- Navajo Nation reports no COVID-19 deaths for 3rd day in row
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported eight new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the third consecutive day. Tribal health officials say the total number of coronavirus-related cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah is 31,043 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The total number of known deaths remained at 1,357. Tribal President Jonathan Nez says as the tribe begins to welcome visitors and tourists back to the Navajo Nation, they have to keep their guard up and continue to take precautions to prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases.
- US agency offers $307 million for rural water projects
OHKAY OWINGEH PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will be issuing $307 million in grants and low-interest loans to modernize rural water infrastructure across 34 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement Wednesday before touring a wastewater treatment plant at an Indigenous community in northern New Mexico. The Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo north of Santa Fe will receive a $610,000 loan and a $1.6 million grant to improve the plant. The announcement comes as President Joe Biden and his administration tour the country to gain support for a $973 billion spending plan for roads, bridges, public transit and other public works.
- Republican lawmaker enters race for New Mexico governor
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — State Rep. Rebecca Dow says she'll seek the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico in next year's election. The Truth or Consequences resident made the announcement Wednesday, becoming the fifth Republican looking to unseat Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Dow is serving her third term in the Legislature. A consultant to early childhood providers, Dow says she's tired of New Mexico being last when it comes to educational outcomes, child well-being and employment opportunities. Lujan Grisham announced her reelection bid at a June rally in Albuquerque that was derailed by protesters upset over her handling of the pandemic.
- Canal breaches after storm, causing street flooding in Belen
BELEN, N.M. (AP) — The central New Mexico city of Belen was mopping up after a storm dropped heavy rain, causing a canal to breach and resulting in street flooding that stranded motorists. Local news outlets reported that the breach was secured by Wednesday morning but standing water remained in some areas after the Tuesday night storm. No injuries were reported.The city declared a flood emergency early Wednesday and an emergency shelter was opened at Dennis Chavez Elementary School in Los Chavez. It wasn't known whether any residents used the shelter. The municipal court was flooded and was closed Wednesday for repairs. Belen is 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Albuquerque.
- 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.
- Drought, heat, fire force fishing ban on Colorado River
DENVER (AP) — Colorado wildlife officials are urging anglers to avoid fishing along a stretch of the Colorado River amid drought-induced low flows, critically warm water temperatures and sediment runoff from wildfire burn scars that starve trout of oxygen. The voluntary fishing ban imposed Wednesday along a 120-mile stretch of the river is unusual so early in the summer. It's another consequence of the record heat and drought that's afflicted the U.S. West. Rainbow and brown trout in the river thrive in temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. But officials say river temperatures have surpassed 70 degrees. Wildlife officials have seen evidence of trout dying in parts of the river.
- 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.