LEGISLATOR RETIRES-NEW MEXICO
Hispanic Republican legislator retires in New Mexico House
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican state Rep. Alonzo Baldonado of Los Lunas is retiring from the New Mexico Legislature after a decade of advocacy for a district in central New Mexico and socially conservative causes. A spokesman for House Republicans announced Baldonado's departure Friday in a news release. The statement highlights efforts to fund a regional hospital and highway interchange in Valencia County. As a Hispanic legislator, Baldonado also participated in efforts by the Republican Party to expand racial and ethnic diversity within its ranks. The Valencia County Commission will name a replacement to serve out the remaining year of Baldonado's term.

NEW LAWS-NEW MEXICO
Higher health insurance surtax among New Mexico's new laws
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — With the arrival of the new year, new laws are taking effect in New Mexico that aim to bolster access to health insurance and to eliminate many court-imposed fines against juveniles that are viewed as counterproductive. A bill signed by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham adds a 2.75% surtax on health insurance premiums. Insurance Superintendent Russell Toal says the surtax will provide a crucial subsidy when Medicaid coverage under special federal pandemic provisions expires for an estimated 85,000 residents. New Mexico also is eliminating many financial fees and sanctions in the juvenile justice system, including fines for possession of marijuana by a minor.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico sees test shortage as coronavirus cases top 2,000
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is running short of free at-home rapid tests to detect COVID-19 infections as the state struggles with the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The company that runs the state's program said Thursday that the state's supply of tests was overstretched. The announcement came hours after Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wrote that residents could "order a testing kit today." By afternoon "all available tests have been shipped" and Vault Health was offering paid testing instead. The state reported an additional 2,209 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 26 additional deaths.

NAVAJO NATION-RELIEF CHECKS
Navajo council votes to send big checks to tribal members
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation's tribal council has voted to send $2,000 checks to each qualified adult and $600 for each child using $557 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. The vote to send the checks to about 350,000 tribal members was approved Thursday by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez to take effect. Wednesday's 18-2 vote during a special session of the tribe's lawmaking body will tap some of the approximately $2.1 billion the tribe is receiving from President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act.

REDISTRICTING-NEW MEXICO HOUSE
New Mexico governor signs state House redistricting measure
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed legislation to redraw election boundaries for seats in the New Mexico House of Representatives. The Democrat signed the measure Wednesday, calling it a "sound map that is representative and respectful of New Mexico's varied communities of interest." Republicans disagree. They have argued that the maps approved by the Democrat-led Legislature are partisan and far from fair representation. They say the voices of rural residents, conservative Democrats and independents will be marginalized. The House map is expected to give Democrats an edge in about 45 of 70 seats. Democrats currently hold a 45-24 advantage in the chamber.

JEFFREY EPSTEIN-MAXWELL TRIAL
Behind the wait for a verdict at Maxwell jury deliberations
NEW YORK (AP) — The Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking trial was a four-week winding road with sordid testimony by four women accusing the British socialite of grooming their teenage selves for abuse at the hands of financier Jeffrey Epstein. The defense maintained the abuse could have been real, but Maxwell wasn't part of it. It all came to a climax earlier this week with a guilty verdict in federal court in Manhattan, delivered after five days of jury deliberations. The scenes from the courtroom as the trial wound down were sometimes tedious, sometimes tense.

AP-US-JEFFREY-EPSTEIN-MAXWELL-TRIAL-FACT-FOCUS
Fact Focus: Misinformation persists after Maxwell trial ends
The sex-trafficking trial of Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, ended with guilty verdicts, but that didn't stop the flow of false news that has swirled around the case. Posts emerged on Thursday falsely claiming that trial documents were sealed to protect Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex crimes, and his influential friends. At the same time, previously debunked claims reemerged on social media, including that there was no media coverage of the high-profile trial. Maxwell was found guilty on five of six counts in a monthlong trial where she was accused of helping Epstein sexually exploit teenage girls.

AP-US-JEFFREY-EPSTEIN-MAXWELL-TRIAL-VERDICT-EXPLAINER
What's next for Ghislaine Maxwell after guilty verdict?
NEW YORK (AP) — With a guilty verdict in the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, here's a look at what the once high-flying Jeffrey Epstein confidante was accused of and what's next for her. The 60-year-old Maxwell was convicted of all but one count on Wednesday and faces the possibility of decades in prison. Maxwell's defense contended she was victimized by a need to make someone pay for the alleged crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, who killed himself while awaiting trial on his own sex-abuse charges, and her family supports an appeal.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico sees drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Fewer people are being hospitalized now in New Mexico due to COVID-19. State health officials reported Tuesday there were just over 460 coronavirus patients in hospitals around the state. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the number marks a drop of more than one-third since Dec. 9. That's when the state hit an 11-month peak that topped 700 patients. New Mexico also ranks in the bottom half of states when it comes to cases per capita over the last week. The state also reported 22 additional deaths Tuesday. Just seven of them happened in the last 30 days and 13 were in their 70s or older. ​

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 74 new COVID-19 cases, five new deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation is reporting 74 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus and five additional deaths. Wednesday's numbers pushed the cases on the vast reservation to 41,262, including 67 delayed reported cases. The death toll rose to 1,588. Tribal leaders continued to push for residents to take precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including mask wearing, social distancing and washing hands. The omicron variant has not been detected in samples on the Navajo Nation, but tribal leaders say that doesn't mean it's not there.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE-JUVENILES
New Mexico advocates renew push for juvenile justice bill
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Advocates are renewing their push for legislation that would abolish life without parole for juveniles sentenced as adults in New Mexico. The proposed "Second Chance" bill would make juveniles sentenced as adults eligible for parole after serving 15 years in prison. Denali Wilson is an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and represents Michael Brown, who was sentenced as a violent youthful offender when he was 16 for the stabbing death of his grandparents. Wilson estimates that Brown is one of 75 people in New Mexico serving long adult prison sentences for crimes they committed as children.

ALBUQUERQUE-FATAL HIT AND RUN
Albuquerque chief pleas for hit-and-run driver to surrender
Albuquerque's police chief wants a hit-and-run driver who is accused of striking a man and his young son earlier this month to surrender. The little boy, Pronoy Bhattacharya, was killed. Chief Harold Medina released a video on Wednesday saying Sergio Almanza chose to drink and drive and speed and ended up killing the 7-year-old boy. Medina urged Almanza to turn himself in, saying police know he too has young children and would want justice if one of them were injured. Almanza was allegedly driving an off-road vehicle on Des. 12 when he ran a red light and struck the boy and his father before fleeing. 

EDUCATION-NAVAJO INTERNET
Rural New Mexico school buys Starlink internet for students
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A school district in northwestern New Mexico is announcing a $1.2 million deal to provide hundreds of families with high-speed internet. Cuba schools superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego says installations of SpaceX's Starlink receivers at students' homes started in November. She says her students can't wait any longer for quality internet access, which state and nearby tribal authorities never completely provided, even during the pandemic. The school district plans to install 450 units, which cost $500 each. Funding to pay monthly internet subscription fees will eventually run out. Sanchez-Griego hopes state officials will cover the tab when that happens. 

AP-US-NUCLEAR-WEAPONS-POWER-FIGHT
New Mexico tribes concerned about plan to power nuclear lab
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Indigenous leaders are concerned about a proposed multimillion-dollar transmission line that would cross what they consider sacred lands. The transmission line would bring more electricity to one of the nation's top nuclear weapons laboratories as it looks to power ongoing operations and future missions that include manufacturing key components for the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The line would stretch more than 12 miles, crossing national forest land in an area known as the Caja del Rio and spanning the Rio Grande at White Rock Canyon. The All Pueblo Council of Governors has adopted a resolution to support preservation of the Caja del Rio.

AP-US-JEFFREY-EPSTEIN-MAXWELL-TRIAL
Ghislaine Maxwell convicted in Epstein sex abuse case
NEW YORK (AP) — The British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted of helping lure teenage girls to be sexually abused by the late Jeffrey Epstein. The verdict announced Wednesday capped a monthlong trial featuring accounts of the sexual exploitation of girls as young as 14. Jurors deliberated for five full days before finding Maxwell guilty of every count except one. She faces years in prison. It's an end long sought by women who spent years fighting to hold Maxwell accountable for abusing them. Her lawyers said she's being used as a scapegoat for crimes committed by Epstein, who killed himself in 2019.

PNM-ELECTRIC VEHICLES
New Mexico utility adds electric vehicles to fleet
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider has received a few more electric vehicles this week as part of a commitment to building its fleet over the coming years. Public Service Co. of New Mexico announced Wednesday that it has 38 electric vehicles with three more on order. Spokeswoman Shannon Jackson says the utility would have more but supply issues with vehicle manufacturers has been a limiting factor. About 8% of PNM's fleet is now electric, with plans to grow that annually by 5%. PNM also recently joined the National Electric Highway Coalition, which plans to build fast-charging ports along major U.S. travel corridors.

MINIMUM WAGE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico will raise minimum wage to $11.50 for 2022
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's hourly minimum wage is set to increase by a dollar to $11.50 at the start of 2022. The Workforce Solutions Department on Monday issued a reminder to employers and workers of the pending increase. Reforms signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and adopted in 2019 gradually raise the statewide minimum wage to $12 by 2023. President Joe Biden has proposed to raise the federal minimum wage requirement for most workers to $15 an hour from $7.25. Higher local minimum wages are in effect in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe and Bernalillo County and Santa Fe County.

ALBUQUERQUE-LANGUAGE ACCESS-ANTI-ASIAN HATE
Albuquerque adopts language access, anti-AAPI hate bills
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque has officially adopted two pieces of legislation focused on its minority communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Mayor Tim Keller signed the two bills Monday in a virtual ceremony. One requires government information and services be accessible in languages other than English. The other condemns acts of anti-Asian hate that started with the coronavirus pandemic. Over 67,000 of the roughly 846,000 metro Albuquerque residents speak little or no English, according to the measure. The other measure formally denounces racist rhetoric and hate crimes directed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Albuquerque. City councilors will encourage the city's Office of Civil Rights to investigate anti-AAPI incidents.

REPEAT DWI OFFENDERS
New Mexicans call for change for repeat DWI offenders
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — With authorities logging more than a dozen DWI arrests in the Albuquerque area since Christmas Eve, there are more calls for New Mexico to crack down on repeat offenders. Albuquerque television station KOB-TV reports that many of the cases over the past year involve first time offenses. But officers have seen some familiar faces, including a woman who marked her fifth DWI offense in May after she was stopped for driving 103 mph on Interstate 40. Officials with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and others who have lost loved ones are concerned that there are few consequences to driving while intoxicated.

LEGISLATOR HOSPITALIZED
New Mexico Sen. Pete Campos to undergo emergency surgery
New Mexico State Sen. Pete Campos is in the hospital and will have to undergo emergency surgery. A spokesman for Senate Democrats told the Santa Fe New Mexican that Campos could have the surgery as soon as Monday. Campos, who is in his 60s, was taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque on Sunday for an undisclosed condition. But it is unrelated to COVID-19. Also, Campos expects a speedy recovery and to have no issues with attending the opening of the legislative session next month. Campos said in a statement he looks forward to resuming his duties "for years to come." Campos, of Las Vegas, was re-elected in November 2020.

LEGISLATURE-HISPANIC ISSUES
Democratic House leaders move to dissolve land grant panel
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Top Democrats in the New Mexico House have chosen to dissolve a legislative committee that deals with Hispanic land grants, traditional irrigation districts known as acequias and other local government and cultural affairs. The recent decision announced by House Speaker Brian Egolf is spurring criticism from Hispanic lawmakers, including two members of New Mexico's congressional delegation. U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján said the representation of land grants, acequias and rural communities must always be at the forefront of New Mexico public policy. He described those constituents as "a critical part of the heart, soul and history of our state."

JEFFREY EPSTEIN-MAXWELL TRIAL
Jury signals verdict not near at Ghislaine Maxwell trial
NEW YORK (AP) — A jury in the sex trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell has completed three full days of deliberations without a sign that a verdict is near. On Monday, the jury requested multi-colored sticky notes, a white board and some trial transcripts. They also asked for the definition of enticement and a question pertaining to the law. The deliberations followed a holiday weekend break after two full days of talks last week. The British socialite is charged with grooming teenagers as young as 14 to be sexually assaulted by financier Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell's lawyers say she's a scapegoat after Epstein killed himself in 2019 while awaiting a sex trafficking trial. 

BEAR KILLED-ARROWS
Suspect arrested in Arizona bear killing with bow and arrow
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in the shooting of a bear with a bow and arrow near Taos in October. The Albuquerque Journal reports a man was charged in Taos Magistrate Court with unlawful killing of big game by shooting from the road and failing to tag the bear, both misdemeanors. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said last month it was investigating the Oct. 29 incident in Arroyo Seco. Bears are a protected species in New Mexico, but bear hunting was allowed in that area at the time of killing. But court documents say the man shot the bear twice then left it behind in a tree.

FOREST PLAN FIGHT
New Mexico county concerned about forest proposal
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Otero County commissioners are voicing concerns about a proposed plan that will guide forest management practices for the 1.1 million-acre Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico for the next 10 to 15 years. The commissioners voted earlier this month on a resolution in opposition of the proposal. They also approved an official comment letter that stated the draft plan and the draft environmental impact statement conflict with county ordinances outlining land use. Forest officials maintain they reached out to the county multiple times about the proposal but got no response. The final plan is expected to be ready in 2022.

BEAR KILLED-ARROWS
Suspect arrested in Arizona bear killing with bow and arrow
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in the shooting of a bear with a bow and arrow near Taos in October. The Albuquerque Journal reports a man was charged in Taos Magistrate Court with unlawful killing of big game by shooting from the road and failing to tag the bear, both misdemeanors. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said last month it was investigating the Oct. 29 incident in Arroyo Seco. Bears are a protected species in New Mexico, but bear hunting was allowed in that area at the time of killing. But court documents say the man shot the bear twice then left it behind in a tree.

FOREST PLAN FIGHT
New Mexico county concerned about forest proposal
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Otero County commissioners are voicing concerns about a proposed plan that will guide forest management practices for the 1.1 million-acre Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico for the next 10 to 15 years. The commissioners voted earlier this month on a resolution in opposition of the proposal. They also approved an official comment letter that stated the draft plan and the draft environmental impact statement conflict with county ordinances outlining land use. Forest officials maintain they reached out to the county multiple times about the proposal but got no response. The final plan is expected to be ready in 2022.

AP-US-RUDOLFO-ANAYA-CHILDREN'S-BOOK
Rudolfo Anaya weaved bilingual holiday tale for children
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An author known as the father of Chicano literature has left behind a bilingual children's tale after his 2020 death. The book from Rudolfo Anaya about Christmas in the American Southwest is being published posthumously this year, extending a cycle of illustrated children's books with a playful cast of youthful animal characters. Teacher Michelle Garcia says works like this help children inhabit and understand a unique culture and think about a few of life's lessons from Anaya. Enrique Lamadrid collaborated with Anaya to translate the work, welcoming children to explore both English and Spanish literature.

AP-US-ALBUQUERQUE-BIG-TIP
Business owners leave big tip for Albuquerque servers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two servers at an Albuquerque restaurant got a big surprise when a group of business owners left a $5,555 tip. It was the idea of Battle Tested Business, a local entrepreneurship and leadership organization. Founder Ramon Casaus told KOB-TV that he and his colleagues look for ways to invest back into the community. Casaus said after the recent dinner party, each person left a $505 tip. They called it "The 505 Dinner" in reference to Albuquerque's area code. Battle Tested Business said on its Facebook page that local restaurants and their staff were devastated during the pandemic and that the group believes in the mission of helping in its own backyard.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Strong, damaging winds expected in New Mexico
Forecasters say a weather system is expected to produce strong to damaging winds Friday across much of New Mexico as well as rain, with snow expected in higher mountains. The National Weather Service issued a warning in eastern New Mexico for high winds up to 40 mph into Friday evening from Mexico on the south to Colorado on the north. The warning says winds are expected to blow down trees and utility poles and power lines, resulting in widespread power outages and making travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. High winds are also forecast for multiple mountain ranges across the state. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-HOBBS
Hobbs voters to decide changes to economic development plan
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to residents in Hobbs to approve a proposed change to the New Mexico city's economic development ordinance that could result in larger retailers locating in the community. Under the proposal, the ordinance would include cultural facilities and retail businesses as qualifying entities for receiving public support as defined by the state Local Economic Development Act. The proposal will be on the March 1 ballot. State lawmakers earlier this year expanded the types of support and the definition of retail businesses to account for municipalities with populations of more than 15,000. Hobbs officials have said the change could boost competitiveness.

AP-US-WATER-RIGHTS-TRIBES
$2.5B headed to tribes for long-standing water settlements
WASHINGTON (AP) — Native American tribes are awaiting a one-time windfall that could help deliver reliable, clean water to their residents. The federal infrastructure bill signed last month includes $2.5 billion for tribal water rights settlements. The Interior Department hasn't said how it will be doled out. But the agency says tribes included in more than 30 settlements are eligible. Among them is the White Mountain Apache Tribe in eastern Arizona. Congress approved the tribe's water settlement more than a decade ago. But the tribe says it hasn't received the money it needs for water storage, surface water treatment facilities and miles of water pipelines. 

AP-US-DRY-NEW-MEXICO
Forecasters: New Mexico should brace for worsening drought
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The last three months have been very dry in New Mexico and it's going to get worse. That's the word from forecasters with the National Weather Service and other climate experts in the state. They said during a meeting this week that New Mexico reservoirs continue to be far below historical averages and that ranchers are bracing for a winter with little moisture out on the range. Some snow is expected in the higher elevations on Christmas Eve, but it will be less than the precipitation that has helped to ease drought conditions elsewhere in the West in recent weeks.

AP-US-ALBUQUERQUE-BIG-TIP
Business owners leave big tip for Albuquerque servers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two servers at an Albuquerque restaurant got a big surprise when a group of business owners left a $5,555 tip. It was the idea of Battle Tested Business, a local entrepreneurship and leadership organization. Founder Ramon Casaus told KOB-TV that he and his colleagues look for ways to invest back into the community. Casaus said after the recent dinner party, each person left a $505 tip. They called it "The 505 Dinner" in reference to Albuquerque's area code. Battle Tested Business said on its Facebook page that local restaurants and their staff were devastated during the pandemic and that the group believes in the mission of helping in its own backyard.

​BEAR KILLED-ARROWS
Suspect arrested in Arizona bear killing with bow and arrow
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in the shooting of a bear with a bow and arrow near Taos in October. The Albuquerque Journal reports a man was charged in Taos Magistrate Court with unlawful killing of big game by shooting from the road and failing to tag the bear, both misdemeanors. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said last month it was investigating the Oct. 29 incident in Arroyo Seco. Bears are a protected species in New Mexico, but bear hunting was allowed in that area at the time of killing. But court documents say the man shot the bear twice then left it behind in a tree.

FOREST PLAN FIGHT
New Mexico county concerned about forest proposal
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Otero County commissioners are voicing concerns about a proposed plan that will guide forest management practices for the 1.1 million-acre Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico for the next 10 to 15 years. The commissioners voted earlier this month on a resolution in opposition of the proposal. They also approved an official comment letter that stated the draft plan and the draft environmental impact statement conflict with county ordinances outlining land use. Forest officials maintain they reached out to the county multiple times about the proposal but got no response. The final plan is expected to be ready in 2022.

AP-US-RUDOLFO-ANAYA-CHILDREN'S-BOOK
Rudolfo Anaya weaved bilingual holiday tale for children
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An author known as the father of Chicano literature has left behind a bilingual children's tale after his 2020 death. The book from Rudolfo Anaya about Christmas in the American Southwest is being published posthumously this year, extending a cycle of illustrated children's books with a playful cast of youthful animal characters. Teacher Michelle Garcia says works like this help children inhabit and understand a unique culture and think about a few of life's lessons from Anaya. Enrique Lamadrid collaborated with Anaya to translate the work, welcoming children to explore both English and Spanish literature.

AP-US-ALBUQUERQUE-BIG-TIP
Business owners leave big tip for Albuquerque servers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two servers at an Albuquerque restaurant got a big surprise when a group of business owners left a $5,555 tip. It was the idea of Battle Tested Business, a local entrepreneurship and leadership organization. Founder Ramon Casaus told KOB-TV that he and his colleagues look for ways to invest back into the community. Casaus said after the recent dinner party, each person left a $505 tip. They called it "The 505 Dinner" in reference to Albuquerque's area code. Battle Tested Business said on its Facebook page that local restaurants and their staff were devastated during the pandemic and that the group believes in the mission of helping in its own backyard.

NEW MEXICO WEATHER
Strong, damaging winds expected in New Mexico
Forecasters say a weather system is expected to produce strong to damaging winds Friday across much of New Mexico as well as rain, with snow expected in higher mountains. The National Weather Service issued a warning in eastern New Mexico for high winds up to 40 mph into Friday evening from Mexico on the south to Colorado on the north. The warning says winds are expected to blow down trees and utility poles and power lines, resulting in widespread power outages and making travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. High winds are also forecast for multiple mountain ranges across the state. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-HOBBS
Hobbs voters to decide changes to economic development plan
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to residents in Hobbs to approve a proposed change to the New Mexico city's economic development ordinance that could result in larger retailers locating in the community. Under the proposal, the ordinance would include cultural facilities and retail businesses as qualifying entities for receiving public support as defined by the state Local Economic Development Act. The proposal will be on the March 1 ballot. State lawmakers earlier this year expanded the types of support and the definition of retail businesses to account for municipalities with populations of more than 15,000. Hobbs officials have said the change could boost competitiveness.

AP-US-WATER-RIGHTS-TRIBES
$2.5B headed to tribes for long-standing water settlements
WASHINGTON (AP) — Native American tribes are awaiting a one-time windfall that could help deliver reliable, clean water to their residents. The federal infrastructure bill signed last month includes $2.5 billion for tribal water rights settlements. The Interior Department hasn't said how it will be doled out. But the agency says tribes included in more than 30 settlements are eligible. Among them is the White Mountain Apache Tribe in eastern Arizona. Congress approved the tribe's water settlement more than a decade ago. But the tribe says it hasn't received the money it needs for water storage, surface water treatment facilities and miles of water pipelines. 

AP-US-DRY-NEW-MEXICO
Forecasters: New Mexico should brace for worsening drought
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The last three months have been very dry in New Mexico and it's going to get worse. That's the word from forecasters with the National Weather Service and other climate experts in the state. They said during a meeting this week that New Mexico reservoirs continue to be far below historical averages and that ranchers are bracing for a winter with little moisture out on the range. Some snow is expected in the higher elevations on Christmas Eve, but it will be less than the precipitation that has helped to ease drought conditions elsewhere in the West in recent weeks.

CARJACKING KILLING-ALBUQUERQUE
2 sought in carjacking, fatal shooting of victim's brother
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque authorities are searching for two teenagers who are accused in a February carjacking that police said started with an online sting and that led to a fatal shooting. According to police, 24-year-old Elias Otero was killed in a confrontation with robbers who wanted a $1,000 ransom after his younger brother was lured into meeting a woman he'd met over Snapchat. The Albuquerque Journal reports that arrest warrants seek 18-year-old Anna Bella Dukes and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder, kidnapping and other crimes, and police said they're trying to identify two other people. The Associated Press generally does not identity juveniles who are crime suspects.

​AP-US-RUDOLFO-ANAYA-CHILDREN'S-BOOK
Rudolfo Anaya weaved bilingual holiday tale for children
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An author known as the father of Chicano literature has left behind a bilingual children's tale after his 2020 death. The book from Rudolfo Anaya about Christmas in the American Southwest is being published posthumously this year, extending a cycle of illustrated children's books with a playful cast of youthful animal characters. Teacher Michelle Garcia says works like this help children inhabit and understand a unique culture and think about a few of life's lessons from Anaya. Enrique Lamadrid collaborated with Anaya to translate the work, welcoming children to explore both English and Spanish literature.

AP-US-ALBUQUERQUE-BIG-TIP
Business owners leave big tip for Albuquerque servers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two servers at an Albuquerque restaurant got a big surprise when a group of business owners left a $5,555 tip. It was the idea of Battle Tested Business, a local entrepreneurship and leadership organization. Founder Ramon Casaus told KOB-TV that he and his colleagues look for ways to invest back into the community. Casaus said after the recent dinner party, each person left a $505 tip. They called it "The 505 Dinner" in reference to Albuquerque's area code. Battle Tested Business said on its Facebook page that local restaurants and their staff were devastated during the pandemic and that the group believes in the mission of helping in its own backyard.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-HOBBS
Hobbs voters to decide changes to economic development plan
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to residents in Hobbs to approve a proposed change to the New Mexico city's economic development ordinance that could result in larger retailers locating in the community. Under the proposal, the ordinance would include cultural facilities and retail businesses as qualifying entities for receiving public support as defined by the state Local Economic Development Act. The proposal will be on the March 1 ballot. State lawmakers earlier this year expanded the types of support and the definition of retail businesses to account for municipalities with populations of more than 15,000. Hobbs officials have said the change could boost competitiveness.

AP-US-WATER-RIGHTS-TRIBES
$2.5B headed to tribes for long-standing water settlements
WASHINGTON (AP) — Native American tribes are awaiting a one-time windfall that could help deliver reliable, clean water to their residents. The federal infrastructure bill signed last month includes $2.5 billion for tribal water rights settlements. The Interior Department hasn't said how it will be doled out. But the agency says tribes included in more than 30 settlements are eligible. Among them is the White Mountain Apache Tribe in eastern Arizona. Congress approved the tribe's water settlement more than a decade ago. But the tribe says it hasn't received the money it needs for water storage, surface water treatment facilities and miles of water pipelines. 

AP-US-DRY-NEW-MEXICO
Forecasters: New Mexico should brace for worsening drought
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The last three months have been very dry in New Mexico and it's going to get worse. That's the word from forecasters with the National Weather Service and other climate experts in the state. They said during a meeting this week that New Mexico reservoirs continue to be far below historical averages and that ranchers are bracing for a winter with little moisture out on the range. Some snow is expected in the higher elevations on Christmas Eve, but it will be less than the precipitation that has helped to ease drought conditions elsewhere in the West in recent weeks.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor signs legislation on medical malpractice
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed emergency legislation to tweak New Mexico's new law on medical malpractice to head off a possible loss of insurance coverage for some health care providers. Lujan Grisham's office said she signed the legislation Wednesday and appreciated that the Legislature acted on the issue during a recent special session on redistricting and pandemic relief. Officials said the new medical malpractice law, which takes effect Jan. 1, needed to be changed so that numerous physician-owned small businesses could keep their insurance coverage and stay open. A coalition of plaintiffs' lawyers, hospital officials, physicians and patient advocates supported the special session legislation. 

AP-US-DRY-NEW-MEXICO
Forecasters: New Mexico should brace for worsening drought
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The last three months have been very dry in New Mexico and it's going to get worse. That's the word from forecasters with the National Weather Service and other climate experts in the state. They said during a meeting this week that New Mexico reservoirs continue to be far below historical averages and that ranchers are bracing for a winter with little moisture out on the range. Some snow is expected in the higher elevations on Christmas Eve, but it will be less than the precipitation that has helped to ease drought conditions elsewhere in the West in recent weeks.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor signs legislation on medical malpractice
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed emergency legislation to tweak New Mexico's new law on medical malpractice to head off a possible loss of insurance coverage for some health care providers. Lujan Grisham's office said she signed the legislation Wednesday and appreciated that the Legislature acted on the issue during a recent special session on redistricting and pandemic relief. Officials said the new medical malpractice law, which takes effect Jan. 1, needed to be changed so that numerous physician-owned small businesses could keep their insurance coverage and stay open. A coalition of plaintiffs' lawyers, hospital officials, physicians and patient advocates supported the special session legislation. 

CARJACKING KILLING-ALBUQUERQUE
2 sought in carjacking, fatal shooting of victim's brother
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque authorities are searching for two teenagers who are accused in a February carjacking that police said started with an online sting and that led to a fatal shooting. According to police, 24-year-old Elias Otero was killed in a confrontation with robbers who wanted a $1,000 ransom after his younger brother was lured into meeting a woman he'd met over Snapchat. The Albuquerque Journal reports that arrest warrants seek 18-year-old Anna Bella Dukes and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder, kidnapping and other crimes, and police said they're trying to identify two other people. The Associated Press generally does not identity juveniles who are crime suspects.

AP-US-INFRASTRUCTURE-BILL-TRIBES
US tribes see hope for clean water in infrastructure bill
WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (AP) — The massive infrastructure bill signed earlier this year promises to bring change to Native American tribes that lack clean water or indoor plumbing through the largest single infusion of money into Indian Country. It includes $3.5 billion for the federal Indian Health Service, which provides health care to more than 2 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives. It also delivers money for water projects through other federal agencies. Tribal leaders say the funding is welcome but won't make up for decades of neglect from the U.S. government. A list of sanitation deficiencies includes more than 1,500 tribal projects, from septic systems to pipelines. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico urges caution for holidays amid virus threat
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials say COVID-19 transmission rates remain high across the state and they're urging people to be cautious over the holiday weekend. They also acknowledged during a virtual briefing Wednesday that the public will need to learn to live with the virus and take action to reduce risks for older people. The warning comes as workplace safety regulators are investigating the death of a third employee of Santa Fe's local bus system who was infected with COVID-19. State officials said that New Mexico's death toll since the pandemic began has topped 5,700 and that every county is experiencing high spread rates.

PUBLIC POWER-PETITION
Lawmakers want to study costs, benefits of public power
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than a dozen New Mexico lawmakers are petitioning state regulators to study the potential costs and benefits of publicly owned electrical power for the state. The petition was made public Tuesday. The lawmakers want to make their case before the Public Regulation Commission during a meeting next month. The request comes after the commission recently issued two major rejections involving the state's largest electric provider. One involved the proposed exit of Public Service Co. of New Mexico from a coal-fired power plant and the other was a proposed multibillion-dollar acquisition of the utility by global energy giant Iberdrola.

POWER PLANT-APPEAL
New Mexico utility appeals decision on coal power plant
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider is appealing a recent decision by state regulators to reject a proposal to transfer its shares in a coal-fired power plant to a Navajo energy company. The Public Regulation Commission voted unanimously against the proposal earlier this month, saying Public Service Co. of New Mexico didn't specify how the lost power would be replaced. Commissioners also had concerns about investments that the utility sought to recover through bonds that would be paid back by customers. PNM filed its notice of appeal with the New Mexico Supreme Court on Wednesday. The utility argues the plan would protect customers.