VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO

Loosened restrictions, masks edict take impact in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The loosening of some restrictions imposed on nonessential companies by New Mexico’s governor to sluggish the coronavirus outbreak’s unfold took impact Saturday, together with a brand new edict that folks put on masks in public below most circumstances. State officers reported six further deaths from the outbreak and 185 further COVID-19 circumstances. The loosening of restrictions that took impact Saturday utilized to a lot of the state however not within the northwest area, the place a lot of he outbreak is centered. Beneath the loosening, retailers and lots of companies together with homes of worship might reopen at restricted capability. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered that face masks be worn in public besides with exceptions that included consuming, ingesting and exercising.

SANTA FE KILLING-DNA EVIDENCE

Genetic evaluation helps police make arrest in Santa Fe demise

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Santa Fe police say genetic evaluation of DNA proof from the 2018 deadly capturing of a person in his yard helped crack the case. Police stated they arrested 26-year-old Joseph Jones within the killing of 52-year-old Robert Romero, who was believed to have gotten into altercation with an assailant who then fled. Police initially had no suspect or motive however investigators then submitted the DNA pattern to a lab that created a genetic family tree evaluation that led to a few potential matches. Deputy Police Chief Paul Joye stated investigators then investigated additional and recognized Jones as a suspect. On-line courtroom information didn’t record a protection legal professional for Jones who might touch upon the allegations.

NEW MEXICO HOUSING GRANTS

New Mexico to get $5.5 million for reasonably priced housing

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Division of Housing and City Growth is awarding public housing authorities throughout New Mexico greater than $5.5 million in grants. The funding will likely be aimed toward rising entry to reasonably priced housing amid the coronavirus pandemic. The state’s congressional delegation introduced the funding Friday, saying it’s a part of the reduction package deal permitted by Congress. New Mexico beforehand was awarded greater than $16.7 million in HUD grants. Democrat Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small says the grants come at a essential time as hundreds of New Mexicans are going through diminished work hours, layoffs and elevated financial uncertainty and state and native budgets are strained.

EL VADO DAM-REPAIRS

Federal contract awarded to restore northern New Mexico dam

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a contract to a Virginia-based firm to restore a dam alongside the Rio Chama in northern New Mexico. The company introduced Friday that the two-phased contract with CARPI USA Inc. is price as much as $16.7 million. A examine decided that El Vado Dam wanted to be modified and repaired to cut back seepage and erosion. Repairs will embody the set up of a liner on the upstream face of the dam. A separate contract will likely be awarded later for alternative of the spillway. Water saved at El Vado is used to satisfy the wants of a number of Native American communities.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO

Jobless claims decline as New Mexico prepares for reopening

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico well being officers are confirming 164 new coronavirus infections, with McKinley and San Juan counties nonetheless outpacing all different areas. The state is sustaining its lock-down order within the northwest area as enterprise restriction are relaxed elsewhere beginning Saturday. There have been 11 new deaths from COVID-19. That brings whole confirmed infections to no less than 5,662 and deaths to 253. Fewer individuals filed for unemployment advantages for the week ending Might 9, and officers are hopeful that quantity will decline much more as New Mexico companies put together for the enjoyable of restrictions this weekend.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION

Navajo Nation residents to be below strictest lockdown but

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Residents of the Navajo Nation will likely be below the strictest weekend lockdown but. Grocery shops, gasoline stations and different companies will likely be closed beginning Friday evening. Important staff are also being informed to remain dwelling till Monday round daybreak. A annoyed Navajo Nation president made the announcement after a spike in deaths that he attributed to shifting site visitors patterns in New Mexico. As of Friday, the tribe reported 127 deaths and three,740 constructive circumstances because it first started monitoring the figures. Tribal officers say greater than 500 individuals have recovered. The Navajo Nation has been hit tougher by the coronavirus than every other Native American reservation.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO

GOP Home hopefuls in New Mexico tout Trump love in debates

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Republican candidates in an important U.S. Home race in southern New Mexico are touting their love of President Donald Trump however little else. Three GOP hopefuls vying to problem Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small of Las Cruces repeated in debates this week their unconditional assist of Trump and caught to in style Republican themes of gun rights, oil consumption and constructing a border wall. Former state lawmaker Yvette Herrell, oil govt Claire Chase and Las Cruces businessman Chris Mathys participated in boards the place they stayed away from providing any new daring proposals and as an alternative tried to painting themselves as Trump’s staunchest ally. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER KILLED

Detective: Cellphone information led to lady’s alleged killer

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities say they used cellphone information to trace down the person they consider fatally shot a Sunday faculty trainer and left her physique off a forest highway in northern Arizona. The lead detective within the case says Mark Gooch left the Air Pressure base the place he was stationed within the Phoenix space and traveled to New Mexico, the place he allegedly kidnapped a girl dwelling in a Mennonite neighborhood. Authorities say Sasha Krause’s physique was found a few month after she was reported lacking. Gooch has pleaded not responsible to homicide and different fees in her demise.