HOLIDAY AIR TRAVEL-NEW MEXICO
Holiday travel down at New Mexico's largest airport
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials at New Mexico's largest airport say that 72% fewer people passed through Albuquerque International Sunport this Christmas week than they did last year. Airport spokesman Jonathan Small said Wednesday that officials saw around 30,000 passengers pass through from Dec. 20 to 26 on their way to holiday destinations. The TSA has reported that air travel nationwide is down as well amid the coronavirus pandemic. More than 900,000 people around the country flew Dec. 22 to holiday destinations compared with more than 1.9 million on the same date last year. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Businesses sue over New Mexico coronavirus restrictions
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A group of businesses has sued in federal court to try to end New Mexico's COVID-19 public health order. They claim that Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state health officials have imposed arbitrary and unnecessary rules in response to the pandemic. A spokesman for the state Health Department called it the worst pandemic in a century and said the lawsuit "appears to be out of step with these realities." Confirmed COVID-19 infections in New Mexico have topped 141,000, while more than 2,430 people have died. Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said Wednesday that planning continues for the rollout of vaccinations.

AP-US-NATIONAL-PARK-VISITOR-TASED
US Park Service releases video involving tasing of visitor
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The National Park Service says a man who was tased during a confrontation with a park ranger in New Mexico was seen climbing on and among petroglyph cliff features off-trail. The federal agency released video late Tuesday of the interaction between the ranger and Darrell House, saying an investigation is ongoing. The video shows the ranger telling House that Native American tribes from the area consider Petroglyph National Monument as sacred and that visitors are supposed to stay on designated trails to preserve the cultural resources. The video shows House, who identified himself as Navajo and Oneida, trying to walk away. House did not return messages seeking comment.

EDUCATION FUNDING-RULING
New Mexico judge says public school building funding unfair
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge has ruled that the state's system for funding the construction of buildings in public school districts is unconstitutional and ordered officials to devise a fair system. The ruling by 11th Judicial District Court Judge Louis E. DePauli Jr. on Tuesday said the funding system was not properly equitable. Democratic state Rep. Patty Lundstrom says lawmakers should change the system in the upcoming 60-day legislative session. Democratic State Sen. Mimi Stewart believes some parts of the judge's ruling don't accurately describe the state's capital outlay funding and that the state should appeal the order. 

FORMER OFFICER SENTENCED
Former police officer sentenced in vehicular homicide case
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — A former police officer in southern New Mexico has been sentenced to more than a decade behind bars for his involvement in a deadly crash. Luke Maxwell Towner had pleaded guilty in October to charges that include vehicular homicide and driving under the influence. The Roswell Daily Record reports that the 31-year-old Tularosa resident was sentenced earlier this month. Court documents say Towner was speeding when he ran into another vehicle at an intersection in Roswell last December. Doug Annis was in the back seat of the other vehicle and died. Two others were injured in the wreck. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 153 new virus cases, four more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Officials on the Navajo Nation say they're seeing improvement in the number of cases reported daily on the reservation. But they're concerned about the impact of holiday gatherings not yet reflected in the latest numbers. They're urging people to celebrate the new year with only the people in their immediate household. Health officials on Tuesday reported 153 new cases of the coronavirus and four more deaths. The figures bring the total number of cases on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 22,526. The death toll is 781. 

AP-US-NATIONAL-PARK-VISITOR-TASED
US Park Service says New Mexico tasing case is under review
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The National Park Service says it's investigating an incident in which a visitor was tased by a ranger at Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico. Darrell House was stopped by the ranger for walking off trail in a closed area. Video taken by House shows the ranger asking for his identification and House declining. He insisted he hadn't done anything wrong. In his post, House says the use of force was uncalled for. House identified himself as Navajo and Oneida and said he goes to the monument to pray. Regional park officials say the case has been referred to the agency's internal affairs unit for review.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
2 Albuquerque churches fined $5K for virus safety violations
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two Albuquerque churches have been fined for violating New Mexico's COVID-19 public health order. Both venues held Christmas gatherings. The state Health Department fined Legacy Church and Calvary Church $5,000 each on Monday after photos and video showed violations of mandates that call for capacity limits, mask wearing and social distancing. Legacy Church officials accused the state of trampling on their constitutional rights. Calvary Church's pastor said they urged people to follow guidelines and blocked every other row to practice social distancing. New Mexico health officials on Tuesday reported an additional 1,221 confirmed infections, bringing the statewide total to nearly 140,000.

LAS CRUCES AUDIT
Audit reveals mishandled city funds in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — An audit released by the Office of the New Mexico State Auditor has revealed more than $1.8 million in mishandled or misused city funds related to the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau and various city-sponsored events. The audit made public Tuesday also identified what officials described as serious conflicts of interest. The investigation spanned nearly a year and included a review of millions of pages of documentation. Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said the findings already have resulted in changes. The auditor's office said the report has been referred to the state attorney general's office for further review.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 153 new virus cases, four more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Officials on the Navajo Nation say they're seeing improvement in the number of cases reported daily on the reservation. But they're concerned about the impact of holiday gatherings not yet reflected in the latest numbers. They're urging people to celebrate the new year with only the people in their immediate household. Health officials on Tuesday reported 153 new cases of the coronavirus and four more deaths. The figures bring the total number of cases on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 22,526. The death toll is 781. 

AP-US-NATIONAL-PARK-VISITOR-TASED
US Park Service says New Mexico tasing case is under review
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The National Park Service says it's investigating an incident in which a visitor was tased by a ranger at Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico. Darrell House was stopped by the ranger for walking off trail in a closed area. Video taken by House shows the ranger asking for his identification and House declining. He insisted he hadn't done anything wrong. In his post, House says the use of force was uncalled for. House identified himself as Navajo and Oneida and said he goes to the monument to pray. Regional park officials say the case has been referred to the agency's internal affairs unit for review.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
2 Albuquerque churches fined $5K for virus safety violations
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two Albuquerque churches have been fined for violating New Mexico's COVID-19 public health order. Both venues held Christmas gatherings. The state Health Department fined Legacy Church and Calvary Church $5,000 each on Monday after photos and video showed violations of mandates that call for capacity limits, mask wearing and social distancing. Legacy Church officials accused the state of trampling on their constitutional rights. Calvary Church's pastor said they urged people to follow guidelines and blocked every other row to practice social distancing. New Mexico health officials on Tuesday reported an additional 1,221 confirmed infections, bringing the statewide total to nearly 140,000.

NEW LAWS-NEW MEXICO
New year brings new oversight of vaping, student debt
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — With the start of the new year, New Mexico authorities will be increasing oversight of tobacco and e-cigarette businesses to prevent child access. The state is taking a more assertive approach to the regulation of tobacco products by requiring licenses for the sale, distribution or manufacture of all tobacco products. The changes come as a new statewide minimum wage also takes effect Friday. New Mexico's minimum wage is increasing to $10.50 a hour, up from $9. And a new consumer protection law takes aim at the student debt crisis with financial disclosure requirements for private colleges and universities.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
New Mexico forecasters warn of winter storms, slick roads
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque say two winter storms will be bearing down on New Mexico this week. The first is expected to bring widespread precipitation through Tuesday evening. The Sacramento Mountains in southern New Mexico and the adjacent highlands will see gusts during the day before a backdoor cold front moves in and crosses the plains. Well below normal temperatures are expected in the storm's wake. The next round will hit Thursday night with some high elevation snow showers possible for northern New Mexico.

COLORADO-HUMAN REMAINS FOUND
Another set of human remains found in rural Colorado IDed
CONEJOS, Colo. (AP) — Authorities have identified a second set of human remains found near a rural town in southern Colorado. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced Tuesday the remains are those of 34-year-old Shayla Hammel, of Saguache. In early December, the CBI said another set of remains found in the area were those of 37-year-old Myron Martinez, of Del Norte. Searches in November uncovered the remains of three people on two properties near Alamosa. Investigators haven't identified the remains of the third person. Authorities arrested 26-year-old Adre Baroz on Nov. 19, and he is being held on unrelated charges. Baroz's warrant remains sealed.

PUBLIC RECORDS-MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR
AG: Records related to government contract work are public
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico attorney general's office says autopsy reports done by the state for a tribal entity or the federal government are subject to open record laws because the work is carried out in part using state funds and resources. The written opinion was issued earlier this month. It stemmed from a request from the Rio Grande Sun newspaper for autopsy reports done by the state Office of the Medical Investigator under contract for the Jicarilla Apache Nation. The newspaper filed a complaint with the attorney general's office in 2019 after being denied the records.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
New Mexico forecasters warn of winter storms, slick roads
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque say two winter storms will be bearing down on New Mexico this week. The first is expected to bring widespread precipitation through Tuesday evening. The Sacramento Mountains in southern New Mexico and the adjacent highlands will see gusts during the day before a backdoor cold front moves in and crosses the plains. Well below normal temperatures are expected in the storm's wake. The next round will hit Thursday night with some high elevation snow showers possible for northern New Mexico.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico sees decline in daily confirmed COVID-19 cases
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is seeing its daily COVID-19 case totals decline. But health officials have been worried about whether the Christmas holiday could lead to another spike as it takes two to three weeks for infections to manifest. On Monday, the state reported an additional 700 confirmed cases, bringing the total to more than 138,650 since the pandemic began. The death toll stands at 2,380. Almost one-third of the latest deaths included people at long-term care facilities and one inmate at the Guadalupe County Correctional Facility. Vaccinations of health care workers as well as staff and residents at long-term care facilities is ongoing.

PUBLIC RECORDS-MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR
AG: Records related to government contract work are public
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico attorney general's office says autopsy reports done by the state for a tribal entity or the federal government are subject to open record laws because the work is carried out in part using state funds and resources. The written opinion was issued earlier this month. It stemmed from a request from the Rio Grande Sun newspaper for autopsy reports done by the state Office of the Medical Investigator under contract for the Jicarilla Apache Nation. The newspaper filed a complaint with the attorney general's office in 2019 after being denied the records.

SKI AREA EMPLOYEE DEATH
Friend: Man killed at Santa Fe ski area was from Phoenix
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities and a friend identified a Ski Santa Fe employee who died after hitting a tree while skiing during his personal time over the weekend as a 22-year-old from Phoenix. The sister of Bryan Garcia's roommate tells the Santa Fe New Mexican that Garcia was working in equipment rentals at the ski basin. Garcia's roommate, Evan Simpson, created a GoFundMe page to benefit Garcia's family. Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies were called to the ski basin about 2 p.m. Saturday, and authorities said Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-OUTDOOR RECREATION
New Mexico leans on outdoor recreation for economic recovery
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are hoping an appetite for outdoor recreation during the coronavirus pandemic will help the state's economy recover. The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports that the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division requested more funding for outdoor programs and support initiatives to be considered during the next legislative session scheduled to begin in January. The division requested more than $3 million to fund its Great New Mexico Trails Package, which would provide funding to groups with plans to develop and maintain hiking trails statewide. The division also requested about $1 million for the Outdoor Equity Fund to give funding to youth programs that center on outdoor recreation.

SANTA FE-BODY FOUND
Body found in remote area near Santa Fe airport
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities are investigating after a body was discovered near Santa Fe's airport. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports a group traveling on all-terrain vehicles Saturday spotted the remains in an area west of the Santa Fe Regional Airport. Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office spokesman Juan Rios says the body was found in a remote location. He says it appears the body had "been out there for a while." Investigators are treating it as a suspicious death. Rios says no other details will be released at this time. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 122 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported 122 new coronavirus cases and 10 more deaths. The latest figures released Sunday by the Navajo Department of Health bring the total number of cases on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 22,277. The death toll from the pandemic now stands at 777. According to the tribe, 11,402 people have recovered from COVID-19. The Navajo Nation renewed a mandated lockdown Monday requiring all residents to stay home except for emergencies, shopping for essentials like food and medicine or traveling to an essential job. The lockdown is slated to last until Jan. 11. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico reports 30 additional virus deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Department of Health reports 747 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 30 additional deaths. That brings the total to around 138,000 documented cases and around 2,300 related deaths since the start of the pandemic. Officials say around 750 people are hospitalized across New Mexico for COVID-19. Around 60,500 people diagnosed with COVID-19 are considered to have recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO EDUCATION
Some New Mexico students go to Texas for in-person education
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico schools have ranked at the bottom for years and parents, lawmakers and others are concerned the state is worse off now with no in-person learning due to the pandemic. Superintendents from districts in southeastern New Mexico say a number of their students already have moved with their families to Texas, where in-person learning is allowed. Data from local districts and the state show thousands of students have switched to private schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, or have moved out of state.

STUDENT PILOTS SAVE PETS
Teen pilots airlift pets from crowding New Mexico shelters
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Student pilots in New Mexico are helping airlift pets from crowded animal shelters to increase their odds at adoption. KRQE reports that high school students in Albuquerque have flown pets from a shelter in Las Cruces as part of a "relay" to Aurora, Colorado, where there are fewer stray dogs compared to the demand for adoptions. Leaders of the Barkhouse animal shelter say they're running out of space and need to move pets or euthanize them. Recently, a 17-year-old pilot flew 24 dogs on a leg of the trip and said he was grateful for the opportunity to practice and get more flight hours.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to begin giving vaccinations at care facilities
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations to 15,000 people who work or live at long-term care facilities. State officials announced that beginning Sunday, the CVS and Walgreens pharmacy chains and Vida Pharmacy in Albuquerque will administer doses of the Moderna vaccine at nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state. Cabinet Secretary Katrina Hotrum-Lopez of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department said the vaccinations at the facilities are a significant step toward protecting residents from COVID-19. The state on Saturday reported an additional 609 known COVID-19 cases and nine additional deaths, increasing the state's reported totals to 137,226 cases and 2,316 deaths.

MEGABUCKS JACKPOT WINNER
Part-time Las Vegas resident wins $15.5M jackpot
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A part-time Las Vegas resident has won a $15.5 million Megabucks slot machine jackpot. The winner, identified only as Kevin by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, gambled $40 on Christmas Eve and won the state's largest slot machine jackpot in eight years. Kevin splits his time between Las Vegas and Alaska. He had made a Christmas Eve visit to the Boyd Gaming casino. He said that he plans on using his winnings to support his business and promised to "pay it forward" with the money.

NEW MEXICO-YEAR IN REVIEW
Pandemic, historic election top New Mexico's 2020 headlines
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — From lockdowns in tribal communities to the economic and social fallout that has reverberated throughout New Mexico, the coronavirus pandemic dominated headlines in 2020. COVID-19 infections are on track to top 140,000 by the end of the year, while more than 2,200 New Mexicans have succumbed to the virus. The year also was marked by a historic election fueled by mail-in ballots. Questions about election integrity prompted legal challenges. Culture clashes resulted in monuments being toppled in some spots. New Mexico's push toward renewable energy, its persistently troubled education system and the end of a decade-long treasure hunt inspired by a New Mexico antiquities dealer also made news.

NAVAJO COLD CASES-POSTERS
FBI cold case posters being translated into Navajo language
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal authorities are incorporating the Navajo language in a bid to find leads in cold cases on or near the country's largest Native American reservation. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported Thursday that the FBI has begun a new initiative to release posters on decades-old homicides and missing persons cases that are translated into Navajo. The posters include details of an incident, physical descriptions of victims and photos. FBI spokesman Frank Fisher says the agency is hopeful that seeing details in their own language may jog people's memories. This initiative has been in the works for the past year.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor urges safety during holiday season
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is making another plea for people to be safe this holiday season. She said in a tweet Thursday afternoon that her thoughts were with every New Mexican grieving the loss of a loved one. State health officials reported an additional 29 deaths Thursday, bringing the state's tally to 2,272 since the pandemic began. More than 1,900 confirmed COVID-19 infections also were reported for the day, pushing the overall statewide total to nearly 135,200. New infections had tapered off over the last week, but health officials were concerned that Christmas gatherings would lead to another surge. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to begin giving vaccinations at care facilities
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations to 15,000 people who work or live at long-term care facilities. State officials announced that beginning Sunday, the CVS and Walgreens pharmacy chains and Vida Pharmacy in Albuquerque will administer doses of the Moderna vaccine at nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state. Cabinet Secretary Katrina Hotrum-Lopez of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department said the vaccinations at the facilities are a significant step toward protecting residents from COVID-19. The state on Saturday reported an additional 609 known COVID-19 cases and nine additional deaths, increasing the state's reported totals to 137,226 cases and 2,316 deaths.

MEGABUCKS JACKPOT WINNER
Part-time Las Vegas resident wins $15.5M jackpot
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A part-time Las Vegas resident has won a $15.5 million Megabucks slot machine jackpot. The winner, identified only as Kevin by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, gambled $40 on Christmas Eve and won the state's largest slot machine jackpot in eight years. Kevin splits his time between Las Vegas and Alaska. He had made a Christmas Eve visit to the Boyd Gaming casino. He said that he plans on using his winnings to support his business and promised to "pay it forward" with the money.

NEW MEXICO-YEAR IN REVIEW
Pandemic, historic election top New Mexico's 2020 headlines
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — From lockdowns in tribal communities to the economic and social fallout that has reverberated throughout New Mexico, the coronavirus pandemic dominated headlines in 2020. COVID-19 infections are on track to top 140,000 by the end of the year, while more than 2,200 New Mexicans have succumbed to the virus. The year also was marked by a historic election fueled by mail-in ballots. Questions about election integrity prompted legal challenges. Culture clashes resulted in monuments being toppled in some spots. New Mexico's push toward renewable energy, its persistently troubled education system and the end of a decade-long treasure hunt inspired by a New Mexico antiquities dealer also made news.

NAVAJO COLD CASES-POSTERS
FBI cold case posters being translated into Navajo language
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal authorities are incorporating the Navajo language in a bid to find leads in cold cases on or near the country's largest Native American reservation. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported Thursday that the FBI has begun a new initiative to release posters on decades-old homicides and missing persons cases that are translated into Navajo. The posters include details of an incident, physical descriptions of victims and photos. FBI spokesman Frank Fisher says the agency is hopeful that seeing details in their own language may jog people's memories. This initiative has been in the works for the past year.
​
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor urges safety during holiday season
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is making another plea for people to be safe this holiday season. She said in a tweet Thursday afternoon that her thoughts were with every New Mexican grieving the loss of a loved one. State health officials reported an additional 29 deaths Thursday, bringing the state's tally to 2,272 since the pandemic began. More than 1,900 confirmed COVID-19 infections also were reported for the day, pushing the overall statewide total to nearly 135,200. New infections had tapered off over the last week, but health officials were concerned that Christmas gatherings would lead to another surge. 

COUGHING-FELONY CHARGE
Woman denies felony charge that she coughed on health worker
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico woman charged with felony battery after being accused of coughing on a health care worker in a medical center has denied the allegation and said she only lifted her mask at the time. A criminal complaint filed with the Santa Fe Police Department by the worker claimed defendant Joy Ebel refused to wear a mask, verbally harassed employees at La Familia Medical Center in Truchas and coughed into the worker's face. Ebel has said she did not cough on anyone intentionally and she does not have COVID-19. She claimed the incident started because workers at the clinic did not like how she was wearing her mask.

ACEQUIA RESEARCH
Decade-long study reveals resilience of New Mexico acequias
ALCALDE, N.M. (AP) — Researchers from the state's two largest universities and a prominent national laboratory are detailing their findings from a decade-long study of New Mexico acequias. They say the traditional irrigation systems are as much about culture and community as they are about hydrology. Their 90-page publication was presented during the New Mexico Acequia Association's recent annual meeting. The researchers learned that the acequia system creates a responsive mechanism for the entire community to interact with the landscape and develop a specific water management approach depending on conditions. The researchers hope the publication will serve as a tool for legislators and others when making decisions about acequias.

RAIL RUNNER EXPRESS-SAFETY SYSTEM
New Mexico Rail Runner Express route gets new safety system
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal regulators have certified that the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has met a year-end deadline to install a federally required safety system on the state-owned passenger service. The Positive Train Control System is designed to prevent train collisions, high-speed derailments and incursions into track work zones. The passenger service's operator, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District, began installing the $60 million system on the 100-mile route between Santa Fe and Belen south of Albuquerque in April 2019. In addition to Rail Runner commuter trains, the route is also used by Amtrak long-distance passenger trains and Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight trains.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico light traditions persist despite virus
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexicans have tailored Christmas candlelight traditions during the pandemic, turning luminaria and farolito "walks" into drives. With virus infections and deaths still high, traditional Christmas parties have been canceled. But some streets were packed Thursday night in neighborhoods where small bags of sand filled with candles were put on display. The toll from the pandemic continues to rise, with 36 additional deaths being reported Friday, and 1,465 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 2,307 deaths and over 135,000 cases. Health officials say around 60,000 people have recovered from the disease caused by the virus. 

MEGABUCKS JACKPOT WINNER
Part-time Las Vegas resident wins $15.5M jackpot
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A part-time Las Vegas resident has won a $15.5 million Megabucks slot machine jackpot. The winner, identified only as Kevin by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, gambled $40 on Christmas Eve and won the state's largest slot machine jackpot in eight years. Kevin splits his time between Las Vegas and Alaska. He had made a Christmas Eve visit to the Boyd Gaming casino. He said that he plans on using his winnings to support his business and promised to "pay it forward" with the money.

NEW MEXICO-YEAR IN REVIEW
Pandemic, historic election top New Mexico's 2020 headlines
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — From lockdowns in tribal communities to the economic and social fallout that has reverberated throughout New Mexico, the coronavirus pandemic dominated headlines in 2020. COVID-19 infections are on track to top 140,000 by the end of the year, while more than 2,200 New Mexicans have succumbed to the virus. The year also was marked by a historic election fueled by mail-in ballots. Questions about election integrity prompted legal challenges. Culture clashes resulted in monuments being toppled in some spots. New Mexico's push toward renewable energy, its persistently troubled education system and the end of a decade-long treasure hunt inspired by a New Mexico antiquities dealer also made news.

NAVAJO COLD CASES-POSTERS
FBI cold case posters being translated into Navajo language
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal authorities are incorporating the Navajo language in a bid to find leads in cold cases on or near the country's largest Native American reservation. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported Thursday that the FBI has begun a new initiative to release posters on decades-old homicides and missing persons cases that are translated into Navajo. The posters include details of an incident, physical descriptions of victims and photos. FBI spokesman Frank Fisher says the agency is hopeful that seeing details in their own language may jog people's memories. This initiative has been in the works for the past year.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor urges safety during holiday season
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is making another plea for people to be safe this holiday season. She said in a tweet Thursday afternoon that her thoughts were with every New Mexican grieving the loss of a loved one. State health officials reported an additional 29 deaths Thursday, bringing the state's tally to 2,272 since the pandemic began. More than 1,900 confirmed COVID-19 infections also were reported for the day, pushing the overall statewide total to nearly 135,200. New infections had tapered off over the last week, but health officials were concerned that Christmas gatherings would lead to another surge. 

COUGHING-FELONY CHARGE
Woman denies felony charge that she coughed on health worker
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico woman charged with felony battery after being accused of coughing on a health care worker in a medical center has denied the allegation and said she only lifted her mask at the time. A criminal complaint filed with the Santa Fe Police Department by the worker claimed defendant Joy Ebel refused to wear a mask, verbally harassed employees at La Familia Medical Center in Truchas and coughed into the worker's face. Ebel has said she did not cough on anyone intentionally and she does not have COVID-19. She claimed the incident started because workers at the clinic did not like how she was wearing her mask.

ACEQUIA RESEARCH
Decade-long study reveals resilience of New Mexico acequias
ALCALDE, N.M. (AP) — Researchers from the state's two largest universities and a prominent national laboratory are detailing their findings from a decade-long study of New Mexico acequias. They say the traditional irrigation systems are as much about culture and community as they are about hydrology. Their 90-page publication was presented during the New Mexico Acequia Association's recent annual meeting. The researchers learned that the acequia system creates a responsive mechanism for the entire community to interact with the landscape and develop a specific water management approach depending on conditions. The researchers hope the publication will serve as a tool for legislators and others when making decisions about acequias.

RAIL RUNNER EXPRESS-SAFETY SYSTEM
New Mexico Rail Runner Express route gets new safety system
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal regulators have certified that the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has met a year-end deadline to install a federally required safety system on the state-owned passenger service. The Positive Train Control System is designed to prevent train collisions, high-speed derailments and incursions into track work zones. The passenger service's operator, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District, began installing the $60 million system on the 100-mile route between Santa Fe and Belen south of Albuquerque in April 2019. In addition to Rail Runner commuter trains, the route is also used by Amtrak long-distance passenger trains and Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight trains.

​Emergency personnel work near the scene of an explosion in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN and MORGAN LEE Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — From lockdowns in tribal communities to the economic and social fallout that has reverberated throughout New Mexico, the coronavirus pandemic dominated headlines in 2020.
     COVID-19 infections are on track to top 140,000 by the end of the year, while more than 2,200 New Mexicans have succumbed to the virus.
     The year also was marked by a historic election fueled by mail-in ballots. Questions about election integrity prompted legal challenges.
    Culture clashes resulted in monuments being toppled in some spots.
  New Mexico's push toward renewable energy, its persistently troubled education system and the end of a decade-long treasure hunt inspired by a New Mexico antiquities dealer also made news.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor urges safety during holiday season
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is making another plea for people to be safe this holiday season. She said in a tweet Thursday afternoon that her thoughts were with every New Mexican grieving the loss of a loved one. State health officials reported an additional 29 deaths Thursday, bringing the state's tally to 2,272 since the pandemic began. More than 1,900 confirmed COVID-19 infections also were reported for the day, pushing the overall statewide total to nearly 135,200. New infections had tapered off over the last week, but health officials were concerned that Christmas gatherings would lead to another surge. 

COUGHING-FELONY CHARGE
Woman denies felony charge that she coughed on health worker
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico woman charged with felony battery after being accused of coughing on a health care worker in a medical center has denied the allegation and said she only lifted her mask at the time. A criminal complaint filed with the Santa Fe Police Department by the worker claimed defendant Joy Ebel refused to wear a mask, verbally harassed employees at La Familia Medical Center in Truchas and coughed into the worker's face. Ebel has said she did not cough on anyone intentionally and she does not have COVID-19. She claimed the incident started because workers at the clinic did not like how she was wearing her mask.

NAVAJO COLD CASES-POSTERS
FBI cold case posters being translated into Navajo language
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal authorities are incorporating the Navajo language in a bid to find leads in cold cases on or near the country's largest Native American reservation. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported Thursday that the FBI has begun a new initiative to release posters on decades-old homicides and missing persons cases that are translated into Navajo. The posters include details of an incident, physical descriptions of victims and photos. FBI spokesman Frank Fisher says the agency is hopeful that seeing details in their own language may jog people's memories. This initiative has been in the works for the past year.

ACEQUIA RESEARCH
Decade-long study reveals resilience of New Mexico acequias
ALCALDE, N.M. (AP) — Researchers from the state's two largest universities and a prominent national laboratory are detailing their findings from a decade-long study of New Mexico acequias. They say the traditional irrigation systems are as much about culture and community as they are about hydrology. Their 90-page publication was presented during the New Mexico Acequia Association's recent annual meeting. The researchers learned that the acequia system creates a responsive mechanism for the entire community to interact with the landscape and develop a specific water management approach depending on conditions. The researchers hope the publication will serve as a tool for legislators and others when making decisions about acequias.

RAIL RUNNER EXPRESS-SAFETY SYSTEM
New Mexico Rail Runner Express route gets new safety system
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal regulators have certified that the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has met a year-end deadline to install a federally required safety system on the state-owned passenger service. The Positive Train Control System is designed to prevent train collisions, high-speed derailments and incursions into track work zones. The passenger service's operator, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District, began installing the $60 million system on the 100-mile route between Santa Fe and Belen south of Albuquerque in April 2019. In addition to Rail Runner commuter trains, the route is also used by Amtrak long-distance passenger trains and Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight trains.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 272 new COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported 272 new coronavirus cases and seven more deaths. The latest figures reported Wednesday by the Navajo Department of Health bring the total number of cases on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 21,833. The death toll from the pandemic now stands at 762. The Navajo Nation remains in a three-week lockdown requiring all residents to stay home except for emergencies, shopping for essentials like food and medicine or traveling to an essential job. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez says residents must not become complacent just because frontline health care workers on the reservation have started receiving recently approved vaccines.

CIMARRON RIVER SPILL
Texas company opts to settle case over New Mexico fuel spill
CIMARRON, N.M. (AP) — The state Office of Natural Resources Trustee has reached a proposed settlement with a Texas-based company over a fuel spill along a northern New Mexico river. A tanker truck carrying more than 1,000 gallons of fuel overturned in icy conditions in 2016 and spilled its liquid cargo into the Cimarron River near a wildlife management area. State officials said fish and invertebrates were killed and surrounding soil and sediment was contaminated. A portion of the river had to be closed to public access for several months. Under the settlement, Fronk Oil Co. will pay $150,000 toward restoration projects.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to meet deadline for sending out relief checks
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Around 15,000 residents previously ineligible for pandemic stimulus checks have started receiving payments from the state. The group includes immigrants in the country without work authorization. Officials with the New Mexico Human Services Department said the $465 relief payments began arriving this week via direct deposit or checks. The Legislature allocated $5 million to the fund for those who hadn't received federal payments in April. Agency officials say they were able to identify an additional $2 million on top of that. COVID-19 cases have been declining in New Mexico, but the economic fallout from the pandemic continues.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to meet deadline for sending out relief checks
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Around 15,000 residents previously ineligible for pandemic stimulus checks have started receiving payments from the state. The group includes immigrants in the country without work authorization. Officials with the New Mexico Human Services Department said the $465 relief payments began arriving this week via direct deposit or checks. The Legislature allocated $5 million to the fund for those who hadn't received federal payments in April. Agency officials say they were able to identify an additional $2 million on top of that. COVID-19 cases have been declining in New Mexico, but the economic fallout from the pandemic continues.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SANTA
New Mexico governor: Coronavirus poses no threat for Santa
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It's official, at least according to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham: Santa Claus and his reindeer are immune to COVID-19 and can safely visit homes across the state. Lujan Grisham's office on Wednesday announced that she had issued a proclamation assuring New Mexico children that health experts had determined the coronavirus poses no danger to Santa and his hoofed helpers. As for the formalities, the proclamation designates Santa as an essential worker and exempts him from New Mexico's social distancing and travel requirements. Lujan Grisham added that she hopes everyone stays safe over the holidays.

NAVAJO NATION WATER RIGHTS
Congress passes bill on Navajo Nation water rights in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Congress has passed a long-awaited bill that would address water availability issues for residents living on the Navajo Nation in Utah who lack access to running water, a problem exacerbated by the pandemic. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the Utah Navajo Water Rights Settlement Act was passed on Monday as part of a massive $2.3 trillion spending bill that includes $900 billion in coronavirus relief and a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package. The legislation will next head to President Donald Trump for his signature. The legislation would recognize the Navajo Nation's right to 81,500 acre feet of water from the Colorado River basin in Utah.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico utility has plan for growing electric vehicle use
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider has a plan for incentivizing the buildout of infrastructure that would be needed to bolster the use of electric vehicles in the expansive state where even gas stations can be few and far between. The Public Service Co. of New Mexico filed the proposal with state regulators last week. Utility officials say it's the result of more than a year of research and community outreach. The proposal includes customer rebates for charging infrastructure and charging during off-peak times. If the Public Regulation Commission approves, the utility says a full program rollout could happen as early as 2022.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico makes push with at-home COVID-19 test kits
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is partnering with a national health care company to provide free, at-home COVID-19 test kits. State health officials said Tuesday that the kits can be ordered via Vault Medical Services' website. All that's needed is an internet connection, email address and a photo. State officials acknowledged the lack of broadband access around New Mexico and said the new at-home option is meant to bolster the in-person testing clinics that have been operating since the pandemic began. The state also is launching a new registration app where people can sign up for vaccinations. More than 14,000 shots have been administered to health care workers so far.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 151 new coronavirus cases, 7 deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation is reporting 151 new coronavirus cases and seven more deaths from COVID-19. The latest figures were reported Tuesday by the Navajo Department of Health for the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The Navajo Nation has reported 755 deaths since the pandemic hit. The Health Department says the first doses of the recently approved vaccine made by Moderna have arrived at the Navajo Area Indian Health Service. The Navajo Nation is in a three-week lockdown requiring all residents to stay home except for emergencies, shopping for essentials like food and medicine or traveling to an essential job. 

US ATTORNEY-RESIGNATION
New Mexico's US Attorney to join Santa Fe practice
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top federal prosecutor is stepping down as president Donald Trump prepares to leave office. U.S. Attorney John Anderson announced his resignation Tuesday effective just before midnight on Jan. 2. He says he'll join a law firm in the Santa Fe area. Trump was an assistant U.S. attorney in New Mexico for five years before joining Holland & Hart in Santa Fe in 2013. Trump appointed him U.S. attorney in 2017 and he was confirmed by the Senate early the next year. Attorney General William Barr says in a statement that Anderson's performance in office "brought great credit" upon himself and the Department of Justice.

BIDEN-IMMIGRATION
Biden: Reversing Trump border policies will take months
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden says it will take months to roll back some of President Donald Trump's actions on immigration. He's offering a slower timeline than he promised on the campaign trail and one that may rile advocates pushing for speedy action on the issue. His Tuesday comments echo those made by two of his top foreign policy advisers in an interview with Spanish wire service EFE on Monday, tapping the brakes on rolling back Trump's restrictive asylum policies. Susan Rice, Biden's incoming domestic policy adviser, and Jake Sullivan, his pick for national security adviser, as well as Biden himself, warned that moving too quickly could create a new crisis at the border.