- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has lifted the state's mask mandate for indoor public spaces. She made the surprise announcement at a news conference that followed the end of the 30-day legislative session. She cited reduced COVID-19 risk and pulled off her mask. Until now, New Mexico and Hawaii were the only states that had yet to set a date for lifting their mandates. Washington's governor was expected to make an announcement later Thursday. While cases in New Mexico have been declining, state health officials said masks will still be required in hospitals and other congregate care settings such as nursing homes.
- SOLAR SHORTAGE-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A utility in sun-drenched New Mexico is struggling to get enough solar-generated electricity as it prepares to shut down a coal-fired power plant amid supply chain disruptions. Utility executives say they have a plan to ensure adequate supplies to feed air conditioners and avoid rolling blackouts during peak demands this summer. If approved by regulators, one unit at the San Juan Generating Station slated to close in June would be kept running through September. Despite more pressure to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change, experts say many solar projects around the world risk delays or cancellation due to rising material and shipping costs.
- LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators have approved about $500 million in tax rebates and a broad suite of crime-fighting initiatives in the closing hours of their 30-day legislative session. The initiatives won legislative approval Thursday as the state grapples with the economic whiplash of the coronavirus pandemic and concerns about a surge in violent crime in Albuquerque and elsewhere in the state. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called for a big response to crime and financial relief as she campaigns for reelection in November. An initiative to expand voting access was thwarted by the Republicans in the legislative minority. The Democratic-led Legislature also approved a record-setting $1 billion annual budget increase.
- AP-US-COWBOYS-FOR-TRUMP
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A federal appeals court has turned away a constitutional challenge by the support group Cowboys for Trump and co-founder Couy Griffin to New Mexico election laws and registration requirements for political groups. The Denver-based U.S. 10th District Court of Appeals declined to reverse a lower court ruling that upheld state registration requirements for Cowboys for Trump as a political organization. Griffin filed a district court lawsuit in 2020 amid mounting pressure on the Cowboys for Trump to register as a political committee in New Mexico and possibly disclose information on expenditures and contributions.
- BC-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-SOLDIERS-AS-TEACHERS
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Dozens of National Guard Army and Air Force troops in New Mexico have been stepping in to fill a shortage of teachers in schools. It's the only state in the U.S. calling on its national guard soldiers to put down mission briefs and pick up lesson plans. Roughly 80 service members have volunteered to work in schools. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says it's a temporary measure as state officials work to bolster the number of teachers and school staff. The soldiers have gone through background checks and taken brief courses required for substitute teachers before entering the classrooms.
- LAWMAKER ARREST VIDEO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Video released by police Wednesday shows new details of the drunk driving arrest of a prominent Democratic lawmaker. The video of Albuquerque Rep. Georgene Louis' traffic stop for suspected speeding shows that she told an officer she was a legislator during a conversation about her drinking Sunday night. The video shows her admitting to drinking vodka sodas, and the officer saying her eyes look watery. That's when she tells him that she's tired because she is a legislator. The video shows her pulling out a credential that shows she's a member of the state House. It shows her being arrested after a sobriety test.
- NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico regulators have approved a plan that calls for new solar generation to replace what will be lost when Public Service Co. of New Mexico stops buying electricity from the Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona. The utility will lose 114 megawatts after its two Palo Verde leases expire — one in 2023 and the other in 2024. The Public Regulation Commission made its decision Wednesday, but the utility said it came too late. That means some of the contracts to build the solar facilities will have to be renegotiated with independent energy developers, delaying the projects even more.
- LEGISLATURE-MARIJUANA WATER RIGHTS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Hispanic farmers and rural residents in New Mexico are concerned legislation that would allow small cannabis producers to boost their plant counts lacks a provision to ensure the producers have valid water rights. The arid state already is struggling to meet its water demands. Supplies are expected to dwindle even more as drought persists across the West. Critics worry that without the water rights requirement, the illegal use of water could go unchecked as the recreational marijuana industry takes off. Supporters of the legislation have described the requirement as "red tape." State water officials have received more than three dozen cannabis business applications for review and verification of water rights.