LAS CRUCES - A bill sponsors say would set “nation-leading carbon reduction targets” passed in the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a 7-4
Legislative Roundup: 43 Days Remaining In Session
SFNM
Making history: New Mexico’s first Black state senator, Air Force veteran Harold Pope Jr., appeared in a one-page color spread in the spring issue of Black EOE Journal, which describes itself as America’s leading African American business and career magazine.
The publication recognized the Albuquerque Democrat for his history-making win in November, when he defeated incumbent Republican Sen. Sander Rue.
“I just want to set the example and take a lot of pride in it,” Pope, who represents Northwest Albuquerque’s District 23, told the magazine. “But because I am the first, I don’t want to be the last. I just want to be that voice and have that seat at the table.” The magazine featured Kamala Harris, the first woman of color to serve as the nation’s vice president, on its cover.
(Press File Photo by Geoffrey Plant)
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner and others are seen inside the N.M. Senate chamber as Darlene Chavez, president of the Associated Students of Western New Mexico University sings the national anthem during the opening ceremony for Grant County Day at the New Mexico Legislature last year. The 2021 version will take place via Zoom.
Wednesday is Grant County Day at the New Mexico Legislature, and despite pandemic rules that bar all but essential staff, credentialed media, and, of course, legislators themselves from the Roundhouse, local government officials and representatives from a range of organizations here will still be pitching the priority needs of the region to legislators virtually.
Associated Press
New Mexico health officials say almost all of the state s 33 counties have shown improvements over the last two weeks when it comes to reducing daily case totals and test positivity rates.
The latest data released by the state Health Department shows seven counties have improved and moved into the yellow category, while sparsely populated Harding County remains green.
The rest of the counties including those that span New Mexico s most populated areas remain in the red zone due to higher risks.
However, state officials say more than two-thirds of counties are on the cusp of reaching the metrics required for yellow classification.
Gorilla recovery, hydroxychloroquine return, prison problems: News from around our 50 states From USA TODAY Network and wire reports, USA TODAY
Alabama
Montgomery: Officials said Tuesday that the state will see a slight increase, about 16%, in COVID-19 vaccine doses coming in federal shipments, but the ongoing shortage remains the chief obstacle to getting more people inoculated. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that the U.S. is boosting deliveries to hard-pressed states over the next three weeks to increase vaccinations. “I’m pleased that Alabama will receive a slight increase in our vaccine supply. Any margin of increase is appreciated, but we have a long way to go to be able to provide them to any Alabamian who wants one,” Gov. Kay Ivey said Tuesday. State Health Officer Scott Harris said Alabama will receive an additional 10,000 first doses in its upcoming delivery. The state had been receiving about 50,000 to 60,000 first doses each week but will s