- ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Open Senate, House races test Democratic hold on New MexicoSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Election Day voting is progressing in New Mexico where Democrats are pushing to maintain control of New Mexico's delegation to the U.S. Senate and hand Joe Biden a presidential victory. Republicans are trying to flip a Senate seat and change the course of statewide politics. In the open Senate race, northern New Mexico Congressman Ben Ray Luján was vying Tuesday to succeed Sen. Tom Udall and take a seat in the upper chamber of Congress. His challenger is Republican former television meteorologist Mark Ronchetti. Voter participation was on a record-breaking trajectory, surpassing 830,000 before noon Tuesday statewide. New Mexico's previous record was about 833,000 ballots cast in the 2008 presidential election.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico marks high for COVID-19 hospitalizationsALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has marked another daily high for the number of patients hospitalized as a result of a COVID-19 infection. State health officials say there are more than 380 people hospitalized around the state. They also reported an additional 877 coronavirus cases Monday, boosting the statewide total to more than 48,100 since the pandemic began. Another 10 deaths also were reported, bringing that statewide tally to 1,036. Monday also marked the first day for flags across the state to fly at half-staff in recognition of those who have died. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's order calling for a week of mourning runs through sundown Friday.
- NAVAJO-COAL POWER PLANT
Navajo energy company to acquire shares in coal power plantALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation would expand its investment in coal-fired electricity generation as part of a plan to acquire more shares in one of the Southwest's last remaining coal power plants. The tribe's Navajo Transitional Energy Co. has negotiated an agreement with New Mexico's largest electric utility to take on the utility's share of the Four Corners Power Plant in 2024. If approved by state regulators, the transaction would preserve jobs at the plant and the adjacent tribally-owned mine for several more years. Many of the workers are Navajo. The deal would also allow the New Mexico utility a faster exit from coal.
- ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico poised to elect all-female U.S. House delegationALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — No matter who wins, New Mexico will send its first all-female U.S. House delegation to Congress. Women are vying for all three congressional seats and the close race in the state's southern district is attracting the most attention. Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small is trying to hold her traditionally GOP-leaning seat against Republican challenger Yvette Herrell in a rematch that will be decided by turnout. Democratic attorney Teresa Leger Fernandez and Republican engineer Alexis Johnson are competing for the open northern New Mexico seat. Democratic incumbent Debra Haaland is seeking reelection against Republican challenger Michelle Garcia Holmes for the Albuquerque seat.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation lawmakers approve casino reopening planFLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Lawmakers on the Navajo Nation have approved legislation to reopen the tribe's four casinos. The action Monday came despite a tribal health expert warning that the coronavirus is spreading uncontrollably. Navajo President Jonathan Nez has not said whether he'll support the measure. The tribe reported 47 additional cases of the coronavirus as of Monday and three confirmed deaths. The latest figures bring the total number of reported cases to 11,875 and the known death toll to 584 on the reservation. A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
- IMMIGRATION-PUBLIC BENEFITS-LAWSUIT
US judge blocks Trump immigration rule on public benefitsCHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge in Chicago has struck down a Trump administration rule that would deny green cards to immigrants who use food stamps or other public benefits. In a decision Monday that applies nationwide, the judge says the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act, among other things. It's the latest turn in a complex legal battle over the rule that had taken effect recently after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a hold on the policy. A lawsuit in Chicago had been filed by immigrant rights advocates and Cook County. A U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services spokesman said the agency would comply with the ruling.
- NAVAJO POLICE KILLING
Sentence delayed for man in killing of Navajo police officerGALLUP, N.M. (AP) — The sentencing of a man who pleaded guilty in the fatal shooting of a Navajo police officer has been delayed until March. The Gallup Indpendent reported Monday that the delay was announced after Kirby Cleveland's attorneys asked for more time to see if a coronavirus vaccine will be ready in time to bring witnesses to testify on his behalf in an attempt to receive a reduced sentence. Cleveland pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Cleveland had acknowledged that in 2017, he consumed alcohol and shot and killed officer Houston Largo with a rifle several days after Cleveland was attacked by bandits.
- ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Voter participation and virus infections surge in New MexicoSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico election officials are bracing for a final day of in-person voting and absentee-ballot deliveries as Democratic candidates seek to extend their domination in federal elections and Republicans try to reclaim a footing in Congress and reelect the president. New Mexico has open races for a U.S. Senate and a northern congressional seat and there is a hard fought rematch in the southern 2nd congressional district along the U.S. border with Mexico. Election authorities announced Monday that voter participation has surpassed 770,000. That nearly exceeds overall participation of about 804,000 in 2016. New Mexico has about 1.3 million registered voters.