- DINE COLLEGE-LAW SCHOOL
TSAILE, Ariz. (AP) — The first college established decades ago by an American Indian tribe in the United States is now working to create a law school. Formal efforts picked up speed with a recent two-day symposium held at Diné College on the Navajo Nation. Officials talked about everything from the college's original mission and accreditation to student courses, judicial advocates and what community such an institution would serve. The director of the college's Navajo Sovereignty Institute says ideally, the proposed law school would specialize in emerging areas of Indian law that are significant to the Navajo Nation economy.
- UNIVERSITY-BOTANIC GARDEN GRANT
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University has been awarded a grant that will go toward building the only botanic garden within 100 miles of the southern New Mexico campus. The garden will be used to grow and study plants native to New Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert that might attract bees and other pollinators. In addition to the research side, officials are aiming to create a garden that will be welcoming for visitors. The plan incorporates paths throughout the garden and a large gazebo for shade and outdoor events. It will likely take several years for the garden to be completed.
- EDUCATION TOWN HALL
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and top members of her cabinet will be hosting a community town hall on education ahead of the upcoming legislative session. The first-year governor will be joined at Wednesday's event in Albuquerque by Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky, Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart and Higher Education Secretary Kate O'Neill. Lawmakers have increased spending on teacher salaries and longer academic calendars at many schools. But parents and some school districts say more needs to be done to help disadvantaged children.
- SAUDI STUDENT ARRESTED-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Saudi Arabian student who is facing a federal firearms charge remained in custody Monday while his attorneys sought more documents from prosecutors. They hope to discredit allegations that their client was in possession of a gun and had created a list of people he wanted to kill. The 27-year-old engineering student was arrested Friday, the day before he was scheduled to graduate from the University of New Mexico. Hearings in his case will resume Tuesday afternoon. It will be up to a U.S. magistrate judge to determine whether he should be released pending trial.
- EMERGENCY LANDING-ALBUQUERQUE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A plane heading from San Diego to Chicago has made an emergency landing in Albuquerque after an engine appeared to shoot out sparks and flames. United Airlines says Flight 366 touched down safely at Albuquerque International Sunport just after 1:30 a.m. Monday. The Chicago-based airline said there was a "mechanical issue" with one of the engines. A man who says he was on the plane posted video on social media of flames coming out of the right engine. No one was hurt on the flight carrying 152 passengers and six crew members. A maintenance crew in New Mexico's largest city will inspect the plane.
- STATE SENATOR-DRUNKEN DRIVING
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An influential Democratic New Mexico state senator is on trial on drunken driving charges in connection with a June car crash. Police say Sen. Richard Martinez of Ojo Caliente refused a breath test to determine his blood-alcohol level after slamming into the back of another vehicle at a stoplight in the community of Española. Police body cam video showed Martinez responding to officers with slurred speech. Martinez has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated drunken driving and reckless driving. In opening statements, his defense attorney argued that Martinez may have become dazed as he struck his head on his car windshield and said that the evidence does not show that he was intoxicated.
- XCEL ENERGY-WIND FARM
PORTALES, N.M. (AP) — Xcel Energy is set to begin construction on a $900 million wind farm in eastern New Mexico.The utility said officials, landowners and other stakeholders will gather around 10 a.m. Monday for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site located near Portales. The 522-megawatt Sagamore Wind Project will be the largest single wind facility in New Mexico by the time it's completed late next year.
- OPIOIDS-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Efforts to combat drugs and crime in New Mexico will get a boost from the federal government. The U.S. Justice Department announced late last week that more than $3.8 million is being awarded to state courts as well as county and tribal programs. Officials with the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico say the grants will support prevention, treatment and recovery programs as well as strengthen adult drug court and veterans treatment court programs. With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related overdoses every day, the Justice Department says fighting addiction has become a national priority.