- New Mexico reports nearly 860 new virus cases, 38 deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Saturday reported 859 additional COVID-19 cases and 38 more deaths, increasing the state's pandemic totals to 168,579 cases and 3,115 deaths. Bernalillo County had the most additional cases with 184, followed by 83 in San Juan County, 74 in Dona Ana County and 53 in McKinley County. Most of the additional deaths involved older New Mexicans, but they also included several people in their 20s and 30s. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
- New Mexico deputies equipped with body camera technology
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Deputies with the Bernalillo County sheriff's department are now equipped with body cameras. Sheriff Manuel Gonzales unveiled on Friday the device that all 310 deputies will now be wearing after a newly approved state law requiring law enforcement to have body cameras. Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, has agreed to a more than $3 million, five-year contract for the BodyWorn camera by Utility, Inc. The contract covers two cameras in each vehicle, Wi-Fi hotspots for the cruisers, uniform tailoring to hold the devices and a holster that will automatically activate the cameras when a gun is drawn.
- Carlsbad eyes converting university branch into college
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — Carlsbad's school board is voicing support for a proposal to convert the New Mexico State University branch campus into an independent community college. The Carlsbad Current-Argues reports the board voted unanimously Tuesday for a pro-conversion resolution. Mayor Dale Janway last year created a city task force that studied several possible approaches and ultimately presented the state with a report recommending conversion. Carlsbad officials say their community wants increased flexibility regarding curriculum to meet needs of local employers. Creating an independent community college would require approval by the state Legislature. NMSU officials contend Carlsbad is best served through a university campus.
- Biden's pause on oil cause for big concern in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — President Joe Biden's 60-day moratorium on new oil and natural gas leases and drilling permits is prompting widespread concerns in New Mexico, where spending on education and other government programs hinges on the industry's success. About half of production in the state happens on federal land and amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties each year. Republicans and some community leaders say any moves to make permanent the suspension would be economically devastating. Congressional members from other western states also have concerns, saying the ripple effects of the moratorium will hurt small businesses already struggling because of the pandemic.
- Democrats start reining in expectations for immigration bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — New President Joe Biden unveiled a bold immigration plan just days ago. And Democrats are already acknowledging that if anything emerges, it will likely be more modest. Immigration is so politically flammable that it's resisted major congressional action since the 1980s, and this time seems no different. Biden wants to make citizenship available for the estimated 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally and ease other restrictions. But even supporters like No. 2 Senate Democratic leader Dick Durbin of Illinois say the party may have to settle for less, with helping young Dreamer immigrants become citizens the cornerstone of the effort.
- New Mexico leads nation in Medicaid health care enrollment
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has surpassed all other states in its reliance on Medicaid health care as the coronavirus wreaks economic havoc and shifts the way people receive health care. State Medicaid Division Director Nicole Comeaux says residents have flocked to the federal- and state-subsidized health care program for people living in poverty or on the cusp, with 43% enrollment statewide as of November. That's up from 40% before the pandemic. The recent expansion could be costly if bonus federal matching funds expire as scheduled in April. Comeaux says the state could see a $170 million shortfall for the coming fiscal year.
- New Mexico lawmakers among beneficiaries of relief grants
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A $100 million burst of grants to small business across New Mexico illustrates the overwhelming breadth and depths of economic distress brought on by the coronavirus. Public records obtained by The Associated Press show that successful applicants included businesses run by leading state legislators and a family amusement park that has sued the governor twice to reopen. Others include Catholic charities, local chambers of commerce and near-empty restaurants and hotels run by lone proprietors and local business magnates. The money ran out too soon for thousands of applicants that were denied grants. State lawmakers are now devising new lifelines for local businesses crippled by the pandemic.
- New Mexico universities feel pinch of pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials at New Mexico's two largest universities say freshman enrollment is holding steady if not increasing despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. However, University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes acknowledged that enrollment overall has decreased and officials are concerned about the negative trend. Stokes on Thursday delivered her annual state of the university address as colleges and universities across the country grapple with shrinking enrollments. At New Mexico State University, President John Floros expects spring enrollment to hold steady. He said the challenges going forward will be finding more ways to make higher education accessible to more people.