- Navajo Nation reports 6 COVID deaths; 1st deaths in 9 days
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases and six additional deaths. It marked the first time in nine days that the tribe reported any coronavirus-related deaths. The latest numbers pushed the Navajo Nation's pandemic totals to 31,650 cases and 1,383 known deaths. Based on cases from July 23 to Aug. 5, the Navajo Department of Health issued a health advisory notice for 19 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. The Navajo Nation reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
- Prosecutors offer plea deal to Cowboys for Trump founder
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Federal prosecutors have offered a confidential plea agreement to Cowboys for Trump founder Couy Griffin that might resolve misdemeanor criminal charges against him linked to the Jan. 6 siege on the U.S. Capitol. The proposed pleading for the county commissioner from New Mexico was discussed Monday at a hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington. Griffin still denies federal charges that he knowingly entered barricaded areas of the Capitol grounds with the intent of disrupting government as Congress considered Electoral College results. Griffin reached an outside terrace of the Capitol without entering the building and used a bullhorn to try to lead a tumultuous crowd in prayer.
- New Mexico customers sound alarm over major utility merger
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Customers are sounding the alarm over a proposed multibillion-dollar merger of New Mexico's largest electric utility provider with a U.S. subsidiary of Spanish energy giant Iberdrola. They voiced concerns during a virtual hearing Monday as state regulators prepare to hear from Public Service Co. of New Mexico, Avangrid and their experts later this week. The companies have been running TV, radio and newspaper ads in an effort to win more support. Some politicians, environmental groups and union bosses have signed on. But others say regulators need to consider Avangrid and Iberdrola's sordid histories when it comes to reliability and customer service in other states and parts of Latin America.
- Universities lead vaccine push for young New Mexicans
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Public universities and private colleges across New Mexico appear to be getting COVID-19 shots to young people at higher rates than the general public. Even more college students are likely to get vaccinated this month as the University of New Mexico and others announce that COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory. A private Christian college in Lea County says it is getting most of its students vaccinated without a mandate and hopes to reach an 80% vaccination rate soon. That's nearly double the current vaccination rate in Lea County and some other rural counties in southern New Mexico.
- Northern New Mexico plagued by smoky air due to wildfire
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Residents in northern New Mexico are waking up Monday morning to smoky air mostly due to wildfires in California. An air quality alert from Albuquerque environmental regulators deeming the air's current state as unhealthy remains in effect until noon. While particulate levels are expected to decline later in the day, the ozone levels could rise. The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department advises that people avoid vigorous physical activity outside and stay indoors as much as possible. One city official told KOAT-TV that this is the worst smoke he's seen since the Wallow Fire a decade ago.
- Navajo Nation: No COVID-19 related deaths for 8th day in row
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Sunday reported 18 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the eighth consecutive day. The additional cases increased the tribe's pandemic total to at least 31,635 while the number of known deaths remained 1,377. The Navajo Nation reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
- Albuquerque matches record number of homicides this year
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say Albuquerque has matched a record number of homicides this year within the city limits. City police say the homicide total hit 81 early Sunday. That's equivalent to the record set in Albuquerque in 2019. The total dropped to 77 in 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the city is not alone in seeing a tremendous spike in violence in 2021. Data released by the Major Cities Chiefs Association showed that in the first six months of 2021, 45 cities out of the 66 that responded to a survey saw more homicides than in the first six months of 2019. In Arizona, Tucson has seen 57 homicides so far this year, compared with 34 at this time last year.
- New Mexico officials urge employers to require vaccinations
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's governor and dozens of other elected officials are urging the state's business community to require that employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or alternatively undergo regular testing. The letter sent Friday to employers and business groups said the action is necessary to stop the current increased spread of COVID-19 as infections increase. The 28 signers include Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham., U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Melanie Stansbury but not U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell, the congressional delegation's sole Republican member. New Mexico state employees must be vaccinated or get tested regularly.