VIRUS OUTBREAK-MARIACHI CONFERENCE
International Mariachi Conference to go virtual amid virus
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — An international mariachi conference that brings student musicians across the country and Mexico to New Mexico will go virtual this year. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports organizers with the Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference made the decision to put the gathering online as cases of COVID-19 rise nationwide. The conference is still slated for the second week of November, but live performances and in-person classes have been canceled. The Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference began in 1994. Its mission is to preserve and promote the cultural art forms of Mariachi music and Folkloric dance through educational workshops and performance opportunities for youth and adults.

HISTORIC BATHHOUSE-FIRE
Fire hits historic New Mexico bathhouse, under investigation
OJO CALIENTE, N.M. (AP) — A fire that torched a historic New Mexico bathhouse built in the 1800s remains under investigation. Investigators say a blaze Thursday destroyed the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in northern New Mexico after crews battled the fire for hours. Taos County Fire Chief Mike Cordova says the fire could have been worse and might have spread into the main building had crews not subdued it. Ojo Caliente is on the National Register of Historic Places. The site dates back to the Tewa speaking Pueblo people. No injuries were reported.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico reports 205 more COVID-19 cases, 4 more deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Health officials in New Mexico have reported 205 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases with four additional deaths. The latest numbers increase New Mexico's case total to 22,315 and the death toll to at least 685. Of the 205 new cases, 49 occurred in Bernalillo County and 30 in Dona Ana County. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

THREATS-SENTENCING
Colorado man sentenced threatening to kill official, lawyer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Colorado man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for threatening to kill a New Mexico state official and an attorney with a law firm in connection with a fraud case. Federal prosecutors say 40-year-old Andrew Graham of Snowmass, Colorado, had pleaded guilty to sending interstate communications threatening to killing someone and was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Albuquerque. The U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico says Graham falsely believed an official with the state Department of Regulation and Licensing and a lawyer with a private law firm were complicit in his losing trust fund money in a fraud case.

CARLSBAD CAVERNS-SHOOTING
DA won't prosecute New Mexico park ranger in fatal shooting
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The attorney for the family of a Colorado man fatally shot by a U.S. National Park Service ranger in New Mexico said she was disappointed with a district attorney decision to not pursue criminal charges against the ranger. Civil rights lawyer Shannon Kennedy said District Attorney Dianna Luce had omitted "some key factors" when explaining the decision. Luce announced earlier this week that the actions of Park Ranger Robert Mitchell were "objectively justifiable" during a traffic stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Kennedy filed a wrongful death claim against the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Interior in June. They have yet to file a response.

OBSERVATORY-MYSTERY CLOSURE
Man in child porn case that closed observatory indicted
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man linked to a child pornography investigation that sparked a mysterious closure of a solar observatory in New Mexico has been indicted. Court documents show that a grand jury last month indicted former janitor Joshua Lee Cope on three child pornography counts stemming from an investigation in 2018 at the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The mountaintop observatory in Sunspot closed for 11 days in 2018, but the research association that manages it has said only that an unspecified security issue was the reason for the closure. Cope's attorney, Lauren Elizabeth Anne Truitt, did not immediately return a phone message.

PLAGUE DEATH-NEW MEXICO
Agency reports first plague death in New Mexico since 2015
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Rio Arriba County man has died of the plague in what the state Department of Health says is the first such death in New Mexico since 2015. Officials said Friday that the man was in his 20s and had been hospitalized. Department officials had said in late July that a Santa Fe County man in his 60s who was recovering at a hospital was the first case of plague this year. The plague is a bacterial disease that usually originates with wildlife. It can be transmitted to humans and pets through the bites of infected fleas.  

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
State requires fast reports from employers on COVID-19 cases
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico regulators have ordered employers to promptly report coronavirus cases to the state. An emergency rule issued by the Environmental Department requires employers to report positive COIVD-19 cases to the department within four hours of being notified of the case. The department said requiring employers to quickly report positive cases means the state will be able to more rapidly respond to workplaces to provide immediate guidance and support to employers. The goal is preventing the spread of COVID-19 beyond the infected employees. The state on Saturday reported 155 additional confirmed cases with six more deaths.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
State requires fast reports from employers on COVID-19 cases
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico regulators have ordered employers to promptly report coronavirus cases to the state. An emergency rule issued by the Environmental Department requires employers to report positive COIVD-19 cases to the department within four hours of being notified of the case. The department said requiring employers to quickly report positive cases means the state will be able to more rapidly respond to workplaces to provide immediate guidance and support to employers. The goal is preventing the spread of COVID-19 beyond the infected employees. The state on Saturday reported 155 additional confirmed cases with six more deaths.

THREATS-SENTENCING
Colorado man sentenced threatening to kill official, lawyer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Colorado man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for threatening to kill a New Mexico state official and an attorney with a law firm in connection with a fraud case. Federal prosecutors say 40-year-old Andrew Graham of Snowmass, Colorado, had pleaded guilty to sending interstate communications threatening to killing someone and was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Albuquerque. The U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico says Graham falsely believed an official with the state Department of Regulation and Licensing and a lawyer with a private law firm were complicit in his losing trust fund money in a fraud case.

CARLSBAD CAVERNS-SHOOTING
DA won't prosecute New Mexico park ranger in fatal shooting
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The attorney for the family of a Colorado man fatally shot by a U.S. National Park Service ranger in New Mexico said she was disappointed with a district attorney decision to not pursue criminal charges against the ranger. Civil rights lawyer Shannon Kennedy said District Attorney Dianna Luce had omitted "some key factors" when explaining the decision. Luce announced earlier this week that the actions of Park Ranger Robert Mitchell were "objectively justifiable" during a traffic stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Kennedy filed a wrongful death claim against the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Interior in June. They have yet to file a response.

OBSERVATORY-MYSTERY CLOSURE
Man in child porn case that closed observatory indicted
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man linked to a child pornography investigation that sparked a mysterious closure of a solar observatory in New Mexico has been indicted. Court documents show that a grand jury last month indicted former janitor Joshua Lee Cope on three child pornography counts stemming from an investigation in 2018 at the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The mountaintop observatory in Sunspot closed for 11 days in 2018, but the research association that manages it has said only that an unspecified security issue was the reason for the closure. Cope's attorney, Lauren Elizabeth Anne Truitt, did not immediately return a phone message.

PLAGUE DEATH-NEW MEXICO
Agency reports first plague death in New Mexico since 2015
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Rio Arriba County man has died of the plague in what the state Department of Health says is the first such death in New Mexico since 2015. Officials said Friday that the man was in his 20s and had been hospitalized. Department officials had said in late July that a Santa Fe County man in his 60s who was recovering at a hospital was the first case of plague this year. The plague is a bacterial disease that usually originates with wildlife. It can be transmitted to humans and pets through the bites of infected fleas.  

AP-US-1970S-PRISON-ESCAPE-ARREST
Colorado prison escapee caught after nearly 50 years on run
DENVER (AP) — A man who escaped from a Colorado prison more than 40 years ago has been found living under an alias in a small town in northern New Mexico. And authorities say the Denver police officer that the man shot decades ago helped track him down. The FBI says 77-year-old Luis Archuleta was arrested Wednesday in the town of Espanola, where he had been living for years and using the name Ramon Montoya. He was accused of shooting Denver police officer Daril Cinquanta in 1971. Cinquanta had retired but never stopped looking for Archuleta and got a tip this summer about his whereabouts. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SCHOOL INSURANCE
New Mexico insurance authority warns schools on virus rules
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority board unanimously voted Thursday to send a letter warning schools and districts about the dangers of not complying with coronavirus guidelines. The letter to member districts and charter schools warns that if they do not comply with state health restrictions, they may jeopardize their chances of receiving coverage for coronavirus-related work claims. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the board also approved the creation of a task force to better understand the challenges of returning to school during a pandemic. The authority provides insurance for all school districts in the state except for Albuquerque. 

OBSERVATORY-MYSTERY CLOSURE
Man in child porn case that closed observatory indicted
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man linked to a child pornography investigation that sparked a mysterious closure of a solar observatory in New Mexico has been indicted. Court documents show that a grand jury last month indicted former janitor Joshua Lee Cope on three child pornography counts stemming from an investigation in 2018 at the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The mountaintop observatory in Sunspot closed for 11 days in 2018, but the research association that manages it has said only that an unspecified security issue was the reason for the closure. Cope's attorney, Lauren Elizabeth Anne Truitt, did not immediately return a phone message.

VIRUS OTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
State requires fast reports from employers on COVID-19 cases
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico regulators have ordered employers to promptly report coronavirus cases to the state. An emergency rule issued by the Environmental Department requires employers to report positive COIVD-19 cases to the department within four hours of being notified of the case. The department said requiring employers to quickly report positive cases means the state will be able to more rapidly respond to workplaces to provide immediate guidance and support to employers. The goal is preventing the spread of COVID-19 beyond the infected employees. The department said there have been over 280 instances in which employers knew about cases for at least three days before the department learned of them.

AP-US-1970S-PRISON-ESCAPE-ARREST
Colorado prison escapee caught after nearly 50 years on run
DENVER (AP) — A man who escaped from a Colorado prison more than 40 years ago has been found living under an alias in a small town in northern New Mexico. And authorities say the Denver police officer that the man shot decades ago helped track him down. The FBI says 77-year-old Luis Archuleta was arrested Wednesday in the town of Espanola, where he had been living for years and using the name Ramon Montoya. He was accused of shooting Denver police officer Daril Cinquanta in 1971. Cinquanta had retired but never stopped looking for Archuleta and got a tip this summer about his whereabouts. 

AP-US-VIRUS OUTBREAK-NATIVE AMERICANS
Virus spread forces lockdown on another tribal reservation
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Crow Tribe in Montana ordered its members to lock down for two weeks as tribal leaders moved to slow a sharp spike in coronavirus cases. Crow Tribe Chairman Alvin Not Afraid said the lockdown beginning Friday is necessary because a stay-at-home order in effect since mid-March has been ineffective on the reservation. The county where the reservation is located is on pace to record more confirmed COVID-19 cases in August than the previous two months combined. Native Americans have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 across the country, with major outbreaks from Arizona to South Dakota triggering similar lockdowns. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SCHOOL INSURANCE
New Mexico insurance authority warns schools on virus rules
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority board unanimously voted Thursday to send a letter warning schools and districts about the dangers of not complying with coronavirus guidelines. The letter to member districts and charter schools warns that if they do not comply with state health restrictions, they may jeopardize their chances of receiving coverage for coronavirus-related work claims. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the board also approved the creation of a task force to better understand the challenges of returning to school during a pandemic. The authority provides insurance for all school districts in the state except for Albuquerque. 

RACIAL INJUSTICE-COWBOYS FOR TRUMP
Cowboys for Trump resists reveal of financial contributors
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The support group Cowboys for Trump and its founder Couy Griffin are resisting pressure to disclose financial contributors in what could be a test case of a 2019 state law that requires greater disclosures of independent political spending. On Friday, the New Mexico State Ethics Commission that shares enforcement authority over campaign finance reporting declined to wade into the matter. In a federal lawsuit, Cowboys for Trump has accused Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver of overstepping her authority and preempting federal campaign finance regulations. Griffin's comments about race have been met with outrage among civil rights groups including the NAACP and an array of Democratic New Mexico politicians.

AP-NM-STATE REVENUES BEAT EXPECTATIONS
Retail, construction tax revenue up in state despite virus
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — April and May state tax revenues are as low not as state officials feared. A report to the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee Friday shows that construction and retail sales have actually increased compared with the same time last year despite the pandemic. Energy revenues and tourism are way down. But a one-time federal stimulus of $1,200 a person and a weekly $600 federal unemployment supplement has been bolstering retail sales and even boosted incomes for some low-wage workers. The $600 supplement expired last week. Unemployment In New Mexico remains higher than it was at the depths of the Great Recession in 2010.

BC-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-DIARY-WE-ELOPED
VIRUS DIARY: We eloped, just not the way we'd planned
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — For one writer, plans to elope took an unexpected turn when the virus hit. He and his fiancee — an American and a Dane — watched borders close and worried they wouldn't be able to be together. A first attempt at a wedding didn't materialize. Then, finally, they met in his mother's backyard in New Mexico. There they took their vows. 

GIRL SCOUTS-EDUCATION
Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails to offer online classes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails says it will offer after-school and weekend online enrichment courses amid the pandemic. The group said Thursday it would administer the classes in age-appropriate small groups facilitated by Girl Scouts staff and volunteers to fill the educational gaps. Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails CEO Rebecca Latham says that over the summer, the group transitioned programs and activities in STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor education, and life skills to a completely virtual mode. She says more than 1,600 girls have participated in free online classes since May.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHILE
Green chile distributors to sell directly to public
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico green chile distributors say health restrictions amid the pandemic are forcing them to sell chiles directly to the public. KOB-TV in Albuquerque reports distributors have no choice but to sell directly because many restaurants are operating differently during the pandemic. Quality Foods, for example, will be buying chile directly from New Mexico farmers and selling it to the public right outside its Albuquerque facility.  On Thursday, New Mexico health officials said there were 212 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 21,773. Officials said two more people have died from the virus, bringing the state death total to 669.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico moves to restart visits at long-term care sites
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico plans to gradually restore visiting opportunities with residents of some nursing homes and other long-term care facilities by arranging outdoor or open-window meetings. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Thursday that face masks and Plexiglas dividers will still be used out of an abundance of caution to guard against transmission of COVID-19 at long-term care centers. The initiative will begin next week in a handful of counties with relatively low rates of positive testing for the coronavirus. The state is also adding two new exceptions to self-quarantine requirements for travelers entering or returning to the state, as health officials try to keep outside coronavirus outbreaks at bay.

DROUGHT-ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO
Bad drought conditions reported across New Mexico, Arizona
PHOENIX (AP) — Large stretches of New Mexico and much of neighboring Arizona face severe or extreme drought conditions. The latest weekly Drought Monitor map shows areas of extreme drought in northern New Mexico and in the state's southeastern corner. Meanwhile, areas of severe drought are seen in other parts of those regions as well as across much of southern and south-central Arizona. The Drought Monitor said the West has seen temperatures well above normal in the past week and that much of the region has been dry "with only spottty preceiptiation in places" though the monsoon provided some relief to eastern New Mexico. 

RACIAL INJUSTICE-SPANISH LEGACY
New Mexico school officially dumps Spanish conquistador name
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A southern New Mexico school district has blocked efforts to repeal a vote to change the name of a high school named after a brutal Spanish conquistador. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the Las Cruces school board did not take a vote Tuesday to annul their decision last month to drop the name of Don Juan de Oñate y Salazar from a high school. Instead, the board voted to rename it Organ Mountain High School. The proposal to change the name of the school comes amid a national conversation about monuments and names of institutions honoring historical figures linked to racism, slavery, and genocide.

BELEN CITY MANAGER
Ex-Belen city manager sues over allegations of funds misuse
BELEN, N.M. (AP) — A former central New Mexico city manager has filed a lawsuit over allegations the mayor misused public money. KRQE-TV reports former Belen city manager Leona Vigil said in a lawsuit this month she was wrongly demoted and eventually fired after raising red flags. According to the lawsuit filed in state district court, Vigil says Mayor Jerah Cordova insisted the city move forward with sidewalk repairs even though city employees told him the work would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also alleges Cordova wanted to spend public funds on the birthday celebration for the renowned feminist artist Judy Chicago. The city declined to comment.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico starts offering rescue loans to small businesses
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State finance officials have begun accepting applications for low-interest loans that are designed to help small businesses endure the financial stress of the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday the business recovery loan program is a cornerstone of the state's response to the economic crisis. Legislation approved in June sets aside up to $400 million in state trust funds for loans to individual businesses of up to $75,000 each. In other news, Albuquerque zoo's will partially reopen next week to visitors wearing face masks or other face coverings after being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

​DEMING – Deming High School officials announced they have received an early shipment of new laptops for freshmen students. 
     Reportedly, the district’s technology department is working to get the new computers imaged and ready for distribution. 
     Because of the needed work, DHS officials have delayed the date for distribution of laptops to freshman until next week. 
     Freshmen students with last names beginning with A-L can pick-up their laptops on Monday, August 10th, in the Hofacket Building of Deming High from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 
     Freshmen students with last names beginning with M-Z can pick-up their laptops on Tuesday, August 11th, in the Hofacket Building from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 

DHS Still Distributing Laptops  
DEMING – Deming High School officials continue to distribute laptop computers to students in grades 10th-12th who were not able to pick-up their laptops on their originally scheduled date. 
     Computers are being distributed Thursday, August 6th, and 
Friday, August 7th, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Hofacket Building of Deming High School. 
     Students who have not returned their laptop from last year must return the laptop in order to receive an updated one that is compatible with the new online programs being utilized this year. 
      Students will not be issued a new laptop if their previous laptop has not been returned. 
     All students will have their temperature taken before entering the building, must wear a mask at all times, and must abide by all social distancing requirements while on campus. 
     Also, students must bring their own pen to complete required paperwork. 


DHS Distributing Laptops Friday in Columbus   
DEMING – Deming High School students living in Columbus and Palomas, Mexico, have another day to pick up laptop computers. 
     Laptops will be distributed at Columbus Elementary for DHS students on Friday, August 7th, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 
     Two buses will be available at the port of entry for shuttling students, and parents if the student is unable to attend, to Columbus Elementary from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 
     Students also will receive their class schedules Friday. 
     Students who have not returned their laptop from last year should bring it with them Friday. 
     Students must have returned their laptop in order to receive an updated one that is compatible with the new online programs being utilized this year. 
     All students will have their temperature taken before entering the school building, must wear a mask at all times, and must abide by social distancing requirements while on campus. 

​DEMING – The city of Deming and Deming Luna County Economic Development, Inc. have awarded 81 local economic stimulus grants to assist small businesses significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
     The grants are the result of a city council decision in May which allowed the DLCED to administer a local economic stimulus grant program of up to $250,000. 
     Economic Development Coordinator Cassie Arias said the grant awards to small businesses ranged from $1,000 to $6,624. 
     Also, the city of Deming is applying for CARES Act funding and seeking dollars to administer the Small Business Continuity Grant. 
     The city’s application is due Friday, August 7th, 2020. 
     Arias said there will be a 10-day waiting period before any awards are made by the state, and interested persons can keep updated on the status of the application at www.dlced.com.  

RACIAL INJUSTICE-SPANISH LEGACY
New Mexico school officially dumps Spanish conquistador name
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A southern New Mexico school district has blocked efforts to repeal a vote to change the name of a high school named after a brutal Spanish conquistador. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the Las Cruces school board did not take a vote Tuesday to annul their decision last month to drop the name of Don Juan de Oñate y Salazar from a high school. Instead, the board voted to rename it Organ Mountain High School. The proposal to change the name of the school comes amid a national conversation about monuments and names of institutions honoring historical figures linked to racism, slavery, and genocide.

BELEN CITY MANAGER
Ex-Belen city manager sues over allegations of funds misuse
BELEN, N.M. (AP) — A former central New Mexico city manager has filed a lawsuit over allegations the mayor misused public money. KRQE-TV reports former Belen city manager Leona Vigil said in a lawsuit this month she was wrongly demoted and eventually fired after raising red flags. According to the lawsuit filed in state district court, Vigil says Mayor Jerah Cordova insisted the city move forward with sidewalk repairs even though city employees told him the work would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also alleges Cordova wanted to spend public funds on the birthday celebration for the renowned feminist artist Judy Chicago. The city declined to comment.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico starts offering rescue loans to small businesses
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State finance officials have begun accepting applications for low-interest loans that are designed to help small businesses endure the financial stress of the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday the business recovery loan program is a cornerstone of the state's response to the economic crisis. Legislation approved in June sets aside up to $400 million in state trust funds for loans to individual businesses of up to $75,000 each. In other news, Albuquerque zoo's will partially reopen next week to visitors wearing face masks or other face coverings after being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BASKETBALL RECRUIT KILLED-NEW MEXICO
Document sheds light on shooting death of basketball recruit
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A summary of witness statements is shedding light on the events surrounding the shooting death of a college basketball recruit in northern New Mexico. The document was released Tuesday by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department in support of criminal charges against a detained 16-year-old defendant. High school basketball standout Fedonta White pleaded with friends to help him survive after being shot in an altercation with an individual at a house party on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Multiple people told investigators that they saw the confrontation. White's death has led to an outpouring of public grief.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
New Mexico Holocaust Museum hit by vandalism
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Vandals damaged the New Mexico Holocaust Museum and Gellert Center for Education just as the burial of U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis was being televised. Museum executive director Leon Natker told the Albuquerque Journal the large window of the downtown Albuquerque museum was shattered Thursday. Behind the window was a large photo of an early 1960s civil rights march, part of a movement in which Lewis was a leader. Natker says it was no coincidence the attack happened just as the funeral of Lewis was being broadcast. No arrests have been made.

BC-US-MINE SPILL-SETTLEMENT
EPA settles with Utah over 2015 Colorado mine spill
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The U.S. government settled a lawsuit Wednesday brought by the state of Utah over a mine waste spill caused by federal workers that sent wastewater downstream to several states from the inactive Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado five years ago. Utah's lawsuit was one of several legal claims filed over the incident, but no other settlements have been reached. The Environmental Protection Agency says it agreed to fund $3 million in Utah clean water projects and give another $360 million to the state for remediation projects at abandoned mine sites. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-LEGAL CHALLENGE-NEW MEXICO
Court upholds health order fines for New Mexico businesses
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld the governor's authority to fine businesses as much as $5,000 a day for violations of emergency health orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The court heard arguments from businesses claiming the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham overstepped its authority in response to the pandemic. The ruling was unanimous in the governor's favor. Chief Justice Michael Vigil says the Legislature clearly gave the governor authority to apply administrative fines higher than the $100 citations the businesses claimed was the maximum allowed. The state has fined 16 businesses up to $5,000 a day.

CONVICTED KILLER-APPEAL DENIED
New Mexico man convicted of killing girl loses appeal bid
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man who is serving a life sentence for kidnapping and killing an 11-year-old girl in 2016 had his appeal dismissed after he failed to file his court motion in time. Tom Begaye Jr. was sentenced in 2017 to life in prison with no possibility of parole after pleading guilty to murder, kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse. The Farmington Daily Times reports that Begaye requested a reduced prison sentence and a hearing to try to plead guilty to lesser offenses. A judge ruled Begaye's claims were invalid because he made the requests too late.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico sees 214 new confirmed virus cases, 21,340 total
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state health officials say the state has 214 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 21,340. The state Department of Health said Tuesday that three more people have died from the novel coronavirus. Officials say 658 have died from COVID-19 in the state. As of Tuesday, there are 133 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19. There are 8,685 virus cases designated as having recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-LEGAL CHALLENGE-NEW MEXICO
Court upholds health order fines for New Mexico businesses
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld the governor's authority to fine businesses as much as $5,000 a day for violations of emergency health orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The court heard arguments from businesses claiming the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham overstepped its authority in response to the pandemic. The ruling was unanimous in the governor's favor. Chief Justice Michael Vigil says the Legislature clearly gave the governor authority to apply administrative fines higher than the $100 citations the businesses claimed was the maximum allowed. The state has fined 16 businesses up to $5,000 a day.

CONVICTED KILLER-APPEAL DENIED
New Mexico man convicted of killing girl loses appeal bid
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man who is serving a life sentence for kidnapping and killing an 11-year-old girl in 2016 had his appeal dismissed after he failed to file his court motion in time. Tom Begaye Jr. was sentenced in 2017 to life in prison with no possibility of parole after pleading guilty to murder, kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse. The Farmington Daily Times reports that Begaye requested a reduced prison sentence and a hearing to try to plead guilty to lesser offenses. A judge ruled Begaye's claims were invalid because he made the requests too late.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
New Mexico Holocaust Museum hit by vandalism
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Vandals damaged the New Mexico Holocaust Museum and Gellert Center for Education just as the burial of U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis was being televised. Museum executive director Leon Natker told the Albuquerque Journal the large window of the downtown Albuquerque museum was shattered Thursday. Behind the window was a large photo of an early 1960s civil rights march, part of a movement in which Lewis was a leader. Natker says it was no coincidence the attack happened just as the funeral of Lewis was being broadcast. No arrests have been made.

BASKETBALL RECRUIT KILLED-NEW MEXICO
Document sheds light on shooting death of basketball recruit
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A summary of witness statements is shedding light on the events surrounding the shooting death of a college basketball recruit in northern New Mexico. The document was released Tuesday by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department in support of criminal charges against a detained 16-year-old defendant. High school basketball standout Fedonta White pleaded with friends to help him survive after being shot in an altercation with an individual at a house party on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Multiple people told investigators that they saw the confrontation. White's death has led to an outpouring of public grief.

COWBOYS FOR TRUMP
US House candidates distancing from Cowboys for Trump leader
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Two U.S. House hopefuls in a crucial southern New Mexico race are distancing themselves from a Cowboys for Trump leader who said some Black athletes should "go back to Africa." Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small said late Saturday remarks by Couy Griffin were "another example of dangerous rhetoric" coming from someone who also is an Otero County commissioner. Torres Small says his "comments should be condemned by all." Republican former state lawmaker Yvette Herrell also says she disagrees with Griffin's comments. Griffin told The Associated Press he used a poor choice of words in the video.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Ex-New Mexico Democratic congressman backs GOP candidate
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — A Republican seeking to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small in a crucial New Mexico House seat has picked up an endorsement from a former Democratic congressman. Former U.S. Rep. Harry Teague once held Torres Small's seat and said Tuesday he is backing Yvette Herrell in November. Teague says Herrell appreciates the impact the energy industry has on the state and will reach across party lines. Teague held the southern New Mexico seat from 2009 until 2011 and was the first Democrat to win the seat in nearly 30 years. He lost after voting for a bill aimed at curbing greenhouse gasses. 

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
Democrat for US Senate releases ad around dad's cancer fight
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Democrat U.S. hopeful Ben Ray Luján has released a television ad touting his support for expanding Medicaid while pointing to his father's fight with cancer. The commercial scheduled to begin airing statewide on Tuesday highlights Luján's father, Ben Luján, the late Speaker of the New Mexico House, and his access to insurance. But the younger Luján says the lack of affordable health care forces some New Mexico residents to make tough decisions to pay bills. Republican Mark Ronchetti says Luján supports a government takeover of health care that would outlaw employer-based insurance plans and limit doctor choice. Luján and Ronchetti are seeking an open U.S. Senate seat in New Mexico.