HATE CRIME STATISTICS
FBI: New Mexico agencies reported 55 hate crimes in 2020
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The FBI says law enforcement agencies in New Mexico reported 55 hate crime incidents last year, an increase from 50 reported in 2019. The data was included in the Hate Crime Statistics 2020, a report released by the FBI on Monday. Authorities say there were 35 reported hate crime incidents in New Mexico last year involving a bias against race, ethnicity or ancestry. The Albuquerque FBI Division is trying to build public awareness of hate crimes and encourage reporting to law enforcement. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
36 Navajo Nation communities have uncontrolled COVID spread
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the second consecutive day.  The latest numbers pushed the tribe's total to 32,545 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago.  The known death total remained at 1,403.  Based on cases from Aug. 13-16, the Navajo Department of Health has issued an advisory notice for 36 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. The Navajo Nation reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. 

NEW MEXICO FLOODING
New Mexico governor signs another declaration for flooding
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed another emergency declaration due to flooding. This time it's for Rio Arriba County, where heavy rainfall recently overwhelmed drainage systems and caused damage to roads and infrastructure. The declaration clears the way for the local government to access funding to help with recovery efforts. Similar declarations were made previously for Lincoln, Chaves, Valencia, Eddy, Doña Ana and Mora counties. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the potential for flash flooding will increase sharply Wednesday through Friday as more heavy rain is expected across the western half of the state.

NEW MEXICO POWER PLANT
New Mexico panel considers future of coal-fired power plant
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider wants to transfer its share of a coal-fired power plant to an energy company backed by the Navajo Nation, but environmentalists argue that approving the deal would prolong the life of the plant and run counter to the state's renewable energy goals. State regulators are taking public comments Monday about the Public Service Co. of New Mexico's plans. A two-week hearing begins Tuesday on whether the transaction would benefit the public. Some tribal members argue the plant and the coal mine that feeds it are key economic drivers for the region.

INTERIOR SECRETARY-WEDDING
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, partner wed in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland got married to longtime partner Skip Sayre Saturday night in New Mexico. Interior Department spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz says Haaland wore a dress designed and sewn by her sister. The ceremony incorporated elements honoring her Native American ancestry. The former New Mexico congresswoman is a member of the Laguna Pueblo. Guests had to be vaccinated to attend and wear masks per CDC and New Mexico guidelines. But pictures on social media that show some people, including Haaland, not wearing masks indoors have drawn criticism. Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Santa Fe hotel first to call for guests' vaccine proof
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Santa Fe hotel will likely be the first such establishment in the city and New Mexico to mandate proof of vaccination for access. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Ten Thousand Waves guests who want to book a room, use the spa or eat indoors will have to be vaccinated or submit a recent negative COVID-19 test. This new policy starts Wednesday. In July, the hotel owners decided to mandate all 150 employees and contractors get vaccinated. They said seeing the delta variant's prevalence helped sway them. More than 1 million people age 18 and up in New Mexico have been fully vaccinated.

FATAL SHOOTING-APARTMENT COMPLEX
1 man dead, 1 wounded in shooting at Albuquerque apartment
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say they're investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured.  They say officers responded about 1 a.m. Saturday to a report of multiple shots fired outside an apartment complex. Police arrived one the scene and found multiple casings in the street and multiple impact holes in the apartment complex. Officers did a welfare check on the tenants and found a man dead in one of the apartments. Another man was injured at the scene but transported himself to the hospital before police arrived and is in stable condition. The names and ages of the dead man and wounded man haven't been released yet as police say their investigation is ongoing.

FATAL SHOOTING-APARTMENT COMPLEX
1 man dead, 1 wounded in shooting at Albuquerque apartment
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say they're investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured.  They say officers responded about 1 a.m. Saturday to a report of multiple shots fired outside an apartment complex. Police arrived one the scene and found multiple casings in the street and multiple impact holes in the apartment complex. Officers did a welfare check on the tenants and found a man dead in one of the apartments. Another man was injured at the scene but transported himself to the hospital before police arrived and is in stable condition. The names and ages of the dead man and wounded man haven't been released yet as police say their investigation is ongoing.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 24 new COVID-19 cases, but no deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Sunday reported 24 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths. The latest numbers pushed the tribe's total to 32,528 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death total remained at 1,403. Tribal health officials reported 35 new cases and three deaths Saturday. The Navajo Nation reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing. The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees.

AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-RENTAL-ASSISTANCE
Anxious tenants await assistance as evictions resume
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — States have begun to ramp up the amount of rental assistance reaching tenants but there are still millions of families facing eviction who haven't gotten help. The Treasury Department says just $5.1 billion of the estimated $46.5 billion in federal rental assistance, or only 11%, has been distributed by states and localities through July. Several states, including Virginia and Texas, have been praised for moving quickly to get the federal money out. But there are still plenty of states, from South Carolina to Arizona, who have distributed very little. The concerns about the slow pace intensified Thursday, after the Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary eviction ban put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.  

ALBUQUERQUE-GOVERNMENT BUILDING
Albuquerque purchasing Bernalillo County's share of building
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bernalillo County and the city of Albuquerque have long shared a large government building in downtown Albuquerque but no more. Albuquerque officials announced Friday that the city is about to finalize its purchase of the Albuquerque Government Center and that the county has moved out to a new facility. Officials said that will enable the city to consolidate departments in the building that the two governments formerly shared. The city said it is paying the county $5 million for the county's share of the building, which the two governments had jointly owned since its construction. The city plans to spend an additional $5.5 million in renovations.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation reported 38 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Friday and no new deaths. Tribal President Jonathan Nez says the daily increase in cases is in line with other places across the country. He urged residents of the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona to limit travel, wear a mask and social distance. The new cases bring the total on the reservation to 32,469 since the pandemic began. The death toll remains at 1,400. 

HOLLOMAN-AFGHAN REFUGEES
Holloman Air Force Base to take in Afghan refugees
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Holloman Air Force Base in southern New Mexico will temporarily will house Afghan refugees. The U.S. Department of Defense made the announcement Friday. The base near Alamogordo joins others in Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin and New Jersey that will provide housing, along with medical and other support for up to 50,000 refugees. They are coming to the U.S. under the Special Immigrant Visa program. Refugees will undergo medical screening, including testing for the coronavirus, before arriving at the military installations. The Defense Department didn't say how many refugees would be sent to Holloman or when they would arrive.

NEW MEXICO REVENUES
New Mexico flush with cash as revenues climb, oil recovers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is flush with cash due mostly to the infusion of federal pandemic aid and higher than expected gross receipts tax revenues as consumers are spending again. A faster than expected recovery by oil and gas markets also has helped to boost the state's projected revenues to record levels for the coming fiscal year. Top state finance officials and legislative analysts briefed a key panel of lawmakers on the outlook Thursday. They're expecting nearly $1.4 billion in new money for the 2023 fiscal year. Still, officials warned lawmakers to be cautious since the pandemic remains a risk factor for continued economic recovery.

NEW MEXICO REVENUES
New Mexico flush with cash as revenues climb, oil recovers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is flush with cash due mostly to the infusion of federal pandemic aid and higher than expected gross receipts tax revenues as consumers are spending again. A faster than expected recovery by oil and gas markets also has helped to boost the state's projected revenues to record levels for the coming fiscal year. Top state finance officials and legislative analysts briefed a key panel of lawmakers on the outlook Thursday. They're expecting nearly $1.4 billion in new money for the 2023 fiscal year. Still, officials warned lawmakers to be cautious since the pandemic remains a risk factor for continued economic recovery.

​ALBUQUERQUE-GOVERNMENT BUILDING
Albuquerque purchasing Bernalillo County's share of building
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bernalillo County and the city of Albuquerque have long shared a large government building in downtown Albuquerque but no more. Albuquerque officials announced Friday that the city is about to finalize its purchase of the Albuquerque Government Center and that the county has moved out to a new facility. Officials said that will enable the city to consolidate departments in the building that the two governments formerly shared. The city said it is paying the county $5 million for the county's share of the building, which the two governments had jointly owned since its construction. The city plans to spend an additional $5.5 million in renovations.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation reported 38 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Friday and no new deaths. Tribal President Jonathan Nez says the daily increase in cases is in line with other places across the country. He urged residents of the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona to limit travel, wear a mask and social distance. The new cases bring the total on the reservation to 32,469 since the pandemic began. The death toll remains at 1,400. 

HOLLOMAN-AFGHAN REFUGEES
Holloman Air Force Base to take in Afghan refugees
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Holloman Air Force Base in southern New Mexico will temporarily will house Afghan refugees. The U.S. Department of Defense made the announcement Friday. The base near Alamogordo joins others in Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin and New Jersey that will provide housing, along with medical and other support for up to 50,000 refugees. They are coming to the U.S. under the Special Immigrant Visa program. Refugees will undergo medical screening, including testing for the coronavirus, before arriving at the military installations. The Defense Department didn't say how many refugees would be sent to Holloman or when they would arrive.

YOUTH LIVESTOCK EXPO-RELOCATION
New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo relocating to Roswell
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo is relocating to Roswell over Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's State Fair vaccination mandate. The expo will be held in Roswell from Sept. 14-17. Lujan Grisham's most recent health order mandated vaccinations for all eligible individuals at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. The result of the mandate was the exclusion of 4-H and FFA children who did not want the vaccine or did not have time to complete the two-dose vaccine cycle before the fair.

AP-US-EL-PASO-SHOOTING-VICTIM'S-HUSBAND
Widower's death extends mourning tied to El Paso massacre
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A man who drew worldwide sympathy and support after his wife was killed in the 2019 mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart is being remembered as kind and thoughtful but haunted by the loss of the woman he loved. Funeral services were Friday for Antonio Basco, who died of cancer on Aug. 14. His wife, Margie Reckard, was among 23 people who were fatally shot on Aug. 3, 2019. Reckard's 2019 funeral drew thousands of people from as far away as California after Basco said he was alone and invited the world to join him in remembering his companion of 22 years. Visitors to Basco's funeral amid a resurgent pandemic included a hospice worker who cared for him and a retired Army veteran who never met Basco.

HOLLOMAN-AFGHAN REFUGEES
Holloman Air Force Base to take in Afghan refugees
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Holloman Air Force Base in southern New Mexico will temporarily will house Afghan refugees. The U.S. Department of Defense made the announcement Friday. The base near Alamogordo joins others in Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin and New Jersey that will provide housing, along with medical and other support for up to 50,000 refugees. They are coming to the U.S. under the Special Immigrant Visa program. Refugees will undergo medical screening, including testing for the coronavirus, before arriving at the military installations. The Defense Department didn't say how many refugees would be sent to Holloman or when they would arrive.

NEW MEXICO REVENUES
New Mexico flush with cash as revenues climb, oil recovers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is flush with cash due mostly to the infusion of federal pandemic aid and higher than expected gross receipts tax revenues as consumers are spending again. A faster than expected recovery by oil and gas markets also has helped to boost the state's projected revenues to record levels for the coming fiscal year. Top state finance officials and legislative analysts briefed a key panel of lawmakers on the outlook Thursday. They're expecting nearly $1.4 billion in new money for the 2023 fiscal year. Still, officials warned lawmakers to be cautious since the pandemic remains a risk factor for continued economic recovery.

​ALBUQUERQUE-GOVERNMENT BUILDING
Albuquerque purchasing Bernalillo County's share of building
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bernalillo County and the city of Albuquerque have long shared a large government building in downtown Albuquerque but no more. Albuquerque officials announced Friday that the city is about to finalize its purchase of the Albuquerque Government Center and that the county has moved out to a new facility. Officials said that will enable the city to consolidate departments in the building that the two governments formerly shared. The city said it is paying the county $5 million for the county's share of the building, which the two governments had jointly owned since its construction. The city plans to spend an additional $5.5 million in renovations.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation reported 38 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Friday and no new deaths. Tribal President Jonathan Nez says the daily increase in cases is in line with other places across the country. He urged residents of the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona to limit travel, wear a mask and social distance. The new cases bring the total on the reservation to 32,469 since the pandemic began. The death toll remains at 1,400. 

YOUTH LIVESTOCK EXPO-RELOCATION
New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo relocating to Roswell
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo is relocating to Roswell over Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's State Fair vaccination mandate. The expo will be held in Roswell from Sept. 14-17. Lujan Grisham's most recent health order mandated vaccinations for all eligible individuals at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. The result of the mandate was the exclusion of 4-H and FFA children who did not want the vaccine or did not have time to complete the two-dose vaccine cycle before the fair.

AP-US-EL-PASO-SHOOTING-VICTIM'S-HUSBAND
Widower's death extends mourning tied to El Paso massacre
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A man who drew worldwide sympathy and support after his wife was killed in the 2019 mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart is being remembered as kind and thoughtful but haunted by the loss of the woman he loved. Funeral services were Friday for Antonio Basco, who died of cancer on Aug. 14. His wife, Margie Reckard, was among 23 people who were fatally shot on Aug. 3, 2019. Reckard's 2019 funeral drew thousands of people from as far away as California after Basco said he was alone and invited the world to join him in remembering his companion of 22 years. Visitors to Basco's funeral amid a resurgent pandemic included a hospice worker who cared for him and a retired Army veteran who never met Basco.

NEW MEXICO OVERDOSE DEATHS
New Mexico sees steep rise in overdose deaths amid pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is seeing soaring numbers of deadly overdoses from fentanyl and methamphetamine. Legislative analysts said in a report released Thursday that preliminary figures show fentanyl-related deaths increased by 129% between 2019 and 2020. That percentage is expected to climb even higher as the data for last year is still coming in. The trend mirrors what's happening nationally. The report says the pandemic contributed to the surge in overdoses by disrupting outreach to treatment and increased social isolation. It also highlighted the anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and burnout that people have been experiencing since the pandemic began.

YOUTH LIVESTOCK EXPO-RELOCATION
New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo relocating to Roswell
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo is relocating to Roswell over Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's State Fair vaccination mandate. The expo will be held in Roswell from Sept. 14-17. Grisham's most recent health order mandated vaccinations for all eligible individuals at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. The result of the mandate was the exclusion of 4-H and FFA children who did not want the vaccine or did not have time to complete the two-dose vaccine cycle before the fair.

EL PASO SHOOTING-VICTIM'S HUSBAND
Widower's death extends mourning tied to El Paso massacre
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A man who drew worldwide sympathy and support after his wife was killed in the August 2019 mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart is being laid to rest. Funeral services are scheduled Friday for Antonio Basco, after his death on Aug. 14. He and Margie Reckard had been married for 22 years when Reckard was among 23 people fatally shot on Aug. 3, 2019. Reckard's 2019 funeral drew thousands of people from as far away as California after Basco said he was alone and invited the world to join him in remembering his companion of 22 years. A capital murder case against Patrick Wood Crusius is pending trial in Texas. Crusius also has been charged with more than 90 counts under federal hate-crime and firearms laws.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 55 new COVID-19 cases and 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 55 new COVID-19 cases and one more death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe's totals to 32,430 coronavirus cases and 1,400 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The vast Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing. The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees, including those working for tribal enterprises like utilities, shopping centers and casinos.  

NEW MEXICO OVERDOSE DEATHS
New Mexico sees steep rise in overdose deaths amid pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is seeing soaring numbers of deadly overdoses from fentanyl and methamphetamine. Legislative analysts said in a report released Thursday that preliminary figures show fentanyl-related deaths increased by 129% between 2019 and 2020. That percentage is expected to climb even higher as the data for last year is still coming in. The trend mirrors what's happening nationally. The report says the pandemic contributed to the surge in overdoses by disrupting outreach to treatment and increased social isolation. It also highlighted the anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and burnout that people have been experiencing since the pandemic began.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SCHOOL FUNDING-NEW MEXICO
How New Mexico schools are spending $1B in pandemic funding
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico schools have started spending the $1 billion in pandemic relief funding that was promised to them this year. Because of the extra federal funding, all children in many rural schools now have tablets or to laptops to use at their homes. School districts also spent the money to buy masks, upgrade air filters and to provide other COVID-19 protections. The Associated Press analyzed data published or provided by states and the federal government. The data shows that the spending of federal money in New Mexico is expected to range from $100 to $15,000 per student depending on the school district. More funding goes to areas with higher concentrations of low-income students. 

EDUCATION EQUITY HEARING
'Lost cause': New Mexico students have fewer school days
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico children spend less time in school. That's despite the millions of dollars in state funding available for school districts to pay teachers for more teaching time. But the voluntary programs haven't won support from school districts this year, despite the months of learning time lost because of the pandemic. School superintendents say parents and teachers don't want to shorten the summer holiday. They have asked the legislature to mandate extra school days. New Mexico is one of the few states in the U.S. that doesn't mandate at least 180 school days per year.

PSYCHIATRIST-PATIENTS ASSAULTED
Psychiatrist pleads no contest in sexual assault case
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A Las Cruces psychiatrist could face years in prison after pleading no contest to charges accusing him of sexually assaulting female patients. A plea agreement recommends seven years in prison for Dr. Mark Beale. He pleaded no contest to a total of 16 counts of felony criminal sexual penetration, misdemeanor criminal sexual contact and petty misdemeanor battery. Beale said in court Tuesday that he didn't want to give up the opportunity to defend himself, prompting the judge initially to say he'd reject the plea. But the judge then accepted it when Beale's lawyer asked him to reconsider. Beale was arrested in 2019.

IMMIGRATION-CHILDREN
Migrant children spend weeks at US shelters as more arrive
Some immigrant teens say they've waited weeks or months in massive facilities and don't know when they'll be released to relatives in the United States. Most children were at these emergency intake sites for less than three weeks in mid-July, but more than 700 kids had been there longer. Advocates question why the Biden administration continues to rely these sites, calling them unfit for young children. They want officials to look at a longer-term fix. The administration raced to erect the sites five months ago to house a record number of immigrant children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border alone. But even now, with the summer heat, the crunch on the border shows no sign of abating.

IMMIGRATION-CHILDREN
Migrant children spend weeks at US shelters as more arrive
Some immigrant teens say they've waited weeks or months in massive facilities and don't know when they'll be released to relatives in the United States. Most children were at these emergency intake sites for less than three weeks in mid-July, but more than 700 kids had been there longer. Advocates question why the Biden administration continues to rely these sites, calling them unfit for young children. They want officials to look at a longer-term fix. The administration raced to erect the sites five months ago to house a record number of immigrant children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border alone. But even now, with the summer heat, the crunch on the border shows no sign of abating.

NEW MEXICO-CONSERVATION
New Mexico governor joins US conservation challenge
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wants to conserve more of the state's land and water. She says doing so will boost other state efforts to mitigate climate change effects. The Democratic governor signed an executive order Wednesday creating a committee that will draft a plan aimed at conserving 30% of New Mexico's land and water by 2030. The Biden administration in May set the ambitious goal of conserving a third of the entire U.S. To make progress, experts have said westerns states must play a key role in the effort. California and Nevada have taken similar action. Some critics worry that it will amount to a land grab by the government.

REMAIN IN MEXICO-EXPLAINER
EXPLAINER: What's next for the 'Remain in Mexico' policy?
PHOENIX (AP) — The Supreme Court has ordered the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" immigration policy, saying the Biden administration likely violated federal law by trying to end the Trump-era program that forces people to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum in the U.S. The decision raised questions about what comes next for the future of the policy, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. U.S. immigration experts note that no matter what happens over the long term, the Biden administration has a lot of discretion on how broadly it wants to reimplement the "Remain in Mexico" policy. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico close to rationing hospital care amid pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Top health officials are warning that New Mexico is about a week away from rationing health care as COVID-19 infections continue to climb. State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said during a briefing Wednesday that the state is tracking along with its worst-case projections when it comes to spread and hospitalizations. He said the biggest constraint right now is the shortage of health care workers. State officials suggested New Mexico would have to increase the percentage of vaccinated adults by as much as 18% to avert the coming hospital crisis. So far, about two-thirds of New Mexicans over 18 are fully vaccinated.

PANDEMIC RELIEF-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico races to spend federal grant money on time
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State agencies in New Mexico already have spent billions of dollars in federal pandemic relief grants as they try to shore up household income, childhood nutrition, public education and internet service. A briefing by the budget and accountability office of the state Legislature shows the state has spent more than half of its $10.1 billion share through 130 grants. Most of the money has gone to mandatory programs such as unemployment insurance and Medicaid. Legislative analysts also noted in Wednesday's briefing that the pressure to spend down the grants may lead to uncompetitive contracting through emergency exemptions.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 57 new COVID-19 cases and 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 57 new COVID-19 cases _ 20 more than the previous day _ plus one more death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe's totals to 32,374 coronavirus cases and 1,399 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The vast Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing. Any worker who does not show proof of vaccination by Sept. 29 must be tested every two weeks or face discipline.

REPLACEMENT LEGISLATOR
Panel appoints replacement to fill New Mexico House vacancy
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An environmental activist has been sworn in to fill a New Mexico House vacancy created by now-former Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton's resignation amid a corruption investigation. The Bernalillo County Commission on Tuesday appointed Albuquerque Democrat Kay Bounkeua to fill the District 19 seat. Bounkeua was among 10 applicants considered by the commission and is currently the New Mexico deputy state director for the Wilderness Society. She also recently served as the executive director of the New Mexico Asian Family Center. Local media outlets reported that Bounkeua is believed to be the first Asian American woman to serve in the New Mexico Legislature. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Lawsuit challenges New Mexico's COVID-19 vaccine mandate
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A newly filed lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of recent public health orders requiring people with certain jobs to get COVID-19 vaccinations and restricting admittance to the state fair. The lawsuit filed last week in federal court asks a judge to block enforcement of an order requiring health workers, teachers and certain other workers to get vaccinated. A spokeswoman for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says state actions to protect the public's health and safety have been repeatedly upheld by courts. Many employers also are requiring vaccinations, with Los Alamos National Laboratory among the latest to do so.

​BIDEN-IMMIGRATION COURTS
Supreme Court orders 'Remain in Mexico' policy reinstated
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says the Biden administration likely violated federal law in trying to end a Trump-era program that forces people to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum in the U.S. With three liberal justices in dissent, the high court refused Tuesday to block a lower court ruling ordering the administration to reinstate the program informally known as Remain in Mexico. It's not clear how many people will be affected and how quickly. Under the lower court ruling, the administration must make a "good faith effort" to restart the program. There also is nothing preventing the administration from trying again to end the program.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 37 new COVID-19 cases and 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 37 new COVID-19 cases and one more death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe's totals to 32,315 coronavirus cases and 1,398 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The vast Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing. The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees, including those working for tribal enterprises like utilities, shopping centers and casinos. 

OIL AND GAS-SACRED SITES
Recommendations target US oil, gas leasing across the West
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Indigenous leader from New Mexico and former U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt are calling on the federal government to overhaul its oil and gas leasing program to ensure the protection of cultural resources. Acoma Pueblo Gov. Brian Vallo and Babbitt highlighted the recommendations outlined in a report released Tuesday that looks at leasing policies across the West. The recommendations are focused on how land managers can incorporate tribal expertise into decision-making and better protect places such Utah's Bears Ears region and land surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. Besides planning for future development, Vallo said, previous damage also needs to be addressed.

AP-US-DROUGHT-CLIMATE-OBSERVATORY
Scientists launch effort to collect water data in US West
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Federal scientists are launching an effort to better understand the hydrology in the U.S. West. The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced a new kind of climate observatory near the headwaters of the Colorado River. Scientists say data gathered from the equipment will help better predict rain and snowfall in the region and determine how much of it will flow through the river. The multimillion-dollar effort led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory begins next week. The Colorado River serves 40 million people in several states and Mexico. A recent shortage declaration means Arizona, Nevada and Mexico won't get their full allocations of water next year.

EDUCATION LAWSUIT-BLUEPRINT
Document hints at solving New Mexico education inadequacies
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico education officials have put together an outline for addressing education inequities that have fueled a years-long legal battle over underserved students. A copy of the draft report obtained by the Associated Press suggests the state will focus on increasing teacher training, reducing dropout rates and absenteeism and increasing funding for social services and at-home internet and computers. The draft is aimed at resolving the ongoing lawsuit over educational opportunities for Native American students and others. It states goals but does not specify solutions. Education officials say a final version will be released in December and will include specific fixes and explain how successes will be measured. 

AP-US-GORILLA-DEATH-ALBUQUERQUE-ZOO
Gorilla at Albuquerque zoo euthanized because of infection
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque's municipal zoo says a 48-year-old female gorilla has died after being stricken by a bacterial infection. ABQ BioPark Zoo officials say Huerfanita was euthanized Saturday once it became clear she wasn't going to recover from a digestive tract infection after being treated with medications. The 48-year-old western lowland gorilla had the same type of infection that killed a male siamang, a type of gibbon, at the zoo earlier this month. The infection was first discovered at the zoo in early August in a male gorilla. Zoo Director Stephanie Stowell said Huerfanita was beloved at the zoo and that staff were devastated by her death.