- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Saturday reported 1,092 additional known COVID-19 cases and 36 more deaths, increasing the state's pandemic totals to 162,893 cases and 2,910 deaths. Counties with triple-digit numbers of new cases included Bernalillo and Dona Ana while McKinley, San Juan and Sandoval counties each had at least 70 additional cases. Most of the deaths involved people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s but some were in their 30s, 40s and 50s. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
- LEGISLATURE-GREEN AMENDMENT
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two New Mexico Democrats are seeking to strengthen protections for the state's environment and natural resources through a joint resolution that calls for amending the state constitution. If approved during the upcoming legislative session, the proposed amendment would go before voters to decide. Introduced by Sens. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and William Soules, the resolution reads that the state shall conserve, protect and maintain these resources for the benefit of all people and future generations. Environmentalists are calling it New Mexico's "Green Amendment." It will be among numerous environmental proposals up for consideration during the 60-day session that begins Tuesday.
- AP-US-VOLUNTEER-TEEN-TUTORS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — When her suburban Dallas high school was forced to move online last spring because of the coronavirus pandemic, Charvi Goyal realized that the schoolmates she'd been informally tutoring between classes would still need extra help but wouldn't necessarily be able to get it. So she took her tutoring online, as well. Goyal, a 17-year-old high school junior from Plano, roped in three classmates to create TutorScope, a free tutoring service run by high schoolers for other kids, including younger ones. What started with a handful of instructors helping friends' siblings has blossomed into a group of 22 tutors from Texas, Arizona, and Ohio that has helped more than 300 students from as far away as South Korea.
- MEXICAN GRAY WOLF COUNT
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
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
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
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, 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.