NEW YEAR'S-RANDOM BULLET
Police recover random bullet fired into Albuquerque home
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police are searching for the person who randomly fired a gun on New Year's Eve, sending a bullet into a boy's pillow moments before he would have been sleeping. KOAT-TV reports that investigators have recovered a projectile from the home of Sheri Kraemer. Police said they intend to use ballistics technology to track down the gun that it came from. Kraemer says late Thursday night she heard a loud noise from the bedroom where here 10-year-old grandson, Grant, was staying. Kraemer found a bullet on the pillow. The boy says he likely would have been sleeping there had the bullet hit a few minutes later. ​

METHANE FIGHT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico begins public meeting on proposed methane rules
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico oil and gas regulators have kicked off a public hearing on proposed rules for managing venting and flaring by the industry. Oil and gas revenues underpin the state's budget, but Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has promised that her administration would adopt some of the toughest rules in the U.S. for cracking down on methane and other emissions. Under the proposal, operators would need to reduce their waste by a fixed amount every year to achieve an ultimate gas capture rate of 98% by December 2026. Environmentalists are concerned about loopholes, saying the state should prohibit all venting and flaring.

WIND POWER-NEW MEXICO
Pattern Energy begins work on New Mexico transmission line
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A California-based renewable energy company says financing is in place and work has started on a new transmission line that will funnel wind power from central New Mexico to other markets. Pattern Energy Group said Monday that the Western Spirit transmission line and more than a gigawatt of wind projects are expected to come online by the end of 2021. CEO Mike Garland called it the largest single-phase construction of renewable power in the U.S. New Mexico's largest electric utility — Public Service Co. of New Mexico — will own and operate the 150-mile long transmission line when its complete. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
230K New Mexicans sign up on state vaccine registration site
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More than 230,000 New Mexicans have signed up since the state launched its vaccination registration website two weeks ago. The state Health Department said Monday that the site has been updated to allow people to complete a comprehensive profile that includes personal medical conditions, employment information and other data. Officials said the site was created to help manage distribution once more vaccines become available. Those who register will be notified when they become eligible and shots are available in their area. Confirmed COVID-19 infections total 147,315, while 2,574 people in the state have succumbed to the virus since the pandemic began.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 110 new COVID-19 cases, 3 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Monday reported 110 new COVID-19 cases and three more deaths. The latest figures increased the tribe's totals since the pandemic began to 23,841 cases and 822 known deaths. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. Also on Monday, the Navajo Department of Health on Monday identified 73 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 on the tribe's vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

MURAL GRAFFITI SPURS CONVERSATION
Graffiti-damaged pandemic mural spurs Santa Fe conversation
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Two Santa Fe art groups say they'll complete and debut a mural designed to bring people together during the pandemic, despite graffiti damage found on it just before Christmas. KRQE-TV reports the mural features animals, color, hints of New Mexico and a central figure homage to the Tewa people. All Aboard Earth co-founder Jonathon Meade says creators were saddened to find graffiti on a work that aims to convey togetherness, happiness and "upliftment." Playful Passages founder Hannah Rapp says the muralists would rather talk with the taggers so everyone feels heard. The work was commissioned with coronavirus relief funds and a mini-grant from the City of Santa Fe.

ARMED MAIL ROBBERIES
USPS reports spate of armed mail thefts in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico are investigating a spate of recent armed mail robberies in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas. U.S. Postal Inspector Brook Robinson tells KOB-TV in Albuquerque that officials usually investigate mail and parcel thefts during the holidays, but that armed robberies are unusual. He says robbers could face 25 years in prison if they're caught. Robinson says agents are investigating eight cases since mid-October, including one last week and three in November in northeast Albuquerque. In Santa Fe, a letter carrier reported a robbery in late November.  

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
About half of applicants get New Mexico virus relief grants
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than 6,500 New Mexico businesses and nonprofits will receive up to $50,000 under a state program created to help companies cope with economic fallout from the pandemic. The Albuquerque Journal reports that's about half of the companies that applied. The program is using $100 million in federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to the state. The state on Saturday reported 1,252 additional known COVID-19 cases and 32 additional deaths, increasing the state's totals since the pandemic began to 145,379 cases and 2,534 deaths.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico's Herrell to object to Electoral College results
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Rep.-elect Yvette Herrell of New Mexico says she'll be among Republican members of Congress who will formally object on Wednesday to the certification of the Electoral College tally of votes. The Roswell Daily Record reports that Herrell said Thursday on her Facebook page that she would vote against certifying the Electoral College results in which President-elect Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump. Herrell is set to be sworn into office on Sunday, three days before House and Senate hold a joint session to certify the vote results. Trump has attributed his defeat to widespread voter fraud, despite nonpartisan election officials saying there wasn't any. ​

MURAL GRAFFITI SPURS CONVERSATION
Graffiti-damaged pandemic mural spurs Santa Fe conversation
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Two Santa Fe art groups say they'll complete and debut a mural designed to bring people together during the pandemic, despite graffiti damage found on it just before Christmas. KRQE-TV reports the mural features animals, color, hints of New Mexico and a central figure homage to the Tewa people. All Aboard Earth co-founder Jonathon Meade says creators were saddened to find graffiti on a work that aims to convey togetherness, happiness and "upliftment." Playful Passages founder Hannah Rapp says the muralists would rather talk with the taggers so everyone feels heard. The work was commissioned with coronavirus relief funds and a mini-grant from the City of Santa Fe.

ARMED MAIL ROBBERIES
USPS reports spate of armed mail thefts in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico are investigating a spate of recent armed mail robberies in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas. U.S. Postal Inspector Brook Robinson tells KOB-TV in Albuquerque that officials usually investigate mail and parcel thefts during the holidays, but that armed robberies are unusual. He says robbers could face 25 years in prison if they're caught. Robinson says agents are investigating eight cases since mid-October, including one last week and three in November in northeast Albuquerque. In Santa Fe, a letter carrier reported a robbery in late November.  

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
About half of applicants get New Mexico virus relief grants
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than 6,500 New Mexico businesses and nonprofits will receive up to $50,000 under a state program created to help companies cope with economic fallout from the pandemic. The Albuquerque Journal reports that's about half of the companies that applied. The program is using $100 million in federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to the state. The state on Saturday reported 1,252 additional known COVID-19 cases and 32 additional deaths, increasing the state's totals since the pandemic began to 145,379 cases and 2,534 deaths.

INSULIN PRICES-CAP
New Washington law sets $100 cap on copayments for insulin
SEATTLE (AP) — Many Washington residents with diabetes will have an easier time affording insulin this year, as a law imposes a $100 cap on patient copayments. The law applies to any health-care plan issued or renewed after Jan. 1 that covers insulin drugs. It includes language to protect people who have "high deductible" insurance from paying more than $100 per 30-day supply. The law was approved by the Washington Legislature in March to ease a crisis that can lead to medical complications. Studies show an estimated-one quarter of patients ration the medication because of cost or difficulty obtaining steady supplies.

DRY SOUTHWEST
National Weather Service: Dryness defined 2020 in Southwest
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — National Weather Service forecasters say they're still looking at the data for 2020 but that it's clear that there was record or near-record dryness in much of the Southwest last year. In Arizona, Flagstaff had only 9.59 inches of rain in 2020, compared with the normal amount of 21.86 inches. Flagstaff's previous record low of 9.90 inches in 1942. In New Mexico, the weather service office in Albuquerque reported that the statewide average precipitation through November was only 5.22 inches. That was 8.03 inches below normal and put the state on track to make 2020 the fourth driest year on record.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRIBES-VACCINE TRIALS
Fast rollout of virus vaccine trials reveals tribal distrust
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Few Native American tribes have signed up to participate in clinical trials as coronavirus vaccines are developed. The reasons range from suspicion and distrust tied to unethical practices of the past to the quick nature of the studies, which typically may need several layers of approval from tribes. Researchers say that without participation from Native Americans, tribes won't know which vaccine might best be suited for their citizens. About a handful of tribes have agreed to allow researchers to enroll their citizens in vaccine trials, including in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. They point to a need to slow the virus among a population that's been disproportionately affected.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 266 additional virus cases, 7 deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported 266 additional known cases of COVID-19 and seven more deaths. The figures reported late Friday increased the tribe's totals since the pandemic began to 23,429 cases and 813 deaths. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. The tribe's reservation was under a 57-hour weekend lockdown that began Friday evening and will end Monday at 5 a.m. The reservation includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
About half of applicants get New Mexico virus relief grants
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than 6,500 New Mexico businesses and nonprofits will receive up to $50,000 under a state program created to help companies cope with economic fallout from the pandemic. The Albuquerque Journal reports that's about half of the companies that applied. The program is using $100 million in federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to the state. The state on Saturday reported 1,252 additional known COVID-19 cases and 32 additional deaths, increasing the state's totals since the pandemic began to 145,379 cases and 2,534 deaths.

INSULIN PRICES-CAP
New Washington law sets $100 cap on copayments for insulin
SEATTLE (AP) — Many Washington residents with diabetes will have an easier time affording insulin this year, as a law imposes a $100 cap on patient copayments. The law applies to any health-care plan issued or renewed after Jan. 1 that covers insulin drugs. It includes language to protect people who have "high deductible" insurance from paying more than $100 per 30-day supply. The law was approved by the Washington Legislature in March to ease a crisis that can lead to medical complications. Studies show an estimated-one quarter of patients ration the medication because of cost or difficulty obtaining steady supplies.

DRY SOUTHWEST
National Weather Service: Dryness defined 2020 in Southwest
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — National Weather Service forecasters say they're still looking at the data for 2020 but that it's clear that there was record or near-record dryness in much of the Southwest last year. In Arizona, Flagstaff had only 9.59 inches of rain in 2020, compared with the normal amount of 21.86 inches. Flagstaff's previous record low of 9.90 inches in 1942. In New Mexico, the weather service office in Albuquerque reported that the statewide average precipitation through November was only 5.22 inches. That was 8.03 inches below normal and put the state on track to make 2020 the fourth driest year on record.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRIBES-VACCINE TRIALS
Fast rollout of virus vaccine trials reveals tribal distrust
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Few Native American tribes have signed up to participate in clinical trials as coronavirus vaccines are developed. The reasons range from suspicion and distrust tied to unethical practices of the past to the quick nature of the studies, which typically may need several layers of approval from tribes. Researchers say that without participation from Native Americans, tribes won't know which vaccine might best be suited for their citizens. About a handful of tribes have agreed to allow researchers to enroll their citizens in vaccine trials, including in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. They point to a need to slow the virus among a population that's been disproportionately affected.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 266 additional virus cases, 7 deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported 266 additional known cases of COVID-19 and seven more deaths. The figures reported late Friday increased the tribe's totals since the pandemic began to 23,429 cases and 813 deaths. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. The tribe's reservation was under a 57-hour weekend lockdown that began Friday evening and will end Monday at 5 a.m. The reservation includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico's Herrell to object to Electoral College results
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Rep.-elect Yvette Herrell of New Mexico says she'll be among Republican members of Congress who will formally object on Wednesday to the certification of the Electoral College tally of votes. The Roswell Daily Record reports that Herrell said Thursday on her Facebook page that she would vote against certifying the Electoral College results in which President-elect Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump. Herrell is set to be sworn into office on Sunday, three days before House and Senate hold a joint session to certify the vote results. Trump has attributed his defeat to widespread voter fraud, despite nonpartisan election officials saying there wasn't any. 

INMATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE
Albuquerque inmates' right to medical marijuana affirmed
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A judge in Albuquerque has ruled this week that the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center should not penalize medical marijuana patients under its custody or supervision for using the drug. District Court Judge Lucy Solimon said the order, issued Tuesday, applies specifically to the Albuquerque facility. Spokeswoman Julia Rivera said the jail would comply with the ruling. The decision stems from a drunken driving case where Joe Montaño, who was sentenced to house arrest in October 2019, was jailed for having medical marijuana as a licensed patient. County attorneys said he violated federal laws. His attorney Jacob Candelaria argued licensed inmates should not be penalized.

GRIZZLY BEARS-RECOVERY PLANS
Judge: Groups can't challenge endangered species plans
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that an environmental group has no legal standing to challenge the specific components of endangered species recovery plans. The ruling last week came in a 2014 petition by the Center for Biological Diversity that asked federal wildlife officials to update a recovery plan for threatened grizzly bears. It also asked the agency's plans to take into account updated information from new research. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen ruled that recovery plans are guidelines for the agency and not rules that can be challenged in court. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico reports 1,286 additional virus cases, 25 deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Friday reported 1,286 additional known COVID-19 infections and 25 deaths, raising the statewide totals since the pandemic started to 144,142 infections and 2,502 deaths. Counties with triple-digit increases in cases included Bernalillo, Dona Ana, San Juan and Sandoval. The additional deaths were reported in 12 counties spanning New Mexico from Cibola, McKinley and San Juan counties in the northwest to Eddy, Lea and Roosevelt counties in the southeast. Most of those who died were in their 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s but several were in their 40s and 50s. 

ELECTORAL COLLEGE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico's Herrell to object to Electoral College results
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Rep.-elect Yvette Herrell of New Mexico says she'll be among Republican members of Congress who will formally object on Wednesday to the certification of the Electoral College tally of votes. The Roswell Daily Record reports that Herrell said Thursday on her Facebook page that she would vote against certifying the Electoral College results in which President-elect Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump. Herrell is set to be sworn into office on Sunday, three days before House and Senate hold a joint session to certify the vote results. Trump has attributed his defeat to widespread voter fraud, despite nonpartisan election officials saying there wasn't any. 

INMATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE
Albuquerque inmates' right to medical marijuana affirmed
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A judge in Albuquerque has ruled this week that the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center should not penalize medical marijuana patients under its custody or supervision for using the drug. District Court Judge Lucy Solimon said the order, issued Tuesday, applies specifically to the Albuquerque facility. Spokeswoman Julia Rivera said the jail would comply with the ruling. The decision stems from a drunken driving case where Joe Montaño, who was sentenced to house arrest in October 2019, was jailed for having medical marijuana as a licensed patient. County attorneys said he violated federal laws. His attorney Jacob Candelaria argued licensed inmates should not be penalized.

GRIZZLY BEARS-RECOVERY PLANS
Judge: Groups can't challenge endangered species plans
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that an environmental group has no legal standing to challenge the specific components of endangered species recovery plans. The ruling last week came in a 2014 petition by the Center for Biological Diversity that asked federal wildlife officials to update a recovery plan for threatened grizzly bears. It also asked the agency's plans to take into account updated information from new research. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen ruled that recovery plans are guidelines for the agency and not rules that can be challenged in court. 

HAZMAT SPILL-INTERSTATE
Stretch of I-25 closed in Las Cruces, HAZMAT tanker spill
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police shut down a stretch of Interstate 25 in Las Cruces for several hours as a hazardous materials team responded to a rollover crash involving a commercial motor vehicle hauling fuel. The driver sustained unknown injuries and was transported to an area hospital Thursday afternoon. NMSP spokesman Dusty Francisco said the Las Cruces Fire Department's HAZMAT team was called to assist because diesel and gas was believed to be leaking from the tanker. Northbound I-25 was closed at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near milepost 26 . Traffic was being rerouted onto NM 185.  One southbound lane reopened shortly after 5 p.m.

ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque man, 21, charged with attempted bank robbery
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 21-year-old New Mexico man has been charged with attempted bank robbery after he allegedly demanded money from a teller at a bank's drive-through window then fled the scene. A criminal complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court says Daniel Hansen of Albuquerque is accused of entering the Bank of Albuquerque on Coors Blvd around 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 16.  Federal prosecutors say a teller told him that transactions must be handled at the drive-up window so he went there on foot and wrote a demand for money on a withdrawal slip. A teller backed away and activated the security alarm, causing Hansen to flee. 

NAVAJO NATION CASINOS
Navajo Nation casinos to lay off more than 1,100
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Casinos run by the Navajo Nation plan to temporarily lay off more than 1,100 workers on New Year's Day because of prolonged closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The tribe's Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise announced the decision Thursday night, saying it was left with no choice but to move ahead with the layoffs because of lack of revenue caused by the closures. The tribe operates four casinos in Arizona and New Mexico that have been closed since March. Together they employ more than 1,200 people, including more than 775 tribal members. The Gaming Enterprise plans to keep 165 employees on the payroll.

GALLUP HOTEL SHOOTING
Man critical after shooting outside historic hotel in Gallup
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — One man is in critical condition and police are searching for two others following a shooting outside the historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. KOB-TV reports Gallup police officers who were in the area heard numerous shots being fired at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. They said they saw a man reloading a firearm and handcuffed him. They then realized he man had been shot in the torso and began rendering medical aid. Police determined the man had been firing at two others in the hotel parking lot, who also were armed and returned fire. They fled in a white, newer-model, extended cab Toyota Tundra.  

HAZMAT SPILL-INTERSTATE
Stretch of I-25 closed in Las Cruces, HAZMAT tanker spill
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police shut down a stretch of Interstate 25 in Las Cruces for several hours as a hazardous materials team responded to a rollover crash involving a commercial motor vehicle hauling fuel. The driver sustained unknown injuries and was transported to an area hospital Thursday afternoon. NMSP spokesman Dusty Francisco said the Las Cruces Fire Department's HAZMAT team was called to assist because diesel and gas was believed to be leaking from the tanker. Northbound I-25 was closed at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near milepost 26 . Traffic was being rerouted onto NM 185.  One southbound lane reopened shortly after 5 p.m.

ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque man, 21, charged with attempted bank robbery
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 21-year-old New Mexico man has been charged with attempted bank robbery after he allegedly demanded money from a teller at a bank's drive-through window then fled the scene. A criminal complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court says Daniel Hansen of Albuquerque is accused of entering the Bank of Albuquerque on Coors Blvd around 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 16.  Federal prosecutors say a teller told him that transactions must be handled at the drive-up window so he went there on foot and wrote a demand for money on a withdrawal slip. A teller backed away and activated the security alarm, causing Hansen to flee. 

NAVAJO NATION CASINOS
Navajo Nation casinos to lay off more than 1,100
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Casinos run by the Navajo Nation plan to temporarily lay off more than 1,100 workers on New Year's Day because of prolonged closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The tribe's Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise announced the decision Thursday night, saying it was left with no choice but to move ahead with the layoffs because of lack of revenue caused by the closures. The tribe operates four casinos in Arizona and New Mexico that have been closed since March. Together they employ more than 1,200 people, including more than 775 tribal members. The Gaming Enterprise plans to keep 165 employees on the payroll.

GALLUP HOTEL SHOOTING
Man critical after shooting outside historic hotel in Gallup
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — One man is in critical condition and police are searching for two others following a shooting outside the historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. KOB-TV reports Gallup police officers who were in the area heard numerous shots being fired at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. They said they saw a man reloading a firearm and handcuffed him. They then realized he man had been shot in the torso and began rendering medical aid. Police determined the man had been firing at two others in the hotel parking lot, who also were armed and returned fire. They fled in a white, newer-model, extended cab Toyota Tundra.  

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 287 new virus cases, 23 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Officials on the Navajo Nation are reporting 287 new cases of the coronavirus and 23 more deaths. Thursday's figures come on top of 225 new cases the tribal government reported Wednesday along with two additional deaths. Navajo President Jonathan Nez said the high number of cases reported over the two days is likely due to reporting delays over the Christmas holiday. Nez and other tribal officials received doses of the new coronavirus vaccine Thursday. The new reports bring the total number of cases on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 23,090. The death toll is 806. 

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-IMMIGRANT RELIEF
Immigrants get help from states, cheer inclusion in US bill
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Immigrant taxpayers and their families are celebrating a federal relief package that includes spouses and children who are U.S. citizens. Checks sent out in the spring didn't go to families if one spouse was an immigrant in the country illegally, even if the other was a U.S. citizen or legal resident. About 5 million Americans were left out that way. But even in the new bill, some 2.2 million U.S. citizen children won't receive a check because they live in immigrant households. In Democratic-controlled areas, officials have targeted rent relief and direct payments to those families. New Mexico lawmakers are unique in sending federal money directly to immigrants.

ALBUQUERQUE-POLICE CHIEF
Residents rank priorities for next Albuquerque police chief
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The results of a recent online survey of some Albuquerque residents show reducing violent crime and police reforms should be among the top priorities for the city's next police chief. The city released the results Wednesday, saying nearly 2,300 responses were submitted. The city also made public a list of the 39 people who have submitted applications for the position. The city has held more than 40 community meetings over the last two months focused on the search and will be identifying those candidates most in sync with the community's priorities as the selection process continues.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
City spends virus relief funds as New Mexico cases mount
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque city officials say they've used all of the coronavirus relief money received earlier this year from the federal government. City finance officials announced Thursday that the municipal government has spent or otherwise applied $150 million in relief aid in an effort to meet the original Dec. 30 spending deadline. The city said it focused much of the funding on shifting employees from jobs that were limited by the pandemic into roles directly related to supporting relief efforts. In addition to personnel, the city used the money on direct economic relief, including $11.2 million for business grants and $2.5 million in emergency grants for vulnerable residents.

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.