- New Mexico appoints leader to health agency amid virus surge
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 said the state wants to help people protect each other from COVID-19 in private settings amid indications that the virus is spreading at social and family gatherings that are beyond the direct reach of emergency health orders.
- Report: New Mexico's outdoor economy growing faster than US
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's outdoor recreation economy is outpacing the industry's growth nationwide. Officials with the state's Outdoor Recreation Division pointed Wednesday to updated figures released by the federal government's Bureau of Economic Analysis. The numbers show the industry contributed $2.4 billion to the state's gross domestic product last year and grew nearly 6% since 2018. The report also shows that the industry employs more than 35,000 workers and accounts for $1.2 billion in annual income. Since 2018, outdoor recreation income has grown 7.6% in New Mexico. That's compared with an increase of less than 4% for the nation.
- HEALTH SECRETARY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico appoints leader to health agency amid virus surgeSANTA 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 said the state wants to help people protect each other from COVID-19 in private settings amid indications that the virus is spreading at social and family gatherings that are beyond the direct reach of emergency health orders.
- New Mexico treasurer says methane proposal has loopholes
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.
- New Mexico State University rolls out 1st licensed whiskey
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 Patrol apprehends 41 migrants in southern New Mexico
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.
- New Mexico county advances plan for 200 deputy body-cameras
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.
- Election revives recreational pot initiatives in 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.