- ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Canvassing board certifies Joe Biden's win in New MexicoALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The state canvassing board has certified Joe Biden's win in New Mexico, delivering the state's five electoral votes to the Democrat. Approval came Tuesday as the board met remotely amid the surging pandemic. Biden's victory without a campaign visit to New Mexico extended a string of victories for his party in a state where Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by 14 percentage points. However, Biden's margin of victory fell short of that margin because of significant Republican turnout in some parts of the state. New Mexico was one of several states due to certify the election on Tuesday.
- SPACEPORT AMERICA-INVESTIGATION
Audit details lack of oversight at New Mexico spaceportALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An audit performed as part of an investigation into the conduct of Spaceport America's former chief executive details what officials call a severe breakdown of internal controls that resulted in possible taxpayer funding waste and abuse. The report was made public Tuesday by the state auditor's office after it was finalized in November by an independent forensic accounting firm. Former Spaceport CEO Dan Hicks was placed on administrative leave earlier this year and later fired after he was accused of circumventing internal controls and accounting procedures. He has declined to discuss about the allegations. State officials say they're addressing the transparency and oversight concerns.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-LEGISLATURE
New Mexico lawmakers propose $1,200 payment to unemployedSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state legislature is meeting for the second time this year to tackle the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and has introduced a bill to channel millions in federal funding into a one-time stimulus of $1,200 to economically stressed workers. The bill aims to inject about $350 million in direct economic aid for the unemployed, small businesses and emergency housing subsidies. For workers laid off during the pandemic, it would provide a $1,200 one-time payment to help hurting households. Money may also be allocated for increased COVID-19 testing capacity to speed up results. Lawmakers say the proposed spending will be made possible by federal relief funding previously assigned to New Mexico.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
More than 240k Navajos apply for tribal virus relief fundingWINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — About three-quarters of Navajos enrolled with the tribe have applied for financial assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic. The deadline to file an application is Monday. Already, more than 240,000 Navajos have applied. The Navajo Nation has about $90 million available for hardship assistance. The money comes from the tribe's share of a federal coronavirus relief package. More money could be added to the fund next month if other projects fall through. Tribes across the country have until Dec. 30 to spend the money. Many turned to financial aid programs to disburse the funding quickly.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-RURAL SCHOOLS
Cut off: School closings leave rural students isolatedCUBA, N.M. (AP) — The switch to remote learning in rural New Mexico has left some students profoundly isolated — cut off from others and the grid by sheer distance. In the village of Cuba, New Mexico, population 800, the school system is sending school buses to students' homes over an hour away to bring them assignments, meals and a little human contact. On the fringe of the Navajo Nation, many families have no electricity, let alone internet. It is yet another way in which the pandemic has exposed the gap between the haves and have-nots in the U.S.
- AP-US-NETFLIX-PRODUCTION-INVESTMENT
Netflix to expand production hub in New MexicoALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Netflix is pledging an additional $1 billion investment in its production hub in New Mexico. The company joined government officials Monday in announcing its plans. About 300 acres would be added to the existing campus on the southern edge of Albuquerque, making it what officials say will be one of the largest film production facilities in North America. Aside from construction jobs, the project is expected to result in 1,000 production jobs over the next decade. A total of $24 million in state and local economic development funding will be funneled toward the expansion, and bonds will help reduce some taxes for Netflix.
- HOMICIDE SUSPECT
Man sought in New Mexico homicide believed to be in ArizonaSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say they believe a suspect in a New Mexico homicide has fled to Arizona. An arrest warrant accuses 60-year-old Leonard Francis Kieran of murder in the shooting death Saturday of 57-year-old Kathleen Lorraine Vigil at her residence in the San Ildefonso Pueblo area. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said Kieren was last seen driving a white 2004 Dodge pickup with Arizona license plate CFT9569 and may be towing a camper trailer. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that Kieren has an address in Buckeye, Arizona, and a wanted notice said he was believed to be in Graham County in southeastern Arizona.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico aims to boost virus testing with saliva samplesALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Health Department hopes to expand capacity for COVD-19 testing by offering saliva testing. Starting Monday, officials said the FDA approved test is being offered at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. The method involves swabbing the mouth to collect a saliva sample. The tests will be self-collected, but trained personnel will be present when and where these tests are available to ensure samples are properly collected. New Mexico has seen cases skyrocket in recent weeks and officials have been looking for ways to expand testing options. Hospital officials on Monday also renewed their pleas for people to stay home and refrain from holiday gatherings.