VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor apologizing to Espanola over masks
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is apologizing for claiming residents of Espanola aren't wearing masks during the pandemic. The governor said in a statement Friday that she regrets her words gave an inaccurate impression of the town of 10,000. Lujan Grisham said their efforts to fight COVID-19 are making an enormous difference. The governor singled out Espanola during a news conference Thursday, saying she didn't see anyone wearing a mask when she recently drove through there. Espanola Mayor Javier Sanchez slammed her comments, saying it felt like "getting punched in the gut." He says it's bad enough people already stereotype Espanola as high in poverty and crime.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Number of Navajo Nation deaths tied to COVID-19 reaches 500
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials say the confirmation of a new death brings the number of fatalities from coronavirus to 500. The Navajo Nation on Friday night reported the additional death as well as 14 more confirmed cases of COVID-19. That brings the total number of people infected to 9,780. But that includes 165 cases that occurred between early April and mid-August and were recently identified as COVID-19 related. Navajo officials said 94,099 people have been tested for the coronavirus and 7,032 have recovered. The Navajo Nation lifted its stay-at-home order on Aug. 16, but is asking residents to go out for emergencies or essentials.  

AP-US-NATIVE-AMERICANS-COMIC-BOOKS
Fans hope Marvel comic book improves Native representation
Native American comic book fans hope a new Marvel anthology by Native artists and writers will jump-start authentic representation in mainstream superhero fare. "Marvel Voices: Indigenous Voices #1" is expected in November during Native American History Month and will revisit some of its Native characters. Marvel says the project was planned long before the nation's reckoning over racial injustice, which has prompted changes like the Washington NFL team dropping its Redskins mascot. The lead artist for the comic book says the series is correcting a decades-old problem of Native American or Indigenous representation in the medium.

OIL AND GAS-LEASE SALE
Oil and gas lease sale nets $8M for New Mexico, other states
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Federal land managers say the latest oil and gas lease sale for parcels in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas netted more than $8.2 million. The Bureau of Land Management said nearly half of the revenues earned from this week's sale will go to the states where the leases are located. The funds are often used for infrastructure projects, law enforcement and other government programs. In all, 113 parcels totaling more than 76 square miles (197 square kilometers) were offered. The highest bid per acre topped $21,500 with the lease of 120 acres in southeastern New Mexico to Santa Fe-based Federal Abstract Company.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
GOP delegates must self-quarantine in New Mexico, state says
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Political party delegates from New Mexico who traveled to the Republican National Convention and President Donald Trump's speech at the White House are obligated to self-quarantine as they return home to a state that requires face masks and limits public gatherings. A spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday said the delegates are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine provision that applies to most travelers as they enter or return to New Mexico. The state is relaxing its stay-at-home order gradually as the spread of COVID-19 slows. New Mexico has reported more than 25,000 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO RISK
Fires serve as reminder of risk for New Mexico communities
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A wildfire burning outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, hasn't caused much harm beyond spewing smoke into surrounding communities over recent days. But while the blaze along Rio en Medio is slowing down, fire officials say the overall risk of wildfires in New Mexico and across the West is getting worse. Some homeowners see the fire as an opportunity to raise awareness and spur action among their neighbors. They're also pushing for plans to expand escape routes as an increasing number of Santa Fe County residents live in dry, overgrown areas along the forest's edge.

EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
Plaintiffs in New Mexico case seek plan for at-risk students
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Plaintiffs in a landmark education lawsuit against the state of New Mexico are pressuring policymakers to develop and implement a plan for overhauling the state's education system. Attorneys for the plaintiffs are speaking remotely in front of the Legislative Finance Committee during Friday's meeting in Red River. Around 80% of the state's 330,000 students are considered at-risk under the lawsuit, which covers low-income, English-language-learning and Native American students. The lawyers say the only way to resolve six-year-old lawsuit and ensure at-risk students are being served is for legislators to force the governor to act. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor regrets criticizing Espanola over masks
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is apologizing for claiming residents of Espanola aren't wearing masks during the pandemic. The governor said in a statement Friday that she regrets her words gave an inaccurate impression of the town of 10,000. Lujan Grisham said their efforts to fight COVID-19 are making an enormous difference. The governor singled out Espanola during a news conference Thursday, saying she didn't see anyone wearing a mask when she recently drove through there. Espanola Mayor Javier Sanchez slammed her comments, saying it felt like "getting punched in the gut." He says it's bad enough people already stereotype Espanola as high in poverty and crime.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Number of Navajo Nation deaths tied to COVID-19 reaches 500
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials say the confirmation of a new death brings the number of fatalities from coronavirus to 500. The Navajo Nation on Friday night reported the additional death as well as 14 more confirmed cases of COVID-19. That brings the total number of people infected to 9,780. But that includes 165 cases that occurred between early April and mid-August and were recently identified as COVID-19 related. Navajo officials said 94,099 people have been tested for the coronavirus and 7,032 have recovered. The Navajo Nation lifted its stay-at-home order on Aug. 16, but is asking residents to go out for emergencies or essentials.  

AP-US-NATIVE-AMERICANS-COMIC-BOOKS
Fans hope Marvel comic book improves Native representation
Native American comic book fans hope a new Marvel anthology by Native artists and writers will jump-start authentic representation in mainstream superhero fare. "Marvel Voices: Indigenous Voices #1" is expected in November during Native American History Month and will revisit some of its Native characters. Marvel says the project was planned long before the nation's reckoning over racial injustice, which has prompted changes like the Washington NFL team dropping its Redskins mascot. The lead artist for the comic book says the series is correcting a decades-old problem of Native American or Indigenous representation in the medium.

OIL AND GAS-LEASE SALE
Oil and gas lease sale nets $8M for New Mexico, other states
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Federal land managers say the latest oil and gas lease sale for parcels in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas netted more than $8.2 million. The Bureau of Land Management said nearly half of the revenues earned from this week's sale will go to the states where the leases are located. The funds are often used for infrastructure projects, law enforcement and other government programs. In all, 113 parcels totaling more than 76 square miles (197 square kilometers) were offered. The highest bid per acre topped $21,500 with the lease of 120 acres in southeastern New Mexico to Santa Fe-based Federal Abstract Company.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
GOP delegates must self-quarantine in New Mexico, state says
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Political party delegates from New Mexico who traveled to the Republican National Convention and President Donald Trump's speech at the White House are obligated to self-quarantine as they return home to a state that requires face masks and limits public gatherings. A spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday said the delegates are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine provision that applies to most travelers as they enter or return to New Mexico. The state is relaxing its stay-at-home order gradually as the spread of COVID-19 slows. New Mexico has reported more than 25,000 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO RISK
Fires serve as reminder of risk for New Mexico communities
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A wildfire burning outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, hasn't caused much harm beyond spewing smoke into surrounding communities over recent days. But while the blaze along Rio en Medio is slowing down, fire officials say the overall risk of wildfires in New Mexico and across the West is getting worse. Some homeowners see the fire as an opportunity to raise awareness and spur action among their neighbors. They're also pushing for plans to expand escape routes as an increasing number of Santa Fe County residents live in dry, overgrown areas along the forest's edge.

EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
Plaintiffs in New Mexico case seek plan for at-risk students
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Plaintiffs in a landmark education lawsuit against the state of New Mexico are pressuring policymakers to develop and implement a plan for overhauling the state's education system. Attorneys for the plaintiffs are speaking remotely in front of the Legislative Finance Committee during Friday's meeting in Red River. Around 80% of the state's 330,000 students are considered at-risk under the lawsuit, which covers low-income, English-language-learning and Native American students. The lawyers say the only way to resolve six-year-old lawsuit and ensure at-risk students are being served is for legislators to force the governor to act. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
GOP delegates must self-quarantine in New Mexico, state says
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Political party delegates from New Mexico who traveled to the Republican National Convention and President Donald Trump's speech at the White House are obligated to self-quarantine as they return home to a state that requires face masks and limits public gatherings. A spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday said the delegates are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine provision that applies to most travelers as they enter or return to New Mexico. The state is relaxing its stay-at-home order gradually as the spread of COVID-19 slows. New Mexico has reported more than 25,000 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

WILDFIRES-NEW MEXICO RISK
Fires serve as reminder of risk for New Mexico communities
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A wildfire burning outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, hasn't caused much harm beyond spewing smoke into surrounding communities over recent days. But while the blaze along Rio en Medio is slowing down, fire officials say the overall risk of wildfires in New Mexico and across the West is getting worse. Some homeowners see the fire as an opportunity to raise awareness and spur action among their neighbors. They're also pushing for plans to expand escape routes as an increasing number of Santa Fe County residents live in dry, overgrown areas along the forest's edge.

​VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor regrets criticizing Espanola over masks
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is apologizing for claiming residents of Espanola aren't wearing masks during the pandemic. The governor said in a statement Friday that she regrets her words gave an inaccurate impression of the town of 10,000. Lujan Grisham said their efforts to fight COVID-19 are making an enormous difference. The governor singled out Espanola during a news conference Thursday, saying she didn't see anyone wearing a mask when she recently drove through there. Espanola Mayor Javier Sanchez slammed her comments, saying it felt like "getting punched in the gut." He says it's bad enough people already stereotype Espanola as high in poverty and crime.

OIL AND GAS-LEASE SALE
Oil and gas lease sale nets $8M for New Mexico, other states
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Federal land managers say the latest oil and gas lease sale for parcels in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas netted more than $8.2 million. The Bureau of Land Management said nearly half of the revenues earned from this week's sale will go to the states where the leases are located. The funds are often used for infrastructure projects, law enforcement and other government programs. In all, 113 parcels totaling more than 76 square miles (197 square kilometers) were offered. The highest bid per acre topped $21,500 with the lease of 120 acres in southeastern New Mexico to Santa Fe-based Federal Abstract Company.

EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
Plaintiffs in New Mexico case seek plan for at-risk students
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Plaintiffs in a landmark education lawsuit against the state of New Mexico are pressuring policymakers to develop and implement a plan for overhauling the state's education system. Attorneys for the plaintiffs are speaking remotely in front of the Legislative Finance Committee during Friday's meeting in Red River. Around 80% of the state's 330,000 students are considered at-risk under the lawsuit, which covers low-income, English-language-learning and Native American students. The lawyers say the only way to resolve six-year-old lawsuit and ensure at-risk students are being served is for legislators to force the governor to act. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico eases pandemic restrictions as virus relents
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Health officials are relaxing pandemic lockdown restrictions to allow larger public gatherings of up to 10 people and provide limited access to museums with static displays. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the changes Thursday at a video news conference. In-person classroom learning is being delayed in counties with high average daily infections or high positivity on coronavirus tests. Other changes that take effect Saturday will allow people to dine indoors at restaurants in limited numbers for the first time since mid-July. State health officials announced 190 new virus cases and nine related deaths. That raises the pandemic tally to 24,920 cases and 764 deaths statewide.

FEDERAL EXECUTION-NATIVE AMERICAN
Navajo Nation wants more say over criminal justice matters
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Following the federal execution of one of its citizens, the Navajo Nation wants more say over criminal justice matters on its reservation in the U.S. Southwest. Lezmond Mitchell, who is Navajo, was executed Wednesday at a federal prison in Indiana where he was being held. He was the only Native American on federal death row. The Navajo Nation says the federal government violated the spirit of a law that allows tribes to decide whether to subject their citizens to the death penalty. Tribal officials say they'll work with congressional leaders and advocacy groups to push for change.

BASKETBALL PLAYER KILLED
Suspect in Santa Fe High athlete death to be tried as adult
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A judge has ruled that a 17-year-old suspect will face adult charges in the death of a former Santa Fe High School basketball player killed about a month ago. First Judicial District Judge T. Glenn Ellington ruled Wednesday that Estevan Montoya would be charged with murder, negligent use of a handgun, unlawful possession of a handgun and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors say Fedonta "J.B." White died after being shot during a house party in Chupadero, north of Santa Fe. Montoya's Defense Attorney Dan Marlowe did not dispute who shot White but questioned who instigated the fight leading up to the shooting.

AP-US-ALBUQUERQUE-CRIME-TRUMP
Trump sends in agents as Albuquerque struggles with crime
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — President Donald Trump is seeking re-election on a tough-on-crime agenda and Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one city he singles out for having high crime. New Mexico's largest city is 10th in the nation for violent crime and ranks No. 2 for car thefts. Trump dispatched federal agents to the city last month, and federal officials say arrests are being made. New Mexico Democrats have bristled at Trump's move, saying the city already is working with federal authorities on mandated police reforms. They blame Albuquerque crime on an officer shortage and the opioid epidemic. Others say a judicial system revolving door puts repeat offenders back on the street.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Limited indoor dining to resume for New Mexico restaurants
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham plans to relax some public health mandates and she is citing recent progress in slowing the coronavirus outbreak. The governor said Wednesday that limited indoor dining at food and drink establishments will be allowed. And capacity at houses of worship will be increased from 25% to 40% starting Saturday. State health officials say average daily coronavirus case totals have declined recently. They also say that virus testing capacity is meeting targets and that the virus' spread rate statewide is below the target. New Mexico has reported more than 24,730 confirmed cases and 755 deaths.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-RESTAURANTS
New Mexico high court upholds health orders over businesses
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the authority of the state health secretary to restrict or close businesses because of the coronavirus pandemic. The unanimous 4-0 decision Wednesday was spurred by restrictions on indoor dining. In a decision announced by Justice Judith Nakamura, the court also rejected assertions by the restaurant industry that a July 13 ban on indoor dining service was arbitrary and capricious. The decision bolsters the authority of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her Cabinet, even as she announced plans to lift a ban on indoor dining as part of a revised public health order that will take effect Saturday. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Limited indoor dining to resume for New Mexico restaurants
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham plans to relax some public health mandates and she is citing recent progress in slowing the coronavirus outbreak. The governor said Wednesday that limited indoor dining at food and drink establishments will be allowed. And capacity at houses of worship will be increased from 25% to 40% starting Saturday. State health officials say average daily coronavirus case totals have declined recently. They also say that virus testing capacity is meeting targets and that the virus' spread rate statewide is below the target. New Mexico has reported more than 24,730 confirmed cases and 755 deaths.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-RESTAURANTS
New Mexico high court upholds health orders over businesses
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the authority of the state health secretary to restrict or close businesses because of the coronavirus pandemic. The unanimous 4-0 decision Wednesday was spurred by restrictions on indoor dining. In a decision announced by Justice Judith Nakamura, the court also rejected assertions by the restaurant industry that a July 13 ban on indoor dining service was arbitrary and capricious. The decision bolsters the authority of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her Cabinet, even as she announced plans to lift a ban on indoor dining as part of a revised public health order that will take effect Saturday. 

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
US House hopefuls in New Mexico race unload dueling gun ads
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small and Republican challenger Yvette Herrell have released dueling gun ads aimed at appealing to independent voters in New Mexico's southern district. This week, Torres Small unveiled a commercial where she is shown shooting various firearms in the desert while proclaiming, "This is how I unwind." It's similar to the Las Cruces Democrat's 2018 ad showing her shooting a rifle. Herrell released an ad this week with Democratic Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace attacking Torres Small for voting for a gun control measure. The ad also shows Herrell shooting a gun but at a firing range.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque police pull tweet denouncing Wisconsin shooting
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police have deleted a tweet that denounced the "senseless" shooting of a Black man by Kenosha, Wisconsin, police and expressed sympathy for his family. Police Chief Mike Geier said Tuesday the tweet attributed to him was sent in error and apologized. The now-deleted tweet expressed sympathy to Jacob Blake's family and his children who witnessed the police shooting. Albuquerque Police Officers' Association president Sean Willoughby called the tweet embarrassing. Albuquerque police remain under court-order reforms following a harsh report about excessive force cases and the department's own string of police shootings that sparked violent protests in 2014.

ECONOMY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico prepares strategies for helping the unemployed
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Six times as many people filed for unemployment insurance in July compared with the worst phase of the Great Recession in 2009. A report Wednesday from the accountability office of the Legislature shows that New Mexico unemployment claims hit a peak of 32,800 in June 2009. Last month, New Mexico residents filed 197,000 claims. The hospitality industry including hotels and restaurants has been hardest hit by the new economic crisis judging from unemployment claims. The analysis by the Legislative Finance Committee warns that New Mexico may be slower to rebound economically than other states, citing the state's experience in the aftermath of the Great Recession. State labor officials can help by turning to proven low-cost re-employment programs. 

AP-FBC-NEW-MEXICO-PLAYER-DEATH
Family of late New Mexico lineman sues former coach, school
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — The family of a New Mexico football player who took his own life says school and its former coach ignored his pleas for help and instead made him play while injured. The mother and father of Nahje Flowers announced Tuesday they were suing the university, former head coach Bob Davie and the NCAA for not protecting the 21-year-old lineman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in November. The lawsuit filed in federal court said Davie and the university failed to protect Flowers after he sought counseling to fight depression. Davie's lawyer, Michael Kennedy, says the allegation that Davie overruled medical advice is false.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
US House hopefuls in New Mexico race unload dueling gun ads
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small and Republican challenger Yvette Herrell have released dueling gun ads aimed at appealing to independent voters in New Mexico's southern district. This week Torres Small unveiled a commercial where she is shown shooting various firearms in the desert while proclaiming, "this is how I unwind." It's similar to the Las Cruces Democrat's 2018 ad showing her shooting a rifle. Herrell released an ad this week with Democratic Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace attacking Torres Small for voting for a gun control measure. The ad also shows Herrell shooting a gun but at a firing range.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque police pull tweet denouncing Wisconsin shooting
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police have deleted a tweet that denounced the "senseless" shooting of a Black man by Kenosha, Wisconsin, police and expressed sympathy for his family. Police Chief Mike Geier said Tuesday the tweet attributed to him was sent in error and apologized. The now-deleted tweet expressed sympathy to Jacob Blake's family and his children who witnessed the police shooting. Albuquerque Police Officers' Association president Sean Willoughby called the tweet embarrassing. Albuquerque police remain under court-order reforms following a harsh report about excessive force cases and the department's own string of police shootings that sparked violent protests in 2014.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-RESTAURANTS
State Supreme Court hears challenge on indoor dining ban
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Supreme Court is weighing a challenge against New Mexico's pandemic-related ban on indoor dining under the administration of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Arguments were scheduled Wednesday in Santa Fe at a court that recently upheld the state's authority to levy hefty $5,000 daily fines against businesses that flout health orders linked to the coronavirus. New Mexico is among a handful of states including California and New Jersey that prohibit indoor dining as a temporary safeguard against the spread of COVID-19. Attorneys for the restaurant industry assert that state health officials are invoking science as the basis of the ban without sharing specific scientific findings or deliberations.

AP-FBC-NEW-MEXICO-PLAYER-DEATH
Family of late New Mexico lineman sues former coach, school
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — The family of a New Mexico football player who took his own life says school and its former coach ignored his pleas for help and instead made him play while injured. The mother and father of Nahje Flowers announced Tuesday they were suing the university, former head coach Bob Davie and the NCAA for not protecting the 21-year-old lineman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in November. The lawsuit filed in federal court said Davie and the university failed to protect Flowers after he sought counseling to fight depression. Davie's lawyer, Michael Kennedy, says the allegation that Davie overruled medical advice is false.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Survey, focus groups aim to boost New Mexico competitiveness
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of New Mexico's largest economic development advocacy groups has launched an online survey to take the temperature of business owners and others on everything from taxes to public safety, broadband access and transportation infrastructure. The goal is to use the results and a series of upcoming focus groups to develop recommendations on how the state can better boost the competitiveness of businesses. The push comes as many businesses face ongoing pressures brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and public health mandates. The state has reported 24,535 cases and 750 deaths since the pandemic began.

SLAIN SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER
Brother of airman charged with murder resolves Arizona case
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The brother of a U.S. Air Force airman charged with murder has entered a plea agreement in a separate but related case. Under the agreement, Samuel Gooch would avoid any time behind bars. He is scheduled to be sentenced in early October. Authorities had accused him of flying to Arizona from Wisconsin to pick up what he thought was the rifle used in the shooting of 27-year-old Sasha Krause. Gooch's brother, Mark, has pleaded not guilty in Krause's death. The Mennonite woman disappeared from northwestern New Mexico in January. Her body was found later in the forest outside Flagstaff.

POLICE SHOOTING-ALBUQUERQUE
Deputies in New Mexico fatally shoot armed man
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico say deputies fatally shot a man who had opened fire in a neighborhood in northeast Albuquerque. Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales says deputies responded Monday afternoon after getting calls about a man who was walking around and pointing a gun. Gonzales says the man fired multiple shots at deputies and two returned fire, striking him while he tried to shoot again. Authorities say the shooting is under investigation and it wasn't immediately known how many shots were fired by the man or by deputies. The man's name hasn't been released.

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-BORDER TRAVEL BAN
US crackdown on nonessential border travel causes long waits
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A Trump administration crackdown on nonessential travel coming from Mexico amid the coronavirus pandemic has created massive bottlenecks at the border. Drivers have reported waits of up to 10 hours to get into the United States. U.S. citizens and legal residents cannot be denied entry under a partial travel ban the government introduced in March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But Customs and Border Protection is shifting resources to create longer waits on weekends, when nonessential travel is heavy. Going to work, school and medical appointments are deemed essential travel but going to shop, dine or socialize is not. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHILD ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
Abuse complaints decline sharply without school oversight
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A sharp decline in reports of child abuse and neglect in New Mexico at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic is prompting concerns that problems are going unnoticed while children stay home from school. The accountability office of the Legislature said Monday that hotline reports of suspected child abuse and neglect declined by 42% in April and 33% in May compared with the prior year. Across the U.S., about one-fifth of suspected child abuse complaints originate from school staff. Analysts says its too soon to conclude whether hardships of the pandemic are influencing rates of child abuse.

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
US Senate hopefuls in New Mexico feuding over debate lineup
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján and Republican Mark Ronchetti's campaigns are feuding over the number of TV debates in the race for the U.S. Senate, agreeing to two so far. The campaigns recently announced they will take part in a debate sponsored by KOAT-TV and the Albuquerque Journal and one by PBS-affiliate KNME-TV. But Ronchetti has accepted offers for debates sponsored by KOB-TV and KRQE-TV _ something Luján has shunned. Ronchetti says Luján is "hiding" from voters by avoiding debates on the state's two biggest stations. Ronchetti is a former meteorologist for the Albuquerque-based KRQE-TV.

New Mexico ACLU sues over inmate treatment amid pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and a group of defense lawyers are suing the state, claiming officials aren't doing enough to protect the health of inmates amid the coronavirus pandemic. The lawsuit filed Monday alleges that the government refuses to enforce social distancing and other mandates. The groups contends that prison conditions are intolerable and constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Corrections officials say there have been just over 500 confirmed cases among state inmates since the pandemic began and that 25 cases remain active. They say testing continues and that weekly hygienic supplies have been doubled for every inmate.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO
County elections official dies in eastern New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A state senator says the top elections official in eastern New Mexico's rural Roosevelt County has passed away amid preparations for the Nov. 3 general election. Republican Senate minority leader Stuart Ingle of Portales confirmed on Monday the death of County Clerk Stephanie Hicks at her home the previous day. Hicks was running unopposed as the Republican incumbent in the fall general election. Election officials across the state are preparing to print ballots on an early-September deadline, with absentee voting scheduled to begin Oct. 6. Ingle said he confirmed through a county official that Hicks was found unresponsive at home. More information was unavailable.

ELECTION 2020-RNC-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Republican leader sees quiet support for Trump
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A half-dozen delegates from New Mexico are attending the Republican National Convention with hopes that President Donald Trump can reverse a progressive political shift at home. State Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce on Sunday said Trump is well-positioned to assemble a silent majority in New Mexico by winning over people who voted in 2016 for Libertarian former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. Trump lost the 2016 vote in the state by 8 percentage points to Hillary Clinton. Trump on Monday cast doubt on the integrity of the fall election in a surprise opening day appearance at the scaled-down convention. Pearce expects the convention to highlight Trump's approach to civil liberties.

OPERATION LEGEND
Operation Legend puts focus on violent crime, not politics
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Donald Trump and his attorney general have touted Operation Legend as a much-needed answer to spiking crime. Trump claims it's caused, at least in part, by the police reform movement and protests that have swept across the U.S. since George Floyd's death in May. Trump also claims he's countering rising crime in cities run by Democrats. But to the 300 federal investigators deployed to nine cities, and the local law enforcement getting help, Operation Legend isn't about politics. It's about reducing crime, working to solve outstanding cases and prioritizing the arrest of violent criminals. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports no new COVID-19 deaths, 12 more cases
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials have reported a dozen new confirmed cases of COVID-19 but no additional deaths. That brings the total number of people infected to 9,547 with the known death toll still at 493 as of Sunday night. The figures were tallied as another 32-hour lockdown on the reservation ended at 5 a.m. Monday. The Navajo Nation lifted its stay-at-home order on Aug. 16, but is asking residents to leave their homes only for emergencies or essential activities. Much of the Navajo Nation has been closed since March as the coronavirus swept through the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. 

AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK
Thousands allowed to bypass environmental rules in pandemic
Thousands of oil and gas operations and other sites have won permission to stop monitoring for hazardous emissions or otherwise break government rules because of the coronavirus outbreak. The findings come in an investigation by The Associated Press. The Trump administration announced the first nationwide, extended easing of environmental enforcement in March. Oil and gas companies had complained that the pandemic was complicating compliance with pollution rules. Facilities won permission more than 3,000 times to skimp on compliance during the sweeping government clemency.  The Environmental Protection Agency says its clemency was not a license for increased pollution.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico's unemployment rate now exceeds national rate
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The unemployment rate in New Mexico has jumped to 12.7%. That's the highest rate the state has seen since the coronavirus pandemic began in the U.S. in March. The Albuquerque Journal reports the figure is up from 8.4% in June. That reverses a downward trend since April, when the rate was 11.3%,. The national unemployment rate was 10.2% in July, down from 11% in June. State Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley says the main factor for New Mexico's increase was that temporary furloughs for workers converted into layoffs. State officials on Saturday reported 213 additional COVID-19 cases and four additional deaths, increasing New Mexico's totals to 24,302 cases and 743 deaths. ​

ELECTION 2020-SENATE-NEW MEXICO
US Senate hopefuls in New Mexico OK 1 debate, fight on more
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján and Republican Mark Ronchetti have only agreed to participate in one televised debate in New Mexico's U.S. Senate race. And their campaigns are pointing figures at the other for refusing to join more. The campaigns recently announced they will take part in a debate sponsored by KOAT-TV and the Albuquerque Journal. But Ronchetti has accepted offers for debates sponsored by Albuquerque-area outlets KOB-TV and KRQE-TV _ something Luján has shunned. Instead, Luján has accepted an invitation from PBS-affiliate KNME-TV. Ronchetti called KNME-TV a "liberal front-group." The station is non-partisan and its weekly "New Mexico in Focus" shows regularly host Republican guests.

OPERATION LEGEND
Operation Legend puts focus on violent crime, not politics
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Donald Trump and his attorney general have touted Operation Legend as a much-needed answer to spiking crime. Trump claims it's caused, at least in part, by the police reform movement and protests that have swept across the U.S. since George Floyd's death in May. Trump also claims he's countering rising crime in cities run by Democrats. But to the 300 federal investigators deployed to nine cities, and the local law enforcement getting help, Operation Legend isn't about politics. It's about reducing crime, working to solve outstanding cases and prioritizing the arrest of violent criminals. 

CHARLOTTA SPEARS BASS
Film shows trailblazing Black female editor, VP candidate
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Kamala Harris made history last week by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated to run for vice president on a major party's ticket. But the first Black woman to run for vice president in the nation's history was trailblazing newspaperwoman Charlotta Spears Bass. The groundbreaking journalist and civil rights activist who ran in 1952 on the Progressive Party ticket is the subject of a new PBS/WNET "American Masters" short. It's the final installment of a series focusing on American women. Filmmakers Charlotte Mangin and Sandra Rattley say they wanted to introduce Bass to a new generation. The short is scheduled for release Wednesday.

NUCLEAR AGENCY BUILDING-NAME
Nuclear agency's new facility to be named after 1st leader
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The federal agency that oversees the nation's nuclear weapons cache and key deterrence initiatives around the globe will name its new facility in Albuquerque after a retired Air Force general who was the agency's first administrator. The National Nuclear Security Administration's leader announced Friday the facility under construction will be named after Gen. John A Gordon, who died April 19. NNSA Administrator Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty said the agency builds upon the "strong foundation" that Gordon set during his tenure from 2000 to mid 2002. The new facility is scheduled to be occupied in late 2021 by 1,200 NNSA staff members currently working in 25 separate buildings and facilities.  

RACIAL INJUSTICE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico rights commission reconsiders immunity for police
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An effort to reform qualified immunity provisions that protect police officers from lawsuits against misconduct is underway in New Mexico. The state's newly appointed civil rights commission is scheduled to meet Friday for the first time to arrange assistance from the legal affairs office of the Legislature and state procurement officials. The Democrat-led Legislature and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved policing reforms during a special session in June that include the mandatory use of police body cameras. Protests over racial injustice and police brutality have prompted several states to pass significant policing reforms at a quick pace, often with bipartisan support.

AP-US-FEDERAL-EXECUTION-NATIVE-AMERICAN
Execution of Native American man stirs emotion within tribe
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — As a Navajo man sits on federal death row awaiting his upcoming execution date, his tribe is asking officials to spare his life. The stance in support of Lezmond Mitchell is pushing up against the desires of some of the victims' family to see the Wednesday execution move forward. Mitchell was convicted in the grisly slayings of a fellow tribal member and her granddaughter in 2001 on the Navajo Nation. He is among a handful of inmates whose executions were announced after a 17-year, informal moratorium with a common thread of crimes against children. Mitchell is the only Native American on federal death row. 

AP-US-WILD-HORSES-ROUNDUPS
3 large corrals approved for western US wild horse roundups
RENO, Nev. (AP) — The federal Bureau of Land Management has approved construction of three corrals to hold more than 8,000 wild horses captured on federal rangeland. The pens are the next step in plans announced last year by the administration of President Donald Trump to speed up the capture of 130,000 wild horses over 10 years at an estimated cost of $1 billion. The new corrals are aimed at accelerating wild horse roundups that have been slowed down for lack of space in existing pens. The bureau issued final decisions on environmental assessments for corrals in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah that are opposed by wild horse advocates.