AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-TRIBES-FEDERAL-RECOGNITION
Pandemic leaves tribes without US recognition at higher risk
As COVID-19 disproportionately affects Native American communities, many tribal leaders say the pandemic poses particular risks to tribes without federal recognition. Lacking a political relationship with the United States means those tribes are denied federal coronavirus relief funding for state, local and tribal governments. Without federal funding, tribal leaders say they are less-equipped to prevent infections and curb the significant economic toll the pandemic has had on their communities. Tribes seeking federal recognition also face a long, expensive process that makes the designation often feel out of reach.

MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico seeks pot legalization amid discord on oversight
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Several proposals to legalize marijuana are competing for support in the New Mexico state Senate with three weeks left to send a bill to the governor. There's widespread support among lawmakers for creating a taxed and regulated market for recreational sales. Efforts to legalize marijuana took center stage Saturday as a Senate panel grappled with how the state might effectively stamp out illicit marijuana, prevent child access and foster a competitive marketplace and job growth. The debate marked a tantalizing moment for proponents of marijuana legalization after voters last year ousted hardline opponents in the Legislature. A Republican legalization proposal is shifting discussions toward an emphasis workplace safety and low-taxes that stamp out the black market.

ETHICS COMPLAINT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico House speaker seeks dismissal of ethics complaint
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Attorneys for New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf have asked the State Ethics Commission to dismiss a complaint that a retired judge filed against the Santa Fe Democrat over his sponsoring legislation potentially helping his law practice. The complaint filed by Aztec resident Sandra Price accuses of Egolf of sponsoring legislation that would financially benefit his legal practice without disclosing the conflict of interest. Egolf is a co-sponsor of pending legislation to open the way for civil rights lawsuits to be filed in state district court against state and local public officials. The dismissal motion filed Friday by Egolf's attorneys called the complaint frivolous and unsubstantiated.

ALBUQUERQUE INVESTIGATOR TEAM
Outside investigators approved to help Albuquerque police
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A federal judge has approved an order proposing the creation of an outside team to assist the Albuquerque Police Department with investigations into officer-related use of force cases. The Albuquerque Journal reported that U.S. District Judge James Browning signed off on the order after a federal court hearing on Friday. The U.S. Department of Justice and the city of Albuquerque proposed hiring an administrator and an undetermined number of investigators to assist the police department's internal affairs force division in cases where police officers use force causing injury, hospitalization or death. The city hopes to have an administrator in place in May to start hiring the team. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 23 new coronavirus cases, four deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has continued on a downward trend in the number of daily coronavirus cases. Tribal health officials on Friday reported 23 new cases of COVID-19 and four additional deaths. The latest numbers bring the total to 29,710 cases since the pandemic began. The death toll is 1,165. A curfew remains in effect for residents on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to prevent the spread of the virus. Health facilities on the reservation and in border towns are conducting drive-thru vaccine events or administering doses by appointment.

NEW MEXICO-WEIR
New Mexico coach Paul Weir stepping down at end of season
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Paul Weir is stepping down as New Mexico's basketball coach at the end of the season. In a statement posted Friday on the program's website, athletic director Eddie Nunez said the school and Weir mutually agreed to part ways after the season. The Lobos — 6-14 overall and 2-14 in the Mountain West — will play their regular-season finale at Colorado on Wednesday and take part in the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas, starting March 10. Weir is in his fourth season as coach of New Mexico. He has a 58-61 overall record with the Lobos, including a pair of 19-win seasons.

KIDNAPPING SENTENCING-NEW MEXICO
Southern New Mexico man gets prison term in kidnapping case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 28-year-old southern New Mexico man has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison for a kidnapping conviction stemming from a 2019 armed abduction involving an attempted robbery. The U.S. Attorney's office said Joshua Neil Bowen of Alto was among five people who pleaded guilty to kidnapping in the case. The office said the kidnapping victim was abducted from a travel center in Mescalero and first taken to Chaparral, New Mexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border and then to El Paso, Texas and finally to Las Cruces. According to police, that's where the victim was rescued by police after being held at a motel before managing to call his son for help. 

HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER-FLOODING
No artwork damaged in flooding at Hispanic cultural center
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials at the National Hispanic Cultural Center say no artwork was damaged after two waterlines froze and broke in mid-February. The building sustained some minor flooding during a cold snap that hit Albuquerque. Crews were able to clean up water near the center's front entrance and inside the Visual Arts building within hours. The director of the Art Museum and Visual Arts program says staff moved artwork to other areas within the center. None of it was damaged. The artwork now is being returned to its original location. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 23 new coronavirus cases, four deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has continued on a downward trend in the number of daily coronavirus cases. Tribal health officials on Friday reported 23 new cases of COVID-19 and four additional deaths. The latest numbers bring the total to 29,710 cases since the pandemic began. The death toll is 1,165. A curfew remains in effect for residents on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to prevent the spread of the virus. Health facilities on the reservation and in border towns are conducting drive-thru vaccine events or administering doses by appointment.

NEW MEXICO-WEIR
New Mexico coach Paul Weir stepping down at end of season
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Paul Weir is stepping down as New Mexico's basketball coach at the end of the season. In a statement posted Friday on the program's website, athletic director Eddie Nunez said the school and Weir mutually agreed to part ways after the season. The Lobos — 6-14 overall and 2-14 in the Mountain West — will play their regular-season finale at Colorado on Wednesday and take part in the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas, starting March 10. Weir is in his fourth season as coach of New Mexico. He has a 58-61 overall record with the Lobos, including a pair of 19-win seasons.
​
KIDNAPPING SENTENCING-NEW MEXICO
Southern New Mexico man gets prison term in kidnapping case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 28-year-old southern New Mexico man has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison for a kidnapping conviction stemming from a 2019 armed abduction involving an attempted robbery. The U.S. Attorney's office said Joshua Neil Bowen of Alto was among five people who pleaded guilty to kidnapping in the case. The office said the kidnapping victim was abducted from a travel center in Mescalero and first taken to Chaparral, New Mexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border and then to El Paso, Texas and finally to Las Cruces. According to police, that's where the victim was rescued by police after being held at a motel before managing to call his son for help. 

HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER-FLOODING
No artwork damaged in flooding at Hispanic cultural center
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials at the National Hispanic Cultural Center say no artwork was damaged after two waterlines froze and broke in mid-February. The building sustained some minor flooding during a cold snap that hit Albuquerque. Crews were able to clean up water near the center's front entrance and inside the Visual Arts building within hours. The director of the Art Museum and Visual Arts program says staff moved artwork to other areas within the center. None of it was damaged. The artwork now is being returned to its original location. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Infections among inmates boost New Mexico's COVID case total
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials on Friday confirmed an additional 659 COVID-19 infections. The figure marks the highest daily case count in more than three weeks. Nearly 30% of the new cases involved state inmates. Officials earlier this week expressed optimism about downward trends in the overall spread of the virus, with all of the state's counties reporting positivity rates below 10%. However, they acknowledged that the seven-day rolling average of daily cases remained above targets. In all, New Mexico has reported nearly 185,000 cases since the pandemic began. The death toll stands at 3,685, with more than a dozen deaths reported Friday.

ABORTION-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor signs bill to preserve abortion rights
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a bill to shore up abortion rights in New Mexico. The legislation was signed Friday after previously winning final approval from the Democratic-led Legislature. It overturns a dormant 1969 ban on most abortion procedures and marks a defiant counterpoint to efforts in some conservative states. Had the old statute been left in place, New Mexico's ban on most abortion procedures would have gone into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling. In signing the bill, the governor said a woman has the right to make decisions about her own body.

PANDEMIC RELIEF-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor signs $200M pandemic relief measure
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed legislation that will provide some relief to businesses that lost money in 2020 amid the pandemic and emergency health restrictions. The measure will make available $200 million in grants that will be underwritten by a state job creation fund. Businesses may qualify for grants of up to $100,000. They can use the money to help pay for rent and mortgage obligations in exchange for hiring workers. The governor and other lawmakers said the extra assistance will help get businesses back on their feet. It comes as public health restrictions have been eased in some counties.

LAS CRUCES-SUPERINTENDENT KILLED
Las Cruces school official struck, killed while walking dogs
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Police say the school superintendent for New Mexico's second largest city of Las Cruces was hit and killed by a minivan while walking her dogs. Karen Trujillo was 50 and formerly headed the state Public Education Department. Word of Trujillo's death spread quickly through Las Cruces and prompted tributes on social media from the city's mayor and others. District officials described her death as "an unimaginable loss," and state lawmakers paused during legislative meetings Friday to remember her. Trujillo was married and had three children. She was also a former classroom teacher, school principal and administrator at New Mexico State University.

CAPITOL RIOT-DISINFORMATION NATION
Some local GOP leaders fire up base with conspiracies, lies
A faction of local, county and state Republican officials across the country is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories online that echo those that helped inspire the U.S. Capitol insurrection. These GOP officials' posts are being amplified by algorithms that boost extreme content, allowing the officials to grow their bases on social media and exert outsize sway on their communities, city councils, county boards and state assemblies. The Associated Press reviewed social media accounts of nearly 1,000 federal, state and local elected and appointed Republican officials. The rhetoric exposes the GOP's internal struggle over whether it can include traditional conservative politicians, conspiracy theorists and militias.

PANDEMIC RELIEF-NEW MEXICO
Legislature approves pandemic-relief loans to business
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill is headed to the governor's desk that would provide minimal-interest loans to businesses in New Mexico that lost income in 2020 amid the pandemic and emergency health restrictions. The state House on Thursday voted 51-17 to approve a bill that expands eligibility for loans that will be underwritten by a multibillion state trust for infrastructure projects. It would authorize loans of up to $150,000 to small businesses at sub-prime rates of less than 2% annual interest with a payback term of up to 10 years. Those terms are more generous to borrowers than the original relief program that provided about $40 million in loans last year. 

NEW MEXICO-UTILITY PRICE GOUGING
New Mexico attorney general eyes utility costs during freeze
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top prosecutor has opened an inquiry into utility costs during a winter blast that plunged New Mexico and other states into a deep freeze. State Attorney General Hector Balderas says the weather emergency caused tremendous damage and he wants to ensure New Mexicans won't be further harmed by skyrocketing bills. Utility executives testified Thursday that they were able to cushion some of the blow by shifting fuel sources, but higher natural gas prices ultimately will trickle down to customers through increases in their monthly bills. The utilities plan to seek regulatory approval to spread the costs over 12 to 24 months to keep bills as low as possible.

BIDEN CABINET-BIAS QUESTIONS
Native American nominee's grilling raises questions on bias
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The confirmation hearing for Deb Haaland has raised questions about whether she's being treated differently because she is a Native American woman. Some Republican, white senators have labeled Haaland as "radical" over her calls to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and address climate change. Those who support the Democratic congresswoman from New Mexico say Haaland is being attacked for her ethnicity and beliefs that are widespread among Native Americans. She would become the first Native American to lead the Interior Department. Republicans expressed frustration at her lack of specifics during the hearing and say it's not about race.

MILITARY BASE-CONTAMINATED WATER
Water near Arizona Air Force base is tainted in latest case
PHOENIX (AP) — The U.S. Air Force says it will distribute bottled water until at least April to thousands of residents near its base in suburban Phoenix. It's the latest case of chemicals from military firefighting efforts contaminating the water supply in a nearby community. Luke Air Force Base says drinking water for about 6,000 people and a few neighboring businesses showed high levels of the contaminants. Similar contamination tied to the use of firefighting foam has been found in water supplies near dozens of military sites in Arizona, Colorado and other states nationwide and has triggered hundreds of lawsuits.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 45 new COVID-19 cases, 9 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Thursday reported 45 new confirmed COVID-19 cases with nine additional deaths. The latest numbers bring the total number of cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 29,655 since the pandemic began. There have been 1,161 reported deaths that were related to COVID-19. The Navajo Department of Health on Monday identified 21 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Feb. 5-18. That's an increase from last week's 15 communities, but down from 75 communities with uncontrolled coronavirus spread last month.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-NEW MEXICO
House leader seeks anti-discrimination rules for Legislature
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf says he wants to add new provisions to legislative ethics rules that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender and sexual identity. Egolf told news media on Thursday that he will ask a panel of leading lawmakers to incorporate elements of New Mexico's Human Rights Act into rules that apply to the Legislature and its staff. He said the request to the Legislative Council committee can't be made until late spring after the conclusion on March 20 of the current legislative session because of procedural constraints.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico adds least-restrictive COVID-19 tier
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is revising its color-coded risk system by adding a new color that signifies when counties can ease even more pandemic-related restrictions. The red-yellow-green system now includes turquoise. State health officials said Wednesday that counties reach that category by meeting certain health criteria for four consecutive weeks. It allows for expanded indoor dining and the operation of entertainment venues like theaters, bars and clubs. All but four of the state's 33 counties already have seen test positivity and new case rates decline and have emerged from the strictest lockdowns — earning favorable yellow, green and now turquoise ratings on the color-coded map.

AP-US-BIDEN-CABINET-INTERIOR
Manchin says he'll vote for Haaland for interior secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin says he will vote in favor of New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland to serve as interior secretary, clearing the way for likely approval of her nomination as the first Native American to head a Cabinet agency. Manchin is the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He had been publicly undecided through two days of hearings on Haaland's nomination by President Joe Biden. Manchin caused a political uproar last week by announcing plans to oppose Biden's choice for budget director, Neera Tanden, a crucial defection that could sink her nomination in the evenly divided Senate.

STATE BUDGET-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico legislators push for more spending, business aid
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Democrat-led state House of Representatives has voted to increase state spending on public education, health care and relief to businesses in efforts to chart a financial path out of the coronavirus pandemic. The House endorsed Wednesday a $7.39 billion general fund spending plan for the fiscal year that begins on July 1 on a 60-10 vote with some Republicans in opposition. The budget bill would increase annual general fund spending by $332 million, or nearly 5% of current spending obligations. It now moves to the Senate for consideration and possible amendments. State government income is surging on a rebound in oil prices and increased production.

BETTER CALL SAUL-PRODUCTION
'Better Call Saul' to film final season soon in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — "Better Call Saul," the prequel spinoff to the hugely successful series "Breaking Bad," will begin production in New Mexico on its sixth and final season beginning in March. White Turtle Casting officials told the Albuquerque Journal that production will begin in the second week of March, and the agency is looking for stand-ins for the series. Pre-production is currently underway, and the crew is being quarantined and tested for the upcoming start. Production originally was set for March 2020, but it was moved due to the pandemic. There will be 13 episodes in the final season although no air date has been confirmed. "Better Call Saul" has been shot in New Mexico since 2015.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-EDUCATION TESTING
Education officials seek flexibility on student testing
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Education officials in New Mexico want flexibility in federal testing requirements for students. The U.S. Department of Education said it won't exempt states from testing students, as it did last spring. But it said it would consider allowing tests to be shorter, done remotely and carried out as late as the fall. New Mexico's head of public education says he will likely ask to test fewer students in a representative sample that can be reliable for parents and policymakers. The challenge will be to include students who haven't engaged in virtual learning and may not take tests remotely.

PANDEMIC RELIEF-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Legislature approves tax holiday for restaurants
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill is on its way to the governor that would provide a four-month tax holiday to restaurants and a $600 rebate to low-income workers. The state House gave final approval Wednesday to a pandemic economic relief bill on a 66-1 vote. The bill calls for a $600 tax credit or rebate for people earning about $15 an hour and works as a rebate to those who owe less than $600 in taxes. The tax holiday on gross receipts taxes applies to restaurants, bars, food trucks, small breweries and more.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 25 new COVID-19 cases, but no deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Wednesday reported 25 new confirmed COVID-19 cases with no additional deaths. The latest numbers bring the total number of cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 29,602 since the pandemic began. There have been 1,152 reported deaths that were related to COVID-19. The Navajo Department of Health on Monday identified 21 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Feb. 5-18. That's an increase from last week's 15 communities, but down from 75 communities with uncontrolled coronavirus spread last month.

AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-THINGS-TO-KNOW
Things to Know: States push their own relief packages
States are not willing to wait for more federal help and have been moving ahead with their own coronavirus relief packages. Maryland and California recently approved help for small businesses, the poor, the jobless and those needing child care. New Mexico and Pennsylvania are funneling grants directly to cash-starved businesses. The spending shows that many states have proved unexpectedly resilient during the pandemic. And it has provided fuel for critics who say they don't need another massive infusion of cash from Congress. The Biden administration's $1.9 trillion relief plan would send hundreds of billions of dollars to state and local governments.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico county vaccinates first responders under mandate
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — County officials in southern New Mexico have said most of the first responders in Doña Ana County, which includes Las Cruces, have received at least one of the two doses of coronavirus vaccine under a county mandate, despite questions about requiring the vaccination. County Manager Fernando Macias told the Las Cruces Sun-News that 195 county employees of the 203 staff subject to the directive of the county detention center were at least partially vaccinated, while the remaining had registered or had an approved waiver. County employees were told last month they were required to receive the vaccine or be terminated. Labor unions questioned the directive and others threatened litigation. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Visitation restrictions eased at some New Mexico hospitals
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Citing downward trends in new COVID-19 cases, visitation restrictions at some New Mexico hospitals are being eased for non-coronavirus patients. Top administrators with some of the largest health care networks in the state said Monday that the changes include longer visiting hours and in some cases more than one person will be allowed in. Still, they noted that while the daily case totals have been declining, the seven-day rolling average of infections in New Mexico remains higher now that it was last spring and summer. They urged people to continue wearing masks and to keep their distance from others.

​ALCOHOL REFORM-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico House endorses liquor reforms
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state House of Representatives has endorsed a bill aimed at energizing the hospitality industry in rural New Mexico by relaxing state restriction on liquor sales. On a 41-27 vote, the House approved a bill that would expand tasting to distilleries and broaden restaurant liquor licenses to include not only beer and wine but also spirits with a 10 p.m. cutoff. Amid concerns about economic stagnation, legislators are wrestling with how to modernize a closely guarded monopoly on licenses for packaged liquor sales. The proposed legislation offers a $200,000 tax deduction over a four year period to liquor license holders and waives future annual license fees.

INTERIOR SECRETARY-WATCHING HISTORY
Indian Country gripped by Haaland hearing for top US post
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — For Native Americans, Deb Haaland is more than an elected official on track to become the first Indigenous secretary of the Interior Department. She is a sister, an auntie and a fierce pueblo woman whose political stances have been molded by her upbringing. Haaland's confirmation hearing this week is being closely watched in Indian Country, with some virtual parties drawing hundreds of people. Tribal groups for weeks have urged people to write and call U.S. senators who will decide if she lands the job. Haaland is in her second term representing New Mexico in Congress. Her confirmation hearing started Tuesday and will continue Wednesday.  

NEW MEXICO-MANAGING WILDLIFE
Proposed overhaul of New Mexico wildlife agency stalls
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Legislation that would have overhauled New Mexico's wildlife management agency has stalled in a Senate committee. After a three-hour debate, the sweeping measure was tabled Tuesday after lawmakers raised questions about the changes proposed in the 241-page bill. Among the concerns were potential economic impacts on hunting guides and outfitters. Opponents of the bill said many outfitters would likely go out of business if they no longer received a share of the state's hunting tags and that would mean lost jobs and revenues for rural communities. The two Democratic lawmakers pushing the bill argued that it's time to modernize the state Game and Fish Department.

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Environmental attorney to lead Bureau of Land Management
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — The Bureau of Land Management announced that an attorney who previously worked on agency issues for environmental groups will serve as the new deputy director. The Daily Sentinel on Tuesday reported that the Department of the Interior said Nada Culver will effectively run the agency for the short term, replacing former agency director William Perry Pendley. The department said Culver's new position is the first in the succession order, so she will perform delegated duties of the director. Pendley also occupied that role. The director position is subject to a Senate confirmation process following nomination by the president. President Joe Biden has yet to nominate someone as director.

BIDEN CABINET-INTERIOR
Interior nominee Haaland questioned on drilling, pipelines
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's nominee to head the Interior Department faced sharp questions from Republicans Tuesday over what several called her "radical" ideas that include opposition to fracking and the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Deb Haaland, a New Mexico congresswoman named to lead the Interior Department, tried to reassure GOP lawmakers, saying she is committed to "strike the right balance" as Interior manages oil drilling and other energy development while seeking to conserve public lands and address climate change. If confirmed, Haaland, 60, would be the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency. The hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will resume Wednesday.

FORENSICS LAB
New Mexico begins construction of new state crime lab
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is getting a new state crime lab. The state Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that construction of the new $21.9 million forensic laboratory has begun in Santa Fe and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2022. The new facility will support New Mexico law enforcement and criminal justice agencies and court systems by analyzing forensic evidence collected at crime scenes and provide testimony in court. The new lab will be over four times the size as the current one, which is 50 years -old, officials said the new facility will have new equipment and space for future growth.

STATE BUDET-NEW MEXICO
Draft state budget would boost salaries, school spending
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's state government is likely to deliver a jolt of one-time spending amid the pandemic and provide sustained funding increases on health care and public education under a newly drafted budget bill. The lead House budget committee on Monday unanimously endorsed the spending plan for the coming fiscal year that increases general fund spending by $332 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1. That represents a 4.6% increase over current fiscal year spending. Total general fund spending would increase to $7.39 billion under the plan that includes a 1.5% raise for employees throughout state government, K-12 schools and public colleges and universities. Larger raises are slated for prison guards.

ALBUQUERQUE POLICE-FATAL SHOOTING
Suspect fatally shot by police in Albuquerque street ID'ed
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police have identified a man shot and killed by officers after they say he charged at them with a weapon in the middle of a busy street. Authorities said Sunday that 40-year-old Claude Trivino, of Hernandez, was the suspect fatally shot in a confrontation in northeast Albuquerque. Officers responded Saturday to a man who was walking in traffic, forcing cars to drive around him. Interim Police Chief Harold Medina said authorities tried using a stun gun on Trivino, who ignored commands to leave the street. Video footage by a witness shows a man throwing an object at officers before he was shot. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 15 new COVID-19 cases, 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Monday reported 15 new confirmed COVID-19 cases with one additional death. The latest numbers bring the total number of cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 29,551 since the pandemic began. There have been 1,145 reported deaths that were related to COVID-19. Also on Monday, the Navajo Department of Health identified 21 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Feb. 5-18. That's an increase from last week's 15 communities, but down from 75 communities with uncontrolled coronavirus spread last month.

​INTERIOR SECRETARY-WATCHING HISTORY
Deb Haaland hearing is Indian Country's Obama moment
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — For Native Americans, Deb Haaland is more than an elected official on track to become the first Indigenous secretary of the Interior Department. She is a sister, an auntie and a fierce pueblo woman whose political stances have been molded by her upbringing. Haaland's confirmation hearing Tuesday will be closely watched in Indian Country with virtual parties amid a pandemic. Tribes and tribal organizations have for weeks been urging people to write to and call U.S. senators who will decide if she lands the job. Haaland is in her second term representing New Mexico in Congress.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Visitation restrictions eased at some New Mexico hospitals
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Citing downward trends in new COVID-19 cases, visitation restrictions at some New Mexico hospitals are being eased for non-coronavirus patients. Top administrators with some of the largest health care networks in the state said Monday that the changes include longer visiting hours and in some cases more than one person will be allowed in. Still, they noted that while the daily case totals have been declining, the seven-day rolling average of infections in New Mexico remains higher now that it was last spring and summer. They urged people to continue wearing masks and to keep their distance from others.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SCHOOL SPORTS
Albuquerque asks state to split hybrid learning, activities
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest school district has asked the state to separate athletics and other extracurricular activities from the hybrid learning structure being used because of the coronavirus pandemic. KRQE-TV reports Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education members said during a special meeting Monday they do not believe activities should be connected to a hybrid learning model, which is a current requirement set by the state Public Education Department. Board members say students involved in extracurricular activities overseen by the New Mexico Activities Association would perform better in school if they were allowed to continue doing extracurricular activities they love.

BIDEN CABINET-INTERIOR
Interior nominee Haaland vows 'balance' on energy, climate
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's nominee to head the Interior Department says oil and natural gas will continue to play a major role in America for years to come. But New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland, Biden's nominee to be interior secretary, says the United States also must address climate change and recognize that the energy industry is changing. In testimony prepared for her confirmation hearing Tuesday, she said the Interior Department has a role in "harnessing the clean energy potential of our public lands to create jobs" while restoring and conserving federal lands. If confirmed, Haaland would be the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency.

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION-ADVOCATE
New Mexico's Indigenous education advocate faces tough job
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's Indigenous communities are depending on Lashawna Tso. As the assistant secretary for Indian Education, she's the top tribal liaison for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration. It's her job to advocate on behalf of New Mexico's 23 tribal governments as they look to repair damage from the coronavirus pandemic. Native American children make up 10% of the state's K-12 population. They were already behind for educational opportunities when the pandemic hit. Disproportionately low access to computers and internet at home made it worse. Tso says accountability in aiding Native students will be key to recovery this year.

FATAL FIRE-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque Fire Rescue: 1 found dead after mobile home fire
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque fire officials say one person is dead following a mobile home fire Saturday. Albuquerque Fire Rescue said crews that knocked down a fire inside the residence found one person dead. The cause of death wasn't immediately known and the person's age and identity weren't released. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico reports 320 new COVID-19 cases, 14 more deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Health officials in New Mexico on Sunday reported 320 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 14 more deaths. The latest numbers increased the state's pandemic totals to 182,789 cases and 3,624 known deaths. Four counties accounted for over half the additional cases. Bernalillo County had 101 cases, Dona Ana 44, Sandoval 23 and Valencia 22. Dona Ana County had three of the 18 new deaths with Bernalillo, Lea and San Juan each having two deaths. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.  

DRY NEW MEXICO
Drought-stricken West holds out for more than just dry snow
BERNALILLO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is getting some much needed snow but don't count on it to end the drought. Every square mile of the arid state is dealing with some level of dryness, with more than half locked in the worst category — exceptional drought. And much of the West is no better off, with parts of Arizona, Utah and Nevada among the hardest hit. The latest storms to cross New Mexico came with frigid temperatures. Experts say the colder the air, the less moisture in the snow. That means less water to recharge the soil and less that will find its way into rivers and reservoirs this spring.

ALBUQUERQUE POLICE-FATAL SHOOTING
Albuquerque police fatally shoot man who charged at officers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police say officers have fatally shot a man who charged at them on a street in northeast Albuquerque. Interim Police Chief Harold Medina says the man was walking in the middle of the street and forcing vehicles to drive around him. Police say officers unsuccessfully tried to use a stun gun on the man who ignored their commands to get off the street. Albuquerque TV station KOB reports that video footage taken by a witness shows the man throwing an object toward officers before being shot. The man was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. His name hasn't been released yet.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 48 new COVID-19 cases, 4 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation officials have reported 48 new confirmed COVID-19 cases with four additional deaths. The latest numbers released Saturday night bring the total number of cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 29,509 since the pandemic began. There have been 1,142 reported deaths that were related to COVID-19.  The tribe has a nightly curfew in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to limit the spread of the virus. Tribal health officials said nearly 16,000 people have recovered from COVID-19 on the reservation and more than 242,000 tests have been administered.

AP-US-HAALAND-INTERIOR-DEPARTMENT
Tribes have high hopes as Haaland confirmation hearing nears
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Deb Haaland has stood with fellow tribal members in protesting an oil pipeline, advocating for protecting cultural landmarks and criticizing destruction of Native American sites near the U.S.-Mexico border. Native Americans have reason to believe the two-term U.S. congresswoman will push forward on long-simmering issues in Indian Country if she's confirmed as secretary of the Interior Department. The agency has broad oversight of tribal affairs and energy development. She would be the first Native American to lead the department or any other Cabinet agency. A confirmation hearing is scheduled Tuesday.

GOVERNOR TAXPAYER FUNDED EXPENSES
New Mexico governor used fund to buy groceries, dry cleaning
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she regrets discretionary spending of taxpayer money that included $6,500 on groceries and alcohol. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the Democratic governor over a six-month period in 2020 spent almost $13,500 from a taxpayer-funded expense account. The account is for spending on functions, events or other items that promote the state. Lukan Grisham's spokesperson said some of groceries were used to feed the governor's cabinet and staff at long meetings. Lujan Grisham said Friday she didn't want New Mexicans to feel she didn't take their hardship seriously. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico reports 427 additional COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Saturday reported 427 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths, increasing the state's pandemic totals to 182,475 cases and 3,610 deaths. Four counties accounted for over half the additional cases: Bernalillo with 95; Dona Ana, 70; San Juan, 43, and McKinley 37. The counties with at least one death were Curry, Dona Ana, Eddy (2), Lea (3), Otero, Sandoval, San Juan, Santa Fe and Valencia. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.  

FATAL FIRE-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque Fire Rescue: 1 found dead after mobile home fire
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque fire officials say one person is dead following a mobile home fire Saturday. Albuquerque Fire Rescue said crews that knocked down a fire inside the residence found one person dead. The cause of death wasn't immediately known and the person's age and identity weren't released. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

FACEBOOK-DATA CENTER
Facebook seeks $6B to expand data center in New Mexico
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — A subsidiary of Facebook has filed an application with Los Lunas city officials for billions of dollars in additional funding that could double the size of its data center and bring about 300 additional jobs. The Albuquerque Journal reported that Greater Kudu, LLC is seeking $6.6 billion under a series of six bonds that will help it expand its Facebook Data Center in Los Lunas, south of Albuquerque. The center currently employs more than 200 people. The Los Lunas Village Council is expected to consider the proposal next month to build up to six additional buildings, two within the next two years. The center currently has three fully operational buildings and three under construction.

FILM PRODUCTIONS-NEW MEXICO
Film Office: 3 productions completed in Albuquerque
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say three feature films completed production in the state in recent months. The state Film Office reports the films included "Vengeance" produced by Blumhouse, "Cop Shop" produced by Warren Goz and Eric Gold and "Intrusion," a Netflix feature. The Film Office said all three productions were filmed at least in part in Albuquerque. It said the plot of "Vengeance" is being kept under wraps but that "Cop Shop" is about a crime syndicate fixer who intentionally goes to prison and that "Intrusion" is a drama involving a home invasion and shooting.

SLAYING SUSPECT ARREST
Police: Man sought in Albuquerque slaying held in Alabama
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in New Mexico in say a 24-year-old man being held by authorities in a murder investigation in Huntsville, Alabama, has been named as a suspect in a 2018 killing in Albuquerque. Breon Humphrey-Sallings remained jailed in Huntsville, where police said he was previously arrested in a 2019 homicide case and refused to answer questions from Albuquerque police. Police say an arrest warrant was issued this month in New Mexico for Humphrey-Sallings' arrest in the August 2018 drug deal killing of Christopher Salazar. Police say a second suspect, 26-year-old Deshawn Hall is still sought in Salazar's killing.

AP-US-ABORTION-NEW-MEXICO
New Mexico Legislature moves to preserve abortion rights
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill to shore up abortion rights in New Mexico by overturning a dormant 1969 ban on most abortion procedures has been approved by the Democrat-led Legislature. The state House passed the bill Friday and sent it to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has said she will sign it. The initiative stands as a counterpoint to proposed abortion bans this year in several Republican-led legislatures. If left in place, New Mexico's ban on most abortion procedures could go into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.

​AP-US-HAALAND-INTERIOR-DEPARTMENT
Tribes have high hopes as Haaland confirmation hearing nears
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Deb Haaland has stood with fellow tribal members in protesting an oil pipeline, advocating for protecting cultural landmarks and criticizing destruction of Native American sites near the U.S.-Mexico border. Native Americans have reason to believe the two-term U.S. congresswoman will push forward on long-simmering issues in Indian Country if she's confirmed as secretary of the Interior Department. The agency has broad oversight of tribal affairs and energy development. She would be the first Native American to lead the department or any other Cabinet agency. A confirmation hearing is scheduled Tuesday.

GOVERNOR TAXPAYER FUNDED EXPENSES
New Mexico governor used fund to buy groceries, dry cleaning
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she regrets discretionary spending of taxpayer money that included $6,500 on groceries and alcohol. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the Democratic governor over a six-month period in 2020 spent almost $13,500 from a taxpayer-funded expense account. The account is for spending on functions, events or other items that promote the state. Lukan Grisham's spokesperson said some of groceries were used to feed the governor's cabinet and staff at long meetings. Lujan Grisham said Friday she didn't want New Mexicans to feel she didn't take their hardship seriously.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico reports 427 additional COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Saturday reported 427 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths, increasing the state's pandemic totals to 182,475 cases and 3,610 deaths. Four counties accounted for over half the additional cases: Bernalillo with 95; Dona Ana, 70; San Juan, 43, and McKinley 37. The counties with at least one death were Curry, Dona Ana, Eddy (2), Lea (3), Otero, Sandoval, San Juan, Santa Fe and Valencia. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.  

FATAL FIRE-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque Fire Rescue: 1 found dead after mobile home fire
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque fire officials say one person is dead following a mobile home fire Saturday. Albuquerque Fire Rescue said crews that knocked down a fire inside the residence found one person dead. The cause of death wasn't immediately known and the person's age and identity weren't released. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

FACEBOOK-DATA CENTER
Facebook seeks $6B to expand data center in New Mexico
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — A subsidiary of Facebook has filed an application with Los Lunas city officials for billions of dollars in additional funding that could double the size of its data center and bring about 300 additional jobs. The Albuquerque Journal reported that Greater Kudu, LLC is seeking $6.6 billion under a series of six bonds that will help it expand its Facebook Data Center in Los Lunas, south of Albuquerque. The center currently employs more than 200 people. The Los Lunas Village Council is expected to consider the proposal next month to build up to six additional buildings, two within the next two years. The center currently has three fully operational buildings and three under construction.

FILM PRODUCTIONS-NEW MEXICO
Film Office: 3 productions completed in Albuquerque
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say three feature films completed production in the state in recent months. The state Film Office reports the films included "Vengeance" produced by Blumhouse, "Cop Shop" produced by Warren Goz and Eric Gold and "Intrusion," a Netflix feature. The Film Office said all three productions were filmed at least in part in Albuquerque. It said the plot of "Vengeance" is being kept under wraps but that "Cop Shop" is about a crime syndicate fixer who intentionally goes to prison and that "Intrusion" is a drama involving a home invasion and shooting.

SLAYING SUSPECT ARREST
Police: Man sought in Albuquerque slaying held in Alabama
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in New Mexico in say a 24-year-old man being held by authorities in a murder investigation in Huntsville, Alabama, has been named as a suspect in a 2018 killing in Albuquerque. Breon Humphrey-Sallings remained jailed in Huntsville, where police said he was previously arrested in a 2019 homicide case and refused to answer questions from Albuquerque police. Police say an arrest warrant was issued this month in New Mexico for Humphrey-Sallings' arrest in the August 2018 drug deal killing of Christopher Salazar. Police say a second suspect, 26-year-old Deshawn Hall is still sought in Salazar's killing.

AP-US-ABORTION-NEW-MEXICO
New Mexico Legislature moves to preserve abortion rights
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill to shore up abortion rights in New Mexico by overturning a dormant 1969 ban on most abortion procedures has been approved by the Democrat-led Legislature. The state House passed the bill Friday and sent it to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has said she will sign it. The initiative stands as a counterpoint to proposed abortion bans this year in several Republican-led legislatures. If left in place, New Mexico's ban on most abortion procedures could go into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.

AP-US-ABORTION-NEW-MEXICO
New Mexico Legislature moves to preserve abortion rights
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill to shore up abortion rights in New Mexico by overturning a dormant 1969 ban on most abortion procedures has been approved by the Democrat-led Legislature. The state House passed the bill Friday and sent it to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has said she will sign it. The initiative stands as a counterpoint to proposed abortion bans this year in several Republican-led legislatures. If left in place, New Mexico's ban on most abortion procedures could go into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.

​HAALAND-INTERIOR DEPARTMENT
Tribes have high hopes as Haaland confirmation hearing nears
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Deb Haaland has stood with fellow tribal members in protesting an oil pipeline, advocating for protecting cultural landmarks and criticizing destruction of Native American sites near the U.S.-Mexico border. Native Americans have reason to believe the two-term U.S. congresswoman will push forward on long-simmering issues in Indian Country if she's confirmed as secretary of the Interior Department. The agency has broad oversight of tribal affairs and energy development. She would be the first Native American to lead the department or any other Cabinet agency. A confirmation hearing is scheduled Tuesday.

GOVERNOR TAXPAYER FUNDED EXPENSES
New Mexico governor used fund to buy groceries, dry cleaning
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she regrets discretionary spending of taxpayer money that included $6,500 on groceries and alcohol. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the Democratic governor over a six-month period in 2020 spent almost $13,500 from a taxpayer-funded expense account. The account is for spending on functions, events or other items that promote the state. Lukan Grisham's spokesperson said some of groceries were used to feed the governor's cabinet and staff at long meetings. Lujan Grisham said Friday she didn't want New Mexicans to feel she didn't take their hardship seriously. 

FATAL FIRE-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque Fire Rescue 1 found dead after mobile home fire.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque fire officials say one person is dead following a mobile home fire Saturday. Albuquerque Fire Rescue said crews that knocked down a fire inside the residence found one person dead. Cause of death wasn't immediately known and the person's age and identity weren't released. Cause of the fire was under investigation.

FACEBOOK-DATA CENTER
Facebook seeks $6B to expand data center in New Mexico
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — A subsidiary of Facebook has filed an application with Los Lunas city officials for billions of dollars in additional funding that could double the size of its data center and bring about 300 additional jobs. The Albuquerque Journal reported that Greater Kudu, LLC is seeking $6.6 billion under a series of six bonds that will help it expand its Facebook Data Center in Los Lunas, south of Albuquerque. The center currently employs more than 200 people. The Los Lunas Village Council is expected to consider the proposal next month to build up to six additional buildings, two within the next two years. The center currently has three fully operational buildings and three under construction.

FILM PRODUCTIONS-NEW MEXICO
Film Office: 3 productions completed in Albuquerque
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say three feature films completed production in the state in recent months. The state Film Office reports the films included "Vengeance" produced by Blumhouse, "Cop Shop" produced by Warren Goz and Eric Gold and "Intrusion," a Netflix feature. The Film Office said all three productions were filmed at least in part in Albuquerque. It said the plot of "Vengeance" is being kept under wraps but that "Cop Shop" is about a crime syndicate fixer who intentionally goes to prison and that "Intrusion" is a drama involving a home invasion and shooting.

SLAYING SUSPECT ARREST
Police: Man sought in Albuquerque slaying held in Alabama
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in New Mexico in say a 24-year-old man being held by authorities in a murder investigation in Huntsville, Alabama, has been named as a suspect in a 2018 killing in Albuquerque. Breon Humphrey-Sallings remained jailed in Huntsville, where police said he was previously arrested in a 2019 homicide case and refused to answer questions from Albuquerque police. Police say an arrest warrant was issued this month in New Mexico for Humphrey-Sallings' arrest in the August 2018 drug deal killing of Christopher Salazar. Police say a second suspect, 26-year-old Deshawn Hall is still sought in Salazar's killing.

FIRE CALLS JUMP-ALBUQUERQUE
Officials: Albuquerque had grueling two months of big fires
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The mayor and fire chief say Albuquerque firefighters had a grueling two months in December and January, responding to a big increase in what are characterized as serious fires. Mayor Tim Keller and Fire Chief Paul Dow on Friday didn't give a cause for the spike. They say Albuquerque Fire Rescue tallied 209 significant fires during the span, and handled more than 14,000 other calls for medical, rescue and other services. By comparison, the department averaged 64 significant fires per month in October and November. They say February calls appear to be returning to a normal level.

ASYLUM-WAITING IN MEXICO
US lets in asylum-seekers stuck in Mexico, ends Trump policy
SAN DIEGO (AP) — After waiting months and sometimes years in Mexico, people seeking asylum in the United States are starting to be allowed into the country as they wait for courts to decide on their cases. It's unwinding one of the Trump administration's signature immigration policies that President Joe Biden vowed to end. The number of asylum-seekers coming in initially will be very limited, beginning Friday at a border crossing in San Diego and expanding to Brownsville, Texas, on Monday and El Paso, Texas, next Friday. U.S. officials are warning people not to come to the border, saying an estimated 25,000 people with active cases in the "Remain in Mexico" program should register online.

BESIEGED HOSPITAL-NEW MEXICO
Cyberattack strikes hospital that serves Navajo Nation
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A pandemic-besieged hospital on the edge of the Navajo Nation says it has been the focus of a cyberattack. The nonprofit operator of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital in Gallup on Thursday issued a brief statement acknowledging "unauthorized activity" on its computer network. Hospital spokeswoman Ina Burmeister says hospital operators have hired private investigators and taken other undisclosed measures to prevent further unauthorized activity. A wave of digital assaults has been taking U.S. health care providers hostage as they contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

ETHICS COMPLAINT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico House speaker responds to ethics complaint
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf says a recent ethics complaint against him is an effort to distract him from work as a legislator. Egolf made the comments Thursday in an online forum with reporters. Retired state district judge and former district attorney Sandra Price of Aztec has filed a complaint with the State Ethics Commission that accuses Egolf of promoting legislation that may financially benefit his legal practice without disclosing a conflict of interest. The Albuquerque-based commission has not yet made any decision on the merits of the complaint.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 43 new COVID-19 cases, 13 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation officials reported 43 new confirmed COVID-19 cases Thursday with 13 additional deaths. The latest numbers bring the total number of cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 29,386 since the pandemic began. There have been 1,127 reported deaths that were related to COVID-19. Tribal President Jonathan Nez said the Navajo Area Indian Health Service has administered 101,332 vaccines doses on the Navajo Nation as of Thursday. That surpasses the goal of administering at least 100,000 doses by the end of this month. Nez says that even those who have been fully vaccinated need to continue taking precautions to avoid spreading the virus. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico schools make plans for virtual, hybrid learning
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Albuquerque school board has rejected a proposal aimed at partially returning students to the classroom during the coronavirus pandemic as part of a hybrid learning model. The board voted 4-3 against hybrid learning, keeping the district virtual through the end of the year with limited in-person groups. The board also approved a measure to allow some groups in-person instruction, including students at risk of failing or seniors who need additional help. In Las Cruces, school officials rolled out their plan this week. It allows high school students who opted to return to attend class in person two days a week as early as Monday.

PANDEMIC RELIEF-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Senate endorses $200 million for business grants
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Senate has endorsed a bill that would provide $200 million from the state general fund to thousands of businesses that experienced income declines in 2020 on a 41-1 vote. Endorsed Friday, the bill would provide individual grants of up to $100,000 without repayment to businesses for the reimbursement of rent, lease or mortgage obligations on property located in New Mexico. The bill returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments. The proposal from Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf and allied state Rep. Christine Chandler of Los Alamos stands among a long list of bills aimed at reviving the local economy as New Mexico emerges from the pandemic.

NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
Utility financing bill clears New Mexico Senate panel
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A measure aimed at saving customers money when utilities opt to close power plants and recover lost investments has narrowly cleared its first legislative hurdle. A New Mexico Senate panel voted 5-4 Thursday to advance the bill. Supporters of the legislation say it would clear the way for other utilities to use the same financing mechanisms that were afforded Public Service Co. of New Mexico under the state's landmark Energy Transition Act. In the case of the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station, PNM was allowed to recover its lost investments with $361 million in low-cost bonds that will be paid for by ratepayers. 

MINIMUM WAGE-NEW MEXICO
Legislature explores changes to minimum wage in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The minimum wage for working high school students would rise by $2 to $10.50 an hour under a bill endorsed by the New Mexico Senate. The bill won approval Thursday on a 26-15 vote. The state currently provides a lower minimum wage of $8.50 to people 18 and under. The initiative would guarantee the same statewide minimum wage for adults and youths who stay in school. Reforms adopted in 2019 gradually raise the statewide minimum wage to $12 by 2023. A competing bill from a coalition of state House Democrats would raise the minimum hourly wage for students and tipped employees, a mainstay of the hospitality industry.