- New Mexico House Democrats outline criminal justice efforts
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A group of New Mexico House Democrats outlined a package of criminal justice bills intended to combat crime, including penalties for failing to safely store guns, enhanced pay for police and changes in the pretrial supervision and bail system. A record-setting number of homicides in Albuquerque this year is spurring concerns about violent crime and shortcomings of the police and justice system. Seventeen House Democrats including majority floor leader Javier Martinez and Rep. Antonio Maestas of Albuquerque announced in a Thursday statement a lengthy list of goals for next regular legislative session in January.
- Bureau of Indian Education issues vaccine mandate
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The federal agency that oversees schools that educate some Native Americans in nearly two dozen states has issued an employee vaccine mandate. The mandate, announced Thursday, covers faculty and staff at schools and dormitories operated directly by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education. More than 180 schools operate under the agency's umbrella. But about two-thirds are run by tribes under contract with the federal government or through grants, including most on the Navajo Nation. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says employees must be vaccinated no later than Oct. 15 or they could face disciplinary action.
- New Mexico accelerates pace of rental assistance payments
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State financial officials says about $38 million has been paid out in federal rental and utility assistance in an effort to stabilize the housing market and avoid future evictions. Finance and Administration Secretary Deborah Romero briefed a legislative panel Thursday on the pandemic relief program. The state has streamlined efforts to deliver rental assistance aid, allowing seven days for landlords to collect rental assistance before depositing money with tenants. The aid program can be used for a variety of housing obligations to pay off past overdue rent payments, bills for transitional housing in motels and even so-called rent-to-own contracts in which rent may counts toward purchasing.
- Navajo Nation reports 55 new COVID-19 cases, 2 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 55 new COVID-19 cases and two additional deaths. The latest numbers pushed the Navajo Nation's total to 32,707 cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago and 1,406 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. Any worker who does not show proof of vaccination by Sept. 29 must be tested every two weeks or face discipline.
- Advocates: More will come to New Mexico to seek abortions
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Advocates say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold a Texas law that bans most abortions will likely result in more people coming to New Mexico for the procedure. The state already was among the ones that patients travel to because Albuquerque is home to one of only a few independent clinics in the country that perform abortions in the third trimester. Officials with New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice said Thursday that they're already are experiencing an influx and are preparing for more in the next couple of weeks. New Mexico earlier this year adopted legislation to overturn a dormant 1969 ban on most abortion procedures.
- Rainy season unleashes with fury, beauty in US Southwest
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — After two bone-dry years that sank the U.S. Southwest deeper into drought, this summer's rainy season has unleashed with fury. Monsoon storms have brought spectacular lightning shows, bounties of wildflowers and widespread rainfall. But destruction also came as streets and homes flooded, leading to some swift water rescues and more than a dozen deaths. It's a marked 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.
- Albuquerque balloon fiesta taking steps to combat COVID-19
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta officials say they're canceling some parts of the event and will require guests to wear masks to enter the grounds and while in indoor areas and crowded outdoor settings to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity said Wednesday he didn't believe that face mask requirements and other safety practices would affect attendance numbers for the Oct. 2-10 event. Officials said the music fiesta is being canceled this year due to close proximity of guests and the discovery center is being shelved because of its indoor nature featuring activities with multiple touchpoints.
- FAA bans Virgin Galactic launches while probing Branson trip
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration says Virgin Galactic can't launch anyone into space again until an investigation is complete into founder Richard Branson's off-course flight in July. Thursday's ban came as Virgin Galactic announced plans to launch three Italian researchers to the edge of space in a few weeks. The FAA said the rocketship carrying Branson and five Virgin Galactic employees veered off course during its descent back to its New Mexico desert runway. The deviation put the ship outside the air traffic control clearance area. The FAA is overseeing the investigation and Virgin Galactic says it is working closely with the agency.