Udall Calls On White House To Withdraw Nancy Beck Nomination Following Opposition By Republican Senators
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Tom Udall:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today calling on the White House to withdraw the nomination of Nancy Beck to serve as the chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), after two Republican senators indicated that they would oppose her nomination:
“Nancy Beck is the absolute wrong choice to be the nation’s top consumer watchdog, and that is now a bipartisan conclusion. It is becoming clear that Dr. Beck’s nomination faces a likely impossible path in the Senate because she is too extreme Read More
Chart 95: COVID-19 In New Mexico June 17
The cumulative number of diagnoses and deaths in the state of New Mexico versus date. Created by Eli Ben-Naim
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New Mexico COVID-19 Cases Now At 10,065 With 5 More Deaths And 4,351 Patients Recovered
STATE News:
SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials have announced this afternoon 138 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Los Alamos County remains at 7 cases that have tested positive for COVID-19.
Today’s update includes 5 additional deaths reported in New Mexico related to COVID-19.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported today the most recent cases:
- 20 new cases in Bernalillo County
- 2 new cases in Chaves County
- 3 new cases in Curry County
- 18 new cases in Doña Ana County
- 6 new cases in Lea County
- 20 new cases in McKinley County
- 1 new case in Otero County
- 2 new cases in Rio Arriba County
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Issues Special Session Agenda
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today announced the special session agenda, which begins Thursday. Courtesy photo
By JENS GOULD
SFNM
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today the agenda for the Legislature’s special session, calling for lawmakers to tackle a wide array of initiatives, from economic relief to voting and police reform.
The agenda goes far beyond the main reason for calling the emergency session, which is to fix an estimated $2 billion hole in New Mexico’s budget caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The governor is asking lawmakers to take up proposals, sponsored
Council Using Zoom For Public Comment At Meeting June 30
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council has a regular session scheduled at 6 p.m. June 30.
The format will be the same used for May meetings to comply with the New Mexico Department of Health’s public emergency order governing mass gathering because of COVID-19.
Public in-person attendance will not be allowed. All Councilors and County Staff will participate using the Zoom conference platform.
Members of the public interested in watching the meeting can view the agenda and live stream the meeting using the link below and accessing the meeting for the respective dates listed above: https:////losalamos.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx Read More
Democratic Lawmakers Intend To Introduce Police ‘Use Of Force’ Reporting Requirements For Greater Transparency And More Accountability At 2020 Special Session
The 2020 Special Session begins Thursday at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. LADP/file photo
By MICHAEL GERSTEIN
SFNM
Four Democratic state lawmakers plan to introduce legislation during the special session, which begins Thursday, that they say would offer greater transparency and more accountability when it comes to police use of force.
Amid calls from protesters in New Mexico and nationwide to defund law enforcement agencies and stop insulating officers from possible consequences over excessive and lethal use of force, state Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and others have asked Gov. Michelle Read More
Udall, Heinrich Press For Expanded Access To Affordable Health Care In Upcoming COVID-19 Legislation
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined 35 of their Senate colleagues Tuesday to urge House and Senate leaders to ensure that any upcoming COVID-19 relief bill includes strong provisions to expand access to quality and affordable health care coverage in the wake of the coronavirus public health crisis.
In their letter, the senators called for a bipartisan effort to increase the federal government spending on Medicaid to reduce the burden on state budgets as well as reduce premiums for individuals who are eligible for coverage Read More
For Some, Hand-Shaking Is On Tap At 2020 Special Session
Rep. Greg Nibert, R-Roswell
By JENS GOULD
SFNM
A House Republican said Tuesday he would likely shake hands with or hug fellow legislators from Southeastern New Mexico during the special session — prompting criticism from House Speaker Brian Egolf, who said he was worried such a practice could jeopardize the health of others later this week.
Rep. Greg Nibert, R-Roswell, said lawmakers from his part of the state plan to wear masks and use hand sanitizer during the upcoming meeting in Santa Fe and would keep their distance from legislators from other areas of New Mexico.
But when it comes to interacting Read More
COVID-19 Emergency Laws Spell Disaster For Press Freedom
Since COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic, attacks on press freedom have proliferated. Courtesy/RSF
RSF News:
COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) March 11, since then it has been used as a pretext by governments to put constitutional guarantees on hold.
Now that relative calm appears to be in prospect, it is imperative that these exceptional measures be lifted.
Faced with the unprecedented epidemic, many governments have targeted those whose job is to inform the public. Emboldened by the emergency, the spread of repression has been translated Read More
New Mexico Supreme Court Establishes Plea Deadline Before Start Of Trials And Jury Selection
NMSC News:
SANTA FE — The state Supreme Court Tuesday issued an order requiring plea and settlement agreements no later than five days before the selection of a jury or the start of a non-jury trial before a judge in a criminal or civil case.
“As our courts are resuming jury trials, this deadline will help protect the health and safety of New Mexicans by eliminating last-minute pleas and settlements after prospective jurors, witnesses, court personnel and other people have gathered in a courthouse anticipating the start of a trial,” Chief Justice Judith K. Nakamura said.
New Mexico COVID-19 Cases Now At 9,933 With 7 More Deaths And 4,217 Patients Recovered
STATE News:
SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials have announced this afternoon 88 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Los Alamos County remains at 7 cases that have tested positive for COVID-19.
Today’s update includes 7 additional deaths reported in New Mexico related to COVID-19.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported today the most recent cases:
- 27 new cases in Bernalillo County
- 1 new case in Cibola County
- 6 new cases in Curry County
- 3 new cases in Doña Ana County
- 1 new case in Eddy County
- 3 new cases in Hidalgo County
- 5 new cases in Lea County
- 3 new cases in Luna County
- 13 new cases
Chart 94: COVID-19 In New Mexico June 16
Percentages of people diagnosed with COVID-19 who are recovered or deceased by county. The complementary percentage is labeled as infected. Statewide, the percentages of recovered and deceased are 42 percent and 5 percent respectively. Mora and De Baca counties have zero diagnoses. In Los Alamos, five of the seven diagnosed have now recovered. Created by Eli Ben-Naim
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Los Alamos County Assessor’s Office Open For Business
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Assessor’s Office is now open for in-person business as part of taking the next steps in exiting the pandemic emergency.
This is in alignment with the directives issued from the Governor’s Office and Los Alamos County.
The Assessor’s Office will continue to adhere to COVID Safe Practices (CSP) and will require the use of face masks, six feet or more of social distancing, plexiglass at public facing counters, and limiting the number of people in the lobby area.
Residents are highly encouraged to stay safe by conducting business remotely via computer or phone Read More
New Mexico Governor Urges Local Restrictions On Fireworks
The governor urges New Mexico cities and counties to consider banning retail sales of fireworks. Courtesy photo
State News:
- Executive order cites heightened fire danger due to drought conditions
SANTA FE – Due to worsening drought conditions across New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an executive order urging New Mexico cities and counties to consider banning the retail sale of fireworks in the state through the summer or until drought conditions improve.
Approximately 75 percent of New Mexico is abnormally dry; more than half the state is experiencing at least moderate Read More
New Mexico Supreme Court Oral Argument In Legislative Special Session Case About Public Access 1:30 P.M. Today
New Mexico Supreme Court hears oral argument at 1:30 p.m. today in a case concerning public access to the Capitol during this week’s legislative special session. Courtesy/NMSC
From the Administrative Office of the Courts:
SANTA FE – A live stream is available today of the New Mexico Supreme Court oral argument in a case concerning public access to the Capitol during this week’s legislative special session.
The hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. and can be viewed on the YouTube channel of New Mexico PBS. Click here.
The case is Pirtle v. Legislative Council, No. S-1-SC-38356. Read More
New Mexico Superintendent Of Insurance Commits To Protecting Civil Rights In Health Care
OSI News:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued revised regulations Friday rolling back historic health care protections for transgender persons linked to Affordable Care Act.
Section 1557 of the ACA enshrined essential nondiscrimination protections for people who are discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health care programs that receive federal funds.
Rules issued under the Obama administration interpreted Section 1557 to prohibit health care practitioners and insurers from discriminating against transgender Read More
Chart 93: COVID-19 In New Mexico June 15
The number of diagnoses reported in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos counties versus date. Created by Eli Ben-Naim
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Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office Opens To Public With COVID Safe Practices (CSP) And Limited Hours
COUNTY News:
In continuing to align with directives from the Governor’s Office and Los Alamos County, County Clerk Naomi Maestas is taking the next step to exit the pandemic emergency.
Beginning today, the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office opened for in-person transactions 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with CSP in place – including the mandatory use of face masks, plexiglass at public facing counters, limits on the number of people in the lobby area, regular cleaning of public spaces and surfaces, and social distancing of six feet or more.
Residents are highly encouraged to continue to stay Read More
Los Alamos County Moves Toward 50% Repopulating Of Facilities; Additional Signage, COVID Safe Practices In Place
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Manager Harry Burgess announced today that County employees began re-populating facilities today, with additional signage and COVID Safe Practices in place.
“In continuing to align with directives from the Governor’s office, we are taking the next step to exit the pandemic emergency,” Burgess said, “Beginning Monday, June 15, we will begin re-populating our offices and facilities up to 50 percent capacity. In some situations, we may be implementing different work schedules – such as a staggered work shift or certain work days – to accommodate needs and facility Read More
New Mexico COVID-19 Cases At 9,845 With 5 More Deaths And 4,160 Patients Recovered
STATE News:
SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials have announced this afternoon 132 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Los Alamos County remains at 7 cases that have tested positive for COVID-19.
Today’s update includes 5 additional deaths reported in New Mexico related to COVID-19.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported today the most recent cases:
- 13 new cases in Bernalillo County
- 1 new case in Cibola County
- 1 new case in Colfax County
- 3 new cases in Curry County
- 1 new case in Doña Ana County
- 17 new cases in Hidalgo County
- 2 new cases in Lea County
- 1 new case in Luna County
- 25 new cases
