VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico governor renews restrictions as virus cases rise
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she will renew public health restrictions and is warning that more stringent rules could be imposed because of a rise in COVID-19 cases. The regulations she announced Tuesday will take effect later this week. They will include limiting gatherings to five people, a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors from high-risk states, reduced hotel capacities and a 10 p.m. closure for any food or drink establishments that serve alcohol. Without a vaccine, the governor said there are only a few tools to fight the virus, such as wearing masks, staying home as much as possible and avoiding groups of people.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico judge issues ruling in marijuana reciprocity case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A state district judge has cleared the way for hundreds of patients to be re-authorized to participate in New Mexico's medical marijuana program. The ruling issued Tuesday stemmed from a challenge of a mandate and subsequent rule adopted by the state health department that placed additional requirements on some patients who have medical marijuana cards from other states. The health department says it will comply with the ruling and that all 323 people affected by the decision will once again be able to buy from licensed cannabis providers in the state. Marijuana is only legal for medical use in New Mexico.

ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO REGULATORS
New Mexico voters to decide future of powerful commission
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to New Mexico voters to decide the future of a powerful commission in charge of regulating utilities and other businesses. If approved during the general election, a constitutional amendment on the ballot would change the Public Regulation Commission from an elected panel to one comprised of members appointed by the governor. Supporters say the change would insulate the staff from political considerations. Opponents call it a power grab by the governor that would take away the right of voters to elect commissioners. It was an amendment approved by voters in 1996 that created the regulatory commission.

SANTA FE ARCHDIOCESE-BANKRUPTCY
Judge: Victims can sue Santa Fe Archdiocese over transfer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A U.S. bankruptcy judge has ruled clergy sex abuse survivors can file lawsuits alleging the Archdiocese of Santa Fe fraudulently transferred millions to avoid bigger payouts to victims. The Albuquerque Journal reports the recent decision by Judge David T. Thuma in the Chapter 11 reorganization case opens the door to what could be a multimillion-dollar boon to hundreds of alleged victims. Or it could set off protracted, costly legal appeals that would tap funds that could have paid valid abuse claims. An estimated $52 million has been paid in out-of-court settlements to victims in prior years.

AP-US-TV-DRIVING-WHILE-BLACK
'Driving While Black' shows history of US Black motorists
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A new film examines the history of African Americans driving on the road from the Great Depression to the height of the Civil Rights movement.  "Driving While Black," airing this week on most PBS stations in the U.S., show how the automobile liberated African Americans to move around the country while still navigating segregation and violence. Directed by Ric Burns, the documentary was inspired by Gretchen Sorin's 2019 book, "Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights." She argued the car allowed African Americans to avoid segregated trains and buses throughout the American South. 

SKI PASSES SOLD OUT
Ski Santa Fe sells out its 2,900 passes in under 10 hours
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It's not even winter yet, but Ski Santa Fe has sold out of its nearly 3,000 passes. Albuquerque TV station KOB reports that the ski passes were gone in less than 10 hours Monday. Ski Santa Fe general manager Ben Abruzzo says they put 2,900 different reservation-based passes on sale at midnight. All of them were all sold by 10 a.m. Monday. In a typical season, Ski Santa Fe sells close to 6,000 season passes over a few months. Abruzzo says state officials finalized ski areas' coronavirus-safe plans Monday. Some of those plans include limiting ski lift capacity to 25%. Abruzzo says those who missed out on buying a season pass at Ski Santa Fe will still have other options, including an online reservation system.  

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL
New Mexico governor urged to take stand against nuclear plan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmentalists and other watchdog groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to create a government agency that would be tasked with keeping the state from becoming a permanent dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste. Dozens of groups have sent a letter to the Democratic governor. They pointed to Nevada's success in mothballing the Yucca Mountain waste repository project and asked the governor to consider similar measures to protect New Mexico. In comments recently submitted to federal regulators, state officials opposed a preliminary recommendation that a license be granted to Holtec International to build a multibillion-dollar storage facility in southeastern New Mexico.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
Activists in New Mexico, Arizona mark Indigenous Peoples Day
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Protesters have torn down a historical monument in Santa Fe as New Mexico, Arizona and other states marked Indigenous Peoples Day. Protesters used a rope and chain Monday to topple the obelisk on the Santa Fe Plaza, spurring cheers from the crowd. A point of contention for years, the obelisk was dedicated in part to the "heroes" who died in battle with "savage Indians." In Arizona, protesters clashed with law enforcement officers after staging protests near the U.S.-Mexico border. Video showed vehicles stopped on the side of the road and some people being taken into custody. Other events across the country Monday focused on the history and contributions of Native Americans.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
Activists in New Mexico, Arizona mark Indigenous Peoples Day
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Protesters have torn down a historical monument in Santa Fe as New Mexico, Arizona and other states marked Indigenous Peoples Day. Protesters used a rope and chain Monday to topple the obelisk on the Santa Fe Plaza, spurring cheers from the crowd. A point of contention for years, the obelisk was dedicated in part to the "heroes" who died in battle with "savage Indians." In Arizona, protesters clashed with law enforcement officers after staging protests near the U.S.-Mexico border. Video showed vehicles stopped on the side of the road and some people being taken into custody. Other events across the country Monday focused on the history and contributions of Native Americans.

​SKI PASSES SOLD OUT
Ski Santa Fe sells out its 2,900 passes in under 10 hours
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It's not even winter yet, but Ski Santa Fe has sold out of its nearly 3,000 passes. Albuquerque TV station KOB reports that the ski passes were gone in less than 10 hours Monday. Ski Santa Fe general manager Ben Abruzzo says they put 2,900 different reservation-based passes on sale at midnight. All of them were all sold by 10 a.m. Monday. In a typical season, Ski Santa Fe sells close to 6,000 season passes over a few months. Abruzzo says state officials finalized ski areas' coronavirus-safe plans Monday. Some of those plans include limiting ski lift capacity to 25%. Abruzzo says those who missed out on buying a season pass at Ski Santa Fe will still have other options, including an online reservation system.  

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL
New Mexico governor urged to take stand against nuclear plan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmentalists and other watchdog groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to create a government agency that would be tasked with keeping the state from becoming a permanent dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste. Dozens of groups have sent a letter to the Democratic governor. They pointed to Nevada's success in mothballing the Yucca Mountain waste repository project and asked the governor to consider similar measures to protect New Mexico. In comments recently submitted to federal regulators, state officials opposed a preliminary recommendation that a license be granted to Holtec International to build a multibillion-dollar storage facility in southeastern New Mexico.

PORTLAND PROTESTS
Protesters knock down Roosevelt, Lincoln statues in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Protesters overturned statues of former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in Portland, Oregon, Sunday night in a declaration of "rage" against Columbus Day. Protest organizers dubbed the event "Indigenous Peoples Day of Rage," in response to Monday's federal holiday named after 15th-century Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. The group threw chains around Roosevelt's statue, pulling it down just before 9 p.m. Protesters then turned their attention to Lincoln's statue, pulling it down about eight minutes later. Police say windows were broken on several buildings and declared a riot. Along with Columbus, historians have said both presidents have expressed hostility and racism toward Native Americans. Three people were arrested.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico homeless shelter reports more coronavirus cases
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque officials are confirming more COVID-19 infections at the city's homeless shelter as cases statewide are on the rise. The city on Sunday reported an additional 72 cases at the shelter. Anyone at the shelter who's experiencing symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 is isolated and tested. Officials have been able to use some hotels to house those who test positive in an effort to curb spread among the homeless population. New Mexico has had some of the most restrictive health orders in place since the pandemic began but has been reporting sharp increases in recent days. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 30 new coronavirus cases and 6 deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Monday reported 30 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and six more deaths. The latest numbers bring the total number of cases to 10,728 including two additional cases that was previously unreported due to delayed reporting. The known death toll is now at 571.  Tribal health officials said 112,648 people on the the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,343 have recovered. A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHILD-WELFARE
Remote schooling forces child welfare agencies to adapt
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Child welfare monitoring and enforcement have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers, the backbone of the abuse and neglect reporting system, are separated from their students by remote learning. In New Mexico, schools, state agencies, and law enforcement officials say the lack of in-person schooling has required more attention. Reports of "educational neglect" can lead investigators to a household where children are unfed, unkempt, and unschooled. But it can also mean a capable parent has had trouble with Wi-Fi. In Albuquerque, law enforcement officers are applying a light touch to truancy calls that don't result in arrest and regularly connect families to social services.

DRY NEW MEXICO
Forecasters: Hot, dry, windy weather on tap for New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say much of New Mexico will be hot, dry and windy this weekend, with wildfire smoke in some areas. The National Weather Service says there will be record and near-record temperatures ranging from 8 to 17 degrees above normal through Saturday and that winds will strengthen statewide on Sunday, creating concerns about wildfires. Forecasters also say chances for precipitation will be near zero across all of northern and central New Mexico. And the weather service says smoke from a wildfire in eastern Arizona will continue to impact the area around the New Mexico communities of Glenwood, Reserve and Socorro.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico comes close to marking another high on new cases
SANTA FE. N.M. (AP) — A day after reporting a record daily number of additional COVID-19 cases, New Mexico officials came close to doing so again on Saturday. State officials reported 486 additional COVID-19 cases — two short of the 488 reported Friday — and five additional deaths. The state's totals increased to 32,722 cases and 907 deaths. Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press indicated the state's seven-day rolling average of new deaths declined in the past two weeks from 3.3 on Sept. 25 to 2.4 on Friday. Meanwhile, the rolling average of daily new cases over the same period rose from 146 to 299.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHILD-WELFARE
Remote schooling forces child welfare agencies to adapt
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Child welfare monitoring and enforcement have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers, the backbone of the abuse and neglect reporting system, are separated from their students by remote learning. In New Mexico, schools, state agencies, and law enforcement officials say the lack of in-person schooling has required more attention. Reports of "educational neglect" can lead investigators to a household where children are unfed, unkempt, and unschooled. But it can also mean a capable parent has had trouble with Wi-Fi. In Albuquerque, law enforcement officers are applying a light touch to truancy calls that don't result in arrest and regularly connect families to social services.

HAZING FRATERNITY MEMBER CHARGED
Former frat member sentenced for shooting student as hazing
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A former New Mexico State University fraternity member who shot another student during a hazing ritual last year was given an 18-month suspended sentence on Friday. Miguel Altamirano pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon while intoxicated. Altamirano shot Jonathan Sillas in the leg at a campground in November 2019 during hazing for the Kappa Sigma fraternity at the university. The university revoked Kappa Sigma's charter and Altamirano was expelled. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Virus infections set new one-day record in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is losing ground in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as newly reported daily infections hit a record of 488 cases. Three additional deaths from the pandemic also were disclosed Friday by state health officials as fatalities from the pandemic surpassed 900. Bernalillo County, with the state's most populous urban area, accounted for 135 new cases, while Dona Ana had 81. Lea and Chaves counties together accounted for 77 new cases. The state's infection and positivity rates for the spread of the virus are climbing as the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham holds the line on emergency public health restrictions. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation members eligible for $1,500 for virus relief
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be eligible for payments of up to $1,500 as part of the tribe's response to the coronavirus. President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer on Friday approved the $49 million plan adopted by the tribal council. The funding comes from the tribe's share of federal coronavirus relief funding. Adults will be eligible for payments of $1,500 while minors are eligible for $500. Nez said in a statement that there isn't enough funding to cover payments for all enrolled members of the tribe, so the money should be directed to elders and those most in need.
​
VIRUS OUTBREAK—EDUCATION LAWSUIT
Schools allege overreach by New Mexico education secretary
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A group of New Mexico school districts argue in a lawsuit that the Public Education Department is overstepping its authority during the pandemic. From forcing children without the internet to learn remotely to commandeering toilet paper for child care centers, they say the education department's mandates exceed the powers laid out in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's emergency health order to deal with COVID-19. A number of the school districts represented in the lawsuit are on or near the Navajo Nation, where stakes are high for in-person learning. The region was hit hard early in the pandemic. Now its students, around half of whom cannot connect to the internet, are struggling to keep up with school.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico comes close to marking another high on new cases
SANTA FE. N.M. (AP) — A day after reporting a record daily number of additional COVID-19 cases, New Mexico officials came close to doing so again on Saturday. State officials reported 486 additional COVID-19 cases — two short of the 488 reported Friday — and five additional deaths. The state's totals increased to 32,722 cases and 907 deaths. Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press indicated the rolling average of daily new cases over the same period in New Mexico rose from 146 to 299.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHILD-WELFARE
Remote schooling forces child welfare agencies to adapt
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Child welfare monitoring and enforcement have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers, the backbone of the abuse and neglect reporting system, are separated from their students by remote learning. In New Mexico, schools, state agencies, and law enforcement officials say the lack of in-person schooling has required more attention. Reports of "educational neglect" can lead investigators to a household where children are unfed, unkempt, and unschooled. But it can also mean a capable parent has had trouble with Wi-Fi. In Albuquerque, law enforcement officers are applying a light touch to truancy calls that don't result in arrest and regularly connect families to social services.

DRY NEW MEXICO
Forecasters: Hot, dry, windy weather on tap for New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say much of New Mexico will be hot, dry and windy this weekend, with wildfire smoke in some areas. The National Weather Service says there will be record and near-record temperatures ranging from 8 to 17 degrees above normal through Saturday and that winds will strengthen statewide on Sunday, creating concerns about wildfires. Forecasters also say chances for precipitation will be near zero across all of northern and central New Mexico. And the weather service says smoke from a wildfire in eastern Arizona will continue to impact the area around the New Mexico communities of Glenwood, Reserve and Socorro.

HAZING FRATERNITY MEMBER CHARGED
Former frat member sentenced for shooting student as hazing
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A former New Mexico State University fraternity member who shot another student during a hazing ritual last year was given an 18-month suspended sentence on Friday. Miguel Altamirano pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon while intoxicated. Altamirano shot Jonathan Sillas in the leg at a campground in November 2019 during hazing for the Kappa Sigma fraternity at the university. The university revoked Kappa Sigma's charter and Altamirano was expelled. 
​
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Virus infections set new one-day record in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is losing ground in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as newly reported daily infections hit a record of 488 cases. Three additional deaths from the pandemic also were disclosed Friday by state health officials as fatalities from the pandemic surpassed 900. Bernalillo County, with the state's most populous urban area, accounted for 135 new cases, while Dona Ana had 81. Lea and Chaves counties together accounted for 77 new cases. The state's infection and positivity rates for the spread of the virus are climbing as the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham holds the line on emergency public health restrictions. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation members eligible for $1,500 for virus relief
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be eligible for payments of up to $1,500 as part of the tribe's response to the coronavirus. President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer on Friday approved the $49 million plan adopted by the tribal council. The funding comes from the tribe's share of federal coronavirus relief funding. Adults will be eligible for payments of $1,500 while minors are eligible for $500. Nez said in a statement that there isn't enough funding to cover payments for all enrolled members of the tribe, so the money should be directed to elders and those most in need.

VIRUS OUTBREAK—EDUCATION LAWSUIT
Schools allege overreach by New Mexico education secretary
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A group of New Mexico school districts argue in a lawsuit that the Public Education Department is overstepping its authority during the pandemic. From forcing children without the internet to learn remotely to commandeering toilet paper for child care centers, they say the education department's mandates exceed the powers laid out in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's emergency health order to deal with COVID-19. A number of the school districts represented in the lawsuit are on or near the Navajo Nation, where stakes are high for in-person learning. The region was hit hard early in the pandemic. Now its students, around half of whom cannot connect to the internet, are struggling to keep up with school.

ELECTION 2020-TRUMP-GOVERNORS
Officials don't explain Trump claim of 'watching' governors
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Federal officials are not offering any explanation for President Donald Trump's comments this week that he has federal law enforcement "watching" the Democratic governors of Nevada and New Mexico ahead of the upcoming election. Trump said in interview Thursday on the Fox Business Network that the U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal are watching Nevada. Gov. Steve Sisolak "very strongly" and that likewise the U.S. Marshal and U.S. Attorney in New Mexico were watching that state's Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The Justice Department referred questions to the White House, which declined to comment on the president's remarks. 

DRY NEW MEXICO
Forecasters: Hot, dry, windy weather on tap for New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Forecasters say much of New Mexico will be hot, dry and windy this weekend, with wildfire smoke in some areas. The National Weather Service says there will be record and near-record temperatures ranging from 8 to 17 degrees above normal through Saturday and that winds will strengthen statewide on Sunday, creating concerns about wildfires. Forecasters also say chances for precipitation will be near zero across all of northern and central New Mexico. And the weather service says smoke from a wildfire in eastern Arizona will continue to impact the area around the New Mexico communities of Glenwood, Reserve and Socorro.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Virus infections set new one-day record in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is losing ground in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as newly reported daily infections hit a record of 488 cases. Three additional deaths from the pandemic also were disclosed Friday by state health officials as fatalities from the pandemic surpassed 900. Bernalillo County, with the state's most populous urban area, accounted for 135 new cases, while Dona Ana had 81. Lea and Chaves counties together accounted for 77 new cases. The state's infection and positivity rates for the spread of the virus are climbing as the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham holds the line on emergency public health restrictions. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation members eligible for $1,500 for virus relief
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be eligible for payments of up to $1,500 as part of the tribe's response to the coronavirus. President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer on Friday approved the $49 million plan adopted by the tribal council. The funding comes from the tribe's share of federal coronavirus relief funding. Adults will be eligible for payments of $1,500 while minors are eligible for $500. Nez said in a statement that there isn't enough funding to cover payments for all enrolled members of the tribe, so the money should be directed to elders and those most in need.

VIRUS OUTBREAK—EDUCATION LAWSUIT
Schools allege overreach by New Mexico education secretary
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A group of New Mexico school districts argue in a lawsuit that the Public Education Department is overstepping its authority during the pandemic. From forcing children without the internet to learn remotely to commandeering toilet paper for child care centers, they say the education department's mandates exceed the powers laid out in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's emergency health order to deal with COVID-19. A number of the school districts represented in the lawsuit are on or near the Navajo Nation, where stakes are high for in-person learning. The region was hit hard early in the pandemic. Now its students, around half of whom cannot connect to the internet, are struggling to keep up with school.

ELECTION 2020-TRUMP-GOVERNORS
Officials don't explain Trump claim of 'watching' governors
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Federal officials are not offering any explanation for President Donald Trump's comments this week that he has federal law enforcement "watching" the Democratic governors of Nevada and New Mexico ahead of the upcoming election. Trump said in interview Thursday on the Fox Business Network that the U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal are watching Nevada. Gov. Steve Sisolak "very strongly" and that likewise the U.S. Marshal and U.S. Attorney in New Mexico were watching that state's Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The Justice Department referred questions to the White House, which declined to comment on the president's remarks. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque businesses impacted by canceled Balloon Fiesta
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Multiple business owners in New Mexico have said this October could prove challenging for their businesses since the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which brings tourists from around the world, was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. California-based commerce data company Womply reported that arts and entertainment businesses in the area bring in a 194% increase in revenue on average during the Balloon Fiesta. A Womply official said the event is comparable to Louisville's Kentucky Derby or Phoenix's Cactus League. Last year, the event generated an estimated economic impact of more than $186 million on the Albuquerque area and $6.5 million in tax revenues for the state.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS-TEACHER GRANTS
New Mexico offers scholarships for advanced teacher training
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State officials say they're making funds available to mid-level public school teachers to cover the cost of continuing education certifications that can lead to a significant salary increase. The Public Education Department says it will cover the approximately $2,000 cost of pursuing National Board Certified Teacher credentials to become a "Level 3" teacher. Teachers who complete the certification are eligible for a nearly $7,000 pay increase. Teacher salary increases were reined into 1% for the current school year in response to the economic downturn from the coronavirus, as educators pay for unexpected expenses related to the pivot to online learning. 

GILA FOREST-FIRE DANGER
Forest in southwestern New Mexico back in high fire danger
SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) — Federal officials say the national forest that covers much of mountainous southwestern New Mexico again faces a high fire danger. The Gila National Forest headquartered in Silver City said Thursday that's due to warm temperatures and limited precipitation from what turned out to be a below-average monsoon season. Officials said a "high" fire danger rating means that all fine dead fuels ignite readily and that fires start easily from most causes. Also, unattended brush and camp fires are likely to spread. Forest officials urged hunters, campers, woodcutters and other forest users to be vigilant and to avoid using anything with an open flame or spark.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS-TEACHER GRANTS
New Mexico offers scholarships for advanced teacher training
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State officials say they're making funds available to mid-level public school teachers to cover the cost of continuing education certifications that can lead to a significant salary increase. The Public Education Department says it will cover the approximately $2,000 cost of pursuing National Board Certified Teacher credentials to become a "Level 3" teacher. Teachers who complete the certification are eligible for a nearly $7,000 pay increase. Teacher salary increases were reined into 1% for the current school year in response to the economic downturn from the coronavirus, as educators pay for unexpected expenses related to the pivot to online learning. 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS CANCELLED
Youth sports won't compete in New Mexico this year
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — High school students will not be able to compete in any sports this fall or winter after state officials clarified Thursday that they won't amend a state health order. Coaches of sports like volleyball and cross-country were so upbeat about returning to competition that a season's worth of matches was already scheduled. Some superintendents were making contingency plans for in-person fans. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the ban on club sports remains in effect. High school athletes are still allowed to practice non-contact sports such as volleyball and golf. High school coaches fear their athletes are losing an incentive to get good grades, which are required to participate in school sports. 

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Northern New Mexico district to pick its 1st congresswoman
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The two major party candidates competing to become the first woman to represent a Democrat-dominated New Mexico district have squared off in their first televised debate. They touched on solutions to poverty, environmental degradation and improving health care. Democratic attorney Teresa Leger Fernandez is competing against Republican engineer Alexis Johnson to succeed U.S. Rep Ben Ray Luján in Congress. Lujàn is running in an open U.S. Senate race as Sen. Tom Udall retires. Democrats have monopolized the northern 3rd Congressional District since its creation in 1983 with the exception of one special election. The winner in November will become the first woman to hold the seat.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to require job searches for unemployment benefits
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — People who have claimed unemployment benefits in New Mexico during the coronavirus pandemic will soon be required to conduct weekly job searches, despite concerns from state leaders that pushing people to work could complicate efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions announced Wednesday that it plans to reinstate the requirement Oct. 25. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham blamed federal requirements for the change Thursday. Claimants receiving regular unemployment benefits must now document at least two work-search activities each week starting Oct. 18. Verifiable searches must be reported during the weekly certification process starting Oct. 25 and each week after.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-FACTORY PLAN
Prent Corp. to open packaging factory in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A manufacturer of plastic packaging used for medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic plans to build its next factory in southern New Mexico. Prent Corporation will invest $12.5 million and create 85 jobs. The Borderplex Alliance says the manufacturing plant could operate by the fall of 2021 if construction is approved at a large site in Santa Teresa. Doña Ana County officials are welcoming the announcement as New Mexico's unemployment remains high compared to the national average. The Wisconsin-based Prent Corporation has partnered with medical companies during the pandemic to ship personal protective equipment such as face shields.

COLLEGIATE WINE-NEW MEXICO
NMSU joins handful of colleges with new signature wine
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University is now one of just a handful of schools in the U.S. that have their own signature wines. The school announced its new licensing venture with Lescombes family vineyards on Thursday. It comes as universities across the country search for creative ways to bring in more revenue and boost their brands as the pandemic has forced classes online and upended athletic programs. New Mexico State's offering — Crimson Legacy — follows the successful launch in 2017 of the school's beer — Pistol Pete's 1888 Ale. The new cabernet also pays homage to the state's 400-year history of wine making.

ELECTION 2020-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico swing-district debate hinges on oil, border
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — GOP congressional challenger Yvette Herrell embraced President Donald Trump's border-wall strategy and burnished an anti-abortion, pro-petroleum philosophy in a bid to unseat Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small at a televised debate in New Mexico. At Wednesday's encounter from an Albuquerque studio on live TV, Torres Small cast herself as a pragmatist who has focused on high-tech drug enforcement at border ports of entry and opposed efforts in Congress to ban fracking. The 2nd Congressional District race is a rematch from 2018, when Herrell declined to debate and lost by fewer than 4,000 votes. Absentee and limited early voting have begun across New Mexico.