- VIRUS OUTBREAK-LEGISLATURE
New Mexico lawmakers consider $1,200 payment to unemployed
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers considering a virus relief bill during a one-day legislative session called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill aims to inject about $350 million in direct economic aid for the unemployed, small businesses and emergency housing subsidies. For workers laid off during the pandemic, it would provide a $1,200 one-time payment to help hurting households. Money may also be allocated for increased COVID-19 testing capacity to speed up results. Lawmakers say the proposed spending will be made possible by federal relief funding previously assigned to New Mexico.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-RURAL SCHOOLS
Cut off: School closings leave rural students isolated
CUBA, N.M. (AP) — The switch to remote learning in rural New Mexico has left some students profoundly isolated — cut off from others and the grid by sheer distance. In the village of Cuba, New Mexico, population 800, the school system is sending school buses to students' homes over an hour away to bring them assignments, meals and a little human contact. On the fringe of the Navajo Nation, many families have no electricity, let alone internet. It is yet another way in which the pandemic has exposed the gap between the haves and have-nots in the U.S.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico aims to boost virus testing with saliva samples
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Health Department hopes to expand capacity for COVD-19 testing by offering saliva testing. Starting Monday, officials said the FDA approved test is being offered at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. The method involves swabbing the mouth to collect a saliva sample. The tests will be self-collected, but trained personnel will be present when and where these tests are available to ensure samples are properly collected. New Mexico has seen cases skyrocket in recent weeks and officials have been looking for ways to expand testing options. Hospital officials on Monday also renewed their pleas for people to stay home and refrain from holiday gatherings.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-LEGISLATURE
New Mexico governor calls for $1,200 payment to unemployed
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers are drafting a virus relief bill that will be considered Tuesday during a one-day legislative session called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill aims to inject about $300 million in direct economic aid for the unemployed, small businesses and emergency housing subsidies. Money may also be allocated for increased COVID-19 testing capacity to speed up results. Lawmakers say the proposed spending will be made possible by federal relief funding previously assigned to New Mexico. But the spending may mean the state will need to tap reserve funds later to prop up next year's budget.
- AP-US-NETFLIX-PRODUCTION-INVESTMENT
Netflix to expand production hub in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Netflix is pledging an additional $1 billion investment in its production hub in New Mexico. The company joined government officials Monday in announcing its plans. About 300 acres would be added to the existing campus on the southern edge of Albuquerque, making it what officials say will be one of the largest film production facilities in North America. Aside from construction jobs, the project is expected to result in 1,000 production jobs over the next decade. A total of $24 million in state and local economic development funding will be funneled toward the expansion, and bonds will help reduce some taxes for Netflix.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 197 additional virus cases, no deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation is reporting 197 additional COVID-19 cases and no deaths from the virus as of Monday evening. A day earlier, officials had reported 383 cases, an all-time high for the vast reservation. In all, the tribe has reported more than 15,000 cases of the virus and 631 deaths since the pandemic began. The Navajo Nation is currently under a three-week stay-at-home order. Only essential workers are allowed to come and go. Others are permitted to travel in cases of emergency or for essentials.
- CRIME ROUNDUP-NEW MEXICO
Officials: Southeastern New Mexico roundup nets 100 arrests
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Law enforcement officers arrested 100 people in southeastern New Mexico as federal, state and local agencies conducted a roundup over several days, officials said. U.S. Marshal Sonya Chavez said Friday the arrests made in Chaves, Eddy and Lea counties were part of a national effort to apprehend violent criminals sought on felony arrest warrants. The Roswell Daily Record reported that the 15 participating agencies included the New Mexico State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security, sheriff's departments and the Roswell Police Department. Chavez said three similar operations have taken place in the past 18 months in the Las Cruces and Albuquerque areas.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO-SHUTDOWNS
Some New Mexico essential business close due to virus spike
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Some essential businesses such as grocery stores have been shut down because of a substantial increase in coronavirus cases in New Mexico. A new edict announced Thursday allows the state Department of Health to shut down workplaces for two weeks if they have four or more coronavirus cases in a 14-day period. More than 20 essential businesses across the state were shut down as of Friday, of which nearly half were grocery stores or major retailers. A Department of Health spokeswoman said the current closures are not considered critical because they are in communities with "considerable alternatives." The state on Saturday reported 2,342 additional COVID-19 cases and 25 more deaths.