MEXICAN GRAY WOLF COUNT
Biologists combing rugged mountains to count gray wolves
PINETOP, Ariz. (AP) — Biologists are combing the rugged mountains of the U.S. Southwest to find out how many Mexican gray wolves are roaming the wild. The annual count in Arizona and New Mexico started in November and is expected to run through early February. The population numbers of the endangered predators will be released in March. A reintroduction program began in 1998. At least 163 wolves were counted during the last survey. That marked a nearly 25% jump in the population from the previous year and put wildlife managers about halfway to declaring the species recovered.
OBIT-WHITE
Former New Mexico legislator known for wise, calm demeanor
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former New Mexico legislator who was known for his advocacy in protecting people who are incapacitated and placed under legal guardianship has died. The New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus on Friday announced the death of Jim White. The Republican served one term in the Senate and lost a reelection bid in the June primary. White previously served in the state House. Senate Minority Whip Craig Brandt told the Albuquerque Journal that one of White's relatives found him at home. The cause of death wasn't known. His onetime colleagues in the Senate say they'll miss his wise and calm demeanor.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo reports 121 new COVID-19 cases as lockdown begins
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation reported 121 new cases of the coronavirus Friday and 16 more deaths as the reservation went into another weekend lockdown. The latest figures increase the total number of cases to 26,073 and 908 known deaths. The number of infections is thought to be higher than reported because many people haven't been tested. Studies also suggest people can be infected with COVID-19 without feeling sick. The Navajo Nation extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Residents there are required to stay home from Friday evening until early Monday morning to help prevent the spread of the virus. The tribe makes an exception for emergencies and essential workers.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico seeks answers on federal rollout of vaccine doses
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say they're disappointed that it appears the state will not be getting as many vaccine doses from the federal government as anticipated. New Mexico is not alone as uncertainty over the pace of federal COVID-19 vaccine allotments has triggering anger and confusion in some states. A New Mexico Health Department spokesman said Friday that residents deserve clarity and transparency from the federal government about the rollout. The state has one of the best vaccination rates in the U.S., with more than 108,000 shots administered so far. Nearly 430,000 residents have registered to get vaccinated.
SEXUAL ADVANCES-FORMER LAWMAKER
Albuquerque councilor accuses former lawmaker of advances
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque City Councilor Lan Sena is accusing a former Democratic state lawmaker of making unwanted sexual advances toward her when she served as a campaign staffer in 2019. Sena this week issued an open letter through an attorney, saying Abbas Akhil needed to be held accountable for his actions. Akhil's attorney told the Albuquerque Journal that the allegations were false and that the former lawmaker would present his defense at an appropriate time. Akhil recently wrapped up his first and only term in the state House of Representatives. Sena joined the City Council last March when Mayor Tim Keller appointed her to an open seat.
LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico legislative priorities start with virus, economy
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico say pandemic recovery will drive their efforts during the upcoming legislative session. They're pledging to pass additional relief to individuals and small businesses. Democrats in the house say education funding to repair learning loss and get students in classrooms sooner is also part of that effort, as well as support for vaccine rollouts. The unsalaried Legislature meets for 60-days in odd-numbered years to consider major policy reforms in addition to crafting an annual spending plan. With solid majorities in the Senate and House, Democrats are expected to push through progressive priorities on civil rights and long-term education funding.
LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-SECURITY
New Mexico declares security emergency ahead of inauguration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's governor declared a state of emergency in response to credible intelligence about threats of violence at statehouse buildings across the country and deployed members of the New Mexico National Guard to Washington for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration next week. The declaration by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham came Thursday as fencing was installed in a wide radius around the Capitol building in Santa Fe and an adjacent annex. The Legislature is set to convene Tuesday, the day before Biden's inauguration. The governor says the preparations are aimed at ensuring public safety and that violence will not be tolerated in New Mexico.
COURT-GUARDIANSHIP REFORMS
New Mexico requires orientation as part of guardian reforms
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will now require that proposed guardians and conservators participate in an orientation program before being appointed by a judge to make decisions for people who are incapacitated. The New Mexico Supreme Court issued an order Thursday approving the new rule. It will apply to cases filed on or after Feb. 1. A committee involved with reforming the state's adult guardianship system developed a series of videos that cover topics from filing grievances to identifying and reporting abuse. Justice Shannon Bacon said the videos will ensure that people serving in theses roles understand their duties and responsibilities under the law.
Biologists combing rugged mountains to count gray wolves
PINETOP, Ariz. (AP) — Biologists are combing the rugged mountains of the U.S. Southwest to find out how many Mexican gray wolves are roaming the wild. The annual count in Arizona and New Mexico started in November and is expected to run through early February. The population numbers of the endangered predators will be released in March. A reintroduction program began in 1998. At least 163 wolves were counted during the last survey. That marked a nearly 25% jump in the population from the previous year and put wildlife managers about halfway to declaring the species recovered.
OBIT-WHITE
Former New Mexico legislator known for wise, calm demeanor
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former New Mexico legislator who was known for his advocacy in protecting people who are incapacitated and placed under legal guardianship has died. The New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus on Friday announced the death of Jim White. The Republican served one term in the Senate and lost a reelection bid in the June primary. White previously served in the state House. Senate Minority Whip Craig Brandt told the Albuquerque Journal that one of White's relatives found him at home. The cause of death wasn't known. His onetime colleagues in the Senate say they'll miss his wise and calm demeanor.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo reports 121 new COVID-19 cases as lockdown begins
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation reported 121 new cases of the coronavirus Friday and 16 more deaths as the reservation went into another weekend lockdown. The latest figures increase the total number of cases to 26,073 and 908 known deaths. The number of infections is thought to be higher than reported because many people haven't been tested. Studies also suggest people can be infected with COVID-19 without feeling sick. The Navajo Nation extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Residents there are required to stay home from Friday evening until early Monday morning to help prevent the spread of the virus. The tribe makes an exception for emergencies and essential workers.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico seeks answers on federal rollout of vaccine doses
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say they're disappointed that it appears the state will not be getting as many vaccine doses from the federal government as anticipated. New Mexico is not alone as uncertainty over the pace of federal COVID-19 vaccine allotments has triggering anger and confusion in some states. A New Mexico Health Department spokesman said Friday that residents deserve clarity and transparency from the federal government about the rollout. The state has one of the best vaccination rates in the U.S., with more than 108,000 shots administered so far. Nearly 430,000 residents have registered to get vaccinated.
SEXUAL ADVANCES-FORMER LAWMAKER
Albuquerque councilor accuses former lawmaker of advances
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque City Councilor Lan Sena is accusing a former Democratic state lawmaker of making unwanted sexual advances toward her when she served as a campaign staffer in 2019. Sena this week issued an open letter through an attorney, saying Abbas Akhil needed to be held accountable for his actions. Akhil's attorney told the Albuquerque Journal that the allegations were false and that the former lawmaker would present his defense at an appropriate time. Akhil recently wrapped up his first and only term in the state House of Representatives. Sena joined the City Council last March when Mayor Tim Keller appointed her to an open seat.
LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico legislative priorities start with virus, economy
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico say pandemic recovery will drive their efforts during the upcoming legislative session. They're pledging to pass additional relief to individuals and small businesses. Democrats in the house say education funding to repair learning loss and get students in classrooms sooner is also part of that effort, as well as support for vaccine rollouts. The unsalaried Legislature meets for 60-days in odd-numbered years to consider major policy reforms in addition to crafting an annual spending plan. With solid majorities in the Senate and House, Democrats are expected to push through progressive priorities on civil rights and long-term education funding.
LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-SECURITY
New Mexico declares security emergency ahead of inauguration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's governor declared a state of emergency in response to credible intelligence about threats of violence at statehouse buildings across the country and deployed members of the New Mexico National Guard to Washington for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration next week. The declaration by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham came Thursday as fencing was installed in a wide radius around the Capitol building in Santa Fe and an adjacent annex. The Legislature is set to convene Tuesday, the day before Biden's inauguration. The governor says the preparations are aimed at ensuring public safety and that violence will not be tolerated in New Mexico.
COURT-GUARDIANSHIP REFORMS
New Mexico requires orientation as part of guardian reforms
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will now require that proposed guardians and conservators participate in an orientation program before being appointed by a judge to make decisions for people who are incapacitated. The New Mexico Supreme Court issued an order Thursday approving the new rule. It will apply to cases filed on or after Feb. 1. A committee involved with reforming the state's adult guardianship system developed a series of videos that cover topics from filing grievances to identifying and reporting abuse. Justice Shannon Bacon said the videos will ensure that people serving in theses roles understand their duties and responsibilities under the law.
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