- SOUTHWEST MONSOON
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — After two bone-dry years that sank the U.S. Southwest deeper into drought, this summer's rainy season unleashed with fury. The monsoon storms brought spectacular lightning shows, bounties of wildflowers and widespread rainfall. Destruction came as streets and homes flooded, leading to some swift water rescues and several deaths. It's a remarkable reversal from 2019 and 2020, when the seasonal weather pattern left the Southwest parched. And, it's not over yet. The season runs through September. Despite all the moisture, the region still is trending hot and dry because of climate change.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 49 new COVID-19 cases a nd one additional death. It was the tribe's first reported coronavirus-related fatality in the last four days. The latest numbers pushed the Navajo Nation's total to 32,650 cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago and 1,404 known deaths. Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing. The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees, including those working for tribal enterprises like utilities, shopping centers and casinos.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state health officials are keeping a wary watch over demands for hospital care as sustained delta variant infections strain medical resources. In a Wednesday online briefing, health officials said that a majority of infections, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 statewide continue to be among the unvaccinated. The state Department of Health reported a daily tally of 875 new cases statewide, with 11 additional deaths. At the same time, a major medical provider reported progress toward its goal of universal vaccination among staff. Presbyterian Healthcare Services said at least 97% of its workforce of roughly 13,000 is now vaccinated or has met medical or religious exemptions.
- NEW MEXICO-SEVERE WEATHER
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Emergency management officials have issued a severe weather warning as forecasters report widespread rain across western New Mexico and parts of the Rio Grande Valley. Wind gusts of about 45 mph were reported as rain moved into the Albuquerque area on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities warned people to away from arroyos, drainage channels and flooded low water crossings. The forecast called for scattered to numerous thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings through Saturday. State officials described this year's monsoon as active, noting that 10 disaster declarations have been issued in the past three months due to flooding.
- EDUCATION RESEARCHER RESIGNS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A top education adviser serving the New Mexico Legislature has resigned over insensitive remarks she made about Native American students in 2019. Legislative Education Study Committee director Rachel Gudgel had apologized for the remarks and complied with disciplinary measures over the past year. That included a temporary suspension and professional coaching. But Native American lawmakers and advocacy groups continued to raise concerns. Gudgel resigned Wednesday, and her deputy was appointed by the committee to lead education policy research efforts for next year's legislative session. About 10% of New Mexico's students are Indigenous.
- METHANE FIGHT-REVENUES
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A group of powerful New Mexico lawmakers has concerns about proposed rules that aim to cut smog-causing pollution across the oil and gas industry. Leaders of the Legislative Finance Committee recently sent a letter to state Environment Secretary James Kenney, saying the rules would have a significant effect on revenues. One study puts losses to state and local governments at $730 million a year. Another independent analysis found the rules would cost operators more than $3 billion to comply in the first year. State regulators are set to consider the proposed rules at a meeting later this month.
- FORMER LEGISLATOR-SCHOOL DISTRICT
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Albuquerque school system has fired former state Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton from her nearly $80,000-a-year occupational education position. Williams Stapleton resigned her legislative position in July amid a criminal investigation into possible racketeering, money laundering, kickbacks and violations of a law governing the conduct of state lawmakers. A lawyer for Albuquerque Public Schools said Tuesday that Williams Stapleton had been "discharged" but declined to elaborate. Williams Stapleton's attorney, Ahmad Assed, did not immediately respond to a request Wednesday by The Associated Press for comment on her behalf. Williams Stapleton has not been criminally charged and her lawyer has said Williams Stapleton would clear her name.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 54 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the third consecutive day. The latest numbers pushed the tribe's total to 32,600 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death total remained at 1,403. Based on cases from Aug. 13-16, the Navajo Department of Health has issued an advisory notice for 36 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing.