- HEALTH SECRETARY-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A public health expert at the University of New Mexico has been appointed to lead the state's Health Department amid surging daily rates of coronavirus infection. Physician Tracie Collins was appointed Wednesday to lead an agency that is a cornerstone of the state's response to COVID-19. Gov. Michelle Lujan says she chose Collins based on the need for "experienced and compassionate public health leadership." Collins is the dean of the College of Population Health at the University of New Mexico and has a clinical practice as a specialist in blood circulation. The new health secretary begins work in mid-December.
- METHANE FIGHT-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's state treasurer is calling on state environmental regulators to close loopholes in proposed rules aimed at reducing emissions of methane and other pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry. State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg said Wednesday he has joined with a long list of socially responsible investment groups that are citing gaps in the proposed regulations. The administration of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says that New Mexico stands to have some of the most expansive rules for addressing methane and other emissions from the industry after many meetings with industry experts and environmentalists.
- COLLEGIATE SPIRITS-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — First it was craft beer and then fine wine. Now New Mexico State University is unveiling its own officially licensed whiskey. That makes it the first college in U.S. to do so. School officials announced Pistol Pete's Six-Shooter whiskey on Wednesday. The college in 2017 boosted the Aggie brand with a golden ale crafted by one of the state's largest brewing operations. The development of more branded products comes as universities search for new revenue streams amid shrinking budgets. Like NMSU's other ventures, this one involves a partnership with another homegrown business, Dry Point Distillers.
- BORDER-MIGRANTS APPRHENDED
SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Border Patrol says 41 migrants were apprehended after getting off a bus on the Mexican side and then crossing into southern New Mexico while other people threw objects at agents to divert their attention. A Border Patrol statement said the crossing attempt occurred Monday near the Santa Teresa Port of Entry west of El Paso, Texas. The statement didn't specify what objects were thrown at agents or mention any injuries. It said agents recently have been apprehending "increasingly large groups" of migrants attempting to cross the border in the area of Santa Teresa or nearby Sunland Park.
- SHERIFF BODY CAMERA ORDER
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — County officials in New Mexico have approved an agreement with a software company to procure body-worn cameras and vehicle recording units for about 200 sheriff's deputies. The Albuquerque Journal reports that that the Bernalillo County Commission on Tuesday granted County Manager Julie Morgas Baca the authority to execute the $3.1 million five-year deal with Utility Associates Inc. The first order for the body-worn cameras could be placed within a week. Deputy County Manager Lisa Sedillo-White said the county could see the contract as early as Friday. Some county commissioners had previously asked for the equipment. The cameras are required under a state law passed in June.
- MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State legislators are rekindling efforts to open New Mexico to recreational marijuana production and sales, with an emphasis on economic opportunity amidst the turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic. State Rep. Javier Martinez told a panel of lawmakers Tuesday that he will again introduce legislation to regulate and tax recreational marijuana. Elections this year ousted several conservative-leaning Democratic senators who opposed past legalization efforts. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last week reiterated her support for recreational marijuana as an opportunity to expand and diversify the economy. Four other states approved ballot initiatives on recreational cannabis in the Nov. 3 election.
- FATAL SHOOTING-LIVE STREAM-ARREST
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico have arrested a man after police say he fatally shot two people and streamed part of the assault on Facebook. New Mexico State Police said in a statement Monday that 23-year-old Alejandro Alirez of Las Vegas was arrested Sunday on multiple charges including first-degree murder. Police said his 33-year-old girlfriend Cristal Cervantes and her 89-year-old grandfather Victor Cervantes died at the scene. San Miguel County Sheriff's deputies originally responded after being called by Alirez's mother. Alirez allegedly told officers he believed he was being molested in his sleep. Online court records didn't list an attorney for Alirez who could comment on his behalf.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO SCHOOLS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — After three weeks of trying to make in-person learning work, Santa Fe Public Schools are calling it quits. With the city posting its own record numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospital beds filling up, Superintendent Veronica García says it is time to pump the brakes. Around 200 elementary school students had been allowed in-person learning thanks to 58 school teachers and other staff who volunteered to teach. Starting Nov. 20, the district will return to remote-only classes. The news comes as more students in Santa Fe and around the state are failing at least one class.