INTERNMENT CAMPS-DRONE
Drone used to aid 3D remake of Japanese internment camp
A University of Denver team is using drone images to create a 3D reconstruction of a World War II-era Japanese internment camp in southern Colorado.
Researchers last week used the drone from the Switzerland-based company senseFly as part of a mapping project to help future restoration work at Camp Amache in Granada, Colorado.
From 1942 to 1945, more than 7,000 Japanese-Americans and Japanese immigrants were forcibly relocated to Camp Amache. They were part of the 110,000 Japanese-Americans ordered to camps throughout the U.S.
The Amache effort is part of a growing movement to identify and preserve U.S. historical sites connected to people of color.
For example, a digital project headed up by Brown University professor Monica Martinez seeks to locate sites connected to racial violence along the Mexico-Texas border.

TWO NO-HITTERS-SAME DAY
New Mexico high school pitchers throw no-hitters on same day
(Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus, http://www.currentargus.com/)
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — A softball pitcher and baseball pitcher from the same New Mexico high school threw a perfect game and no-hitter, respectively, within 90 minutes of each other.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports Carlsbad High School softball pitcher Ashley Hernandez and baseball pitcher T.J. Ruiz tossed their gems on April 18 just a few hundred feet (roughly 100 meters) apart.
Hernandez needed 43 pitches against Roswell High School in five innings to record the perfect game as Carlsbad won 11-0 in a run-rule game.
Ruiz threw all seven innings in a 9-0 victory against Clovis High School.
Mathematicians say the odds of one New Mexico team accomplishing both goals of a no-hitter and a perfect game on the same day are 1 in 218 million.
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CHACO CANYON-DRILLING
New Mexico halts some drilling near Chaco Canyon
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has halted further oil and natural gas development on New Mexico trust lands near the Chaco Cultural National Historic Park that are considered sacred by many Native Americans.
Confirmed Monday, the executive order places a drilling moratorium within a buffer zone surrounding Chaco Canyon and its ancient dwelling. The moratorium does not directly affect federal and private holdings.
Garcia Richard visited the Navajo Nation to sign the moratorium. She calls it a huge step forward in safeguarding archaeological and cultural resources.
Oil industry representatives say robust protections already are in place within the national park at Chaco Canyon and surrounding areas where archaeological surveys are required.
Garcia Richard also convened a working group to devise recommendations about future development in the area.

FIRE DANGER-NEW MEXICO
Northern New Mexico sees fire risk despite winter snowfall
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Forest Service officials say fire risk remains in northern New Mexico despite heavy winter snowfall.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the region largely avoided severe wildfires despite dangerously dry conditions last year. But Forest Service officials cautioned that wildfires can ignite at any time because of campfires and lightning strikes.
High risk of wildfire prompted federal officials to close public access to the Santa Fe National Forest for more than five weeks last summer.
Carson National Forest later followed suit, along with state parks and other public lands, to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.
Forest Service officials will be monitoring conditions more closely through June, which is often the hottest, driest month in the region.
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SHOOTINGS-BERNALILLO COUNTY
Bernalillo County DA's figures show 114 shot so far in 2019
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say 114 people have been shot in Bernalillo County in the first 112 days of 2019.
Citing data from the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office, the Albuquerque Journal reports that figure marks a 36% increase in shootings over those counted in the same period last year.
Figures from the district attorney's Crime Strategies Unit show there were 232 total shootings in 2018 in which someone was hit by a bullet. More than 60 of those shootings were fatal.
Those killed by gunfire so far this year include a 72-year-old man who authorities say killed himself, and 8-year-old Diamond Williams, who was home with two siblings when she was shot.
No arrests have been made in her death, and police say they are not looking for suspects.

ETHICS COMMISSION-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico ethics commission takes shape with 2 appointments
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's fledgling State Ethics Commission is taking shape with the appointment of two commissioners.
Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf announced Monday his appointment of former deputy state attorney general Stuart Bluestone of Santa Fe to serve on the new seven-seat commission.
The commission will oversee the conduct of public officials, political candidates, lobbyists and government contractors.
Frances Williams also was appointed with an eye toward her past experience as an equal opportunity manager at White Sands Missile Range. Her appointment came from Democratic Senate President Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces.
Voters approved the creation of the ethics commission by statewide ballot last year amid a string of political corruption scandals.
Further appointments are pending from Republican legislative leaders and Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

MISSING WOMAN-ARREST
Albuquerque man arrested in case of missing Los Lunas woman
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say an Albuquerque man has been arrested in a missing persons case that has turned into a homicide investigation.
They say 59-year-old James Lovato is facing an open count of first-degree murder and three counts of tampering with evidence.
Lovato was served with the arrest warrant Monday at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants where he is currently incarcerated on an unrelated matter.
State Police were asked last October to assist the Valencia County Sheriff's Office with a missing persons case.
Sheriff's deputies were called to a trailer house that had burned in the El Cerro Mission District of Los Lunas.
They say Rita Jaramillo lived in the home, but her family has not heard from her since last September.
​
DISTRICT ATTORNEY-SEX DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT
Lawsuit accuses Dona Ana County Attorney's Office of sexism
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the district attorney's office in Dona Ana County for gender discrimination and infringing on the free speech rights of three female attorneys.
The ACLU of New Mexico said Monday that the three assistant district attorneys were suspended last year after they refused to take down "No Mansplaining" signs from their doors.
Two were later fired and the third resigned.
The suit is seeking monetary damages.
Roxanne Garcia-McElmell, a spokeswoman for the Third Judicial District Attorney's Office, says the office has yet to receive a copy of the complaint.
The women say they were paid less and promoted less than male staff despite juggling a similar caseload. They claim they were told to smile more and assigned to a case because of their looks.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY-CHAIRWOMAN
New Mexico Democrats re-elect Marg Elliston as chairwoman
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Democrats have re-elected its chairwoman who ushered in a Democratic sweep of statewide offices and strengthened its House majority last year.
The party said Marg Elliston of Corrales was re-elected with 85% of the vote Sunday during the semi-annual Democratic Party of New Mexico State Central Committee meeting. She will serve a 2-year term.
The body also elected Marcus Porter of Albuquerque to serve as Democratic Party of New Mexico vice chair at large.
Elliston first became party chair in April 2018 to fill out the term left vacant by Richard Ellenberg's resignation. Ellenberg stepped down after defending a prominent figure in the state's film industry who had been facing sexual misconduct allegations.
Elliston is the wife of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris of Oklahoma.

BAN ON HOODIES
New Mexico school to parents: No student hoodies allowed
CHAPARRAL, N.M. (AP) — Officials at a southern New Mexico elementary school are facing criticism after sending a letter to parents about a ban on students wearing hoodies.
KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas, reports parents last week received a letter from Sunrise Elementary in Chaparral, New Mexico, with a warning not to send students to school in "hoodies coats or other non-weather appropriate clothing."
The letter says students will have hoodies taken away if they bring them to school.
Parents say they are confused about the letter and want school officials to clarify if hoodie sweaters are allowed.
The Gadsden Independent School District said in a statement that the new policy does allow students to wear that clothing in the morning hours, which normally has chilly temperatures.

HEMP PRODUCTION-FUTURE
New Mexico investors see future in state's hemp industry
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The move to legalize the production of hemp has investors in New Mexico racing to get a piece of what could be a multibillion-dollar industry.
The Albuquerque Journal reports New Mexican business leaders are hurrying to capture part of what cannabis market research firm New Frontier Data estimated will become a $2.6 billion industry nationwide by 2022.
Hemp, also known as industrial hemp, belongs to the cannabis species of plants like marijuana. The plants can appear nearly identical, but hemp varieties contain only trace amounts of psychoactive components and do not cause a high.
Hemp was legalized nationally in December with Congress' passage of the Farm Bill.
New Mexico House Bill 581, passed during the recent legislative session, authorizes several agencies to regulate the industry here.

CARLSBAD BRINE WELL
Officials: Monitors to give 'warning' on Carlsbad well
(Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus, http://www.currentargus.com/)
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say updated monitoring devices will be able to provide advanced warning if a defunct brine well on the edge of Carlsbad begins to collapse.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports equipment was included in initial spending that was earmarked for remediation of the potentially hazardous site.
Jim Griswold, environmental bureau chief with the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division, says 10 percent of $45 million went to the final design of the project and upgrades to monitoring equipment at the site.
Griswold says officials hope the monitoring devices will help give early warnings and save lives in the event of a collapse.
Formerly owned by now-defunct company I&W, the brine well was decommissioned in 2008 when the land was deemed unstable.
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FATAL CRASH-ARREST
Texas man arrested after fatal wrong-way crash in New Mexico
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a Texas man has been arrested after a wrong-way fatal crash on Interstate 25 in Las Cruces.
New Mexico State Police say 41-year-old Daniel Medina of El Paso is jailed in Dona Ana County on suspicion of homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs, driving on the wrong side of the road and not having a driver's license or insurance.
They say Medina was driving south in the northbound lane of I-25 when he collided head-on with another car Saturday.
A motorcycle driven by 21-year-old Austin Wagner of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico crashed into Medina's vehicle.
Police say Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 26-year-old man who drove the other vehicle is hospitalized with undisclosed injuries.

GUN CONTROL-NEW MEXICO
Governor, sheriffs discuss handling of gun control issues
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and many New Mexico county sheriffs were at odds over a gun-control bill she signed into law. But a recent meeting between them reportedly had a conciliatory tone.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Lujan Grisham met with at least five sheriff and several New Mexico Association of Counties officials, with Lujan Grisham spokesman Tripp Stelnicke later saying "there was much more agreement than disagreement."
Numerous sheriffs had said they didn't plan to enforce a new law on background checks for gun sales. That stance drew criticism from the governor.
Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace said there was agreement during the meeting on a need for better communication and that he's optimistic that sheriffs will be more involved in negotiations over firearm legislation in the coming year.

FACEBOOK-TRANSMISSION LINE
Utility to request reconsideration of line for Facebook site
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico electric utility wants state regulators to reconsider their rejection of the utility's proposal to have ratepayers pay half of the cost for installing a new transmission line to serve a Facebook data center and to instead have Facebook pay $39 million.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Public Service Co. of New Mexico on Monday will refile its request with the Public Regulation Commission.
The 45-mile (72-kilometer) line between a switching station at Clines Corners and a new station in Sandoval County would supply electricity from renewable sources to the Facebook facility being built near Los Lunas.
An executive with a Facebook subsidiary has said the commission's decision raised serious concerns that could affect Facebook's commitments for the project.
​
TV-KOREA-THE NEVER-ENDING WAR
PBS film 'KOREA' eyes social, political tolls of Korean War
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The PBS documentary "KOREA: The Never-Ending War" examines the lasting social and political costs of the Korean War — a conflict largely forgotten in the U.S.
The film scheduled to air on most PBS stations Monday tells the story of a war that redefined the region from the perspective of families, U.S. veterans and journalists. It also explains why tensions between North and South Korea remain nearly 70 years after a series of diplomatic blunders and violent massacres.
Filmmaker John Maggio says he wanted to create something that wasn't focused on solely on views of ambassadors and historians but real people affected by the war.
Among those included are Mexican American U.S. Army veteran Homer Garza and former CIA analyst Sue Mi Terry.
Garza discusses the atrocities he saw and Terry talks about how the war split up her family.

FATAL CRASH-ARREST
Texas man arrested after fatal wrong-way crash in New Mexico
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a Texas man has been arrested after a wrong-way fatal crash on Interstate 25 in Las Cruces.
New Mexico State Police say 41-year-old Daniel Medina of El Paso is jailed in Dona Ana County on suspicion of homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs, driving on the wrong side of the road and not having a driver's license or insurance.
They say Medina was driving south in the northbound lane of I-25 when he collided head-on with another car Saturday.
A motorcycle driven by 21-year-old Austin Wagner of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico crashed into Medina's vehicle.
Police say Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 26-year-old man who drove the other vehicle is hospitalized with undisclosed injuries.

GUN CONTROL-NEW MEXICO
Governor, sheriffs discuss handling of gun control issues
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and many New Mexico county sheriffs were at odds over a gun-control bill she signed into law. But a recent meeting between them reportedly had a conciliatory tone.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Lujan Grisham met with at least five sheriff and several New Mexico Association of Counties officials, with Lujan Grisham spokesman Tripp Stelnicke later saying "there was much more agreement than disagreement."
Numerous sheriffs had said they didn't plan to enforce a new law on background checks for gun sales. That stance drew criticism from the governor.
Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace said there was agreement during the meeting on a need for better communication and that he's optimistic that sheriffs will be more involved in negotiations over firearm legislation in the coming year.

FACEBOOK-TRANSMISSION LINE
Utility to request reconsideration of line for Facebook site
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico electric utility wants state regulators to reconsider their rejection of the utility's proposal to have ratepayers pay half of the cost for installing a new transmission line to serve a Facebook data center and to instead have Facebook pay $39 million.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Public Service Co. of New Mexico on Monday will refile its request with the Public Regulation Commission.
The 45-mile (72-kilometer) line between a switching station at Clines Corners and a new station in Sandoval County would supply electricity from renewable sources to the Facebook facility being built near Los Lunas.
An executive with a Facebook subsidiary has said the commission's decision raised serious concerns that could affect Facebook's commitments for the project.

TV-KOREA-THE NEVER-ENDING WAR
PBS film 'KOREA' eyes social, political tolls of Korean War
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The PBS documentary "KOREA: The Never-Ending War" examines the lasting social and political costs of the Korean War — a conflict largely forgotten in the U.S.
The film scheduled to air on most PBS stations Monday tells the story of a war that redefined the region from the perspective of families, U.S. veterans and journalists. It also explains why tensions between North and South Korea remain nearly 70 years after a series of diplomatic blunders and violent massacres.
Filmmaker John Maggio says he wanted to create something that wasn't focused on solely on views of ambassadors and historians but real people affected by the war.
Among those included are Mexican American U.S. Army veteran Homer Garza and former CIA analyst Sue Mi Terry.
Garza discusses the atrocities he saw and Terry talks about how the war split up her family.

ARIZONA KILLINGS-SENTENCINGS
Former Michiganders sentenced to life in 2 Arizona killings
PHOENIX (AP) — A former Michigan man and his wife have been sentenced to life in prison for the 2016 slayings of two women during a burglary in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise.
Judge Danielle Viola of Maricopa County Superior Court sentenced Montez Wright and Tichina Shephard on Friday in the Feb. 8, 2016 fatal shootings of 70-year-old Barbara Leslie and 75-year-old Ruth Schwed at Leslie's home.
Jurors in February convicted Wright and Shephard of first-degree murder and related charges.
Schwed was a friend of Leslie and was visiting from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Authorities say Wright and Shephard moved to Arizona from Southfield, Michigan in January 2016.
Andrew Lauro of Goodyear pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and burglary and was sentenced to two life prison terms in 2017.

FOUR CORNERS-HISTORIC PHOTOS
Arizona history project displays photos of 4 Corners region
PHOENIX (AP) — A collection of photos taken in the Four Corners region by a prominent Arizona ranching family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries is being called a snapshot of history.
The State of Arizona Research Library says the selection of images from the Wetherill family's collection can be viewed online at http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/digital/collection/weth as part of the Arizona Memory Project.
Curatorial Specialist Jannelle Weakly says the Wetherills were ranchers, traders, explorers, and amateur archaeologists who participated in the discovery, excavation, research and preservation of significant sites in the Four Corners area.
The collection includes photos from John Wetherill's travels to Rainbow Bridge, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde. The photographs also include ones Wetherill took of American Indians, including notable Navajo leaders Hosteen Luca and Wolfkiller.

GATHERING OF NATIONS POWWOW
Gathering of Nations powwow draws thousands to Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of the largest gatherings of indigenous peoples has drawn thousands of dancers, singers and artisans to New Mexico.
The 36th annual Gathering of Nations' powwow began Friday in Albuquerque. It concludes late Saturday after two days of traditional dancing, horse parades and pageant events for the Miss Indian World contest.
Mayor Tim Keller says the powwow draws people from more than 700 tribes. That includes those in the United States and Canada.
A highlight of the event each year is the twice-daily grand entry of dancers into Tingley Coliseum as they slowly spiral their way, one by one, onto and toward the center of the dance floor.
They are grouped by their type of dance — with men, women and children competing to win prizes in their categories.
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Read AP's full coverage on missing Native American women: https://apnews.com/tag/MissingInIndianCountry .
ER VISITS-NEW MEXICO
Report: Rate of ER visits higher in southeastern New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A new report says the rate of emergency room visits in southeastern New Mexico is significantly higher than the state as a whole, while the rate of visits in the Albuquerque area is lower.
The New Mexico Department of Health report evaluated over 812,000 emergency department visits at non-federal hospitals, finding a total statewide rate of 3,901 visits per 10,000 people.
The rate in the southeastern region consisting of Quay, De Baca, Curry, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Chaves, Eddy, and Lea counties was 4,903 visits, while the region consisting of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties had a rate of 3,477 visits.
The department attributes the different rates partly to respiratory system diseases and to injury, poisonings and "certain other medical issues being more common in the southeastern part of the state."

BORDER-ARMED GROUPS
Grand jury indicts leader of armed border group
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted on a weapons charge the leader of an armed group that has been detaining asylum-seeking families from Central America near the Mexican border.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Albuquerque on Friday announced the indictment against Larry Mitchell Hopkins on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The indictment cites previous criminal convictions against the 69-year-old resident of Flora Vista, New Mexico, for impersonation of a police officer and firearms violations.
Hopkins was arrested April 20 in Sunland Park, New Mexico, near the U.S. border with Mexico where his group has been stopping migrants, ordering them to wait and alerting Border Patrol.
Hopkins is scheduled for arraignment Monday. Defense attorney Kelly O'Connell is representing Hopkins and says his client intends to dispute the charge.

TV-KOREA-THE NEVER-ENDING WAR
PBS film 'KOREA' eyes social, political tolls of Korean War
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The PBS documentary "KOREA: The Never-Ending War" examines the lasting social and political costs of the Korean War — a conflict largely forgotten in the U.S.
The film scheduled to air on most PBS stations Monday tells the story of a war that redefined the region from the perspective of families, U.S. veterans and journalists. It also explains why tensions between North and South Korea remain nearly 70 years after a series of diplomatic blunders and violent massacres.
Filmmaker John Maggio says he wanted to create something that wasn't focused on solely on views of ambassadors and historians but real people affected by the war.
Among those included are Mexican American U.S. Army veteran Homer Garza and former CIA analyst Sue Mi Terry.
Garza discusses the atrocities he saw and Terry talks about how the war split up her family.

GATHERING OF NATIONS POWWOW
Gathering of Nations powwow draws thousands to Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of the largest gatherings of indigenous peoples has drawn thousands of dancers, singers and artisans to New Mexico.
The 36th annual Gathering of Nations' powwow began Friday in Albuquerque. It concludes late Saturday after two days of traditional dancing, horse parades and pageant events for the Miss Indian World contest.
Mayor Tim Keller says the powwow draws people from more than 700 tribes. That includes those in the United States and Canada.
A highlight of the event each year is the twice-daily grand entry of dancers into Tingley Coliseum as they slowly spiral their way, one by one, onto and toward the center of the dance floor.
They are grouped by their type of dance — with men, women and children competing to win prizes in their categories.
___
Read AP's full coverage on missing Native American women: https://apnews.com/tag/MissingInIndianCountry.

ER VISITS-NEW MEXICO
Report: Rate of ER visits higher in southeastern New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A new report says the rate of emergency room visits in southeastern New Mexico is significantly higher than the state as a whole, while the rate of visits in the Albuquerque area is lower.
The New Mexico Department of Health report evaluated over 812,000 emergency department visits at non-federal hospitals, finding a total statewide rate of 3,901 visits per 10,000 people.
The rate in the southeastern region consisting of Quay, De Baca, Curry, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Chaves, Eddy, and Lea counties was 4,903 visits, while the region consisting of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties had a rate of 3,477 visits.
The department attributes the different rates partly to respiratory system diseases and to injury, poisonings and "certain other medical issues being more common in the southeastern part of the state."

URBAN FORESTS-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque mayor pushes to restore urban forests
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque officials are calling for 100,000 trees to be planted in the city over the next decade to restore urban forests.
Mayor Tim Keller says Albuquerque is losing its tree canopy by nearly a percent per year, leaving the city increasingly vulnerable to heat, wind and climate change.
He says his administration will create a plan that includes establishing an assistant city forester position to help with the new initiative.
Albuquerque's "urban forests" include the Bosque, which is thick with cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande. Albuquerque is also bordered by national forest.
Officials say many trees in the city are 70 to 90 years old, and nearing the end of their life spans.

AP-US-OBIT-MANUEL-LUJAN
Former US Interior Secretary Manuel Luján Jr. has died
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former Republican congressman from New Mexico who as U.S. Interior Secretary drew fire from environmentalists for challenging the Endangered Species Act has died. Manuel Luján Jr. was 90.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who was a distant cousin, on Friday announced Luján's death. He had a long history of heart trouble and underwent triple-bypass surgery after a 1986 heart attack.
Luján represented New Mexico's 1st District from 1969 to 1989. He gained a reputation as an advocate for Native Americans, business and constituents in a majority-Democratic district.
As Luján's final term wound down, President George H.W. Bush tapped him for Interior secretary. Luján remained in Bush's administration until the president left office in January 1993.

GATHERING OF NATIONS-POWWOW
Powwow plans focus on missing, murdered Native women
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A two-day powwow that represents one of the largest annual gatherings of indigenous people in the United States begins Friday in New Mexico, where organizers say they want to build awareness this year around the deaths and disappearances of Native American women.
Melonie Mathews, whose family founded the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, says organizers are dedicating the Miss Indian World Pageant to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women — which has become the focus in the past year of state and federal legislation, and marches and demonstrations.
The pageant is a marquee event tied to the powwow, which has grown over the past three decades to include a parade, contemporary music venue and market.
About 3,000 singers and dancers, and 800 artisans are expected to participate.

JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor fills 2 district court vacancies
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed two judges to fill court vacancies in northern and southern New Mexico.
The governor's office said in a statement Thursday that Lujan Grisham has appointed Thomas E. Lilley to fill a vacancy in the Fifth Judicial District Court, which includes Roswell. Melissa A. Kennelly will become a judge in New Mexico's Eighth Judicial District Court, which includes Taos.
The governor says Lilley has been a Roswell attorney in private practice since 1986. He primarily has represented clients in personal injury cases.
Kennelly is Eighth Judicial District Court attorney. The governor says she was the first female police officer in the Broadview Heights Police Department in Broadview, Ohio.
Both Lilley and Kennelly are graduates of the University of New Mexico School of Law.

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
GOP sees conflict in Senate bid by election regulator
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Republican Party is urging New Mexico's top election regulator to resign from her job as secretary of state as she runs for the U.S. Senate in 2020.
The state GOP on Thursday said in a statement that Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver should resign to avoid any doubts about the integrity of the Senate election. The party provided phone numbers for the Secretary of State's Office and urged voters of all affiliations to call and request that Toulouse Oliver resign.
In a conversation with The Associated Press this week, Toulouse Oliver said she has utter faith that the Senate election will be conducted fairly.
She says that county clerks provide an extra layer of independent oversight of the state's "robust, transparent and bipartisan" election process.

NEW MEXICO RACINO-COMMISSION
New Mexico has new panel to regulate horse racing industry
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed a new panel of regulators to oversee the state's horseracing industry.
She made the announcement Thursday as a legal battle simmers over a final decision regarding New Mexico's sixth and final license for a racetrack and casino.
The Democratic governor says she expects the new commission to be fair and equitable.
The panel includes former commissioners Beverly Bourguet and David "Hossie" Sanchez as well as current and former horse owners and breeders John Buffington, Freda McSwane and Billy G. Smith.
The previous commission repeatedly put off a vote on the racino license after concerns were raised about a feasibility study that examined the economics behind proposals submitted by the five applicants. That prompted a challenge that's still pending in district court.

GREEN BONDS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to market 'green bonds' for energy conservation
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico plans to issue specialized green bonds as it borrows roughly $12 million to complete efficiency and renewable energy upgrades on a fleet of state buildings in the capital.
The New Mexico Finance Authority on Thursday approved the bond issue to help fund improvements to about 30 state agency buildings in Santa Fe. The project includes the replacement or addiction of solar panels, companion battery storage, electrical inverters and more efficient door and windows.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Legislature already approved direct state spending of $20 million on the project in efforts to reduce energy consumption and limit contributions to climate change.
Thursday's decision marks the state's entry into a green bond market that can attract socially conscious investors including nonprofits and certain pension funds.

IMMIGRATION-SEPARATING FAMILIES
Judge gives US 6 months to identify children split at border
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A federal judge says he will give the Trump administration six months to identify children who were separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border early in the president's term.
U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw said Thursday in San Diego that it was important to set a deadline for finding potentially thousands of children who were separated between July 1, 2017, and June 25, 2018.
But he says he'll consider an extension if needed.
The administration set six months as a goal but opposed a deadline. It said it could take as long as two years if efforts to streamline the process fail.
The American Civil Liberties Union has sued over family separations. It wanted the job done in three months but said it could accept six months.

ELECTION 2020-BETO O'ROURKE-NEVADA-THE LATEST
The Latest: O'Rourke might halt new drilling on US lands
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke says he's willing to consider a moratorium on new leases to drill for oil and gas on federal lands as a way to help combat climate change.
The Democratic presidential hopeful told reporters between campaign speeches in Reno and Carson City on Thursday the nation needs to rethink how it protects its public lands.
O'Rourke says that concern, combined with the need to reduce total greenhouse emissions, makes it especially important that U.S. taxpayers don't allow oil and gas companies to contribute more to the problem.
He said that "perhaps creating a moratorium on any future leases — and reviewing all those that are in existence — is in order."
​
POSTAL WORKER KILLED-ARREST
Teen arrested in killing of mail carrier in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder in the fatal shooting of an on-duty Postal Service mail carrier.
Police said the teen was arrested without incident Wednesday night at a home in Albuquerque.
Police said previously that Jose Hernandez was shot Monday while intervening in a dispute between the 17-year-old and his mother in front of the mother's home.
The Associated Press does not generally identify juveniles accused of crimes.
It's not immediately known whether the boy has a defense attorney who could comment on his behalf.
Hernandez had worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Albuquerque for 12 years.

BORDER-ARMED GROUPS-ARREST
Border group leader injured in New Mexico jail altercation
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say the leader of a civilian group that has detained asylum-seeking migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border was injured while he was jailed in New Mexico, after being arrested on federal weapons charges.
The Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday in a statement that 69-year-old Larry Hopkins was transferred Tuesday out of the county jail after suffering non-life threatening injuries Monday night.
The statement did not provide specifics on the "alleged battery" in which Hopkins was injured in Las Cruces, but Hopkins' lawyer, Kelly O'Connell, told the Albuquerque Journal that his client was hospitalized for rib injuries following an altercation.
The FBI arrested Hopkins on a federal complaint accusing him of being a felon in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
O'Connell has said Hopkins will plead not guilty.

OIL BOOM-INSPECTIONS
New Mexico regulators make emissions sweep in Permian Basin
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico regulators are looking to crack down on air quality violations by energy companies operating in one of the nation's most productive oil and gas basins.
The state environment department announced Wednesday that its staff recently conducted nearly 100 inspections across New Mexico's portion of the Permian Basin. They were checking compliance with air quality regulations and permits.
Agency spokeswoman Maddy Hayden says it will take the department at least several weeks — and possibly months — to review and determine what enforcement cases should be pursued.
The inspectors used infrared cameras to detect emissions that are invisible to the naked eye.
State officials are targeting methane emissions from the oil and gas industry as part of an executive order issued by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in January.

FACEBOOK DATA CENTER
Facebook buys more land in New Mexico next to data center
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — Facebook has purchased more than 400 acres in New Mexico, but the social media giant has no immediate plans for the land.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the purchase more than doubles the company's footprint in Los Lunas, where it has been building a $1 billion data center.
The company announced the completion of the first of six buildings at the data center site in February.
Valencia County records show the additional property was purchased in March. It had an assessed value of about $14,600, but the sales price was not disclosed.
The purchase comes as Facebook faces a $39 million bill. New Mexico regulators are requiring the state's largest electric utility to charge Facebook for part of a planned transmission line to power the data center with renewable energy.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO-PROVOST
New Mexico university tabs Michigan administrator as provost
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A senior administrator at the University of Michigan has been named provost and executive for academic affairs of the University of New Mexico.
UNM President Garnett Stokes announced his selection of James Paul Holloway following a nearly six-month search.
Stokes calls the current University of Michigan vice provost for global engagement and interdisciplinary academic affairs a "proven collaborative leader in higher education and a strategic thinker."
The announcement says Holloway will assume his new position on July 1.

OBIT-MARK MEDOFF
'Children of a Lesser God' writer Mark Medoff dies at 79
Mark Medoff, who wrote the award-winning play "Children of a Lesser God," has died in New Mexico at age 79.
Medoff's daughter, Jessica Bunchman, confirmed that he died Tuesday in a Las Cruces hospice, surrounded by family. Medoff lived in Las Cruces with his wife, Stephanie. He reportedly had been battling cancer.
Medoff wrote 30 plays and wrote, produced or directed 19 movies. He found his greatest success with "Children of a Lesser God," the tale of a troubled love affair between a speech teacher and a deaf woman who struggle to overcome the communications gap between their two cultures.
The play earned Tony and Olivier awards. The screen adaptation co-starring Marlee Matlin and William Hurt earned an Oscar nomination. Matlin won an Oscar.

COLORADO RIVER-DROUGHT
Colorado River basin reservoirs benefit from heavy snowpack
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Reservoirs around the Colorado River basin are in good shape after an exceptionally wet winter.
The largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, are expected to be more than half full this year. They haven't been near capacity since 1999 when drought took hold of the region.
The worst levels of drought have now disappeared from much of the basin that takes in seven Western states. It's a dramatic turn from this time last year when parts of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and California were extremely or exceptionally dry.
Nevada and Wyoming also rely on water from the Colorado River.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation hydrologist Shana Tighi said Wednesday that one good year won't erase drought concerns. But she says it buys time for long-term planning.

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico's top elections chief joins race for US Senate
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has announced the start of her campaign for an open U.S. Senate seat in 2020.
Toulouse Oliver will be competing for the Democratic nomination with six-term U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján. Gavin Clarkson, who lost the election for secretary of state last year to Toulouse Oliver, is seeking the Republican nomination.
Toulouse Oliver says she wants to improve economic opportunity in New Mexico and believes it's important for the state to send its first woman to the Senate.
The 43-year-old mother of two has twice won statewide election as secretary of state to oversee elections and campaign finance regulations. She made her name in politics overseeing elections as Bernalillo County clerk from 2007-2015.
Toulouse Oliver's first campaign stop will be Thursday in Las Cruces.
​
BORDER-ARMED GROUPS
Authorities keep distance, yet work with armed border group
SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico (AP) — Authorities have distanced themselves from an armed civilian group that detains asylum-seeking families at the U.S.-Mexico border. But the United Constitutional Patriots have never been shy about saying they work with Border Patrol agents.
After its activities drew widespread criticism, the group was thrown out of its camp this week for trespassing in Sunland Park, New Mexico, a suburb of El Paso, Texas.
Frequent social media posts show masked men in combat fatigues chasing migrants and ordering them to stay put until border agents arrive.
Jim Benvie is a spokesman for the group. In Facebook video, he has encouraged others to join and says the effort works with the Border Patrol.
Customs and Border Protection says it does not condone private organizations that take law enforcement into their own hands.

WILDFIRES-RESTORATION PROJECT
New Mexico forest plans thinning to reduce fire threat
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service is planning another round of thinning in the mountains east of Albuquerque with the aim of reducing the potential for extreme wildfires.
The Sandia Ranger District says the work beginning later this week will cover more than a tenth of a square mile (0.3 square kilometers). It will involve thinning the area by hand, piling up fuelwood for later collection and chipping the leftover material.
There are no plans to close recreational trails in the area, but officials are warning visitors to use caution.
The entire project area encompasses nearly 30 square miles (76 square kilometers) where high tree density has created unhealthy conditions and has increased the possibility of high-intensity wildfires.
New Mexico State Forestry, The Nature Conservancy and others are helping with the project.

CLASSIC CAR SEIZED
City to return Albuquerque man's classic car after 10 years
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque man says he is getting his classic 1970 Chevy returned to him a decade after officers seized it and said earlier this year they were going to turn it into a show car.
KOB-TV reports Leo Martinez's 1970 SS Chevy Chevelle 454 was seized in 2009 under a once widely used law enforcement tactic that has since been ruled unconstitutional.
Martinez's car was seized under an asset forfeiture program after he was pulled over on suspicion of drinking while driving. He pleaded guilty to a DWI and spent nine months in jail.
He says he could not locate his car until March when he saw a Facebook photo saying the city had it.
He sued the city. Police tell KOB-TV the car will be returned to Martinez.
___
BORDER-ARMED GROUPS
Authorities: Armed border group moves from private property
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) — An armed group that has been patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border has left their campsite in southern New Mexico after authorities said they were on private property.
Sunland Park police and security officers with a railroad company told members of the United Constitutional Patriots on Tuesday they needed to move their trailers and equipment.
Union Pacific Railroad said the group crossed its land to access the site and requested that the group not trespass onto its property.
Group spokesman Jim Benvie said in a social media post that the group will relocate and that operations will continue.
This comes after the group's leader was arrested last weekend on 2017 weapons charges. It also follows widespread criticism spurred by videos of the group stopping migrants who illegally crossed the border.

POSTAL WORKER KILLED
US Postal Service: Mail carrier fatally shot in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A U.S. Postal Service spokesman says one of its employees has been shot and killed on his mail route in Albuquerque.
Spokesman Rod Spurgeon confirmed for The Associated Press on Tuesday that mail carrier Jose Hernandez was killed while on duty on Monday. He referred questions about the shooting to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Albuquerque, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Albuquerque police say the victim was shot around 3:45 p.m. in front of a residence on the southwest side of the city. A suspect was not in custody.
Spurgeon says Hernandez had been a U.S. Postal Service employee since 2007. He was not certain how long he had been delivering mail in the area where he was killed.

CENSUS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico invests millions to bolster census participation
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is launching multimillion-dollar effort to ensure its heavily Hispanic and Native American population gets an accurate count in the 2020 census.
Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order Tuesday that draws on her Cabinet and advocacy groups to encourage participation in the upcoming census.
Lujan Grisham says the U.S. Census Bureau's new emphasis on counting residents via the internet and by telephone is likely to overlook people in remote, rural areas without reliable communication infrastructure.
State Demographer Robert Rhatigan says that could shrink New Mexico annual, multibillion-dollar share of federal spending on health care, educational programs, transportation and housing.
U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Coordinator Sergio Martinez says the 2020 census takes a "self-response" approach.

SPORTS BETTING-NEW MEXICO
Sports betting coming to another New Mexico tribal casino
ISLETA PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) — Another New Mexico tribe is gearing up to offer sports betting at its casino.
Isleta Pueblo announced Tuesday that its program is expected to open this summer, with USBookmaking serving as the provider.
It will be joining Santa Ana and Pojoaque pueblos, which jumped in following a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that struck down a federal sports gambling ban. Isleta officials say it was a victory for those pushing for more gambling options.
Federal officials have indicated that state gambling compacts with the tribes allow for sports betting.
The New Mexico Legislature has yet to approve any measures that would expressly permit sports betting, and a measure that would have prohibited the state lottery from offering games tied to the outcome of sports stalled during the recent session.

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
Senate candidate disavows armed civilian border group
(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A Republican U.S. Senate candidate has disavowed an armed civilian group that has detained migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border following the arrest of one of the group's members.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that New Mexico candidate Gavin Clarkson tweeted Saturday that he condemns the group's "lawless activities."
Member Larry Mitchell Hopkins was arrested Saturday on suspicion of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Clarkson appeared in a Facebook video last month with members of the group, describing them as "honest, sincere patriots" performing a necessary service.
Clarkson said Monday that he believed the group was conducting passive surveillance on the border and not detaining people.
The group United Constitutional Patriots has posted videos on Facebook showing members detaining migrants, including children.
Clarkson said Hopkins lied to him.
___
POLITICAL ACCESS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor posts her first appointments online
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An online appointment book is providing clues about who met with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham during her tumultuous first months in office.
Accessible on Monday, the schedule of daily events and meetings shows Lujan Grisham set aside time for Native American leaders, an ExxonMobile subsidiary and an investor in a proposed racetrack-casino.
Lujan Grisham scheduled time with state lawmakers from both parties as the Legislature approved teacher pay increases, gun control laws and energy reforms. A dinner was reserved for lead House budget negotiator and Rep. Patricia Lundstrom.
The governor's appointments included actor-turned-politician Steven Quezada of "Breaking Bad" fame and a call with President Trump's former secretary of homeland security.
Meetings apparently were held with political strategist David Contarino, former chief of staff to Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson.

POLITICAL ACCESS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor posts her first appointments online
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An online appointment book is providing clues about who met with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham during her tumultuous first months in office.
Accessible on Monday, the schedule of daily events and meetings shows Lujan Grisham set aside time for Native American leaders, an ExxonMobile subsidiary and an investor in a proposed racetrack-casino.
Lujan Grisham scheduled time with state lawmakers from both parties as the Legislature approved teacher pay increases, gun control laws and energy reforms. A dinner was reserved for lead House budget negotiator and Rep. Patricia Lundstrom.
The governor's appointments included actor-turned-politician Steven Quezada of "Breaking Bad" fame and a call with President Trump's former secretary of homeland security.
Meetings apparently were held with political strategist David Contarino, former chief of staff to Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson.

IMMIGRATION-NEW MEXICO
Migrant funding proposal put before Albuquerque City Council
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque city councilor is proposing a $250,000 emergency fund for the city to assist migrants released by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The resolution sponsored by City Councilor Pat Davis on Monday proposes funding a full-time Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs position for an asylum services coordinator.
If approved, the money also would fund contracts with non-profits, faith-based organizations and other groups to provide medical services, showers, clothing, toiletries and shelter for migrants.
The proposal follows a decision in Las Cruces for the southern New Mexico city to spend $75,000 on humanitarian aid amid an influx of international asylum seekers.
Citing local officials, the Las Cruces Sun-News reports that federal authorities have dropped off more than 1,700 asylum seekers in the city since April 12.

MILITARY BASE-JET FUEL SPILL
Air Force spends $125M cleaning up New Mexico jet fuel spill
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Air Force says it has spent $125 million so far cleaning up thousands of tons of soil and millions of gallons of water contaminated by jet fuel at a base bordering New Mexico's largest city.
Air Force Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Correll briefed Albuquerque water utility managers on the project at Kirtland Air Force Base during a meeting last week.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Correll also reiterated the Air Force's commitment to the clean-up. He said drinking water wells are tested monthly and no contamination has been found.
The fuel leak — believed to have been seeping into the ground for decades — was detected in 1999.
While state and military officials say drinking wells are protected, community watchdogs are pushing for an independent review of the cleanup.
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AP-US-BORDER-ARMED-GROUPS-ARREST-THE-LATEST
Latest: New Mexico man charged after weapons found at home
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A member of an armed civilian group that has detained migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border was charged Monday with being a felon in possession of firearms.
The federal charges stem from a search of his New Mexico home in 2017.
Larry Hopkins made his initial court appearance Monday in Las Cruces. The 69-year-old man was arrested over the weekend near Sunland Park, where he and others members of his group have been patrolling the border.
The group gained attention last week for stopping hundreds of migrants, drawing criticism from immigrant advocates and Democratic leaders in New Mexico.
A criminal complaint states Hopkins, who has three prior felony convictions, had nine firearms and ammunition in his northern New Mexico home.
Federal officials declined to say why they waited over a year to file the charges.
Hopkins' lawyer said he plans to enter a plea of not guilty at a bond hearing in Albuquerque next week.

NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
New Mexico utility says it will be emissions-free by 2040
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider says it's the nation's first investor-owned utility to set a goal of being 100% emissions-free by 2040.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico made the announcement Monday while gathered with dozens of state, local and tribal officials and students in Albuquerque.
The announcement comes as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and fellow Democrats in the Legislature push for more renewable energy investments and to adopt policies addressing climate change.
That includes a law passed during the legislative session that sets ambitious renewable energy goals. Utilities such as PNM must get at least half of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. That would jump to 80 percent by 2040.
PNM CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn says technological advancements and battery storage will help the utility meet that goal five years ahead of the state's schedule.

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
2020 could disrupt New Mexico's all-male Senate lineage
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A woman is knocking on the door of the ultimate boys' club in New Mexico politics, as Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver signals her interest in the 2020 race for U.S. Senate.
Toulouse Oliver was viewed Monday as a likely candidate for a seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Udall. New Mexico never has sent a woman to the U.S. Senate, though it has elected consecutive female governors.
An unabashed progressive, Toulouse Oliver registered a campaign committee last week with the Federal Election Commission. The Democratic nomination already is being sought by U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján.
GOP Senate nominee Heather Wilson lost in 2012 amid a gradual Democratic electoral shift. Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich won re-election last year in a three-way contest without female or minority candidates.

FORREST FENN TREASURE-STALKER
Nevada man arrested for lurking outside Forrest Fenn's home
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Santa Fe police say a Nevada man with a history of stalking famed art and antiquities collector Forrest Fenn's family has been arrested.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Francisco "Paco" Chavez of Henderson was arrested in Nevada on Monday, two days after he allegedly went to Fenn's home.
According to jail records, he is being held in lieu of bond.
Fenn's 2010 memoir, in which he writes of hiding $1 million in treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, has drawn would-be treasure hunters over the years.
Police say Chavez was sentenced last year to three years of probation after admitting to stalking Fenn's daughter and adult granddaughter in order to find the treasure.
When reached by email, Fenn said he wished to remain "quiet" about the incident.
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TRIPLE HOMICIDE
Teen suspects in triple homicide angry over party ejection
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say three teenagers shot and killed three people at a home near Los Lunas because they were kicked out of a party.
KOB-TV in Albuquerque reported Monday that a criminal complaint details a motive for the triple homicide that occurred over the weekend.
According to the complaint, 18-year-old Brandon Dowdy, 19-year-old Robert Wilson and a 17-year-old boy were attending a party hosted by Dowdy's co-worker.
Valencia County sheriff's officials say the three suspects were told to leave after they got into an altercation with others.
The complaint states they left but returned with a shotgun.
Deputies say 40-year-old Darren Bernal and 28-year-old Nathan Morrison from Belen and 29-year-old Joseph Santiago, from Albuquerque, were killed.
The three suspects are in custody.
Court records do not list defense attorneys for them.
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IMMIGRATION-NEW MEXICO
Las Cruces accepts some 1,600 asylum seekers since April 12
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — City officials say Las Cruces has accepted almost 1,600 asylum seekers since April 12.
They say 105 asylum seekers were dropped off Saturday to Las Cruces High School by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Officials say 56 immigrants were received Sunday morning in the southern New Mexico community and many from the group were transported to Albuquerque to be sheltered there.
Las Cruces is spending $75,000 on humanitarian aid to cope with an influx of international asylum seekers.
The city council authorized spending on food, water, transportation and personal hygiene items.
Las Cruces has converted its recreation center into sleeping quarters for immigrants as local shelters for the homeless reach capacity.
New Mexico's Homeland Security Department says asylum seekers are likely to continue arriving at Las Cruces for several more weeks.

BORDER-ARMED GROUPS-ARREST
Report: Man arrested on weapons charge faced similar in 2006
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A newspaper reports a New Mexico man, who is a member of an armed civilian group that has detained migrants at the border, was arrested on a criminal complaint accusing him of being a felon in possession of firearms and faced similar charges 13 years ago in Oregon.
The Santa Fe New Mexican says 69-year-old Larry Mitchell Hopkins also was accused of impersonating a police officer in Oregon's Klamath County in 2006 and claimed to be a fugitive bounty hunter.
The FBI arrested Hopkins in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on a federal complaint Saturday.
Albuquerque FBI spokesman Frank Fisher says additional information about Hopkins won't be released until after his initial appearance Monday in a Las Cruces federal court.
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FILM EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
University of New Mexico revamps film program amid demand
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico has revamped its film and digital arts program amid the demand of film and television productions in the state.
The school announced this month it will offer new degree plans in the Department of Film and Digital Arts that will allow students to focus on film production, gaming and animation, or criticism.
Department chair James Stone says the changes were needed after Netflix announced it would be purchasing Albuquerque Studios and the state saw another increase in film production.
Cinematographer Barry Kirk and screenwriter Matt McDuffie will be among the professionals to teach.
Santa Fe Film Office executive director Eric Witt called the changes at the University of New Mexico "terrific news" and said they would help with the development of new technologies and applications.

TRIPLE HOMICIDE-ARRESTS
Sheriff's Office: 3 arrested in 3 killings in New Mexico
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — The Valencia County Sheriff's Office says three suspects are in custody in the shooting deaths of three men at a home near Los Lunas early Saturday.
Sheriff's Sgt. Joseph Rowland says 18-year-old Brandon Dowdy, 19-year-old Robert Wilson and a male 17-year-old were arrested on three counts of murder. The Associated Press does not generally identify defendants who are juveniles.
Court records don't list defense attorneys who could comment on the allegations.
The victims were identified as 40-year-old Darren Bernal and 28-year-old Nathan Morrison from Belen and 29-year-old Joseph Santiago, from Albuquerque.
The Sheriff's Office said witnesses who heard gunshots said they saw a SUV leaving the scene and that officers arrested the three after finding the SUV nearby.

BOY SCOUTS-WILDFIRE RECOVERY
Boy Scout ranch focuses on wildfire recovery as season nears
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The clock is ticking as the Philmont Scout Ranch scrambles to install new campsites ahead of a summer season that will see a record number of Boy Scouts from across the U.S. descend upon the mountain retreat.
The historic New Mexico ranch is rebuilding following a devastating wildfire that charred nearly 44 square miles (113 square kilometers) last summer.
Dozens of miles of trails were wiped out along with trail camps, leaving behind a scar that will take years and millions of dollars to restore.
Ranch managers say the work is necessary, pointing to Philmont as a crown jewel of the scouting experience.
Philmont isn't alone in its new mission to become more resilient as western land managers face larger and hotter wildfires fueled by overgrown forests and dry conditions.

HEAD-ON DOUBLE FATAL
New Mexico State Police: 2 Texas men killed in head-on crash
LOVING, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say two Texas men were killed when their vehicles collided head-on in southeastern New Mexico.
The New Mexico State Police says a vehicle driven by 19-year-old R.A. Steve Stephens of Trinity on Friday crossed the center line of State Road 128 near Loving and collided with a pickup driven by 47-year-old Anthony Robert Capetillo of McAllen.
According to the State Police, alcohol didn't appear to be a contributing factor and the men apparently weren't wearing seat belts.
No additional information was released.
​
FATAL SHOOTINGS-NO PROSECUTION
No prosecution in deputy's fatal shootings of 2 after chase
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A district attorney has decided against prosecuting a Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy in the 2017 fatal shootings of two men who were in a stolen truck following a pursuit.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that District Attorney Clint Wellborn of the 7th Judicial District said prosecutors couldn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Deputy Joshua Mora's shootings of 23-year-old Isaac Padilla and 25-year-old Martin Jim weren't justified.
Sheriff Manuel Gonzales praised the decision, saying Wellborn "made the right legal and ethical decision."
Gonzales has said Mora fired because Padilla revved the truck's engine and Mora believed Padilla was going to run over his sergeant.
An attorney for the families of the dead men and two passengers who weren't hit, Sam Bregman, expressed disappointment and said there were grounds for prosecution.

BORDER-ARMED GROUPS-ARREST
Armed civilian border group member arrested in New Mexico
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a New Mexico man belonging to an armed group that has detained Central American families near the U.S.-Mexico border was arrested Saturday on a criminal complaint accusing him of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The FBI said it arrested 69-year-old Larry Mitchell Hopkins, of Flora Vista, in Sunland Park. New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas said Hopkins was a member of the group that had stopped migrants.
FBI spokesman Frank Fisher told The Associated Press that Hopkins was in custody but said no additional information would be released until after Hopkins has an initial appearance Monday in federal court in Las Cruces.
It's not immediately known whether Hopkins has an attorney who could comment on the allegations.

IMMIGRATION-NEW MEXICO
US authorities issue warning after group stops migrants
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) — U.S. authorities are warning citizens not to take the law into their own hands after a group patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border stopped hundreds of migrants when they crossed into southern New Mexico this week.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued the warning through social media Friday, saying interference in law enforcement matters could have public safety and legal consequences.
Several hundred migrants crossed into New Mexico within a 24-hour period Tuesday. That included 360 people who the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico contends were held at gunpoint near Sunland Park.
Video of Tuesday's encounter shows members of United Constitutional Patriots telling the migrants to sit while authorities were called. Group spokesman Jim Benvie says members never pointed guns at the migrants and they weren't forced to stay.

TRIPLE HOMICIDE-ARRESTS
Sheriff's Office: 3 arrested in 3 killings in New Mexico
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) — The Valencia County Sheriff's Office says three suspects are in custody in the shooting deaths of three men at a home near Los Lunas early Saturday.
Sheriff's Sgt. Joseph Rowland says 18-year-old Brandon Dowdy, 19-year-old Robert Wilson and a male 17-year-old were arrested on three counts of murder. The Associated Press does not generally identify defendants who are juveniles.
Court records don't list defense attorneys who could comment on the allegations.
The victims were identified as 40-year-old Darren Bernal and 28-year-old Nathan Morrison from Belen and 29-year-old Joseph Santiago, from Albuquerque.
The Sheriff's Office said witnesses who heard gunshots said they saw a SUV leaving the scene and that officers arrested the three after finding the SUV nearby.

BOY SCOUTS-WILDFIRE RECOVERY
Boy Scout ranch focuses on wildfire recovery as season nears
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The clock is ticking as the Philmont Scout Ranch scrambles to install new campsites ahead of a summer season that will see a record number of Boy Scouts from across the U.S. descend upon the mountain retreat.
The historic New Mexico ranch is rebuilding following a devastating wildfire that charred nearly 44 square miles (113 square kilometers) last summer.
Dozens of miles of trails were wiped out along with trail camps, leaving behind a scar that will take years and millions of dollars to restore.
Ranch managers say the work is necessary, pointing to Philmont as a crown jewel of the scouting experience.
Philmont isn't alone in its new mission to become more resilient as western land managers face larger and hotter wildfires fueled by overgrown forests and dry conditions.

HEAD-ON DOUBLE FATAL
New Mexico State Police: 2 Texas men killed in head-on crash
LOVING, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say two Texas men were killed when their vehicles collided head-on in southeastern New Mexico.
The New Mexico State Police says a vehicle driven by 19-year-old R.A. Steve Stephens of Trinity on Friday crossed the center line of State Road 128 near Loving and collided with a pickup driven by 47-year-old Anthony Robert Capetillo of McAllen.
According to the State Police, alcohol didn't appear to be a contributing factor and the men apparently weren't wearing seat belts.
No additional information was released.

FATAL SHOOTINGS-NO PROSECUTION
No prosecution in deputy's fatal shootings of 2 after chase
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A district attorney has decided against prosecuting a Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy in the 2017 fatal shootings of two men who were in a stolen truck following a pursuit.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that District Attorney Clint Wellborn of the 7th Judicial District said prosecutors couldn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Deputy Joshua Mora's shootings of 23-year-old Isaac Padilla and 25-year-old Martin Jim weren't justified.
Sheriff Manuel Gonzales praised the decision, saying Wellborn "made the right legal and ethical decision."
Gonzales has said Mora fired because Padilla revved the truck's engine and Mora believed Padilla was going to run over his sergeant.
An attorney for the families of the dead men and two passengers who weren't hit, Sam Bregman, expressed disappointment and said there were grounds for prosecution.

EMPLOYMENT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico unemployment rate holds at 5.1%
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials say the state's seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment held steady at 5.1% in March.
The Workforce Solutions Department said Friday that the unemployment rate remained unchanged from February, while the national unemployment rate fell to 3.9% for March.
Only Alaska and the District of Columbia have higher unemployment rates .
During a year ending in March, payroll employment across New Mexico grew by 10,300 jobs or 1.3%. That doesn't include agricultural work.
The mining and construction sectors recorded the fastest job growth over the past year, followed by leisure and hospitality.
The public sector shed about 1,100 jobs, a 1.3% decline in government work.

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico election regulator seeks US Senate seat in 2020
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top election regulator has filed paperwork to run for U.S. Senate in 2020.
Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver on Friday registered a campaign account with the Federal Election Commission. Political adviser Heather Brewer confirmed that Toulouse Oliver had filed new paperwork to pursue the seat that Sen. Tom Udall plans to vacate at the end of 2020.
The Democratic nomination also is being sought by sixth-term U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján.
Toulouse Oliver previously served as Bernalillo County Clerk and won election as secretary of state in 2016.
In 2018, she won re-election by handily defeating Republican Gavin Clarkson. Clarkson now is running for U.S. Senate as a Republican.
Toulouse Oliver has aggressively pursued reforms aimed at expanding ballot access, including election-day voter registration.