- New Mexico's daily count of COVID-19 cases trending down
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's daily count of confirmed COVID-19 cases has been trending down from the record highs reported earlier this month. State health officials on Thursday reported an additional 1,708 cases, bringing the statewide total to just under 89,800 since the pandemic began. The death toll stands at 1,469. Hospitalizations remain high, with 880 people being treated around the state. New Mexico has some of the strictest public health restrictions in place, including capacity limits at grocery stores and other businesses deemed essential. Face masks are mandatory and gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
- Police: Men shot by officers in New Mexico were holding guns
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico have announced that the two men who were shot by police in separate incidents within four days of each other last month were each holding a gun when they died. The Albuquerque Journal reported that Albuquerque Police Lt. Hollie Anderson of the Violent Crimes Division released details on the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Matthew Montoya in a neighborhood driveway on Oct. 12 and the shooting of Jason Edward Galliart at a motel on Oct. 16. The status of the officers involved in both shootings was not immediately known.
- 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.
- Some snow expected as next storm moves over New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters with the National Weather Service in New Mexico say a storm is expected to cross over the state Friday through Saturday morning and could effect some post-holiday travel. The upper-level low pressure system will bring with it snow and strong winds for some areas. However, forecasters are warning the drought-stricken state not to expect too much moisture out of the system. About half of the state is dealing with exceptional drought — the highest designation under which fire danger increases and large rivers run dry. That marks a significant change even since the previous week.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.