We rarely do a special afternoon edition. It’s especially rare on a Friday.

But today there are big new stories moving this afternoon’s news and we know our readers want to be in the know.

First, following the lead of the CDC and The White House, Governor Lujan Grisham issued a new public health order today removing the requirement that vaccinated New Mexicans wear a mask in public.

51% of New Mexicans are fully vaccinated as of this morning. Another 11% — making 62% overall — have at least one shot. That’s good work New Mexico. Keep it up! In case you need another reminder, you can schedule your vaccine online for yourself or a child 12 and older at cvvaccine.nmhealth.org


In election news, Republican Congressional Mark Moores candidate is getting lots of attention today, just not the attention he probably wants. Members of Congress and his colleagues in the state legislature are calling out State Sen. Moores for comments he made during a forum earlier this week where he said his ancestors “civilized the southwest” when they arrived and colonized the state by taking land from the Indigenous people.

Remember, Moores is running to replace Deb Haaland, one of the first Native women ever elected to Congress. The video of his comments and reactions from Native and national leaders are all in our story online and on social media now.

PSA: Early voting locations for the special congressional election open tomorrow. Find one near you, make your plan and go. Or, just order your absentee ballot.

In the News:

Governor Drops Mask Requirement for Vaccinated New Mexicans

By Staff Report, The Paper. May 14, 2021 SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health on Friday announced the state’s adoption […]

WATCH: GOP Candidate Mark Moores Says His Colonizing Ancestors “Civilized the Southwest”

By Tierna Unruh-Enos, The Paper. May 14, 2021. In a political climate where voters and fellow candidates are hyper-attentive, a candidate’s choice of […]

Plan your weekend:

Events We Like: May 13-19

Saturday, May 15 Sharing Is Caring Food is Free Albuquerque celebrates the Official Opening of […]

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This story is a staff report from The Paper.