MINNEAPOLIS POLICE DEATH-ALBUQUERQUE PROTEST
Albuquerque cops use tear gas, helicopter against protesters
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque said officers were forced to use tear gas and a helicopter against demonstrators after a protest against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned violent. Albuquerque Police Deputy Chief Harold Medina said four people were taken into custody following reports of 33 gunshots near a peaceful protest Thursday along the city's historic Route 66. Medina says protesters surrounded a female sergeant's patrol car and broke the vehicle's windows before she escaped. He says some protesters also tried to drag motorists out of their cars and then attacked other police vehicles with baseball bats. No injuries were reported.

​ASSISTED LIVING-FIRE
Fire at Albuquerque assisted living facility displaces 13
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Albuquerque fire department says 13 residents of an assisted living facility were displaced by a fire in one apartment Saturday morning. The department says firefighters were able to put out the fire without it extending into other areas of La Vida Llena. According to the department, one person was transported for injuries related to possible smoke inhalation and no firefighters were injured. No additional information was released.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Balloon fiesta organizers hold out hope for October event
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Organizers say it's "full speed ahead" as they plan for this year's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta amid the coronavirus pandemic. Hosted by New Mexico's largest city, the annual event usually draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and ballooning teams from around the world for nine days in early October. The fiesta's director of operations says officials are considering a few options and are hopeful the event can still happen. But he also acknowledged that the plans have to be flexible. State officials have said it's unlikely they'll permit large gatherings any time soon despite easing other restrictions as part of a phased reopening of New Mexico's economy.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-MONUMENTS-NEW MEXICO
2 national monuments in New Mexico plan partial reopenings
GRANTS, N.M. (AP) — Plans are being made to partially reopen two national monuments near Grants in northwestern New Mexico for recreational access after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The National Park Service says El Malpais National Monument on Monday will reopen access to all trailheads, though the monument's visitor center near Interstate 40 will remain closed temporarily due to a construction project. Officials say they tentatively plan to reopen the trails and campground at El Morro National Monument on a schedule of Wednesday through Sunday each week beginning in mid-June. 

ELECTION 2020-LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
Primary may shake up state Senate leadership in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's primary election is testing the political fortitude of several influential Democratic legislators who have resisted progressive initiatives ranging from recreational marijuana legalization to shoring up abortion rights and greater spending from a state education trust. Candidates backed by a coalition of liberal advocacy groups are challenging Democrats in key Senate leaderships posts, including chamber President Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces and Senate finance committee leader John Arthur Smith of Deming. Liberal groups say Senate leaders are neglecting social safety-net services. One senator is shifting course about state savings and spending in response to the coronavirus.

AP-US-ENDANGERED-WOLVES-FOSTERING-PUPS
Wildlife managers use pup fostering to boost wolf genetics
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A record number of captive-born wolf pups has been placed into the wild as part of an effort by federal and state wildlife managers to boost the genetic diversity among Mexican gray wolves in the Southwestern U.S. The interagency team announced the results of this season's cross-fostering program Thursday. They say the work of integrating the 20 pups into wild wolf packs took place in April and May. A dozen pups were fostered into four packs in eastern Arizona. Eight were spread among three packs in New Mexico. The most recent survey shows there are more than 160 wolves in the wild in the two states.

SNAKE INTERRUPTS ZOOM CLASS
Snake interrupts New Mexico elementary school Zoom lesson
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico elementary school teacher on Zoom with students had a lesson interrupted thanks to an uninvited guest: a bullsnake. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the desert animal surprised Sunrise Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Annette Otero Nuñez during a class May 12 via Zoom from her backyard in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The students _ at home on their computers or mobile devices _ saw Nuñez getting rattled. Nuñez called Las Cruces Animal Control and an officer responded while class was still in session. Animal control officer Juan Valles then gave students a quick lesson on identifying desert snakes. The bullsnake, prevalent in the American Southwest, is not venomous.

AP-US-ENDANGERED-WOLVES-FOSTERING-PUPS
Wildlife managers use pup fostering to boost wolf genetics
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A record number of captive-born wolf pups has been placed into the wild as part of an effort by federal and state wildlife managers to boost the genetic diversity among Mexican gray wolves in the Southwestern U.S. The interagency team announced the results of this season's cross-fostering program Thursday. They say the work of integrating the 20 pups into wild wolf packs took place in April and May. A dozen pups were fostered into four packs in eastern Arizona. Eight were spread among three packs in New Mexico. The most recent survey shows there are more than 160 wolves in the wild in the two states.

SNAKE INTERRUPTS ZOOM CLASS
Snake interrupts New Mexico elementary school Zoom lesson
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico elementary school teacher on Zoom with students had a lesson interrupted thanks to an uninvited guest: a bullsnake. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the desert animal surprised Sunrise Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Annette Otero Nuñez during a class May 12 via Zoom from her backyard in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The students _ at home on their computers or mobile devices _ saw Nuñez getting rattled. Nuñez called Las Cruces Animal Control and an officer responded while class was still in session. Animal control officer Juan Valles then gave students a quick lesson on identifying desert snakes. The bullsnake, prevalent in the American Southwest, is not venomous.

DRY NEW MEXICO-PATROLS
Open space patrols begin around Albuquerque amid fire danger
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Firefighters have started patrolling open space areas around New Mexico's largest metropolitan area as dry conditions intensify and fire danger increases. The patrols by crews with Albuquerque Fire Rescue cover more than 53 square miles that span parts of the mesa west of the city, the foothills on the east side and the Rio Grande Valley. Officials say the patrols will increase later this summer. The latest drought map shows close to 70% of the state is dealing with some form drought, from abnormally dry conditions to extreme drought along the New Mexico-Colorado border.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico will lift many business restrictions on June 1
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will allow dine-in restaurants, shopping malls and salons to reopen at limited capacity starting on Monday, June 1, as state health regulators relax restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the changes under a new 30-day public health order, speaking Thursday at an online news conference from the Statehouse. The changes apply to the entire state, including the northwest of the state that accounts for the majority of infections statewide. State health officials reported 108 new confirmed COVID-19 infections and six related deaths. That brings total confirmed infections to 7,364 and 335 known coronavirus deaths.

HORSE RACING-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico horse track eases into racing amid restrictions
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico horse racing regulators and horse owners are excited that live racing has resumed. No spectators are allowed, but the races are being streamed by Ruidoso Downs and wagers can be made online. Still, officials are concerned that the bets represent only a fraction of the revenue that usually makes up the handle, and that's putting pressure on track owners. State Racing Commissioner Billy Smith said during a meeting Thursday that the forced closures due to the coronavirus pandemic have been financially painful for the entire industry. Commissioners and others are awaiting word on whether the state will allow casinos and tracks to reopen to the public soon.

LATE DELIVERY BALLOT FEARS
New Mexico residents fear late mail ballot delivery
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Some New Mexico residents have raised concerns about receiving or returning their ballots in time to participate in the June 2 primary election. The Albuquerque Journal reported that election officials throughout the state have heard similar complaints as thousands of new voters turned to absentee balloting to avoid the risk of the coronavirus. Election officials have pushed for absentee voting, adding an extra burden on the mail system. Residents who have not yet received a ballot or have filled out their absentee ballot but have not yet mailed it are recommended to vote or deliver their completed ballot in person.

SLAIN SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER
Man charged in Mennonite woman's death grew up in the faith
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — An airman charged with murder in the death of a 27-year-old Mennonite Sunday school teacher told authorities he was raised in the religion and joined the Air Force to escape a difficult, sheltered and restricted life. Sheriff's records hint at disdain for the Mennonite community by suspect Mark Gooch, who has pleaded not guilty in the death of Sasha Krause. Her body was found in a forest clearing near Flagstaff, Arizona, after she was last seen at a church in New Mexico. Krause was part of a group of conservative Mennonites where women wear head coverings and believe in forgiveness.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
GOP contest for US House seat in New Mexico limps to end
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — GOP voters in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District will decide next week which Republican will challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small. Oil executive Claire Chase, former state lawmaker Yvette Herrell and Las Cruces businessman Chris Mathys are vying for the GOP nomination. The primary vote Tuesday follows a divisive campaign marred by personal attacks, dark money attack ads and claims by the candidates over who is the most stalwart supporter of President Donald Trump. The candidates have avoided offering bold proposals to tackle issues like poverty in one of the nation's poorest congressional districts.

​DEMING – Early, in-person voting for the June 2nd primary election ends Saturday.
     Luna County Clerk Andrea Rodriguez said voters may vote in person at the Luna County Clerk’s office or at the Mimbres Valley Learning and Special Events Center.
     The learning center at 2300 E. Pine Street is open on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and the Luna County Clerk’s office on the first floor of the Luna County Courthouse is open Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
                Persons not currently registered to vote may register at the County Clerk’s office through Saturday.
 
     There are several contested primary races of local interest.
     Incumbent State Senator John Arthur Smith, a Democrat, is facing challenger Neomi Martinez-Parra.
     Incumbent Luna County District 3 Commissioner John Sweetser, a Republican, is facing challenger Christie Ann Harvey.
     There is a Democrat primary for Luna County treasurer – the position being vacated by incumbent Democrat Gloria Rodriguez who elected not to run again. Democrats Kristie Hobbs and Grisel Taylor are facing off in the primary.
     And two Democrats are vying for Sixth Judicial District Attorney – the position held by Democrat Francesca Estevez, who was ineligible to run again because of term limits. The primary race is between Michael Renteria and Norman Wheeler.

​DEMING – The Luna Public Health Office is hosting a free COVID-19 testing event Saturday in Columbus.
     Organizers say the testing is voluntary and residents are encouraged to get tested if they are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough or fever, have recently traveled outside the state, are asymptomatic but have had close contact with a confirmed-positive person, are a resident in a congregant setting like a nursing home or shelter, are a first responder, or are an essential worker.
     The testing is scheduled Saturday, May 30th, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., or as long as supplies last, at the former Columbus Elementary gymnasium, 520 N. Boundary St. in Columbus.
     The free testing comes as the state revised downward the number of Luna County residents confirmed to have COVID-19 – claiming one case had been entered into the data bank twice – bringing the county’s total of confirmed individuals who have tested positive to seven with one fatality.
     The state Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard shows 1,280 tests have been administered in the county, with 57% of the positives being male and 43% female, with one person between the ages of 10 and 19, two between 20-29, two between 30-39, one between 40-49, and one between 70-79. The man who died was in his 80s.
     To make an appointment for a COVID-19 test, call the Luna Public Health Office at 546-2771 and select option 4.
     The number for the corona virus hotline is 1-855-600-3453.

​DEMING – Deming Public Schools will be introducing new math curriculum for the 2020-2021 school year in all grade levels and schools.
      A media release said the district would like input on possible math curriculum selections.
     Potential selections are on the district website – www.demingps.org – under “Upcoming Math Adoption Materials.”
     All selections align with the common core standards, offer Spanish-language materials, provide support for English-language learners and special-education students, offer digital platforms for distance learning, and provide for intervention and enrichment opportunities.
     Comments and questions should be sent to Jessica Etcheverry at jessica.etcheverry@demingps.org by Wednesday, June 3rd.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
GOP contest for US House seat in New Mexico limps to end
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — GOP voters in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District will finally decide Tuesday which Republican will challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small. Oil executive Claire Chase, former state lawmaker Yvette Herrell and Las Cruces businessman Chris Mathys are vying for the GOP nomination amid a divided Republican Party of New Mexico. The primary campaign has been marred by personal attacks, dark money attack ads and claims over who's the most stalwart supporter of President Donald Trump. Herrell and Chase have exchanged the most punches, accusing the other of being a closeted "never Trumper." Candidates also have avoided offering any bold proposals to tackle issues like poverty in one of the nation's poorest congressional districts.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-AIRPLANE STORAGE
Former New Mexico air base becomes home for grounded planes
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The downturn in the commercial air travel industry has turned into a boon for a former military base in New Mexico. The Roswell International Air Center has emerged as a major storage facility for planes that have been grounded by airlines due to age and lack of demand. Planes have arrived from carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines and Frontier Airlines. The Albuquerque Journal reports there are more grounded planes in Roswell now than at any point during the modern history of the former base. The commercial air travel industry has been hard hit as people stayed home to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-PETRIFIED FOREST
Petrified Forest National Park to begin phased reopening
HOLBROOK, Ariz. (AP) — Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona is reopening some facilities and areas that have been closed to the public since March 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Park officials say a phased approach to increase recreational access and other services will have the park road, trails and wilderness areas reopen Friday. The Painted Desert Visitor Center, the Rainbow Forest Museum, Rainbow Forest Lodge and the Painted Desert Dinner and Gift Shop will reopen in future phases. Meanwhile, a project to repair and replace three bridges and sections of the park road continues with completion of the project's second phase scheduled for late June.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor slammed for buying jewelry amid closures
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is being criticized for a jewelry purchase from a store in Albuquerque that had closed its retail locations after she issued a public health order prompting the closure of all non-essential businesses. The governor's office says the transaction was done remotely and didn't violate the order. But Republicans are calling he  behavior hypocritical and dishonorable. They say the jewelry purchase exemplifies recent weeks of harsh and inequitable treatment of small businesses at a time when the governor was telling people to only go out for essential items. New Mexico has more than 7,250 coronavirus cases and 329 deaths.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO PRIMARY
Former spy, issues of Trump loyalty weigh in New Mexico vote
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is deciding on final contenders in open races for a U.S. Senate seat and a congressional slot that last changed hands a dozen years ago. The retirement of Sen. Tom Udall has thrown open a window of opportunity for U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, the presumptive Democratic Senate nominee in an increasingly blue state. Former CIA operative Valerie Plame is competing in the seven-way Democratic primary to succeed Luján in the northern 3rd Congressional District. Other candidates have connections to Hispanic political traditions and Native American communities.

ELECTION 2020-MAIL-IN VOTING
Congressman urges New Mexico to extend mail-in vote deadline
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján is urging New Mexico´s top election regulator to provide more time for people to submit absentee ballots by mail in the June 2 primary. On Wednesday, he cited the delayed delivery of some absentee ballots in Santa Fe County and proposed that regulators allow ballots be counted if they are postmarked on the final day of the June 2 primary and arrive afterward. Under current procedures, ballots must reach election authorities by 7 p.m. on June 2. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver says the state's election codes do not give her the authority to extend the deadline.

MISSING INDIGENOUS-TASK FORCE
Task force on missing Native Americans resumes sessions
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A presidential task force charged with addressing an epidemic of missing and slain Native Americans has resumed listening sessions with tribes. The task force held a handful of sessions in person before the coronavirus hit. It's now turning to teleconferences and webinars to update tribes on its work and get feedback. A session Wednesday drew dozens of people but few spoke up to provide input. The task force says it will meet a November deadline to submit a report to the White House. The task force is reviewing cold cases in Indian Country to find ways to improve investigations and respond more quickly to reports of missing Native Americans. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO-HEALTH CARE
New Mexico studies single-payer care amid pandemic
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Public officials in New Mexico continue to contemplate a possible transition to single-payer health care in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Preliminary results of a study commissioned by New Mexico's Democrat-led Legislature in 2019 were released Tuesday that outline the consequences of combining nearly all financing for health care services behind a single, state-administered payer for all residents. Analysts found that significant additional funding sources would likely be needed to fully cover the cost of the plan despite new administrative efficiencies. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden opposes single-payer proposals even as the coronavirus reveals shortcomings of the current U.S. medical system.