RAINBOW GATHERING-NEW MEXICO
Carson National Forest cleans up after Rainbow Family event
TAOS, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service says extensive cleanup and environmental rehabilitation activities have been conducted following a large, informal gathering attended by thousands of people in a remote area of the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. Officials estimate that 5,000 people attended the dispersed camping and recreational event. The event was staged in late June and early July by a group known as the Rainbow Family of Living Light. Officials say the group didn't apply for a use permit for the gathering but worked with the Forest Service after the event to clean up and rehabilitate the site. 

AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-INCENTIVES
To get shots in arms, governments turn to money in pockets
Millions of people in the U.S. who haven't gotten the COVID-19 vaccine could soon have a new reason to roll up their sleeves: money in their pockets. President Joe Biden is calling on states and local governments to join those that already are handing out dollars for shots. New York, the nation's biggest city, started doling out $100 awards on Friday. The president and health officials are betting that the financial incentive will spur hesitant people to get the shot just as the contagious and potentially more powerful delta variant sweeps through parts of the country and as the number of daily inoculations falls sharply from its April high.  

EVICTION MORATORIUM-NEW MEXICO
EXPLAINER: How New Mexico limits evictions, provides relief
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Tenant protections in New Mexico don't end with the expiration of a federal freeze on evictions July 31. It is unclear when the state Supreme Court will end the New Mexico moratorium on evictions. The state has $284 million in federal funds available for rental and related assistance. At the same time, the flow of money to those in need has been slow, with about $17 million in emergency rental and utility assistance distributed so far. The high cost of rental housing is less of a problem in New Mexico than nationwide.

LEGISLATOR RESIGNS-CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
New Mexico House leader resigns in face of corruption probe
SANTE FE, N.M. (AP) — The second-ranking legislator in the New Mexico House of Representatives has resigned amid criminal investigations into her ties to a private contractor for the Albuquerque school district where she also works. Democratic House leaders announced the resignation of Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton on Friday. An investigation is underway into possible racketeering, money laundering, kickbacks and violations of a law governing the conduct of state lawmakers. Stapleton said in her resignation letter that she "unequivocally" denies the allegations but decided she must devote her time and energy to fully defending herself. Democratic House leaders say her resignation is in the best interest of the Legislature and state.

PEOPLE-BOB ODENKIRK
Bob Odenkirk says he had a small heart attack, will be back
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — "Better Call Saul" star Bob Odenkirk says he "had a small heart attack" but will "be back soon." The 58-year-old actor took to Twitter Friday to make his first public statement since collapsing on the show's New Mexico set three days earlier. Odenkirk says he's going to be OK thanks to the doctors and nurses who knew how to fix his blockage. He says he's going to "take a beat to recover, but will "be back soon." Odenkirk has been nominated for four Emmys for playing the title role on the show that was shooting its sixth and final season. 

RACIAL INJUSTICE-NEW MEXICO
Indigenous leaders urge top New Mexico official to resign
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A broad coalition of Indigenous leaders in New Mexico made new demands for a top state educational official to resign based on undisclosed comments that they view as disparaging toward Native Americans. At a rally and news conference convened by the All Pueblo Council of Governors on Friday, Native American leaders and allied civil rights advocates condemned comments made at least two years ago by Rachel Gudgel. Gudgel is the director of the Legislative Education Study Committee. The committee provides education research and guidance to state legislators. Gudgel apologized this week and acknowledged that the past comments were insensitive, insulting and harmful.

AP-US-IMMIGRATION-ASYLUM
Advocates end work with US to pick asylum-seekers in Mexico
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Two organizations say they are ending cooperation with the Biden administration to identify the most vulnerable migrants waiting in Mexico to be admitted to the United States to seek asylum. The withdrawals of the International Rescue Committee and HIAS from a consortium of groups helping the government is a blow to an effort that was always intended to be temporary. Advocacy groups were choosing a limited number of migrants for U.S. authorities to exempt from a coronavirus-related ban on migrants seeking asylum at the border. Former President Donald Trump imposed the public health order and Biden has largely kept it in place.

LEGISLATOR-CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
Governor says lawmaker must go if charged in kickback probe
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says Democratic state Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton should be prepared to resign if she is indicted in a probe into allegations of racketeering. The leading state legislator has connections to a company that had contracts with the school district where she worked. Lujan Grisham spoke Thursday as authorities also investigate possible money laundering, kickbacks and violations of a law governing the conduct of state lawmakers. Williams Stapleton could not be reached for immediate comment. She has been suspended without pay along with 11 other school district employees. Lujan Grisham says she is "horrified." 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 13 new COVID-19 cases and 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death. The latest numbers brought the total number of COVID-19 cases on the vast reservation to 31,351 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The number of known deaths now is 1,374. The Navajo Nation recently relaxed restrictions to allow visitors to travel on the reservation and visit popular attractions like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.  The reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. While cases are down, Navajo leaders are urging residents to continue wearing masks and get vaccinated.

TWO CABINET SECRETARIES
New Mexico education secretary replaced, new top cop named
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has named two new cabinet secretaries. The top jobs oversee the departments of safety and education. Former Los Alamos Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus will become the new education secretary next month. Deputy Chief of the Rio Rancho Police Department Jason Bowie will become the next secretary of public safety. The department oversees the New Mexico State Police. The governor has seen a wave of retirements among department heads, with some citing the pressures of the pandemic. Grisham is still looking to fill top positions at agencies such as the Department of Workforce Solutions.

FORMER SHERIFF-EMBEZZLEMENT
Ruling upholds dismissal of charges against former sheriff
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A state appeals court on Thursday upheld the dismissal of charges accusing a former Torrance County sheriff of embezzlement, fraud and other financial crimes. A Court of Appeals panel disagreed with parts of a trial judge's decision dismissing the case against Heath White but said prosecutors failed to provide evidence that probable cause existed to warrant making White stand trial. White was accused in 2019 of using taxpayer dollars to buy personal items found on his property, but the Court of Appeals said the purchases had been approved and that White had inquired about returning the items after he left office.   
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico mandates vaccination or testing for state workers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will mandate that all state government employees get the coronavirus vaccine or face weekly COVID-19 testing, moving in sync with federal authorities to shore up rates of immunization. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday at a news conference that New Mexico will join the federal government, California and New York City in requiring immunization or regular testing for their public employees. The changes for New Mexico take effect Tuesday under a newly signed executive order. Employees who flout the rules can be disciplined, including job termination. Lujan Grisham emphasized inconveniences that await state employees who are eligible for vaccination but unwilling.

IMMIGRATION-CENTRAL AMERICA
Harris releases strategy to tackle migration's root causes
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris says efforts to address root causes of migration from Central America won't produce immediate results as she unveils a broad strategy that expands on principles the Biden administration has laid out before. The plan supports short-term relief for migration pressures like extreme weather while also committing sustained attention to deeper motivations for people to leave their countries. Harris said Thursday the governments of Mexico, Japan and South Korea have committed to joining the push, along with the United Nations. President Joe Biden's administration has struggled for short- and long-term responses.

FLOODED ARROYO-MISSING PERSON SEARCH
Body of woman swept away in Albuquerque arroyo is recovered
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Crews have recovered the body of an unidentified woman who was swept away by floodwaters in an arroyo in northeast Albuquerque. City fire rescue officials say the body was found at a washout Wednesday afternoon. They say two people _ a man and a woman _ were spotted in the arroyo after heavy rain hit the area Tuesday evening. One person safely got out of the arroyo near Interstate 25 before the search was stopped by darkness and resumed Wednesday morning. Crews had been tied to railings along the arroyo as they searched for any sign of the second missing person coming through the raging water.  

FLOODED ARROYO-MISSING PERSON SEARCH
Body of woman swept away in Albuquerque arroyo is recovered
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Crews have recovered the body of an unidentified woman who was swept away by floodwaters in an arroyo in northeast Albuquerque. City fire rescue officials say the body was found at a washout Wednesday afternoon. They say two people _ a man and a woman _ were spotted in the arroyo after heavy rain hit the area Tuesday evening. One person safely got out of the arroyo near Interstate 25 before the search was stopped by darkness and resumed Wednesday morning. Crews had been tied to railings along the arroyo as they searched for any sign of the second missing person coming through the raging water.
 
LEGISLATOR-CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
Longtime New Mexico lawmaker focus of criminal investigation
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico are investigating a longtime state legislator's connections to a company that had contracts to do business with the school district where she worked. Investigators executed search warrants this week at Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton's home and her office at the Albuquerque Public Schools district. It's part of a criminal investigation into alleged racketeering, money laundering, illegal kickbacks and violations of a state law that governs the conduct of state lawmakers. No charges have been filed against Stapleton, a top Democrat in the state House and a member of the chamber's education committees. A call to Stapleton's home went unanswered Wednesday, and she didn't immediately respond to an email.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation: 14 new COVID-19 cases, no additional deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 14 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths. The latest numbers brought the total number of COVID-19 cases on the vast reservation to 31,337 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The number of known deaths remains at 1,373. The Navajo Nation recently relaxed restrictions to allow visitors to travel on the reservation and visit popular attractions like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley. The reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. While cases are down, Navajo leaders are urging residents to continue wearing masks and get vaccinated.

PEOPLE-BOB ODENKIRK
Bob Odenkirk condition stable after 'heart related incident'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Better Call Saul" star Bob Odenkirk had a "heart related incident" when he collapsed on the show's New Mexico set, and his condition is stable as he recovers at a hospital. Odenkirk's representatives issued the statement on his status Wednesday. A day earlier, the 58-year-old actor was shooting the show's sixth and final season when he collapsed and had to be taken in an ambulance to a local hospital in Albuquerque. Odenkirk's son Nate tweeted that his father "is going to be OK." Odenkirk has been nominated for four Emmys for playing the title role in "Better Call Saul."

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 15 new COVID-19 cases and 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death. The latest numbers brought the total number of COVID-19 cases on the vast reservation to 31,322 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The number of known deaths now is at 1,373. The Navajo Nation recently relaxed restrictions to allow visitors to travel on the reservation and visit popular attractions like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.  The reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. While cases are down, Navajo leaders are urging residents to continue wearing masks and get vaccinated. 

BANDELIER-WILDFLOWERS
Bandelier boasts bountiful wildflower bloom, thanks to rain
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — A bountiful wildflower bloom at Bandelier National Monument is drawing some early risers who want to avoid the midday crowds. The visitors center is responding to accommodate them. Starting Sunday, it will open a half-hour earlier at 8:30 a.m. Acting Superintendent Dennis Milligan says that will give staff more time to hand out information on trails and safety. The Southwest has been inundated with rain during the monsoon season, bolstering wildflowers. Monument officials say the massive wildflower bloom should last for several more weeks. They say visitors should feel free to photograph the flowers but don't pick them so others can enjoy the view.

CRIME-FRUSTRATED FAMILIES
Albuquerque homicides leave families heartbroken, frustrated
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Families have been devastated by Albuquerque's rash of killings as the city has one of its deadliest years in memory. The tally of homicides for the first seven months of the year is about to eclipse the record of 80 set for all of 2019. Police Chief Harold Medina says the criminal justice system is broken and something needs to change. Other cities around the U.S. also are seeing significant increases this year. Albuquerque officials have been working on changes, but families of victims see few consequences for those who repeatedly commit violent crimes. 

LEGISLATURE-SALARY-NEW MEXICO
Proposal would have commission set salaries for legislators
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico voters may be asked whether to have the State Ethics Commission review and set salaries for state legislators. State Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto on Monday presented a proposed constitutional amendment to a legislative committee in advance of next year's 30-day legislative session. New Mexico is the only state where lawmakers receive no salary for their work, though taxpayers foot the bill for travel expenses and an allowance for meals and lodging when the Legislature is in session. Many lawmakers also have access to public pension benefits. Ivey-Soto said providing lawmakers with a salary would allow more people to serve in the Legislature.

 PEOPLE-BOB ODENKIRK
Bob Odenkirk collapses on 'Better Call Saul' set
LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Better Call Saul" star Bob Odenkirk has been hospitalized after collapsing on the show's New Mexico set. A person close to Odenkirk not authorized to speak publicly says crew members called an ambulance that took the 58-year-old actor to a hospital, where he remained Tuesday night. It was not immediately clear what caused the collapse, or how long Odenkirk might be hospitalized. "Better Call Saul," the spin-off prequel to "Breaking Bad," has been shooting its sixth and final season, which is set to air on AMC next year. Odenkirk has been nominated for four Emmys for playing the title role. 
 
FLOODED ARROYOS-RESCUES
3 people believed swept away in an arroyo in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque Fire Rescue crews are searching for three people believed to have been swept away in an arroyo. After heavy rain hit the northeast Albuquerque area Tuesday, the fire department's rescue unit was called out to search for two people who were spotted around 5 p.m. in an arroyo near Interstate 25. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning for Bernalillo County shortly before the people were spotted. Last week, three men died after being swept away in arroyos following a flash flood.  Their bodies were later recovered.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 15 new COVID-19 cases and 1 more death
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death. The latest numbers brought the total number of COVID-19 cases on the vast reservation to 31,322 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The number of known deaths now is at 1,373. The Navajo Nation recently relaxed restrictions to allow visitors to travel on the reservation and visit popular attractions like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.  The reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. While cases are down, Navajo leaders are urging residents to continue wearing masks and get vaccinated. 

BANDELIER-WILDFLOWERS
Bandelier boasts bountiful wildflower bloom, thanks to rain
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — A bountiful wildflower bloom at Bandelier National Monument is drawing some early risers who want to avoid the midday crowds. The visitors center is responding to accommodate them. Starting Sunday, it will open a half-hour earlier at 8:30 a.m. Acting Superintendent Dennis Milligan says that will give staff more time to hand out information on trails and safety. The Southwest has been inundated with rain during the monsoon season, bolstering wildflowers. Monument officials say the massive wildflower bloom should last for several more weeks. They say visitors should feel free to photograph the flowers but don't pick them so others can enjoy the view.

CRIME-FRUSTRATED FAMILIES
Albuquerque homicides leave families heartbroken, frustrated
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Families have been devastated by Albuquerque's rash of killings as the city has one of its deadliest years in memory. The tally of homicides for the first seven months of the year is about to eclipse the record of 80 set for all of 2019. Police Chief Harold Medina says the criminal justice system is broken and something needs to change. Other cities around the U.S. also are seeing significant increases this year. Albuquerque officials have been working on changes, but families of victims see few consequences for those who repeatedly commit violent crimes. 

LEGISLATURE-SALARY-NEW MEXICO
Proposal would have commission set salaries for legislators
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico voters may be asked whether to have the State Ethics Commission review and set salaries for state legislators. State Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto on Monday presented a proposed constitutional amendment to a legislative committee in advance of next year's 30-day legislative session. New Mexico is the only state where lawmakers receive no salary for their work, though taxpayers foot the bill for travel expenses and an allowance for meals and lodging when the Legislature is in session. Many lawmakers also have access to public pension benefits. Ivey-Soto said providing lawmakers with a salary would allow more people to serve in the Legislature.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUITS-SETTLEMENTS
Public defender's office settles sexual harassment claims
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Two lawsuits that accused an investigator in the state public defender's office of sexual harassment have been settled. The Law Offices of the Public Defender agreed to pay $345,000 to resolve the lawsuits filed in 2019. The Albuquerque Journal reports that neither the office nor the investigator who worked at the Las Cruces location admitted liability as part of the settlements. An attorney for the plaintiffs says her clients are hopeful the culture in the public defender's office will change and others will be spared from similar treatment, including retaliation for reporting harassment.

AP-US-WILD-HORSES-ADOPTION-PROTECTIONS
US vows to improve protections for wild horse adoptions
RENO, Nev. (AP) — U.S. officials who are trying to adopt out wild horses captured on public land say they are tightening protections to guard against the illegal resale of animals for slaughter. Advocates say the government needs to do more, including ending incentive payments for adoptions. The Bureau of Land Management said in announcing the changes that the agency is committed to the health and safety of adopted wild horses and burros. It says it intends to begin making additional inspections after adoptions, improve screening of potential adopters and other measures. The bureau says an estimated 86,000 wild horses and burros living in 10 Western states is three times as many as public lands can sustain. Advocates dispute that.

VIRUS OUTBREAK SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
New Mexico releases plans for masking, vaccines in schools
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are updating masking and vaccine guidance for schools this fall. Masks are still required for elementary school students, who are too young to receive any COVID-19 vaccine. The new rules allow middle and high schools to let vaccinated students ditch masks if they track who's fully vaccinated. Less than half of the state's children aged 12-17 have gotten their shots. Schools will still report COVID-19 cases to the state and test a portion of their unvaccinated staff under the new guidance. School vaccine drives are underway. New Mexico health officials on Monday reported 632 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and three additional deaths, pushing the state totals to more than 209,000 cases and 4,400 deaths.

FLOOD CHANNEL-VICTIMS
Police identify 2 men who died in Albuquerque flooding
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque have identified two people who were swept through flood channels during a monsoon storm and died. They are 32-year-old Steven Camp and 31-year-old Alexander Corrie. Officials said Monday they aren't sure whether the two knew each other or had permanent residences in Albuquerque. A third person whose body also was recovered last week from flood channels hasn't been identified. Albuquerque Fire Rescue spokesman Lt. Tom Ruiz says the three fatalities mark the deadliest single flooding event in Albuquerque, at least in recent memory. The National Weather Service says western and central New Mexico have the greatest chances of getting heavy rainfall this week.

MILITARY BASE-JET FUEL SPILL
Air Force takes next step in fuel cleanup at New Mexico base
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Air Force says it's ready to outline its work to keep a jet fuel leak from reaching Albuquerque's water supply. A report to the New Mexico Environment Department is the next step in what has been a yearslong effort to clean up the fuel. Officials from Kirtland Air Force Base say they'll spend the next several months to a year writing a report. Once the state reviews and approves it, the base can make recommendations for final cleanup. The Air Force has spent $125 million cleaning up soil and water around the base that's next to Albuquerque. The fuel leak was detected in 1999. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation: No COVID-related deaths, 7th time in 9 days
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported eight new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths. It marked the seventh time in nine days that no coronavirus-related deaths were reported by tribal health officials. The latest numbers brought the total number of COVID-19 cases on the vast reservation to 31,305 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The number of known deaths remained at 1,372. The Navajo Nation recently relaxed restrictions to allow visitors to travel on the reservation and visit popular attractions like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.  The reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. ​

NEW MEXICO UNITED-STADIUM
Albuquerque mayor rallies for new stadium for United team
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — With the backing of Albuquerque's mayor, the New Mexico United soccer team may be one step closer to making a new stadium a reality. Mayor Tim Keller announced he will send a resolution to the Albuquerque City Council to put a bond proposal for a new publicly funded stadium on the November ballot. Keller, along with team owner Peter Trevisani, shared the news over the weekend during a team match. The proposed stadium would serve as a venue for multiple events but New Mexico United would be the primary tenant. The project is estimated to cost at least $70 million. Voters would be asked to consider a $50 million bond.

MONTANA-WILDFIRE FIGHTERS INJURED
4 firefighters out of hospital after 5 injured in Montana
BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — Four firefighters have been released from the hospital and a fifth remains in a burn center after a Montana wildfire overran them last week. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson said Monday that the firefighter still being treated sustained the most injuries of agency personnel involved in Thursday's accident but "is making good progress and is in good spirits." Swirling winds unexpectedly blew the blaze back on the firefighters in the Devils Creek area of Garfield County in central Montana. A Forest Service spokesperson says investigators are trying to better determine what led to the accident.

MULTIPLE MURDERS-SUSPECT'S TRIAL
Man accused of killing 5 in New Mexico in 2017 set for trial
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man accused of fatally shooting five people in 2017, including three family members, is set to go on trial this week for four of the killings. The Albuquerque Journal reports that jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in 1st Judicial District Court in Santa Fe. Damian Herrera is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and other charges. Prosecutors say the trial is expected to last through Aug. 20. Authorities believe the 25-year-old Herrera killed a man a gas station at random after fatally shooting his mother, stepfather and brother in June 2017 at the family home in La Madera in Rio Arriba County. 

MULTIPLE MURDERS-SUSPECT'S TRIAL
Man accused of killing 5 in New Mexico in 2017 set for trial
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man accused of fatally shooting five people in 2017, including three family members, is set to go on trial this week for four of the killings. The Albuquerque Journal reports that jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in 1st Judicial District Court in Santa Fe. Damian Herrera is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and other charges. Prosecutors say the trial is expected to last through Aug. 20. Authorities believe the 25-year-old Herrera killed a man a gas station at random after fatally shooting his mother, stepfather and brother in June 2017 at the family home in La Madera in Rio Arriba County. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 6 new COVID-19 cases and 4 more deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Sunday reported six new COVID-19 cases and four additional deaths. The latest numbers brought the total number of coronavirus-related cases on the vast reservation to 31,297 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The number of known deaths rose to 1,372. On Saturday, the tribe had reported four new cases and no deaths for the sixth time in a seven days. The Navajo Nation recently relaxed restrictions to allow visitors to travel on the reservation and visit popular attractions like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.  The reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. While cases are down, Navajo leaders are urging residents to continue wearing masks and get vaccinated.

POLICE OFFICER CONVICTED
Former state police officer convicted of drug charges
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A former New Mexico State Police Officer has been convicted of distributing marijuana intended for a 16-year-old girl he pulled over and a separate drugs-for-sex scheme. U.S. District Court records show 36-year-old Daniel Capehart of Bloomfield was convicted Thursday of two counts of distributing marijuana and a third count of distributing methamphetamine. The Albuquerque Journal reports that Capehart faces between five and 40 years in prison for a series of drug drops arranged by undercover officers and FBI agents in 2018, including two near schools. 

LAS CRUCES SHOOTING
Police: 2 injured in downtown Las Cruces shooting
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Lac Cruces police say two people were injured in a downtown shooting early Saturday. Both are expected to survive. Police told the Las Cruces Sun-News they received a call around 2 a.m. about a shooting near the Plaza de Las Cruces. Two people were taken to an area hospital. The gunman remained at large Saturday afternoon. 

ALBUQUERQUE STORM-BODIES RECOVERED
Albuquerque official: 3 dead in flash flood was worst ever
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A flash flood warning was issued Friday in the south Albuquerque area, a day after a fire official called the apparent drownings of three men in rushing water following thunderstorms the deadliest such incident in the agency's history. Fire and Rescue Lt. Tom Ruiz told the Albuquerque Journal the third body was found Thursday using a drone to scan a floodwater diversion channel not far from where would-be rescuers found two other bodies on Wednesday. The National Weather Service said Tuesday's storm dropped more than 1 inch of rain in some foothill areas in less than 15 minutes. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL-INVESTIGATION
Lawmaker questions New Mexico AG's handling of solar case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas' handling of a now-settled case involving a large solar company is raising concerns. Democratic Rep. Daymon Ely is asking State Auditor Brian Colon, who is a friend of Balderas, to investigate why the attorney general agreed to seal all documents in the case against Vivint Solar Inc. The lawmaker also wants to know why Balderas didn't pursue any specific restitution for thousands of customers as part of the settlement reached last fall. Balderas also is facing a separate ethics complaint in a multibillion-dollar utility merger case that will affect half a million customers in New Mexico.

WESTERN WILDFIRES
Western wildfires: Crews make progress on huge Oregon blaze
BLY, Ore. (AP) — As fires in California threaten homes, crews in Oregon are making progress against the nation's largest wildfire. The Bootleg Fire is 40% surrounded after burning some 70 homes. In Montana, five firefighters remained hospitalized Friday, a day after a thunderstorm and swirling winds blew a lightning-caused wildfire back on them. No details were released on the extent of their injuries, but federal officials say all five are still being evaluated and treated. Three are U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service firefighters from North Dakota, and two are USDA Forest Service crew members out of New Mexico. In California, blowing embers from a blaze south of Lake Tahoe ignited a fast-moving spot fire, prompting a new evacuation.

PNM-UTILITY MORATORIUM ENDING
PNM customers with unpaid bills may face shutoffs in August
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest utility is urging thousands of customers to contact them before they lose power when a pandemic moratorium on electricity payments ends. PNM said Thursday more than 47,000 households have past-due bills that could lead to power shutoffs as soon as mid-August. Officials with the electricity provider say there are millions of dollars in financial assistance available but customers must contact them. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission recently voted to temporarily avoid disconnecting power over unpaid bills because of COVID-19. PNM estimates it is owed more than $21 million in past-due electricity bills. Customers are expected to eventually pay for the energy consumed.  

ALBUQUERQUE STORM-BODIES RECOVERED
Albuquerque official: 3 dead in flash flood was worst ever
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A flash flood warning was issued Friday in the south Albuquerque area, a day after a fire official called the apparent drownings of three men in rushing water following thunderstorms the deadliest such incident in the agency's history. Fire and Rescue Lt. Tom Ruiz told the Albuquerque Journal the third body was found Thursday using a drone to scan a floodwater diversion channel not far from where would-be rescuers found two other bodies on Wednesday. The National Weather Service said Tuesday's storm dropped more than 1 inch of rain in some foothill areas in less than 15 minutes. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL-INVESTIGATION
Lawmaker questions New Mexico AG's handling of solar case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas' handling of a now-settled case involving a large solar company is raising concerns. Democratic Rep. Daymon Ely is asking State Auditor Brian Colon, who is a friend of Balderas, to investigate why the attorney general agreed to seal all documents in the case against Vivint Solar Inc. The lawmaker also wants to know why Balderas didn't pursue any specific restitution for thousands of customers as part of the settlement reached last fall. Balderas also is facing a separate ethics complaint in a multibillion-dollar utility merger case that will affect half a million customers in New Mexico.

 WESTERN WILDFIRES
Western wildfires: Crews make progress on huge Oregon blaze
BLY, Ore. (AP) — As fires in California threaten homes, crews in Oregon are making progress against the nation's largest wildfire. The Bootleg Fire is 40% surrounded after burning some 70 homes. In Montana, five firefighters remained hospitalized Friday, a day after a thunderstorm and swirling winds blew a lightning-caused wildfire back on them. No details were released on the extent of their injuries, but federal officials say all five are still being evaluated and treated. Three are U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service firefighters from North Dakota, and two are USDA Forest Service crew members out of New Mexico. In California, blowing embers from a blaze south of Lake Tahoe ignited a fast-moving spot fire, prompting a new evacuation. 

VIRUS RELIEF-SCHOOLS BUDGET
Fraction of schools' relief funds budgeted for learning loss
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico schools plan to spend the bulk of the federal coronavirus relief money they've received on technology and building upgrades rather than student learning loss. A report this week before the New Mexico Legislature's budget committee showed school districts and charters plan to spend 38% of the $490 million they received thus far on technology and HVAC systems. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that schools plan to spend 9% of the funds on learning loss programs and 8% on interventions for at-risk students. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor closely monitoring COVID-19 numbers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state's top health officials are closely monitoring the increase in COVID-19 cases. The state Health Department reported Thursday that another 273 cases have been confirmed, marking one of the highest daily totals in months. That topped the 271 cases reported the day before. The governor's office said the numbers aren't where anyone wants them to be. Many states are seeing similar upticks. There are no indications yet whether any public health restriction could be reinstated in New Mexico. After dealing with some of the toughest restriction in the nation, New Mexico reopened July 1.

VETERANS HOME-OVERSIGHT
Report outlines problems at New Mexico veterans' home
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A report says a lack of oversight within the New Mexico Department of Health likely was a factor in high COVID-19 infection and death rates among residents at the New Mexico State Veterans' Home. It's one of the findings outlined in a scathing review by legislative analysts. The report was discussed during a meeting Wednesday of the Legislative Finance Committee. The report noted that multiple independent reviews found failure to follow proper infection control and personal protective equipment procedures at the home despite early guidance from state health officials. Also, a pattern of deficiencies has cost the facility over $180,000 in federal penalties since 2015.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor closely monitoring COVID-19 numbers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state's top health officials are closely monitoring the increase in COVID-19 cases. The state Health Department reported Thursday that another 273 cases have been confirmed, marking one of the highest daily totals in months. That topped the 271 cases reported the day before. The governor's office said the numbers aren't where anyone wants them to be. Many states are seeing similar upticks. There are no indications yet whether any public health restriction could be reinstated in New Mexico. After dealing with some of the toughest restriction in the nation, New Mexico reopened July 1.

VETERANS HOME-OVERSIGHT
Report outlines problems at New Mexico veterans' home
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A report says a lack of oversight within the New Mexico Department of Health likely was a factor in high COVID-19 infection and death rates among residents at the New Mexico State Veterans' Home. It's one of the findings outlined in a scathing review by legislative analysts. The report was discussed during a meeting Wednesday of the Legislative Finance Committee. The report noted that multiple independent reviews found failure to follow proper infection control and personal protective equipment procedures at the home despite early guidance from state health officials. Also, a pattern of deficiencies has cost the facility over $180,000 in federal penalties since 2015.

ALBUQUERQUE STORM-BODY RECOVERED
3rd body found in wake of storms, flooding in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Firefighters believe they have located a third person who went missing after being swept into an arroyo as a result of storms in Albuquerque. Albuquerque Fire Department spokesman Tom Ruiz said Thursday that crews recovered a body in the washout area of a diversion channel. Authorities recovered the bodies of two men were in the area Wednesday. Their names and ages were not immediately released by authorities. Crews initially responded Tuesday afternoon when three people were seen floating down the diversion channel in northeast Albuquerque after the area was hit with heavy rains. Swift water rescue units scrambled to the sides of the channel to attempt a rescue but didn't spot the trio over a two-hour period.

PNM-UTILITY MORATORIUM ENDING
PNM customers with unpaid bills may face shutoffs in August
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest utility is urging thousands of customers to contact them before they lose power when a pandemic moratorium on electricity payments ends. PNM said Thursday more than 47,000 households have past-due bills that could lead to power shutoffs as soon as mid-August. Officials with the electricity provider say there are millions of dollars in financial assistance available but customers must contact them. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission recently voted to temporarily avoid disconnecting power over unpaid bills because of COVID-19. PNM estimates it is owed more than $21 million in past-due electricity bills. Customers are expected to eventually pay for the energy consumed.  

EDUCATION-RECOVERY FUNDING
New Mexico to get another $327M in federal recovery aid
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Federal education officials have approved New Mexico's spending plan for recovery aid, clearing the way for another $327 million to be distributed to the state. The money is intended to help the state Education Department sustain safe operation of schools and boost learning opportunities, particularly for students who have been most affected by the pandemic. Some of the money will go toward grants for districts and other organizations to run summer programs focused on science and math. The state already had received more than $650 million in emergency education funding. New Mexico is among 14 other states to have their plans approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

MINE SPILL-RESTORATION
New Mexico seeks restoration ideas after 2015 mine spill
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are looking for ideas for restoration projects to repair damage caused by a 2015 spill that fouled rivers in three western states with arsenic, lead and other heavy metals. The state Office of the Natural Resources Trustee said Wednesday that the projects would be funded through a proposed $1 million settlement with Sunnyside Gold Corp. and its parent companies. The spill released 3 million gallons of wastewater from the inactive Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado. A crew hired by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency triggered the spill while trying to excavate the mine opening in preparation for a possible cleanup.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation: 21 new COVID cases, no deaths 4th day in row
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 21 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the fourth consecutive day. The latest numbers brought the total number of coronavirus-related cases on the vast reservation to 31,239 since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The number of known deaths remained at 1,366. The Navajo Nation recently relaxed restrictions to allow visitors to travel on the reservation and visit popular attractions like Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.  The reservation is the country's largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. While cases are down, Navajo leaders are urging residents to continue wearing masks and get vaccinated.