- Navajo Nation reports 221 new COVID-19 cases, 2 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz, (AP) — Navajo Nation officials are reporting an additional 221 coronavirus cases and two additional deaths from COVID-19. Wednesday evening's update from the Navajo Department of Health brings the total deaths on the reservation that spans parts of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico to 640. Officials have implemented a three-week stay-at-home lockdown for reservation residents that is in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week. People can only leave their homes if they are essential workers, have an emergency or to purchase food and medication.from essential businesses that are only allowed to be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- New Mexico food banks prepare to buy millions of meals
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico food banks say they will be able to provide more meals for thousands of families. They will be getting an infusion of $5 million in funding as part of an economic relief package approved by state lawmakers Tuesday and signed Wednesday by the governor. Officials at The Food Bank in Santa Fe said that along with unemployment, the need for emergency food assistance has increased during the pandemic. The Food Bank and its nonprofit partners moved about 7.8 million pounds of food in the first nine months of the year. In Albuquerque, the city is served 500,000 meals to seniors since March.
- New Mexico governor says holiday plans aren't worth the risk
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is making a last push to get people to stay home for the Thanksgiving holiday. She tweeted a new video from the state health department showing family members eating dinner at their own homes while talking via a livestream. The governor says seeing family isn't worth the risk and that it's not too late to cancel plans. State health officials on Wednesday reported 1,873 additional confirmed cases, marking one of the lower daily counts seen in recent weeks. The state's latest public health order will expire Monday, but the governor is not expected to announce any changes until then.
- Kirtland man stuck and killed by SUV near Farmington
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state police say a man who was walking in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 64 near Farmington has been struck and killed by an SUV. The accident that happened at about 7 p.m. Tuesday killed 48-year-old Freddie Chatto of Kirtland. Police say a Farmington resident was driving west on Highway 64 and did not see Chatto because he was wearing dark clothing and walking in an unlit area of the highway. The driver was not hurt. Police say they suspect Chatto may have been intoxicated.
- New Mexico looks ahead to more economic relief amid pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M> (AP) — The flurry to pass a $330 million relief package aimed at helping out-of-work New Mexicans and certain businesses hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic is done. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the measure Wednesday. But she and Republican lawmakers say the hardest work is yet to come as they look for more permanent ways to rebuild a shattered economy. Republicans had voiced concerns during Tuesday's one-day special session that the relief bill left behind low-income essential workers. Democratic legislative leaders say they plan to consider an immediate relief package when they return in January for a 60-day session.
- State Police: Man killed in shootout with Deming officers
DEMING, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say two Deming police officers fatally shot a wanted man after he shot at the officers following a chase and a crash, The New Mexico State Police said the incident began when 37-year-old Lorenzo Aguilar of Deming was approached Tuesday by police who had learned of his location and knew he was sought on a felony arrest warrant. The State Police said Aguilar drove off at speeds at over 100 mph (161 kph) before crashing his vehicle into a wall. According to the State Police, Aguilar then ran off and then shot at the two officers who returned fire.
- New Mexico county signs contract for deputy body cameras
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M (AP) — Bernalillo County officials have signed a $3.8 million deal with a Georgia company to provide body and vehicle cameras for the sheriff's department. The New Mexico county made the announcement Wednesday. The agreement calls for Utility Inc. to supply 363 body cameras for deputies while 148 vehicles will be equipped with front- and rear-facing cameras. The service agreement includes installation, software, training and maintenance for five years. Sheriff Manuel Gonzales had long dismissed body-worn cameras despite public pressure and the urging of the county commission. In June, state lawmakers passed a bill mandating that all law enforcement agencies in the state use body-worn cameras.
- 121 cases, 7 deaths added to COVID tallies for Navajo Nation
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported an additional 121 known COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths, increasing its totals to 15,374 cases and 638 deaths. Navajo Nation officials continued to urge the public not to hold in-person gatherings with non-household members on Thanksgiving Day due to COVID-19 risks. Tribal President Jonathan Nez said inviting guests and other relatives into homes creates substantial risks for families. He urged people to be diligent and to make good choices but he acknowledged that can be difficult. .he nation's sprawling reservation is under a three-week stay-home lockdown to curb spread of the coronavirus.