- Navajo Nation president: Some relaxing guard against COVID
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Saturday reported 25 additional COVID-19 cases and three more deaths as officials said some tribal members are foregoing needed precautions to ward off spread of the coronavirus. Tribal President Jonathan Nez says many of the new cases on the Navajo Nation "are due to family and social gatherings where people let their guard down and don't wear masks." Nez notes that the highly contagious delta variant is spreading quickly in many states and says people visiting other households should wear masks and encourage others to do so. The Navajo Nation includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
- Agency officials OK restoration plan for forest, grasslands
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Forest Service officials in New Mexico have approved a plan for the restoration of wetlands and areas along waterways in the Carson, Cibola and Santa Fe national forests and the Kiowa National Grasslands. The Santa Fe National Forest reports that plan is intended to enhance wildlife habitat, watershed health and water quality while countering the effects of climate change, wildfires, grazing, urbanization, recreation and invasive species. The approval enables Forest Service officials to implement various projects. Those include ones to plant riparian vegetation, relocate or close certain roads and trails and restore channels, springs and seeps.
- Carson National Forest cleans up after Rainbow Family event
TAOS, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service says extensive cleanup and environmental rehabilitation activities have been conducted following a large, informal gathering attended by thousands of people in a remote area of the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. Officials estimate that 5,000 people attended the dispersed camping and recreational event. The event was staged in late June and early July by a group known as the Rainbow Family of Living Light. Officials say the group didn't apply for a use permit for the gathering but worked with the Forest Service after the event to clean up and rehabilitate the site.
- To get shots in arms, governments turn to money in pockets
Millions of people in the U.S. who haven't gotten the COVID-19 vaccine could soon have a new reason to roll up their sleeves: money in their pockets. President Joe Biden is calling on states and local governments to join those that already are handing out dollars for shots. New York, the nation's biggest city, started doling out $100 awards on Friday. The president and health officials are betting that the financial incentive will spur hesitant people to get the shot just as the contagious and potentially more powerful delta variant sweeps through parts of the country and as the number of daily inoculations falls sharply from its April high.
- EXPLAINER: How New Mexico limits evictions, provides relief
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Tenant protections in New Mexico don't end with the expiration of a federal freeze on evictions July 31. It is unclear when the state Supreme Court will end the New Mexico moratorium on evictions. The state has $284 million in federal funds available for rental and related assistance. At the same time, the flow of money to those in need has been slow, with about $17 million in emergency rental and utility assistance distributed so far. The high cost of rental housing is less of a problem in New Mexico than nationwide.
- New Mexico House leader resigns in face of corruption probe
SANTE FE, N.M. (AP) — The second-ranking legislator in the New Mexico House of Representatives has resigned amid criminal investigations into her ties to a private contractor for the Albuquerque school district where she also works. Democratic House leaders announced the resignation of Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton on Friday. An investigation is underway into possible racketeering, money laundering, kickbacks and violations of a law governing the conduct of state lawmakers. Stapleton said in her resignation letter that she "unequivocally" denies the allegations but decided she must devote her time and energy to fully defending herself. Democratic House leaders say her resignation is in the best interest of the Legislature and state.
- Bob Odenkirk says he had a small heart attack, will be back
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — "Better Call Saul" star Bob Odenkirk says he "had a small heart attack" but will "be back soon." The 58-year-old actor took to Twitter Friday to make his first public statement since collapsing on the show's New Mexico set three days earlier. Odenkirk says he's going to be OK thanks to the doctors and nurses who knew how to fix his blockage. He says he's going to "take a beat to recover, but will "be back soon." Odenkirk has been nominated for four Emmys for playing the title role on the show that was shooting its sixth and final season.
- Indigenous leaders urge top New Mexico official to resign
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A broad coalition of Indigenous leaders in New Mexico made new demands for a top state educational official to resign based on undisclosed comments that they view as disparaging toward Native Americans. At a rally and news conference convened by the All Pueblo Council of Governors on Friday, Native American leaders and allied civil rights advocates condemned comments made at least two years ago by Rachel Gudgel. Gudgel is the director of the Legislative Education Study Committee. The committee provides education research and guidance to state legislators. Gudgel apologized this week and acknowledged that the past comments were insensitive, insulting and harmful.