- Democrats seek momentum in lopsided US House victory
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A major Southwestern metro region delivered a resounding victory to a Democratic candidate for Congress who embraced the Biden administration's prescription's for economic recovery, rebuffing Republican overtures in the heavily Latino and suburban political landscape of Albuquerque. Election results on Wednesday showed a victory margin of nearly 25 percentage points for Democratic candidate Melanie Stansbury. She embraced President Joe Biden's initiatives on economic recovery, infrastructure and clean energy as the Democratic Party seized on the election to rebuild infrastructure and return to in-person events. Republicans had little to salvage from the lopsided loss and a campaign that emphasized local concerns about crime and unfettered support for police.
- Candidate interrupted by sex toy on drone, punched at event
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M (AP) — A New Mexico sheriff who is running for mayor of Albuquerque was interrupted while on stage at a campaign event by a flying drone with a sex toy attached to it and a man who punched him. Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales' campaign says the Democrat was unharmed and "will not be intimidated." The Albuquerque Journal reports that a video posted on Facebook shows Gonzales answering questions from the audience while standing on a stage at an events center when the drone bearing the sex toy started buzzing near the stage.
- Navajo Nation reports no additional deaths from COVID-19
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — For the second day in a row, the Navajo Nation is reporting no additional deaths of COVID-19. The Navajo Department of Health reported Wednesday that only six new cases of the virus were reported on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The Navajo Nation has reported 1,322 deaths as of Wednesday since the start of the pandemic and 30,847 cases. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez says more than half the reservation's adult population is fully vaccinated but officials want to see at least 75% of the eligible population vaccinated to reach community immunity.
- Governor puts all counties in least-restrictive virus status
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Each of New Mexico's 33 counties is now operating in the least-restrictive category when it comes to pandemic-related health mandates. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a new statewide public health order Wednesday as state officials pointed to a decreased risk of spreading COVID-19. Absent the order, five counties would have slipped back into the more restrictive yellow category. Health officials reported an average of fewer than 100 cases each day over the long holiday weekend. Lujan Grisham plans to end the state's color-coded risk system at the end of the month as long as 60% of residents are fully vaccinated.
- Ohio Lottery announces 2nd Vax-a-Million incentive winners
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio has announced the next winners of its vaccine lottery incentive, including an adult who will take home $1 million and a child who will receive a full college scholarship. Gov. Mike DeWine announced the Vax-a-Million program May 12 to renew interest in getting a coronavirus vaccine. Governors in several states have since put similar lottery incentives in place. More than 3.2 million Ohioans have now entered their names for a shot at the $1 million, and more than 133,000 children have entered for the scholarship, which includes tuition, room-and-board and books. Toledo resident Jonathan Carlyle won the $1 million prize and Zoie Vincent, of Mayfield Village in Cuyahoga County, won the college scholarship.
- New Mexico General Services secretary announces retirement
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The secretary of the New Mexico General Services Department has announced his retirement after about 30 years in state government. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Wednesday that 51-year-old Ken Ortiz will retire from the department, which provides resources and services supporting state agencies, local government bodies and public schools. Ortiz says he has no immediate plans beyond spending time with his family. Deputy Secretary Duffy Rodriguez is expected to serve as the interim head while the governor's office searches for a replacement for Ortiz.
- Santa Fe Opera gears up for ticket sales, season opener
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The gates at the famed Santa Fe Opera are opening again. General Director Robert Meya said Wednesday during a news conference that he and the entire company are excited to return to the stage next month. The season includes the world premiere of The Lord of Cries by John Corigliano and Mark Adamo. Ticket sales begin June 10. While not every seat can be filled due to social distancing requirements, Meya says simulcasting on large video screens will be offered. He called the past year a long journey, saying the opera's return is a testament to the staff's resilience and determination.
- Texas push to close shelters for migrant kids alarms groups
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A move by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to shutter dozens of shelters housing about 4,000 migrant children is threatening to disrupt a national program offering care for minors who cross the U.S.-Mexico border. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that it didn't intend to close any facilities but that it was "assessing" the Republican governor's late Tuesday disaster declaration. The proclamation directs a state agency to deny new licenses for child care facilities sheltering migrant children or discontinue them within 90 days. The department funds 56 shelters in Texas, out of about 200 licensed shelters in the U.S.