- AP-US-BABY-SHARK-NAVAJO
'Baby Shark' creators plan Navajo version of popular video
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Creators of the popular video "Baby Shark," whose "doo doo doo" song was played at the World Series in October, are developing a version in Navajo. Pinkfong, a subsidiary of the South Korea company SmartStudy, announced last week it is working with the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona, to create a new version of the widely popular tune about a family of sharks.
- HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico hires team to study universal health insurance
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Legislature has hired a consulting team as it looks for ways to provide universal health care access under new financial models. The Legislative Finance Committee confirmed Monday that it has awarded a roughly $390,000 contract for studying the issue. New Mexico already reduced its uninsured rate by expanding access to Medicaid in 2014.
- SANTO NINO-EXHIBIT
'El Santo Niño de Atocha' focus of fresh New Mexico exhibit
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A Roman Catholic image of the Christ child popular among Latinos is the subject of a New Mexico exhibit. The New Mexico State University Museum is scheduled Wednesday to unveil its exhibit on "El Santo Niño de Atocha" _ a figure widely seen as a protector of children, prisoners, immigrants, poor workers and the seriously ill.
- SHERIFF-RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Convicted ex-sheriff hopes SCOTUS ruling may lead to release
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico lawman convicted of abusing a driver in a bizarre, off-duty traffic stop is hoping a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling may lead to an early release. The Albuquerque Journal reports a new lawyer for former Rio Arriba County Sheriff Tommy Rodella is planning to argue that a June decision applies to the lawman's case and he should be released immediately. The court, in a 5-4 vote on an unrelated case, struck down a firearms statute that added seven years to Rodella's prison sentence.
- AIR FORCE-TRAINING AIRSPACE
More public meetings set for Air Force base's training plan
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Air Force is hosting another round of public meetings around southern New Mexico this week as it calls for expanding the areas where training exercises could be conducted. Holloman Air Force Base released a draft environmental review of its proposal earlier this fall and extended the public comment period to Jan. 31. Some residents in southwestern New Mexico are concerned.
- ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
Democratic Senate candidate highlights stance on abortion
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Rep. and Democratic Senate candidate Ben Ray Luján is affirming his commitment to preserving abortion rights for women. The six-term congressman said Monday in a statement that he will fight against attempts to weaken the right of women to make their own reproductive health decisions. Luján is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Tom Udall.
- NATIONAL LAB-NEW DIRECTOR
Former executive to return as Sandia National Labs director
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Sandia National Laboratories has chosen a former lab executive as its next director. James Peery's appointment was announced Monday. He will succeed Stephen Younger, who will retire at the end of the year. Peery was selected following a national search that included a review of more than 80 candidates.
- PERISHABLE ARTIFACTS
Study focuses on perishable items from Guadalupe Mountains
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A team of researchers is getting federal funding to analyze perishable artifacts as part of an effort to better understand early inhabitants of the caves in and around southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. Officials say the region is under-researched and the $200,000 grant from the Bureau of Land Management will help fund more work in the Guadalupe Mountains.