New Mexico Senators Seek Help For Acequias, Land Grants – Associated Press
Traditional water and land grant associations in New Mexico would have access to additional federal resources for conservation projects under legislation introduced by members of the state's congressional delegation.
The measure was introduced by Sen. Tom Udall and is being co-sponsored by fellow Democrat Martin Heinrich.
The legislation would clear the way for acequias and land grants to apply directly for federal funding and technical assistance for projects such as increasing irrigation efficiency for farmers and further conservation of soil and other natural resources.
Udall says the state's traditional communities have been good stewards of the land and have been an integral part of New Mexico's water infrastructure since before statehood.
He says these rural communities should have the tools they need to make the most of every natural resource.
New Mexico Police To Patrol I-40 Over Holiday Weekend – Associated Press
New Mexico State Police will be out in force over the Thanksgiving holiday as part of a traffic safety initiative focused on Interstate 40.
Numerous states are involved in the effort, from California and Arizona to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Motorists will see increased patrols along the interstate corridor as highway patrol officers look to curb fatalities during the busy holiday weekend.
Authorities say the I-40 corridor is a major commuter roadway within the United States, stretching 2,555 miles (4,111 kilometers). That includes 376 miles (605 kilometers) in New Mexico.
The initiative fits in with the state's ongoing campaign to get drivers to slow down, stay off their cellphones and not drive while impaired.
Severe Storms Make For Double Trouble In New Mexico In 2017 – Associated Press
A total of 501 severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued across New Mexico this year, more than double the average over the last several years.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service say 2017 has been busy as the ingredients needed to make for severe weather lined up to create a string of storms.
Back-door cold fronts from the east topped by fast winds from the northwest combined with the right amount of moisture to churn out damaging winds and large hail.
The most active period followed the monsoon season, with storms stretching into September and October.
Meteorologist Kerry Jones says aside from the thunderstorm warnings, the weather service this year has issued 64 flash flood warnings and 35 tornado warnings. Those warnings spanned a large portion of the state.
New Mexico AG Wants Uber To Release More Info On Data Breach – Associated Press
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas wants Uber to release additional information about the ride-hailing company's massive data breach, including how many New Mexico residents had their personal information exposed.
The company came clean on Tuesday about its cover-up of a year-old hacking attack that stole personal information of about 57 million customers and drivers.
Balderas' letter Wednesday to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the San Francisco-based company's decision to pay a ransom and not report the breach to customers and regulators for more than a year "is gravely concerning."
Balderas' questions include how Uber learned of the breach, what security measures were in place, how the breach occurred, what remedial steps have been taken since and how Uber will notify New Mexico customers that their personal information was exposed.
New Mexico Museum Celebrates Century Of Art – Associated Press
The New Mexico Museum of Art is marking its centennial year with a special reopening.
Officials say the daylong celebration is set for Saturday. It will include events in the museum, the surrounding streets and on the historic plaza in downtown Santa Fe.
According to museum archives, the original opening in 1917 spurred art patrons from as far away as New York to board trains for the trek to Santa Fe.
Since then, the museum has been collecting and exhibiting artwork by noted artists from New Mexico and elsewhere with the help of various funds and donors.
The permanent collection includes the work of Georgia O'Keeffe, dozens of objects related to the New Deal and the Taos Society of Artists as well as pieces by Salvador Dali and Paul Cezanne.
Lofton, Chuha Lead New Mexico St. Past Colorado St. 89-76 – Associated Press
Zach Lofton scored 30 points and Eli Chuha added 24 points and the two only missed a combined six shots and New Mexico State beat Colorado State 89-76 on Wednesday.
Lofton went 12-of-15 shooting and Chuha was 8 of 11 and the duo shot 77 percent from the floor while the rest of the Lobos went 14 for 32 (43.8).
New Mexico State (3-1) built a 15-7 lead after a Lofton jumper and a pair of free throws by Chuha. J.D. Paige hit a jumper and a 3-pointer and Prentiss Nixon buried a 3 to tie it before the Aggies went on an 18-6 run. New Mexico State led 43-36 halftime. A.J. Harris made back-to-back 3s and the lead went to 53-41.
Che Bob led Colorado State (2-3) with 21 points, Nixon 15 and Paige added 10.
The Rams still the lead the all-time series 5-2.
The Latest: Lobbyists Urged To Seek Anti-Harassment Training – Associated Press
The New Mexico Secretary of State's Office is encouraging political lobbyists to undergo voluntary training to prevent sexual harassment or misconduct in the Legislature.
Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said Wednesday that she hopes to guard against possible misconduct by giving lobbyists the chance to enroll in anti-harassment training.
The goal is for Lobbyists to be able to check a box on registration forms to indicate whether they have undergone training. Those forms are due in mid-December ahead of the January legislative session.
Toulouse Oliver says that her own agency is reviewing options to make sure employees have completed similar training. Training was last provided in 2015.
At least four state lawmakers are married to lobbyists.
State Rep. Nick Salazar Announces Retirement Plans – Associated Press
After serving in the state House for more than four decades, State Rep. Nick Salazar says he plans to retire at the end of his current term.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Salazar is New Mexico's longest-serving lawmaker and is among the 10 longest-serving members of any legislature in the country.
The 88-year-old Democratic lawmaker from Ohkay Owingeh (OH-kay OH'-win-guh) in the Espanola area was first elected in 1972 and has won 23 elections in a row ever since.
He represents a district that includes parts of Rio Arriba, Mora, Colfax and San Miguel counties in northern New Mexico.
Salazar said in an interview Tuesday that he plans to spend time with his family.