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New Mexico State News - Saturday October 31, 2020

10/31/2020

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LEGISLATOR THREATENED-NEW MEXICO
GOP condemns Democratic state senator's conduct with police

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Republican Party on Friday criticizing the conduct of a Democratic state senator in an encounter with state police as the legislator sought help regarding telephone message threats. Republicans made public lapel camera video of the visit by several state police officers to the home of Sen. Jacob Candelaria in which the senator raises his voice with police and asks them to leave. Candelaria said he has thanked and apologized to the officers who came to his home for not treating them with the necessary respect and decorum. Candelaria has been critical of the overall police response to threats against him as an openly gay, Latino legislator in the current political climate.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico marks grim milestone with over 1,000 virus deaths
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has marked a grim milestone, as deaths related to the coronavirus have topped 1,000. The statewide toll grew Friday with the addition of 13 more deaths. The tally came as New Mexico struggles with increasing rates of spread and record daily case totals and hospitalizations. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered flags to fly at half-staff starting Monday for a week of mourning. She called it "an unfathomable tragedy." State health officials are urging people to stay home. Nationally, the U.S. is averaging just over 800 coronavirus deaths a day, up about 14% over the past two weeks.
ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
GOP disputes removal of 4 New Mexico election challengers
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Election administrators and Republican Party election challengers are clashing about oversight of the absentee balloting process in a southern New Mexico county. State elections regulators and the Republican Party say four GOP-affiliated election challengers were removed from a warehouse in Dona Ana County where absentee ballots are being processed. State Elections Director Mandy Vigil said her office received reports that Republican-appointed challengers were removed for disrupting and intimidating the county's absentee precinct board. The Republican Party said the challengers were rightfully doing there job. 
MILITARY EXERCISE
Air Force to conduct exercise in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The U.S. Air Force says residents of parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas can expect to see and hear additional military flight activity in the coming week, including some at night. Officials said the 355th Wing will conduct an exercise that will include airplane and helicopter operations. The exercise will be done at locations between Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, on the west and the Army's Fort Bliss outside El Paso, Texas, on the east. Officials said the exercise dubbed Dynamic Wing is intended to prepare personnel for rapid deployments for "attack and rescue missions in austere environments." The 355th is based at Davis-Monthan.
NEW MEXICO-RELOCATION
New Mexico to practice in Nevada due to public health order
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico football team will be moving its practices to Las Vegas, Nevada, as it prepares for an upcoming game. UNM Athletic Director Eddie Nunez says the Lobos are relocating because training is currently restricted to groups of five at a time due the prevalence of COVID-19 in Albuquerque and mandates spelled out by a state public health order. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the team could end up staying through November as New Mexico is dealing with a surge of coronavirus cases. According to the team, there have been no positive tests among players and coaches this past week.
NAVAJO NATION-HEMP LAWSUIT
Navajo Nation accuses farmers of illegally growing hemp
SHIPROCK, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation is suing nearly three dozen people, accusing them of illegally growing hemp or marijuana on the reservation. The lawsuit filed earlier this week in the Shiprock District Court in northwestern New Mexico says the operations are contaminating the tribe's water, land and other natural resources. It's the second such lawsuit the tribe's Department of Justice has filed this year. The tribe does not have a regulatory system for industrial hemp on the vast reservation that spans parts of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. 
WESTERN GRAY WOLF-25 YEARS
Wolves rebound, lose protections. Now future up to voters
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Wolves have repopulated the mountains and forests of the American West with remarkable speed since their reintroduction 25 years ago. They've expanded to more than 300 packs in six states. Now voters in Colorado are poised to give the predators another boost in their rebound from extinction in the region last century. A Nov. 3 ballot initiative seeks to reintroduce them to the western half of the state, where cattle ranchers and hunting guides see the return of wolves as a threat. The Trump administration on Thursday stripped wolves of government protections across most of the U.S. That puts their future in the hands of state wildlife agencies.
AP-US-ELECTION-2020-STATE-SUPREME-COURTS
Voting, virus, race are hot topics in state high court races
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court isn't the nation's only judicial battleground. The high courts in a number of states are on the ballot Tuesday in races that will determine whether Republicans or Democrats have a majority, and the stakes are high for both sides. This year alone, state supreme courts have been thrust into the spotlight to decide politically charged cases over voting rights, race and governors' coronavirus orders. Next year, it could be abortion, health care and redistricting. State supreme court races have become increasingly partisan in recent elections and often attract millions of dollars in campaign spending.
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El Paso Judge Orders Shelter in Place - Shuts Down Non-Essential Businesses

10/30/2020

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PictureCars line up for coronavirus tests at the University of Texas at El Paso on Oct. 23. The city has seen a surge in cases, prompting a judge to issue a shutdown of nonessential businesses. PAUL RATJE / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
ELPASO, TX – (NPR) With new coronavirus cases soaring and hospitals at capacity, a Texas judge issued a shelter-in-place order that shuts down nonessential businesses for El Paso and its surrounding areas.
     The order, which calls for hair salons, gyms and restaurant dine-in services to close, went into effect just before midnight Friday local time. It is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 11.
  The state's attorney general quickly denounced the order, who said the judge had no authority to enact such a measure.
    El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said in a statement Thursday that the county "has never seen this level of high infection rates of COVID-19 cases throughout our community."
    "Our hospitals are at capacity, our medical professionals are overwhelmed, and if we don't respond, we will see unprecedented levels of death," Samaniego added. "I am hopeful that the Governor will work with us and recognize that this is a short-term remedy that is needed to contain the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in our community."
     Essential sites, including child care facilities, polling sites and grocery stores, can remain open under his order.     

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     Hours after the judge's announcement, the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted that "all legal actions" were being explored, setting up a potential legal battle over the legality of the measure.
      "El Paso County Judge Samaniego has no authority to shut down businesses in El Paso County," Paxton's office tweeted. "This is a direct violation @GovAbbott's executive order. My office is quickly exploring all legal actions."
      Earlier this month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order allowing county judges in areas that meet certain coronavirus benchmarks to allow bars and similar establishments to operate at 50% capacity. The governor's order also allowed for increasing "the occupancy levels for all business establishments other than bars to 75%."
    El Paso Mayor Dee Margo released a statement saying he was not consulted on the judge's shutdown order, according to Mallory Falk, an El Paso-based reporter for member station KERA.
"    We must strike a balance of keeping our neighbors safe while not destroying people's abilities to feed their families," he added in tweet.
     Samaniego said over the weekend that he was "left with no choice" but to issue a mandatory two-week overnight curfew for residents of the El Paso area because of the spiking virus positivity rates.
     At the time, El Paso County had seen a jump of 160% increase in the positivity rate over the past three weeks and a 300% increase in hospitalizations over that same period.
     As of Friday, El Paso health officials have reported 47,052 confirmed coronavirus cases and 595 deaths.
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NM Gov Orders Flags to Half-Staff - Week of Mourning COVID-19 Deaths

10/30/2020

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SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday ordered state flags to half-staff for a week of mourning in recognition of the state of New Mexico recording 1,000 COVID19 fatalities.

The state Department of Health on Friday reported 13 additional COVID-19 fatalities, the most deaths reported in the state in a single day of the pandemic, bringing the state’s total to 1,007. The state reported its first COVID-19 fatality March 25. The state of New Mexico on Friday reported 334 individuals are currently hospitalized in the state with COVID-19, the eighth consecutive day the state set a new record for total COVID-19 hospitalizations.

According to the Department of Health’s latest epidemiology report on COVID-19 hospitalizations, more than 17 percent of all COVID-19 patients in New Mexico who have been hospitalized did not survive. Per the governor’s order, which is attached to this news release, state flags will be lowered from Monday, Nov. 2, to sundown Friday, Nov. 6.

​The governor issued the following statement: “One thousand New Mexican lives lost is an unfathomable tragedy. For many months now, the daily drumbeat of a few more deaths, a few more deaths has served to diminish the acute feeling of loss. But it is tragic and real for me, every single day, because it is tragic and real for the New Mexican families with an empty seat at the table, a hole in their hearts that will never be filled. I pray for these families every single day. I ask you to please join me in praying for them – and acting to prevent any more needless loss. “We cannot allow ourselves to become numb. These are not numbers, they are not merely data points. They are mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbors, educators, first responders, nurses, doctors, business-owners, entrepreneurs. Every one of these 1,000 New Mexicans was loved by someone. Every one of these 1,000 lost New Mexicans leaves a hole in a family, a community, our state. I grieve with them. New Mexico grieves with them. “We can and will rebuild our mainstreets. We can and will restore our economy. We can and will recover the jobs and livelihoods that have been lost in the economic turmoil unleashed by the virus. But we cannot replace these souls, these lives, these loved ones. We cannot replace you. And the risk our state, our hospitals and our communities face has never, ever been greater than it is right now. “I plead with New Mexicans: Take this virus seriously. Don’t wait for the illness and death it delivers to arrive on your doorstep, within your family, to take the precautions we know work. Recommit to the mindset we all had in March and April and May: No errand is worth your life, no visit with friends and family is worth their lives. Please, fight through the impulse to surrender to the virus, to fatigue, to whatever it might be. Please, honor the 1,000 lives we have already lost in our state, honor their grieving loved ones by recommitting to common-sense, life-saving public health practices. Stay home. Wear your mask when you must go out. Wash and sanitize your hands. You will save a life. You will have done your part to protect our state.” 

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New Mexico State News - Friday October 30, 2020

10/30/2020

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DRY NEW MEXICO
New Mexico offers drought sessions as dry conditions persist

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The record-breaking winter storm brought much needed precipitation to most of New Mexico this week. But forecasters say drought conditions are expected to persist at least through February as the odds are leaning toward a drier than normal winter. New Mexico State University will be hosting a series of virtual sessions for farmers and ranchers on drought management and the water outlook starting next week. The first will focus on southern New Mexico and another is planned for the north the following week. The latest drought map shows about two-thirds of the state are classified as being in extreme or exceptional drought.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Hospital officer: New Mexico at pivotal point with virus

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The chief medical officer for the largest hospital system in New Mexico says the state is at a pivotal point involving the coronavirus. Dr. Jason Mitchell with Presbyterian Healthcare Services says the data is clear that the state stands to face severe pressure on its health care system if the spread of COVID-19 continues at its current rate. New Mexico on Thursday set new records for the daily case count and hospitalizations. State health officials also say the number of deaths related to the virus are on the rise. Nearly 1,000 people have died in New Mexico.

​NAVAJO NATION-HEMP LAWSUIT
Navajo Nation accuses farmers of illegally growing hemp

SHIPROCK, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation is suing nearly three dozen people, accusing them of illegally growing hemp or marijuana on the reservation. The lawsuit filed earlier this week in the Shiprock District Court in northwestern New Mexico says the operations are contaminating the tribe's water, land and other natural resources. It's the second such lawsuit the tribe's Department of Justice has filed this year. The tribe does not have a regulatory system for industrial hemp on the vast reservation that spans parts of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. 

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Election regulator optimistic about New Mexico vote count

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top election regulator says she is optimistic that an uncertified tally of votes can be accomplished statewide within one or two days after Election Day. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said Thursday that voting is expected to be robust through Election Day amid a major shift toward voting by absentee ballots that take longer to tally. More than 660,000 votes had been cast as of Thursday morning, closing in on the high mark of 833,000 for the 2008 presidential election. 

CLINT EASTWOOD-FILM PRODUCTION
Clint Eastwood to direct 'Cry Macho' in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Warner Bros. has announced production of a new Clint Eastwood film is set to take place in New Mexico. The Albuquerque Journal reported that the 90-year-old Oscar winner will direct and star in the film "Cry Macho." No other cast member has been announced. The casting agency said production is scheduled from Nov. 4 through Dec. 16 in the Albuquerque area. The film is based on the book of the same name by Richard Nash. Eastwood will play a one-time rodeo star and horse breeder in 1978 who takes a job from a former boss to bring the man's young son home. Extras casting is currently underway for the project.

LEGISLATOR THREATENED-NEW MEXICO
State senator pivots from fugitive to reformer

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A state senator who fled home because of threatening phone messages after criticizing a protest against coronavirus restrictions says he plans to pursue reforms that make police more responsive to threats against elected officials — including those who may be especially vulnerable to discrimination. Sen. Jacob Candelaria fled his Albuquerque home on Sunday with his husband in response to an abusive caller who threatened to "get you out one way or another." The openly gay legislator said Tuesday evening that an adequate security plan is now in place but that reforms are needed to ensure police respond more readily to heightened dangers to lawmakers.
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New Mexico State News - Thursday October 29, 2020

10/29/2020

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LEGISLATOR THREATENED-NEW MEXICO
State senator pivots from fugitive to reformer

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A state senator who fled home because of threatening phone messages after criticizing a protest against coronavirus restrictions says he plans to pursue reforms that make police more responsive to threats against elected officials — including those who may be especially vulnerable to discrimination. Sen. Jacob Candelaria fled his Albuquerque home on Sunday with his husband in response to an abusive caller who threatened to "get you out one way or another." The openly gay legislator said Tuesday evening that an adequate security plan is now in place but that reforms are needed to ensure police respond more readily to heightened dangers to lawmakers.

ELECTION 2020-LAWSUITS
Taking a stand has new meaning in heavily litigated election

The United States is barreling toward Election Day in what is believed to be the most litigated race in American history. Even seemingly mundane issues like where poll watchers can stand are turning into legal disputes in some states. Lawsuits by the hundreds already have been filed as both Democrats and Republicans try to settle in court a process that is usually determined by citizens simply casting ballots. The legal action runs along a broad spectrum, from a dispute over whether guns are allowed near polling places to more complicated matters that already have reached the Supreme Court.

ELECTION 2020-GET OUT THE VOTE
Letters, texts, caravans, parades: Advocates mobilize voters

In the best of times, it's a massive logistical challenge to get millions out to vote. In 2020, the difficulty has been dramatically compounded: by fear of the coronavirus, by complications and confusion over mail-in ballots, by palpable anxiety over the bitter divisions in the country. As early voting has surged dramatically, advocates behind the scenes have been mobilizing in myriad ways, from volunteer letter-writers to block associations to national movements, from college marching bands to lone violinists, from fleets of minivans to bicycle parades to horseback rides to the polls in Indian Country.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO SCHOOLS
Report: Remote learning fails many New Mexico students

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Legislative analysts say many New Mexico public school students are failing classes because remote learning isn't as effective as classroom instruction. In the report made public on Wednesday, a survey of teachers by the analysts found that 20% of students aren't connecting to school at all. The report says 40% are failing to regularly complete classwork. Four out of five middle and high school students are failing one or more classes in the small southern town Hatch. In larger schools districts like Santa Fe, half of middle and high school students are failing. The report recommends adding more days to the school year to make up for lost learning.

THREATENED OWL-AGREEMENT
Judge approves agreement to end dispute over threatened owl

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A U.S. judge approved an agreement between environmentalists and federal managers that will clear the way for both forest restoration efforts and logging to resume in the Southwest. The judge's order was filed Wednesday, a day after the parties announced they had reached the resolution. The court had limited timber activities and restoration projects on national forest lands in New Mexico and Arizona last year pending the outcome of a battle over the threatened Mexican spotted owl. The agreement requires federal managers to monitor the owl population and do surveys before disturbing any ground within owl habitat.

NAVAJO-COAL POWER PLANT
Navajo energy company in talks over coal-fired power plant

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Negotiations between New Mexico's largest electric utility and the Navajo Transitional Energy Co. could determine whether the tribe acquires a stake in one of the Southwest's few remaining coal-fired power plants. Public Service Co. of New Mexico officials say the negotiations over the Four Corners Power Plant are in their final stages. The New Mexico utility would be able to divest itself from the plant as early as 2024 and the Navajo company would get up to $75 million for exiting early. New Mexico regulators must approve any deal between the tribal company and the utility.

PUEBLO COUNCIL-CHAIRMAN
New Mexico pueblo leadership council gets new chairman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A leadership council that represents Native American pueblos across New Mexico has a new chairman. The All Pueblo Council of Governors announced Tuesday that Wilfred Herrera Jr. of Laguna Pueblo will serve as chairman after J. Michael Chavarria of Santa Clara Pueblo submitted his resignation. Chavarria cited personal reasons for his decision to step down but didn't provide any details. The council is considering whether to hold a special election early next year to fill the remainder of Chavarria's two-year term. During his time on the council, Chavarria has been outspoken about issues ranging from education to the protection of cultural sites. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation seeks more paper applications for virus funds

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation says it's working to release more paper applications for a tribal hardship assistance program after application shortages caused challenges for chapters and tribal members. The Navajo Nation Office of the Controller made applications available Monday to enrolled members of the tribe who are 65 and older or who have disabilities. The Navajo Nation CARES Fund Hardship Assistance Program applications are open to all other enrolled tribal members starting Nov. 2. However, the department said only 3,000 applications were printed over the weekend and distributed to the Navajo Nation's 110 chapters. Controller Pearline Kirk said 200,000 more applications will be made available to the chapters. 
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New Mexico State News - Wednesday October 28, 2020

10/28/2020

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VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico building infrastructure for vaccine distribution

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It could be awhile before a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available, but health officials in New Mexico say they have submitted their plans to the federal government for how to distribute it. They said Tuesday that the focus will be on vaccinating health care workers, first responders and then nursing home residents and staff. They acknowledged that supplies will likely be limited early on and immunizations for the general public would come later. Amid a surge in infections in the state and elsewhere in the U.S., health officials outlined their plans for lawmakers, who had questions about everything from the cost to security.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico high court rejects GOP suit on absentee ballots

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit by the state Republican Party alleging that partisan poll challengers have been unfairly denied oversight of the initial ballot verification process. Three justices including the court's lone Republican denied the petition to intervene in the absentee voting process. The GOP lawsuit alleged that partisan challengers are being shut out of the initial verification process unnecessarily because of privacy provisions and should be allowed to take their own steps to notify voters about rejected ballots. In a separate lawsuit, the GOP accuses local election officials in two counties of failing to properly monitor ballot drop boxes.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO SEAL
University of New Mexico regents choose new school seal

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Regents at New Mexico's largest university have decided on a new design for the school seal to replace one that had sparked protests over its depiction of a sword-carrying Spanish conquistador and a rifle-toting frontiersman. University of New Mexico officials confirmed that the decision was made during a recent meeting, but it will likely take more than a year for the new seal to be fully rolled out. Students, alumni and others were polled on five options, including one that had a howling Lobo and mountains in the background. Regents instead chose a less complex design they said would better reflect the university on diplomas and graduation apparel.

THREATENED OWL-AGREEMENT
Agreement ends dispute over threatened Mexican spotted owl

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmentalists have reached an agreement with federal land and wildlife managers that will clear the way for forest restoration efforts to resume in the Southwest. A federal court had issued an injunction last year that limited timber activities and restoration projects on national forest lands in New Mexico and Arizona pending the outcome of a battle over the threatened Mexican spotted owl. WildEarth Guardians says the agreement requires federal managers to monitor owl population trends through 2025. Surveys also will be done prior to ground-disturbing activities and known owl habitats will be protected. The agreement applies to all 11 national forests in the two states.

NEW MEXICO STORM
Storm blasts New Mexico; travel hazardous in some places

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A storm dropped snow on New Mexico on Tuesday, making travel hazardous in some areas. National Weather Service forecasters said snow was expected to begin tapering off in western New Mexico on Tuesday and then in the Rio Grande Valley Tuesday night, with last snow falling in the state's eastern plains on Wednesday. Forecasters said freezing rain was possible in southeastern New Mexico. Snowfall was expected to total up to 4 inches in Albuquerque and up to 12 inches in Tucumcari. In Albuquerque, non-essential city services and municipal offices were closed Tuesday due to snowfall and freezing temperatures that affected driving conditions. Albuquerque residents were advised to limit travel. 

CARLSBAD HIGHER EDUCATION
Carlsbad to consider future of its New Mexico State campus

CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — The city of Carlsbad has assembled a task force to consider the future of its New Mexico State University campus, including the possibility of operating as an independent university. The Carlsbad Current-Argus reported that Mayor Dale Janway said the university removed the president position in August from its Carlsbad and other branch campuses, leaving one executive with authority over all three. He says there's concern that resources will be diverted from Carlsbad to Las Cruces. Task force chairman Craig Stephens says he hopes the group completes its work before the upcoming legislative session. 

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Republican lawsuit alleges problems with absentee balloting

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Republican Party is alleging in a lawsuit that its election poll challengers in New Mexico are unfairly being denied oversight of the initial verification process for absentee ballots. In the suit filed Monday to the state Supreme Court, Republican officials accuse the secretary of state of interfering with independent oversight as county clerks verify signatures and partial social security numbers on the outer envelop of any absentee ballots. State election officials say they are complying with a robust oversight process and criticized the lawsuit as a worrisome tactic. The Supreme Court is asking for a response from election regulators.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico officials issue warning about hospital capacity

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials with three of the largest health care systems in New Mexico say that if COVID-19 continues to spread like it has in recent weeks, hospitals and health care workers in the state will not be able to keep up. They issued the warning Monday, as New Mexico deals with a surge of infections. Despite having some of the most restrictive public health requirements since the start of the pandemic, New Mexico has seen three record-setting days for daily case totals in just over a week. Hospitalizations also have skyrocketed with nearly 290 people being treated around the state. That marks a four-fold increase over the past month.
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New Mexico State News - Tuesday October 27, 2020

10/27/2020

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ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
Republican lawsuit alleges problems with absentee balloting

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Republican Party is alleging in a lawsuit that its election poll challengers in New Mexico are unfairly being denied oversight of the initial verification process for absentee ballots. In the suit filed Monday to the state Supreme Court, Republican officials accuse the secretary of state of interfering with independent oversight as county clerks verify signatures and partial social security numbers on the outer envelop of any absentee ballots. State election officials say they are complying with a robust oversight process and criticized the lawsuit as a worrisome tactic. The Supreme Court is asking for a response from election regulators.

NEW MEXICO STORM
New Mexico blasted by snow, wind and freezing temperatures

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Blowing snow and slick roads are creating hazardous travel conditions for northern and central New Mexico. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque says travelers should be cautious as road conditions were expected to deteriorate Monday evening and overnight. Forecasters say the storm system is expected to reach peak intensity Tuesday with widespread effects, especially in the high terrain and across eastern New Mexico. The moisture offered a much needed break for many parts of the state that have gone weeks without rain. According to the latest drought map, the entire state is suffering from moderate drought or worse.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico officials issue warning about hospital capacity

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials with three of the largest health care systems in New Mexico say that if COVID-19 continues to spread like it has in recent weeks, hospitals and health care workers in the state will not be able to keep up. They issued the warning Monday, as New Mexico deals with a surge of infections. Despite having some of the most restrictive public health requirements since the start of the pandemic, New Mexico has seen three record-setting days for daily case totals in just over a week. Hospitalizations also have skyrocketed with nearly 290 people being treated around the state. That marks a four-fold increase over the past month.

AP-US-LEGISLATOR-THREATENED-NEW-MEXICO
New Mexico legislator flees home after receiving threats

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico state senator says fled his home after receiving anonymous telephone message threats following his criticism of demonstration where many did not wear masks outside the state Capitol in Santa Fe. State Sen. Jacob Candelaria said Sunday he fears for his safety after receiving the series of profanity-laced telephone voice messages. He says one caller said, "We're going to get you out one way or another." Candelaria expressed frustration with the response by law enforcement after he was visited by state police. He is an openly gay legislator and attorney and says another message included homophobic slurs.
 
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation: No new COVID-19 deaths for 7th day in a row

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials are reporting 63 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, but no additional deaths for the seventh consecutive day. The latest figures released Monday bring the total number of cases to nearly 11,362 with the known death toll remaining at 574. Tribal health officials say 121,827 people on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started. In that same time, nearly 7,500 have recovered. A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SURGE OF SUFFERING
Fear and anxiety spike in virus hot spots across US

About half of U.S. states have seen their highest daily coronavirus infection numbers so far at some point in October, and the country as a whole came very close to back-to-back record daily infection rates on Friday and Saturday. Some Northeastern states hit hard in the spring are seeing numbers bounce back and COVID-19 is surging in Idaho and Utah. A hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho, brought in nurses from Boise, scaled back elective surgery and has stopped admitting pediatric patients. More than 350 doctors, nurses and other health workers in New Mexico signed a letter imploring residents to stay home as much as possible, wear masks and limit large gatherings.

FORMER POLICE SPOKESMAN-OVERTIME
Lawyer: Allegations against former police spokesman 'false'

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A lawyer for a now-former Albuquerque police officer denies allegations that his client wrongly collected thousands of dollars of overtime pay while serving as the department's spokesman. Attorney Sam Bregman told the Albuquerque Journal that allegations in a police department news release regarding former Officer Simon Drobik are "absolutely false." The department's statement Friday said an internal investigation concluded that Drobik violated policies on overtime pay and would have been fired if he hadn't retired during the investigation. According to the department, Drobik got paid for work he didn't perform while multiple supervisors looked the other way. 

ELECTION 2020-NATIVE AMERICANS-TRUMP
Minority pushes Trump agenda largely unpopular among tribes

WILLIAMS, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation vice president is part of a vocal minority pushing Donald Trump's agenda in areas long considered Democratic territory. Myron Lizer argues that Native American values of hard work, family and ranching align more with the GOP than with Democrats. It's difficult to say how most tribal members vote because the majority do not live on reservations and county lines don't align with tribal voters. Historically, Native Americans have been considered the Democratic Party's constituency. Lizer says he wants to shake up that belief. He and other Native Americans well-known in Republican circles recently helped launch a Native Americans for Trump coalition.
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El Paso Convention Center To Be Used As Field Hospital As COVID-19 Cases Surge

10/26/2020

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ELPASO, TEXAS (AP) — State officials say they will turn part of the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center into a hospital to help with the ongoing coronavirus surge in far West Texas.
   Gov. Greg Abbott announced Sunday that 50 hospital beds will be set up in the center. Another 50 beds could be added if needed.
     The state has already provided over 900 medical personnel to El Paso, some of whom will be staffing the convention center site.
     El Paso County health officials reported 772 new coronavirus cases Sunday, more than 20% of the state's new cases.

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New Mexico State News - Monday October 26, 2020

10/26/2020

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LEGISLATOR THREATENED-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico legislator flees home after threats received

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico state senator says he received anonymous threatening telephone messages shortly after publicly criticizing a political demonstration that took place outside the state Capitol, and that he fears for his safety. State Sen. Jacob Candelaria said Sunday that he received a series of profanity-laced telephone voice messages one caller said, "We're going to get you out one way or another." Candelaria expressed frustration with the response by law enforcement after a visit from State Police officers. Another message included homophobic slurs against the openly gay legislator and attorney. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SURGE OF SUFFERING
Fear and anxiety spike in virus hot spots across US

About half of U.S. states have seen their highest daily coronavirus infection numbers so far at some point in October, and the country as a whole came very close to back-to-back record daily infection rates on Friday and Saturday. Some Northeastern states hit hard in the spring are seeing numbers bounce back and COVID-19 is surging in Idaho and Utah. A hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho, brought in nurses from Boise, scaled back elective surgery and has stopped admitting pediatric patients. More than 350 doctors, nurses and other health workers in New Mexico signed a letter imploring residents to stay home as much as possible, wear masks and limit large gatherings.

FORMER POLICE SPOKESMAN-OVERTIME
Lawyer: Allegations against former police spokesman 'false'

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A lawyer for a now-former Albuquerque police officer denies allegations that his client wrongly collected thousands of dollars of overtime pay while serving as the department's spokesman. Attorney Sam Bregman told the Albuquerque Journal that allegations in a police department news release regarding former Officer Simon Drobik are "absolutely false." The department's statement Friday said an internal investigation concluded that Drobik violated policies on overtime pay and would have been fired if he hadn't retired during the investigation. According to the department, Drobik got paid for work he didn't perform while multiple supervisors looked the other way. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico sets new records on COVID cases, hospitalizations

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Saturday reported record numbers of additional COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, breaking daily records set in recent days as the state's coronavirus outbreak continued to flare. Officials reported 875 new cases and five additional deaths, increasing the state's totals to 41,040 cases and 965 deaths. The case record broken Saturday was 827 reported Wednesday. The number of coronavirus hospitalizations reported increased to 264 up from a record 229 on Friday that topped the previous high of 223 from mid-May. As of Saturday, patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and other reasons filled 80% of the state's general hospital beds and 76% of intensive care beds.

ELECTION 2020-NATIVE AMERICANS-TRUMP
Minority pushes Trump agenda largely unpopular among tribes

WILLIAMS, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation vice president is part of a vocal minority pushing Donald Trump's agenda in areas long considered Democratic territory. Myron Lizer argues that Native American values of hard work, family and ranching align more with the GOP than with Democrats. It's difficult to say how most tribal members vote because the majority do not live on reservations and county lines don't align with tribal voters. Historically, Native Americans have been considered the Democratic Party's constituency. Lizer says he wants to shake up that belief. He and other Native Americans well-known in Republican circles recently helped launch a Native Americans for Trump coalition.

HOMICIDE-FORMER OFFICER
Former Alamogordo officer sentenced in fatal Roswell wreck

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — A former Alamogordo police officer has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a 2019 wreck in Roswell in which one person was killed and two others injured. Luke Maxwell Towner faces a Dec. 14 hearing after pleading guilty Thursday in state District Court to homicide by vehicle, aggravated DWI and great bodily harm. The Roswell Daily Record reports that Judge James Hudson said a plea agreement recommends a 15-year sentence, including 12 years in prison and three years suspended and served on supervised probation. Court documents indicate Towner was driving at 70 mph when his pickup rear-ended a vehicle at a traffic light. 

FEDERAL GRANT-FIREARMS CASES
New Mexico DA gets grant for prosecutor to target gun crimes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The federal government is providing a $278,000 grant to a New Mexico district attorney's office to hire a local prosecutor to try firearms cases in federal court. The U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico announced Friday that the grant was awarded to the office of District Attorney Lemuel L. Martinez of the 13th Judicial District. The district includes Cibola, Sandoval and Valencia counties. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the grant supports efforts to reduce violence as part of initiatives across the country. Martinez said state prosecutors face significant challenges in going after dangerous offenders and he said the grant provides an incentive for state and local law enforcement to work with federal authorities.

TRIBES-INTERNET-ACCESS
US grants broadband licenses to Native American tribes

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission has granted broadcast licenses to dozens of rural tribal governments. The commission said Friday an initial 154 licenses of 2.5 gigahertz were awarded to Native American communities. That includes about 20 in New Mexico and Arizona. The spectrum had long been reserved for educational institutions. Tribes fought to be first in line for a new batch of licenses for the wireless technology that is ideal for sending high-speed internet wirelessly. Around 400 tribes applied for the permits as internet access becomes crucial for health and education during the coronavirus pandemic.
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New Mexico State News - Sunday October 25, 2020

10/25/2020

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FORMER POLICE SPOKESMAN-OVERTIME
Lawyer: Allegations against former police spokesman 'false'

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A lawyer for a now-former Albuquerque police officer denies allegations that his client wrongly collected thousands of dollars of overtime pay while serving as the department's spokesman. Attorney Sam Bregman told the Albuquerque Journal that allegations in a police department news release regarding former Officer Simon Drobik are "absolutely false." The department's statement Friday said an internal investigation concluded that Drobik violated policies on overtime pay and would have been fired if he hadn't retired during the investigation. According to the department, Drobik got paid for work he didn't perform while multiple supervisors looked the other way. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico sets new records on COVID cases, hospitalizations

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Saturday reported record numbers of additional COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, breaking daily records set in recent days as the state's coronavirus outbreak continued to flare. Officials reported 875 new cases and five additional deaths, increasing the state's totals to 41,040 cases and 965 deaths. The case record broken Saturday was 827 reported Wednesday. The number of coronavirus hospitalizations reported increased to 264 up from a record 229 on Friday that topped the previous high of 223 from mid-May. As of Saturday, patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and other reasons filled 80% of the state's general hospital beds and 76% of intensive care beds.

ELECTION 2020-NATIVE AMERICANS-TRUMP
Minority pushes Trump agenda largely unpopular among tribes

WILLIAMS, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation vice president is part of a vocal minority pushing Donald Trump's agenda in areas long considered Democratic territory. Myron Lizer argues that Native American values of hard work, family and ranching align more with the GOP than with Democrats. It's difficult to say how most tribal members vote because the majority do not live on reservations and county lines don't align with tribal voters. Historically, Native Americans have been considered the Democratic Party's constituency. Lizer says he wants to shake up that belief. He and other Native Americans well-known in Republican circles recently helped launch a Native Americans for Trump coalition.

HOMICIDE-FORMER OFFICER
Former Alamogordo officer sentenced in fatal Roswell wreck

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — A former Alamogordo police officer has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a 2019 wreck in Roswell in which one person was killed and two others injured. Luke Maxwell Towner faces a Dec. 14 hearing after pleading guilty Thursday in state District Court to homicide by vehicle, aggravated DWI and great bodily harm. The Roswell Daily Record reports that Judge James Hudson said a plea agreement recommends a 15-year sentence, including 12 years in prison and three years suspended and served on supervised probation. Court documents indicate Towner was driving at 70 mph when his pickup rear-ended a vehicle at a traffic light. 

FEDERAL GRANT-FIREARMS CASES
New Mexico DA gets grant for prosecutor to target gun crimes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The federal government is providing a $278,000 grant to a New Mexico district attorney's office to hire a local prosecutor to try firearms cases in federal court. The U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico announced Friday that the grant was awarded to the office of District Attorney Lemuel L. Martinez of the 13th Judicial District. The district includes Cibola, Sandoval and Valencia counties. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the grant supports efforts to reduce violence as part of initiatives across the country. Martinez said state prosecutors face significant challenges in going after dangerous offenders and he said the grant provides an incentive for state and local law enforcement to work with federal authorities.

TRIBES-INTERNET-ACCESS
US grants broadband licenses to Native American tribes

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission has granted broadcast licenses to dozens of rural tribal governments. The commission said Friday an initial 154 licenses of 2.5 gigahertz were awarded to Native American communities. That includes about 20 in New Mexico and Arizona. The spectrum had long been reserved for educational institutions. Tribes fought to be first in line for a new batch of licenses for the wireless technology that is ideal for sending high-speed internet wirelessly. Around 400 tribes applied for the permits as internet access becomes crucial for health and education during the coronavirus pandemic.

STATE INVESTMENT LAWSUIT-CHALLENGE
New Mexico high court denies lawsuit settlement challenge

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has rejected a settlement challenge in a lawsuit over an alleged "pay-to-play" scheme dating back to the administration of Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that former state Educational Retirement Board Investment Chief Frank Foy filed the lawsuit in 2008, claiming the state lost about $90 million in bad investment deals. Neither Richardson nor any member of his administration was charged with a crime. Foy's attorney Victor Marshall opposed the settlement agreement, appealed the lower court ruling and then challenged the denied appeal. Foy can now appeal the case the U.S. Supreme Court. Marshall said he was not able to comment.

AP-US-TRUMP-IMMIGRATION
Top Trump adviser wants more nations to field asylum claims

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A top adviser to President Donald Trump says a key second-term priority on immigration, if the president is reelected, would be using agreements with Central American governments as models to get countries around the world to field asylum claims from people seeking refuge in the United States. Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump's immigration policies, tells The Associated Press that the agreements would help stop "asylum fraud, asylum shopping and asylum abuse on a global scale." Like many of Trump's policies that have dramatically transformed the U.S. immigration system, the bilateral agreements are being challenged in court. 
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