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Bill Clinton and other dignitaries gather to remember Bill Richardson during funeral Mass

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Bill Clinton and other dignitaries gather to remember Bill Richardson during funeral Mass


Long-time friend Kathy Flynn pauses at the casket of former New Mexico Gov, Bill Richardson as he lies in state in the rotunda of the New Mexico Capitol building, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, in Santa Fe, N.M.Roberto E. Rosales/AP

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Political allies, Native American leaders and people touched by Bill Richardson’s work to free Americans imprisoned abroad gathered Thursday for a funeral Mass to honor a man known for his innate political skills, soaring ambition and ability to both clash and reconcile with rivals.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton was among those paying homage to Richardson during a Mass at Santa Fe’s downtown Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Richardson served as U.N. ambassador and energy secretary under the Clinton administration.

Clinton and Richardson’s widow, Barbara, followed the casket into the cathedral. Relatives of some of the political prisoners whom Richardson sought to free as well as Interior Secretary Deb Haaland were also in attendance.

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Despite Richardson’s longstanding friendship with the Clintons, they had a falling out after he dropped out of the 2008 presidential race and endorsed Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. Still, the Clintons expressed their sadness after learning of Richardson’s death earlier this month, recalling him as a masterful and persistent negotiator and a trailblazer for Latinos.

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The line to enter the historic cathedral stretched around the block as hundreds filed inside, from members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation to tribal governors and dignitaries from around the globe.

Richardson throughout his career was tapped for numerous unofficial diplomatic missions, using his knack for negotiation to free many Americans held hostage abroad.

Dozens also turned out Wednesday as Richardson’s casket laid in state in the Capitol’s rotunda. An arrangement of white roses sent by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden was joined by flowers from others who were there to remember the work he had done for the state.

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Richardson served two terms as governor starting in 2003. His casket was flanked by police guard and draped in the New Mexico state flag with its ancient Zia Pueblo symbol of the sun.

Barbara Richardson, his wife for more than 50 years, was the first to approach and place a hand on the closed casket.

Richardson died in his sleep at his home in Chatham, Massachusetts, earlier this month at age 75.

Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester is presiding over the funeral Mass. In addition to Clinton delivering words of remembrance, Mickey Bergman, the vice president of The Richardson Center for Global Engagement, will also speak.

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The memorial services have reunited top advisers and Cabinet secretaries to Richardson in his years as governor, which were marked by splashy employment and public works projects — the creation of a commuter rail line connecting Santa Fe with Albuquerque, an aerospace “spaceport” launch facility and generous incentives to attract film productions to New Mexico in the era before “Breaking Bad.”

Richardson enacted initiatives with a Democratic-led Legislature that put an end to the death penalty in the state, eliminated sales taxes on medicine and food in efforts to combat poverty and renewed rights to collective bargaining by government workers that had expired under his Republican predecessor.



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New Mexico

Winter storm will bring mountain snow for Christmas

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Winter storm will bring mountain snow for Christmas


A winter storm will pass over Northern New Mexico and deliver some mountain snow on Christmas.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Dry and seasonably warm weather will continue through early next week.

A winter storm will bring light snow accumulations to the northern mountains Christmas Day and Night and most of the state will see an uptick in wind speeds.

Temperatures will drop a few degrees later in the week, but remain near to slightly above average.

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Another weak winter storm could bring more mountain snow on Friday.

Meteorologist Brandon Richards has your full forecast in the video above.



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New Mexico

Report: Former New Mexico State O-Lineman Louie Canepa to Transfer to Oklahoma State

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Report: Former New Mexico State O-Lineman Louie Canepa to Transfer to Oklahoma State


PORTAL TRACKER

The Cowboys have gained some more transfer talent, this time adding to their rebuilding offensive line.

Louie Canepa, a 6-foout-4, 320-pound interior offensive lineman, is headed to Oklahoma State, according to a report. He spent the last three years at New Mexico State.

Canepa came to New Mexico State as the No. 15 OL prospect from his state, originally hailing from Vintage High School in Napa, California. He appeared in one game as a true freshman but by Year 2 he was instrumental in the Aggies turning in a 10-win season.

As a redshirt freshman in 2023, Canepa played in 14 of the Aggies’ 15 games, starting 10. New Mexico State ranked 14th in rushing yards per game, and made it to the Conference USA Championship Game. In 2024, he appeared in all 12 games and started four at right guard.

At New Mexico State, Canepa played under Andrew Mitchell, who was reportedly hired to coach OSU’s offensive line, along with Cooper Bassett.

Capena is the third offensive lineman the Cowboys have grabbed out of the portal thus far, joining Kasen Carpenter (Tulsa) and Lavaka Taukeiaho (Weber State). There’s a lot of rebuilding to be done in that room with 2024 starters Dalton Cooper, Cole Birmingham, Joe Michalski, Preston Wilson, Jake Springfield and Isaia Glass all leaving the program (the first five through eligibility and Glass through the portal).

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New Mexico

New Mexico OL Transfer LaJuan Owens Commits to Cal

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New Mexico OL Transfer LaJuan Owens Commits to Cal


It was predictable that Cal would go after offensive linemen in the transfer portal, the Bears picked up one on Friday when New Mexico transfer offensive tackle LaJuan Owens announced on social media that he has committed to Cal.

Owens played for Cal’s new offensive line coach Famika Anae at New Mexico so the Bears know what they are getting.

Owens spent his first college season at Tulane, but he redshirted that season before transferring to New Mexico, where he played just one season.  Therefore, the 6-foot-5, 335-pounder has three seasons of college eligibility remaining.

New Mexico’s offensve line was outstanding this season, giving up just five sacks, the fewest in the country.

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