say is Christmas Eve. They say the archdiocese is not following the order and have appealed.
The archdiocese says there wasn't enough time to arrange a Mass on Christmas Eve.

FORESTS-DEAD TREES
Aerial surveys reveal swaths of dead trees in Southwest US
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Forested land in Arizona and New Mexico is showing the effects of drought after an unusually dry winter opened the door to pests like bark beetles, resulting in a die-off on hundreds of thousands of acres in both states.
Aerial surveys indicate Arizona has experienced the largest uptick in tree mortality since the early 2000s. New Mexico saw a similar pattern.
The surveys done earlier this year don't account for an expected loss of pinon trees.
U.S. Forest Service officials will use maps of what they saw from above to produce a report on annual forest conditions next year.
The survey results don't come as a surprise as experts say the nation's forests are overly crowded with trees. Drought makes them weaker and susceptible to beetles and other pests.
​
RIO RANCHO-CHILD DEATH
Suspect in Rio Rancho girl's death to go to trial in 2020
(Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com)
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — It will be more than a year before a man charged in the killing and raping of a 6-year-old Rio Rancho girl will go to trial.
KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported Monday that new court documents show that 21-year-old Leland Hust will not have a trial until February 2020.
Hust pleaded not guilty in October to charges of child abuse resulting in death and aggravated rape.
He was arrested after investigators found his DNA on the body of Ariana Romero.
Hust has denied hurting the girl.
Her body was found in August in a home occupied by several people, including the girl, her mother and Hust.
Hust waived pretrial detention hearing, granting the state's motion that he stay in jail until trial.
___

NEW MEXICO-HOUSING MARKET
New Mexico housing sales boom, beating national trends
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The housing market in New Mexico appears to be booming as sales are setting records and bucking national trends.
The head of the New Mexico Association of Realtors, Connie Hettinga, says that the more than 2,600 sales reported to the group for last month is more than 30 percent higher than sales recorded in the past five Novembers.
She tells the Albuquerque Journal that those numbers do not account for other times of the year when the market tends to be even stronger.
The figures show year-to-date sales totaled 29,595. That is 7,000 more sales than those reported for all of 2017.

COLORADO ARREST SANTA FE
Police arrest pair wanted on a murder charge in Colorado
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State Police have arrested in New Mexico's capital city a father and his 13-year-old son who were wanted for first-degree murder in Colorado, the Albuquerque Journal reports .
The State Police says Heith Gleason, 35, and his son were taken into custody on Thursday after officers received a tip from the Huerfano County Sheriff's Department in Colorado that the two would be there.
The Journal reports that the pair have been charged with the murder of 41-year-old Amy Garcia of Walsenburg, Colorado, according to an arrest warrant affidavit filed in Santa Fe Magistrate Court. Huerfano County deputies found Garcia dead in a burned-out car outside of the Gleasons' home in rural Huerfano County Thursday morning.
The newspaper says it's not clear from the affidavit what relationship Garcia had to Gleason and his son.
___
GROUND TURKEY RECALL
Jennie-O recalls more than 164,000 pounds of ground turkey
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota-based poultry producer is recalling more than 164,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products that may be contaminated with salmonella.
The Jennie-O Turkey Store products have markings saying to use or freeze by Nov. 12 or 13. The recall includes plain ground turkey and turkey with taco or Italian seasonings. The products were shipped to Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.
Food safety officials are worried that some contaminated turkey may be in people's freezers. The recalled products have the tag P-579 marked on the lower left corner of the front of the package .
The USDA says the recall was part of an investigation into a November salmonella outbreak that involved 216 patients in 38 states.

CHEVEL SHEPHERD-THE VOICE
Farmington welcomes home new teenage winner of "The Voice"
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A celebration in Farmington was held Saturday to welcome the winner of NBC's "The Voice" back to her hometown.
Fans watched a procession for Chevel Shepherd after she flew into town.
At the Farmington High School Arena, Shepherd rushed to embrace some of her friends and family members from whom she has been separated since early November, when she traveled to Los Angeles to participate in the remainder of the 15th season on "The Voice," the Farmington Daily Times reports.
She told the audience at the school: "I feel all the support and all the love, so thank you so much."
Shepherd, who is 16, was declared the winner of "The Voice" on Tuesday after weeks of competition. Singer Kelly Clarkson was her coach.
She tells the Daily Times that she plans to schedule a concert for January in her hometown.
___
SHUTDOWN-SOUTHWEST PARKS
Some big parks in US Southwest remain open despite shutdown
PHOENIX (AP) — Several national parks that are big tourist draws in the US Southwest remained open Saturday during the federal government shutdown while other parks and monuments locked their gates and doors.
Arizona and Utah officials implemented funding plans to keep open Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said travelers planned their visits months in advance and his state wants them "to return home with memories of magnificent vistas and welcoming people, not locked doors."
Elsewhere in Arizona, trails and roads in Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona were open but park staff was furloughed and visitor centers closed, while Petrified Forest National Park and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona and Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico were closed as officials cited concerns for visitor safety and park resources.
Near Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area remained open but officials cautioned that emergency and rescue services will be limited there and at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.

NEW MEXICO POPULATION
New Mexico lags behind neighbors in population growth
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show New Mexico's headcount remains largely flat while other states in the western region have among the fastest-growing populations in the nation.
The figures show Nevada and Idaho grew the fastest during a 12-month period that ended in July. New Mexico had a population growth rate of just 0.1 percent.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the state has been slogging around below 2.1 million since crossing the 2 million mark in 2008. There were population decreases in 2014 and 2015.
Since 2013, New Mexico has seen more people moving out of the state each year than moving into the state, known as negative net migration.
Robert Rhatigan with Geospatial and Population Studies at the University of New Mexico says the migration piece is what separates the state from its neighbors.

FATAL MOBILE HOME FIRE-ARREST
Woman arrested in mobile home fire; 8-year-old girl died
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) — Sunland Park police have arrested a 30-year-old woman on multiple charges stemming from a mobile home fire in which an 8-year-old girl was killed.
Jocelyn Ontiveros was booked into the Dona Ana County jail Friday night on suspicion of multiple charges, including arson with intent to commit a violent felony and child abuse resulting in death.
Ontiveros' arrest stems from the Dec. 13 fire in which Marisa Munoz was killed and two other children were hospitalized with burns.
New Mexico State Fire Marshal investigators found evidence the fire was set intentionally.
Court records don't list an attorney for Ontiveros who could comment on the allegations.
​
WINTER WEATHER-NEW MEXICO
Snow, wind, cold temperatures on tap for New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is in line for snow, wind and much colder temperatures over the Christmas holiday.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque say mild and dry weather will be coming to end next week as a potential winter storm takes aim on the state. They say, though, that it's still too early to detail where and when the most significant snowfall will occur.
The stormy weather is expected to hit between late Christmas Day and Wednesday.
Forecasters are warning those who have travel plans in the Southwest U.S. and West Texas to keep an eye on the weather.

NEW MEXICO-HOUSING MARKET
New Mexico housing sales boom, beating national trends
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The housing market in New Mexico appears to be booming as sales are setting records and bucking national trends.
The head of the New Mexico Association of Realtors, Connie Hettinga, says that the more than 2,600 sales reported to the group for last month is more than 30 percent higher than sales recorded in the past five Novembers.
She tells the Albuquerque Journal that those numbers do not account for other times of the year when the market tends to be even stronger.
The figures show year-to-date sales totaled 29,595. That is 7,000 more sales than those reported for all of 2017.

GROUND TURKEY RECALL
Jennie-O recalls more than 164,000 pounds of ground turkey
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota-based poultry producer is recalling more than 164,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products that may be contaminated with salmonella.
The Jennie-O Turkey Store products have markings saying to use or freeze by Nov. 12 or 13. The recall includes plain ground turkey and turkey with taco or Italian seasonings. The products were shipped to Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.
Food safety officials are worried that some contaminated turkey may be in people's freezers. The recalled products have the tag P-579 marked on the lower left corner of the front of the package .
The USDA says the recall was part of an investigation into a November salmonella outbreak that involved 216 patients in 38 states.

CHEVEL SHEPHERD-THE VOICE
Farmington welcomes home new teenage winner of "The Voice"
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A celebration in Farmington was held Saturday to welcome the winner of NBC's "The Voice" back to her hometown.
Fans watched a procession for Chevel Shepherd after she flew into town.
At the Farmington High School Arena, Shepherd rushed to embrace some of her friends and family members from whom she has been separated since early November, when she traveled to Los Angeles to participate in the remainder of the 15th season on "The Voice," the Farmington Daily Times reports.
She told the audience at the school: "I feel all the support and all the love, so thank you so much."
Shepherd, who is 16, was declared the winner of "The Voice" on Tuesday after weeks of competition. Singer Kelly Clarkson was her coach.
She tells the Daily Times that she plans to schedule a concert for January in her hometown.

SHUTDOWN-SOUTHWEST PARKS
Some big parks in US Southwest remain open despite shutdown
PHOENIX (AP) — Several national parks that are big tourist draws in the US Southwest remained open Saturday during the federal government shutdown while other parks and monuments locked their gates and doors.
Arizona and Utah officials implemented funding plans to keep open Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said travelers planned their visits months in advance and his state wants them "to return home with memories of magnificent vistas and welcoming people, not locked doors."
Elsewhere in Arizona, trails and roads in Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona were open but park staff was furloughed and visitor centers closed, while Petrified Forest National Park and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona and Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico were closed as officials cited concerns for visitor safety and park resources.
Near Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area remained open but officials cautioned that emergency and rescue services will be limited there and at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.

NEW MEXICO POPULATION
New Mexico lags behind neighbors in population growth
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show New Mexico's headcount remains largely flat while other states in the western region have among the fastest-growing populations in the nation.
The figures show Nevada and Idaho grew the fastest during a 12-month period that ended in July. New Mexico had a population growth rate of just 0.1 percent.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the state has been slogging around below 2.1 million since crossing the 2 million mark in 2008. There were population decreases in 2014 and 2015.
Since 2013, New Mexico has seen more people moving out of the state each year than moving into the state, known as negative net migration.
Robert Rhatigan with Geospatial and Population Studies at the University of New Mexico says the migration piece is what separates the state from its neighbors.

FATAL MOBILE HOME FIRE-ARREST
Woman arrested in mobile home fire; 8-year-old girl died
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) — Sunland Park police have arrested a 30-year-old woman on multiple charges stemming from a mobile home fire in which an 8-year-old girl was killed.
Jocelyn Ontiveros was booked into the Dona Ana County jail Friday night on suspicion of multiple charges, including arson with intent to commit a violent felony and child abuse resulting in death.
Ontiveros' arrest stems from the Dec. 13 fire in which Marisa Munoz was killed and two other children were hospitalized with burns.
New Mexico State Fire Marshal investigators found evidence the fire was set intentionally.
Court records don't list an attorney for Ontiveros who could comment on the allegations.

WINTER WEATHER-NEW MEXICO
Snow, wind, cold temperatures on tap for New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is in line for snow, wind and much colder temperatures over the Christmas holiday.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque say mild and dry weather will be coming to end next week as a potential winter storm takes aim on the state. They say, though, that it's still too early to detail where and when the most significant snowfall will occur.
The stormy weather is expected to hit between late Christmas Day and Wednesday.
Forecasters are warning those who have travel plans in the Southwest U.S. and West Texas to keep an eye on the weather.

NEW MEXICO UNEMPLOYMENT
New Mexico jobless rate holds steady at 4.6 percent
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.6 percent in November, unchanged from the previous month but an improvement from 6 percent a year ago.
State labor officials announced the numbers Friday, saying the private sector saw the largest gains in a 12-month period with 17,200 jobs, or an increase of 2.6 percent.
Nationally, the jobless rate in November was 3.7 percent, unchanged from October and down from 4.1 percent in November 2017.
In New Mexico, jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 7,000, or 7.3 percent. Mining and construction employment grew by 3,000 jobs, while professional and business services employment was up 2,500 jobs, or 2.4 percent, over the year.

SHUTDOWN-SOUTHWEST PARKS
Some big parks in US Southwest remain open despite shutdown
PHOENIX (AP) — Several national parks that are big tourist draws in the US Southwest remained open Saturday during the federal government shutdown while other parks and monuments locked their gates and doors.
Arizona and Utah officials implemented funding plans to keep open Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said travelers planned their visits months in advance and his state wants them "to return home with memories of magnificent vistas and welcoming people, not locked doors."
Elsewhere in Arizona, trails and roads in Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona were open but park staff was furloughed and visitor centers closed, while Petrified Forest National Park and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona and Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico were closed as officials cited concerns for visitor safety and park resources.
Near Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area remained open but officials cautioned that emergency and rescue services will be limited there and at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.

WINTER WEATHER-NEW MEXICO
Snow, wind, cold temperatures on tap for New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is in line for snow, wind and much colder temperatures over the Christmas holiday.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque say mild and dry weather will be coming to end next week as a potential winter storm takes aim on the state. They say, though, that it's still too early to detail where and when the most significant snowfall will occur.
The stormy weather is expected to hit between late Christmas Day and Wednesday.
Forecasters are warning those who have travel plans in the Southwest U.S. and West Texas to keep an eye on the weather.

NAVAJO NATION-MEDICAL EXAMINER
Navajo council votes to create medical examiner's department
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Legislation approved by the Navajo Nation Council would create a medical examiner's department within the tribe's Division of Public Safety.
The resolution approved unanimously by the council Thursday on the final day of a special session is subject to approval by tribal President Russell Begaye.
Under the legislation, the new department would investigate all deaths occurring under suspicious circumstances, including violent and unexplained deaths, and be authorized to make determinations and issue certificates of death.
The department also would be authorized to respond to the scene of a death and to prescribe procedures for taking possession of a dead body following the death that is subject to investigation.
According to the legislation, investigations would have to be conducted in a manner that respects the tribe's culture, traditions and beliefs.

NEW MEXICO UNEMPLOYMENT
New Mexico jobless rate holds steady at 4.6 percent
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.6 percent in November, unchanged from the previous month but an improvement from 6 percent a year ago.
State labor officials announced the numbers Friday, saying the private sector saw the largest gains in a 12-month period with 17,200 jobs, or an increase of 2.6 percent.
Nationally, the jobless rate in November was 3.7 percent, unchanged from October and down from 4.1 percent in November 2017.
In New Mexico, jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 7,000, or 7.3 percent. Mining and construction employment grew by 3,000 jobs, while professional and business services employment was up 2,500 jobs, or 2.4 percent, over the year.

CHEVAL SHEPHERD-THE VOICE
Farmington plans to welcome home new winner of "The Voice"
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A celebration in Farmington is set for Saturday to welcome the winner of NBC's "The Voice" back to her hometown.
The Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau says fans are encouraged to watch a procession for Cheval Shepherd set for 12:30 p.m. after she flies into town.
The procession will be followed by an event at the Farmington High School Arena, where Shepherd is expected to arrive at 2 p.m.
Shepherd, who is 16, was declared the winner of "The Voice" on Tuesday after weeks of competition. Singer Kelly Clarkson was her coach.
Shepherd is a Farmington High School junior.
She also tells the Farmington Daily Times that she plans to schedule a concert for January in her hometown.

UNITED STATES-MEXICO-ASYLUM
New asylum policy could invite more illegal border crossings
TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — The Trump administration's decision to make asylum seekers wait in Mexico while their cases wind through U.S. courts was made with crucial details still unknown. That creates uncertainty along the border and possibly an incentive for people to cross illegally before the change take effect.
The change amounts to a major shift in immigration policy. It could force thousands of asylum seekers to stay in Mexico in dangerous border cities as they navigate the American immigration court system.
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen says the next step is more legal paperwork with Mexico.
The U.S. characterized the policy as a unilateral move. But Mexico almost simultaneously said it would grant foreigners permission to stay in the country while their asylum claims are considered and that they could seek work authorization.

NEW MEXICO RACINO LICENSE-THE LATEST
The Latest: Officials again delay New Mexico racino decision
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — For the second time in a month, New Mexico regulators have delayed a decision on awarding the state's sixth and final license for a horse racetrack and casino.
The Racing Commission met behind closed doors for about three hours Friday before announcing it would be putting off a decision on the advice of the state attorney general's office.
At issue is a petition filed in district court by one of the companies vying for the license. The company is seeking a temporary injunction, saying the commission hasn't done enough to study the issue.
Chairman Ray Willis says the commission is frustrated that it can't move forward. He says the panel still is committed to awarding the license once it gets approval to act from the attorney general's office or once a judge rules on the court petition.

HEALTH EXCHANGE-NEW MEXICO
Enrollment plunges in New Mexico's subsidize health exchange
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Enrollment in New Mexico's subsidized health exchange has fallen by more than 10 percent since a year ago even as average premium prices have stabilized.
Office of the Superintendent of Insurance spokeswoman Heather Widler on Thursday said that 45,232 people signing up or re-enrolled in the state's federally subsidized marketplace for health insurance during the 45-day period enrollment period ending Dec. 15. Last year, 50,539 people enrolled.
Widler declined to comment on possible reasons for the decline in enrollment through the state's health exchange portal, known as beWellnm. Average prices for purchasing health insurance on the exchange declined slightly for 2019 from the current year.
Numbers released this week by the federal government show just a slight dip in nationwide enrolled in Affordable Care Act coverage next year through HealthCare.gov.