- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor touts progress on virus, draws criticismALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is touting her administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, saying the state stepped up last year with direct economic aid and is looking to provide more relief through pending legislation. She spoke Tuesday during an online forum, acknowledging that the pandemic has been a cruel hardship. Critics have accused her of ignoring her own policies and spending thousands of dollars on groceries while many New Mexicans remain without jobs and businesses have yet to recover. The Republican Governors Association on Monday launched a week of digital ads targeting the governor, and Republican leaders in the state say Lujan Grisham's choices have had unfortunate results.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK MORE SCHOOL
New Mexico debates longer school year mandate, virus make-upSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico legislature is exploring two different ways to make sure kids spend more time in class next year, in an effort to help students catch up from the loss of learning during the pandemic. Democrats in the Senate have advanced a bill that would require all schools to tap into an existing $200 million fund to extend the school calendar next year. The one-year mandate would only take effect if the governor's current in-person learning restrictions are lifted. Teachers would have to stick with their students for an additional 10 to 25 days depending on the grade level and would be paid for the extra time. A bipartisan bill in the House would allow that time to be used in longer days instead.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-COMMUTER RAIL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico commuter train resumes service after shutdownSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's commuter system linking metro Albuquerque with Santa Fe will resume service next Monday after being shut down for nearly a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rail Runner officials said the system will initially provide limited service and resume operations with fewer trains and weekday service only. Each train will be limited to 25% capacity, or about 160 passengers per train. Officials said the limited capacity should satisfy initial demand in part because many regular riders are still working from home. The train system was shut down on March 17, 2020.
- AP-US-BOY-SCOUTS-BANKRUPTCY
Boy Scouts submit reorganization plan to bankruptcy courtDOVER, Del. (AP) — The Boy Scouts of America has submitted a bankruptcy reorganization plan that envisions continued operations of its local troops and national adventure camps but leaves many unanswered questions about resolving tens of thousands of sexual abuse claims by former Boy Scouts. The plan was filed Monday, even though the BSA remains in intense negotiations with insurers over sexual abuse claims and with the official committee representing abuse victims. The BSA says the plan demonstrates progress as it works to compensate abuse victims and address finances so it can continue operating. An attorney for hundreds of former Scouts calls the plan woefully inadequate.
- TRANSPARENCY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico may discipline, fine workers who release recordsSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's Senate has approved a bill that would allow state employees to be fired or fined up to $5,000 for identifying people who receive public benefits or releasing information about an individual's immigration status, national origin, religion or sexual orientation. The bill from Democratic state Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and Rep. Miguel Garcia of Albuquerque is backed by advocacy groups for immigrant communities. It won Senate approval Monday on a 34-6 vote. Government transparency advocates and the state attorney general's office warn that the bill makes some information confidential by default and would inject ambiguity into current laws that protect access to public records.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to resume horse racing as virus restrictions easeALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The commission that oversees horse racing in New Mexico says live racing is set to resume in April now that public health restrictions are being eased. The tracks and their associated casinos were hit hard by the pandemic. Without revenue from slot machines and tables, purse money was reduced last year to a fraction of what it in 2019. The Racing Commission said Monday that purse accounts are expected to experience an influx not seen in nearly a year. State health officials say reduced positivity rates and daily case totals are clearing the way for more economic activity.
- ARIZONA COPPER MINE
USDA puts brakes on land transfer for Arizona copper mineFLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Biden administration has put the brakes on an exchange of federal land in eastern Arizona that had cleared the way for a massive copper mine. Congress mandated the national forest land east of Phoenix to be turned over to Resolution Copper no more than 60 days after the publication of an environmental review. The document was published in the final days of the Trump administration. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday it's pulling back the document to further consult with tribes that hold the land sacred. The agency cited President Joe Biden's recent memo on strengthening relationships with tribal nations.
- NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
New Mexico regulators want more details on power plant saleALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider must file an amended application with state regulators who will determine whether it can transfer its shares in a coal-fired power plant to an energy company backed by the Navajo Nation. Regulators say Public Service Co. of New Mexico's application to abandon its stake in the Four Corners Power Plant was insufficient and doesn't go far enough in explaining whether the transaction would benefit the public. The utility has until March 15 to submit a revamped application and additional evidence. Environmentalists have concerns about the sale, saying it runs counter to a New Mexico law aimed at ending fossil fuel electricity generation.