- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says New Mexico is deploying self-isolation locations with food, lodging and mental counseling for members of its health care workforce who have tested positive for the coronavirus as well as Native American communities hit hard by the virus. Five of the self-isolation centers were opened this week and eight more are due next week in efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus and care for critical populations. Human Services Secretary David Scrase said plans also are underway to dedicate an nursing home to elderly patients with COVID-19 so that they can be quickly removed form otherwise healthy assisted living centers.
- AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-SOCIAL-DISTANCE-POWWOW
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The largest powwows in the country have been canceled and postponed amid the spread of the coronavirus. Tribal members have found a new outlet online with the Social Distance Powwow. They're sharing videos of colorful displays of culture and tradition that are at their essence meant to uplift people during difficult times. The posts have become a nearly daily dose of medicine, songs, dances, well wishes, humor and happy birthdays. The site also hosts a live powwow on the weekend where an emcee patches in drum groups, singers and dancers from across the country.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO-EASTER
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — While it pains him, the head of one of the oldest Catholic dioceses in the United States says this Holy Week will be different for tens of thousands of parishioners in New Mexico. It has to be. There will be no pilgrimages and no crowds packing the pews to celebrate Mass. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has been pleading with the faithful to heed public health orders and stay home. Despite the rich traditions that culminate with Easter weekend, Archbishop John Wester says the new coronavirus is nothing to play around with. He says: "It doesn't take a day off for Good Friday or Easter Sunday."
- UNEMPLOYMENT-NEW MEXICO
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Federal numbers show that nearly 73,000 people in New Mexico have lost their jobs over that last three weeks. The U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday 26,606 people in the state applied for unemployment benefits last week compared to a revised record of 27,849 the week before. The ongoing swell in applications in one of the poorest U.S. states represent more evidence that the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the economy. The Labor Department said 6.6 million Americans overall applied for unemployment benefits last week.
- COPPER THEFTS-STREET LIGHTS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in New Mexico's largest city are warning that copper wiring thefts have put some street lights out of commission, resulting in dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. In an effort to discourage would-be thieves, the city of Albuquerque is working with a lighting contractor to reinforce poles and switch out copper wiring for less valuable aluminum. Mayor Tim Keller says the copper thefts can create a safety problem as well as burden taxpayers. In February alone, the city saw $16,000 in copper theft, which accounted for more than one-quarter of all maintenance of street lights.
- VIRUS-OUTBREAK-BORDER ENFORCEMENT
U.S. authorities say they've sent nearly 10,000 Mexican and Central American border crossers back to Mexico under new rules designed to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The Trump administration has essentially shut down the nation's asylum system by setting aside decades of immigration laws. People seeking refuge in the U.S. are whisked to the nearest border crossing and returned to Mexico without a chance to seek asylum. The Trump administration is relying on a seldom-used public health law and has offered little detail on the rules. Fewer than 100 people are now in Customs and Border Protection custody.
- BC-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-EASTER-SERVICES
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — At the holiest time of year for Christians, churches are wrestling with how to hold services amid the coronavirus outbreak. In some cases, that has set up showdowns between pastors and local officials over restrictions that forbid large gatherings. Many churches are offering parishioners livestreaming options to observe Good Friday and Easter services on TVs, phones and computers. Others are sending worshippers to drive-in movie theaters for services. Governors in several states have deemed church an "essential service," allowing Easter worship to proceed even as public health officials warn that large gatherings could be a major setback amid a pandemic that has killed more than 14,000 people in the U.S.
- ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO-UDALL
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's senior U.S. senator is throwing his support behind Joe Biden in the race for president. Democrat Tom Udall announced his endorsement in a message on social media Wednesday. Udall's post followed news that fellow Sen. Bernie Sanders was ending his presidential bid, leaving Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in the general election. The New Mexico Democrat said he believes Biden can provide steadfast leadership for New Mexico's working families and the rest of the nation.