- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is expanding eligibility for vaccinations to all school teachers, early childhood educators and other staff. The state Health Department made the announcement Monday, saying it plans to get the group its first shots by the end of March. The state is making the move as part of a directive by the Biden administration. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said last week that the ability of New Mexico to meet the goal depends on the federal government increasing vaccine shipments. The state has vaccinated about 15,000 educators as some were already eligible as part of the first phases of the vaccine rollout.
- CAMPAIGN FINANCE-JUDICIARY
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Under a bill aimed at reducing reliance on private campaign donations in the judiciary, New Mexico could become the first state to offer public campaign financing to candidates seeking to serve as judges in general jurisdiction courts that handle the bulk of criminal and civil-law trials. The bill from Democratic Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth of Santa Fe and allied Sen. Katy Duhigg of Albuquerque is headed toward a likely Senate floor vote this week. Supporters say public financing can open the door to a more diverse set of judicial candidates. No one spoke in opposition to the bill at Friday's committee hearing.
- RENEWABLE ENERGY-LEASES
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has signed four leases with the city of Las Cruces that will boost the community's renewable energy initiatives. The agreements mark the first time the State Land Office has approved a municipality for renewable energy development for utility generation on state trust land. When completed, the four solar projects will replace existing power to four utility-scale water wells serving Las Cruces residents and businesses. Garcia Richard says she hopes the leases will serve as a framework for other cities as they seek alternatives to either power or provide utilities with renewable energy.
- MALL-FATAL SHOOTING
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police are searching for a suspect after a man found shot outside a mall later died. Police spokesman Gilbert Gallegos says an officer was driving in the area of the Coronado Mall on Sunday afternoon when she heard gunfire. The officer found the victim in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. She administered first aid until paramedics arrived. The victim was taken to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have not released his name nor have they identified a suspect.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported seven additional COVID-19 cases and three more deaths from the virus. As of Sunday, the tribe has reported 29,866 confirmed cases and 1,201 deaths from the virus since the pandemic began a year ago. Health facilities on the reservation and in border towns are conducting drive-thru vaccine events or administering doses by appointment. The Navajo-area Indian Health Service has vaccinated more than 135,000 people so far. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez says home is still the safest place for people be despite the relaxing of some restrictions in neighboring states, including Arizona.
- JUVENILE KILLED-HOMICIDE CASE
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — Valencia County Sheriff's officials say deputies are investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy as a homicide case. They say deputies responded to multiple 911 calls around 3 p.m. Saturday about a disturbance. Deputies found the body of the boy in the front yard of a property in a Monterey Park neighborhood. The name of the boy hasn't been released. Sheriff's investigators say the boy's family does not appear to be involved in his death. Authorities say no suspects have been identified yet and it's still unclear how the boy died or what led up to the homicide. New Mexico State Police have been asked to assist in the investigation.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-CONGRESS-NEW MEXICO
ALBQUQUERQUE (AP) — New Mexico Democrats Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan were both in the razor-thin majority Saturday as the U.S. Senate approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. The 50-49 vote gives President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies a victory that they say is crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and economic doldrums. Senate passage sets up final congressional approval by the House next week. Heinrich said New Mexico's residents "are facing daunting economic hardships and need assistance to help weather this crisis," while Lujan said the bill "provides crucial relief at a time when New Mexicans are still struggling financially."
- POLICE SHOOTING-VALENCIA COUNTY
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico State Police says Valencia County sheriff's deputies were involved in a shooting in which a suspect was wounded. The State Police said no deputies were injured in the incident in Los Lunas and that the suspect was transported to a hospital. No additional information was released, including the suspect's condition and whether that person was shot by one or more deputies.