- Navajo Nation reports 7 COVID cases, no deaths for a 2nd day
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported seven new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the second consecutive day. Tribal health officials said the total number of coronavirus-related cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah is 31,035 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The total number of known deaths remained at 1,357.
- Man found dead at White Sands National Park in New Mexico
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — Rangers say a man has been found dead at White Sands National Park. New Mexico State Police have identified the man as 63-year-old Jeffrey Minshew of Moriarty. The National Park Service is coordinating with State Police to investigate the death. A possible cause of death wasn't immediately released, but authorities say foul play is not suspected at this time. An unoccupied vehicle was found in the park about 11 a.m. Sunday. That began a search and the body was discovered around 5 p.m. Monday. White Sands rangers say there is no shade or water along any of the trails in the park. They recommend hikers bring at least one gallon of water per person per day along with high energy snacks.
- Navajo Nation lifts some COVID restrictions on reservation
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez signed legislation Tuesday to rescind an order that closed the reservation to outside visitors. It lifts several COVID-19 restrictions that will allow tribal parks to reopen at 50% capacity with safety protocols in place as early as Thursday and also allow schools to eventually reopen under a required safety plan. The Navajo Department of Health will issue a new Public Health Emergency Order on Wednesday, outlining safety protocols and requirements for reopening. The mask mandate remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation. The tribe's vast reservation covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
- 2 national forests in New Mexico lift fire restrictions
Gila National Forest and Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands officials on Tuesday announced the lifting of fire restrictions due to reduced wildfire danger. Officials cited the arrival of summer rains accompanied by higher humidity levels and lower temperatures. Officials said showers and thunderstorms are forecast to continue well into July. Forest officials imposed the fire restrictions to reduce risk of human-caused wildfire during extreme drought conditions that included low fuel moisture levels. The Gila National Forest includes large areas of southwestern New Mexico. The Cibola National Forest and National Grassland includes districts near Grants, west of Socorro and south and east of Albuquerque,
- Heinrich: Senate's filibuster rule should change
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Sen. Martin Heinrich says the Senate should changes its filibuster rule though the New Mexico Democrat acknowledges that would allow Republicans in the future to approve policy changes he opposes. The Albuquerque Journal reports that Heinrich said during a town hall Monday in Albuquerque that partisan gridlock has blocked legislation, making it difficult for many Americans to discern between the parties. With the Senate currently split 50-50, Vice President Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote gives Democrats control of the chamber. However, Republicans can block most bills because of a rule requiring 60 senators to vote to end debate on most matters.
- New Mexico city pilots bike-to-school initiative
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A city in New Mexico is tapping into federal grant money and other funding to pilot an initiative aimed at getting more children to ride their bicycles and walk to school. Students at Nina Otero Community School and El Camino Real Academy in Santa Fe are among those receiving bike safety lessons this summer as part of the citywide effort. A $300,000 grant and matching money from the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization will pay for staffing and a consultant. The consultant will help build staff and volunteer groups to keep bike safety a top priority. Las Cruces also has a Safe Routes to School program.
- Gas station operator sues New Mexico over new liquor law
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A company that runs dozens of convenience stores and gas stations in New Mexico is suing the state over new liquor laws that took effect last week. Western Refining Retail claims a new provision singles out McKinley County by not letting gas stations there sell liquor. The new rule states any dispenser or retailer licensee who sells gasoline in a county with a population between 56,000 and 57,000 people cannot sell alcohol other than beer. McKinley is the only county that falls under that population threshold. Democratic Sen. George Munoz said alcoholism is a problem in the county and that's why he pushed for the language.
- Top elected officials on Hopi reservation seek second term
KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. (AP) — The top two elected officials on the Hopi reservation are seeking another term in office. The Hopi Election Board has certified the candidates for the election scheduled later this year. Current Chairman Tim Nuvangyaoma is among four people seeking the chairman's post. The tribe's primary election is set for Sept. 9. Current Vice Chairman Clark Tenakhongva is one of two seeking that post. Both vice chairman hopefuls will automatically move on to the November general election. The Hopi chairman and vice chairman run separately. Much of their authority comes from the Tribal Council, which functions like a city government.