- State epidemiologist departs as New Mexico reopens economy
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's lead specialist for tracking and combating infectious disease has resigned amid the coronavirus pandemic to take a job with the Virginia Department of Health. A Health Department spokesman on Monday confirmed the departure of epidemiologist Michael Landen's from the agency. He was appointed state epidemiologist in 2012 under Republican Gov. Susana Martinez and was a leading figure in the state's response to the opioid epidemic. It was unclear whether a successor had been named.
- Financial crisis looms over New Mexico cities, counties
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A leading state legislator is warning that local governments from Roswell to Santa Fe are being swept away in the "economic tsunami" of the coronavirus pandemic and may fall back on the state for financial aid. Senate finance committee chairman John Arthur Smith said Monday that gross receipt taxes on sales and services that support municipal and county governments are drying up, as cities such as Santa Fe reel from the collapse of the state's tourism sector. At the same time, he says the U.S. government has limited the options for states to funnel federal recovery dollars toward local governments.
- Albuquerque measure would end military surplus for police
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two Albuquerque city councilors want to end the city's participation in a federal program in which surplus military equipment is transferred to municipal police departments. City Council President Pat Davis and Councilor Lan Sena announced the legislation Monday. They say they're against what they call the militarization of law enforcement. The Albuquerque Police Department hasn't received any equipment through the program since 2015. Mayor Tim Keller says the use of military equipment is out of step with the city's values and he supports the legislation. The measure will be formally introduced at the council's June 15 meeting.
- Man wanted in deadly Colorado shooting caught in New Mexico
ESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — A man wanted in a deadly shooting in Colorado has been arrested in New Mexico following a pursuit that stretched for miles. New Mexico State Police said Monday that 33-year-old Richard Martinez was recently taken into custody near Espanola after they received information from police in Longmont, Colorado, that he was in the area. Police say after about 25 miles, officers stopped the van Martinez was driving. Police say that's when he got out and ran, leading officers on a short chase before being captured. He's suspected of first-degree murder. Authorities say he'll be extradited to Colorado.
- Medicaid rolls swell in New Mexico amid economic turmoil
Santa Fe, N.M. (AP) — Enrollment is rising in Medicaid health care as the coronavirus pandemic reverberates through the economy. The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance says enrollment in the federally subsidized health care program increased by nearly 10,000 people to 853,251 as of June 1. Agency Program Manager Colin Bailllio says enrollment stood at 830,165 in February. The statistics suggest a shift away from employer-based health insurance and toward Medicaid benefits for residents living in poverty or on the cusp, as unemployment swells. Economists affiliated with the National Bureau of Economic Research confirmed Monday that the U.S. economy has entered a recession.
- New Mexico state government income faltered in March
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A fiscal analysis from the Legislature shows that New Mexico state revenues faltered slightly in March. Monday's report from the Legislative Finance Committee foreshadows severe economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. State government general fund income decreased to $690 million for the month of March, down 5% from $728 million in March 2019. The Legislature is scheduled to gather on June 18 to rewrite the state's spending plan for the coming fiscal year that starts on July 1. A national recession and faltering oil prices are expected to undermine state government income that supports school districts, public universities, health care and more.
- Pandemic disrupts New Mexico cattle, sheep operations
MORA, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's cattle and sheep industries are taking a hit as the coronavirus pandemic is causing the wholesale prices of meat and wool to drop sharply. The effects are not lost on ranchers like Carla Gomez, the owner of Los Vallecitos Ranch in Mora County. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the cattle and sheep industries are affected in different ways. Ranchers say their problems might drag on into the next year. They say demand for beef and lamb has plummeted partly because restaurants were shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
- Infections spike among New Mexico health care workers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Data from the New Mexico Health Department shows COVID-19 infections among health care workers in the state have spiked as intensive care units remain full and nurses and first responders call for more protective equipment. The data shows 492 workers were diagnosed in May, marking a 219% increase from the 154 workers who had tested positive for the coronavirus the month before. Human Services Secretary David Scrase tells the Albuquerque Journal that the increase was expected. New Mexico has more than 9,060 confirmed cases statewide. The death toll stands at 400, with a San Juan County man in his 30s among the latest to die.