CYFD Advisory Council, PNM-Avangrid Merger Update & Turmoil at NMSU

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio opens the show with headlines from around the state, including an update on the criticism surrounding New Mexico State University. According to reporting from the Las Cruces Sun-News, Athletic Director Mario Moccia is getting some support from area business owners and athletic boosters after Moccia signed a 5-year contract extension amid allegations of sexual harassment, assault and intimidation on the school's men's basketball team. Gene Grant and The Line Opinion Panel take up three stories developing around the state. First, Gene asks the panelists if a new advisory council at the state’s Children Youth and Families Department has any chance to help solve the longstanding issues within the agency. Then, Gene updates the back-and-forth over the proposed PNM-Avangrid merger as the state Supreme Court weighs whether to end the case or send it back to the Public Regulation Commission. Plus, the panel addresses the latest on allegations of sexual harassment and assault in the ongoing scandal surrounding the New Mexico State University men’s basketball program.  Host: Lou DiVizio Line Host: Gene Grant    The Line Opinion Panel:  Justine Fox-Young, Republican former NM state Representative  Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican  Dede Feldman, Democratic former NM state Senator  For More Information: Morning Word - Santa Fe Reporter Biden Plan Would Open Leases to Conservation, Not Just Drilling and Grazing - Associated Press Enhancing Delivery of Services Steering Committee – New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department  Foundation for Open Government statement on CYFD’s action to close special council meetings – New Mexico Foundation for Open Government   Attorneys and Advocates Issue Statements in Response to Kevin S. Settlement Co-Neutrals’ Report on Status of Implementation – Pegasus Law  CYFD policy advisory council begins work, even as questions persist about beleaguered agency’s core structure – Albuquerque Journal  PRC commissioner recuses himself from merger issue – Santa Fe New Mexican  New Mexico court denies challenge to PRC reforms – Albuquerque Journal  Public Regulation Commission stumbles into the new year – Source NM  PNM-Avangrid merger rejected by PRC – Albuquerque Journal  State Supreme Court holds PNM, Avangrid second chance at merger in the balance – Santa Fe New Mexican  PRC, utility lawyers had one-sided talks ahead of filing – Santa Fe New Mexican  PRC modifies position on public hearings for PNM-Avangrid merger – Albuquerque Journal   Allegations of misconduct surround proposed Avangrid-PNM merger – KRQE   At New Mexico St, a meltdown that runs beyond basketball – The Associated Press  Ex-NMSU basketball players say teammates targeted coaches – ESPN   New Mexico State AD Mario Moccia receives 5-year extension – The Associated Press  Governor will push for anti-hazing bill – Santa Fe New Mexican