- AP-US-PROP-FIREARM-NARRATIVE
How live ammo got on set still a mystery in Baldwin shooting
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Accounts and images from court documents, interviews and social media postings have revealed much of what happened when actor Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on an Old West movie set in New Mexico. But a week after the Oct. 21 shooting, the key question remains unanswered: How did live ammunition wind up in a real gun being used as a movie prop, despite precautions that should have prevented it? Authorities say their investigation is continuing. But at a news conference Wednesday, they pointed to "some complacency" in how weapons were handled on the set.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
As immunity wanes, New Mexico pushes vaccines and boosters
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico was among the first states out of the gate when the COVID-19 vaccine push began. Now, top health officials say it looks like New Mexico is among the first to see immunity from the shots start to wane. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said Wednesday during a briefing that waning immunity is among a long list of possible reasons the state is stuck on what officials described as an uncomfortable plateau. More than 72% of adults in the state are vaccinated and a mask mandate remains in effect for public indoor spaces. Officials said they don't expect any changes in the public health mandates given the persistent high rates of spread in communities around New Mexico.
- FACEBOOK-LOS LUNAS DATA CENTER
Facebook expanding Los Lunas data center by 2 new buildings
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — Facebook says it is expanding its Los Lunas data center by two new buildings. Once completed, company officials say the nearly 3.8 million-square-foot data center will represent an investment of nearly $2 billion and will support more than 400 operational jobs. Facebook also announced a new goal to restore 200% of the water that the data center consumes into New Mexico watersheds. The company has invested in five local water restoration projects to date.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 119 more COVID-19 cases, 9 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 119 more COVID-19 cases and nine additional deaths. It marked only the 10th time in the past 28 days that the tribe has reported a coronavirus-related death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe's totals to 36,409 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death toll now is at 1,484. Based on cases from Oct. 8-21, the Navajo Department of Health issued an advisory notice for 48 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. Tribal officials still are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel.
- 2022 ELECTION-GOVERNOR-NEW MEXICO
Ronchetti enters Republican race for governor of New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Former Albuquerque television meteorologist Mark Ronchetti on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico. Ronchetti said in a statement posted on a campaign website that as governor he would focus on small businesses, education, crime and the border. He also said he'd "listen and find solutions that actually work." In joining a crowded Republican primary field targeting Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Ronchetti is making his second run for statewide office. He ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2020. Ronchetti resigned from KRQE-TV last week. He also stepped away from the station to run in 2020.
- TODDLER DEATH-MOTHER SENTENCED
Mother sentenced in toddler son's 2019 death near Shiprock
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for the 2019 death of her toddler son, whom she left behind after driving while intoxicated in rural northwestern New Mexico. The Farmington Daily Times reports that Tonya Mae Dale was sentenced Monday in federal court in Albuquerque. She previously plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 21-month-old Kyron Kelewood. Dale was driving June 26, 2019, when the car became stuck near Shiprock. She left Kyron and another baby alone while looking for help. The boy wandered off. Searchers found his body two days later. An autopsy showed he died from exposure to the elements.
- FEDERAL PRISON ESCAPEE
Female inmate escapes from a federal prison in Phoenix
PHOENIX (AP) — Authorities say they are searching for an inmate who escaped from a federal prison in Phoenix. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons say 36-year-old Rosann Tercero was discovered missing early Tuesday morning from the minimum-security satellite camp next to the Federal Correctional Institution Phoenix. The prison is located near Interstate 17 south of Anthem. The U.S. Marshals Service, FBI and other law enforcement agencies have been notified and are trying to find Tercero. Federal authorities believe Tercero may try to leave Arizona and possibly is headed to New Mexico. Tercero was serving a 117-month sentence for various drug offenses.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 32 more COVID-19 cases, 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 32 more COVID-19 cases and one additional death. It marked only the ninth time in the past 27 days that the tribe has reported a coronavirus-related death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe's totals to 36,255 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death toll now is at 1,475. Based on cases from Oct. 8-21, the Navajo Department of Health issued an advisory notice for 48 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. Tribal officials still are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel.