ELECTION 2018-GOVERNOR-NEW MEXICO
Pearce: Fix for New Mexico crime will take more than money
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce says crime is out of control in New Mexico and it will take more than money to fix it.
He made the comments during a news conference Tuesday while the leader of the largest police officers' union in the state and other law enforcement officers stood at his side.
If elected, Pearce says he would create a task force of local, state and federal agencies to coordinate a more comprehensive approach for tackling crime — a problem that continues to garner attention on the campaign trail as Election Day nears.
Pearce has the endorsement of the Albuquerque police union along with 21 sheriffs from around the state.
Democratic challenger Michelle Lujan Grisham also has highlighted crime as an issue, calling for a crackdown on violence with a focus on repeat offenders.

ELECTION 2018-NEW MEXICO-CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Proposal seeks changes for appeals in New Mexico courts
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposed constitutional amendment on New Mexico ballots this year is seeking to bring the state court system a step closer toward streamlining the appeals process for some cases.
The proposal before voters is supported by the state judiciary. While it seeks to change an obscure segment of state law, supporters say it could result in significant savings in both cost and time for some of the state's busiest courts.
If approved, the amendment would allow lawmakers to review and make changes to strict parameters set in the state's constitution. Those current restrictions require cases that originate in probate and magistrate courts to first go to before a district court judge, rather than a panel of appeals court judges.
Cases that originate in probate and magistrate courts can stem from DWI, domestic violence and other types of charges.

BORDER MASS-IMMIGRATION
Catholic dioceses planning 'Border Mass' near Ciudad Juarez
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) — A group of Catholic dioceses is planning a Mass along the U.S.-Mexico border in the city of Sunland Park amid rising political tensions around immigration.
Dioceses of El Paso, Las Cruces and Ciudad Juarez are scheduled Saturday to hold their annual "Border Mass" at the wall near of the Ciudad Juarez neighborhood of Anapra.
?The site of the Mass is near Mount Cristo Rey — 29-foot (9-meter) tall limestone statue of Jesus on top of a hill in Sunland Park.
The Mass comes as President Donald Trump is sending more than 5,200 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in response to a caravan of Central American migrants traveling to the U.S. through Mexico.

FORMER AIRMAN ARRESTED-COMPUTER FRAUD
Ex-Air Force airman in New Mexico accused of computer fraud
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors say a former Air Force airman in New Mexico could be facing up to 10 years in federal prison for computer fraud.
Michael Weber made his initial court appearance Tuesday in Albuquerque.
He remains in federal custody pending Wednesday's preliminary hearing and detention hearing.
Authorities say the 22-year-old Weber was arrested Tuesday morning by FBI agents at a home in Alamogordo.
According to a criminal complaint, Weber allegedly placed a program, information, code or command known as a "spam bot" onto a government-issued cellular phone assigned to his supervisor at Cannon Air Force Base on Jan. 16.
The "spam bot" allegedly caused the cellular phone to receive a long string of messages allegedly intended to cause damage to it.

ELECTION 2018-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO-CD1
Democrat Haaland keeping money edge in US House race
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Democrat Debra Haaland is maintaining her fundraising edge over her Republican and Libertarian opponents for an open U.S. House seat in central New Mexico.
New Federal Election Commission filings show the Laguna Pueblo member and former state Democratic Party chairwoman raised $159,954 during the first two week of October. Meanwhile, Republican former state lawmaker Janice Arnold-Jones pulled in $21,510 and Libertarian Lloyd Princeton raised $444.
According to the filings, Haaland's campaign reported having $143,028 cash on hand on Oct. 17. Arnold-Jones reported $30,104 cash on hand while Princeton had $625.
Haaland is seeking to become the first Native American female elected in Congress along with Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids.
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham is campaigning for governor and is not seeking re-election to the Albuquerque-based district.

TEACHER-SEXUAL CONTACT
Ex-teacher found guilty on 1 of 3 counts of sexual contact
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former Santa Fe art teacher was convicted of one of three counts of criminal sexual contact stemming from accusations by former students that he inappropriately touched them during class.
Aaron Dean Chavez was charged with three counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 for three incidents that occurred while he was a teacher at Santo Nino Regional Catholic School.
Chavez denies inappropriately touching his students.
District Attorney Marco Serna says a Santa Fe County jury Monday was deadlocked on two of the counts.
Chavez was convicted of the more serious of the crimes, unclothed contact with a 6-year-old girl who testified that while she was in Chavez' first-grade class in 2016 he tucked her shirt in to her underwear, touching her genitals and buttocks under her clothes.
Chavez is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

SALMONELLA-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico agency: 30 residents diagnosed with salmonella
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State health officials say 30 New Mexico residents have been identified as being diagnosed with salmonella after preparing raw ground beef at home since late August.
The Department of Health said Tuesday the illness duration averaged 13 days and that about one in four patients were hospitalized.
Department spokesman Paul Rhien said officials were still investigating the source of the New Mexico infections.
Meat producers in several states in the West have recently recalled varying amounts of ground beef for health reasons.
The department says salmonella can be spread through cross-contamination from raw meats to counter tops, utensils and cutting boards, and it urges washing hands and utensils after handling raw meat
Early symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhea and stomach pain. Other symptoms may include nausea, chills or headaches.
​
NAVAJO NATION-WELLS FARGO
Navajo to appeal dismissal of case against Wells Fargo
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation is appealing the dismissal of a lawsuit it filed against Wells Fargo, accusing the company of engaging in predatory and unlawful practices.
A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit last month at the request of Wells Fargo.
The company argued that many claims were addressed through a previous consumer protection action, and that the tribe lacked standing to file other claims.
The tribe filed a notice of appeal Friday with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Navajo President Russell Begaye has said the tribe will not back down in its efforts to hold Wells Fargo accountable for harming Navajo people and especially tribal elders.
Wells Fargo has five branches on the reservation that stretches into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona, and 12 others within a 30-minute drive.

ELECTION 2018-POLL WATCHERS-NEW MEXICO
Election watchers gear up for vote in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Poll watchers and poll challengers who monitor elections in New Mexico as a safeguard against fraud and unintentional problems are preparing for Election Day.
The New Mexico Secretary of State's Office ended its registration period Monday for poll watchers. Watchers track compliance with the state election code, while other monitors known as challengers can contest the eligibility of individual voters within parameters.
All monitors are prohibited from interfering with voting. Early balloting is under way in New Mexico ahead of the Nov. 6 election.
An election-related organization may appoint watchers with advance notice to the secretary of state.
A handbook to election monitoring in New Mexico says watchers and challengers must be qualified voters in the county where they conduct election monitoring. Challengers wear party-specific identification badges.

ELECTION 2018-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO-CD1
Democrat Haaland keeping money edge in US House race
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Democrat Debra Haaland is maintaining her fundraising edge over her Republican and Libertarian opponents for an open U.S. House seat in central New Mexico.
New Federal Election Commission filings show the Laguna Pueblo member and former state Democratic Party chairwoman raised $159,954 during the first two week of October. Meanwhile, Republican former state lawmaker Janice Arnold-Jones pulled in $21,510 and Libertarian Lloyd Princeton raised $444.
According to the filings, Haaland's campaign reported having $143,028 cash on hand on Oct. 17. Arnold-Jones reported $30,104 cash on hand while Princeton had $625.
Haaland is seeking to become the first Native American female elected in Congress along with Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids.
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham is campaigning for governor and is not seeking re-election to the Albuquerque-based district.

NAVAJO NATION-WELLS FARGO
Navajo to appeal dismissal of case against Wells Fargo
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation is appealing the dismissal of a lawsuit it filed against Wells Fargo, accusing the company of engaging in predatory and unlawful practices.
A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit last month at the request of Wells Fargo.
The company argued that many claims were addressed through a previous consumer protection action, and that the tribe lacked standing to file other claims.
The tribe filed a notice of appeal Friday with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Navajo President Russell Begaye has said the tribe will not back down in its efforts to hold Wells Fargo accountable for harming Navajo people and especially tribal elders.
Wells Fargo has five branches on the reservation that stretches into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona, and 12 others within a 30-minute drive.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
Judge orders New Mexico Health Dept to allow 2 dispensaries
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Department of Health has been ordered by a federal judge to provide official designation for two medical marijuana dispensaries owned by a nonprofit pot producer.
The Albuquerque Journal reported Monday that a judge also told the department to issue the appropriate license amendments to New Mexico Top Organics-Ultra Health Inc. for any proposed dispensaries, past or future, that meet the statutory criteria.
Ultra Health already has built dispensaries in Los Lunas and Espanola.
According to the Journal, the health department objected to the Los Lunas dispensary in part because the store is located inside a senior living facility and felt the Espanola store didn't demonstrate it could stock an additional dispensary location.
Health Department officials say they're reviewing the judge's decision and considering possible steps for appeal.
___
SENTENCE REDUCTION MOTION
Man in prison for 2008 Albuquerque attack wants term reduced
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man serving 18 years in prison for beating an Albuquerque teenager with a shovel in 2008 is asking an Albuquerque judge to reduce the sentence.
A hearing on the motion is set for December for Justin Hansen, who was sent to a prison in Hobbs in July.
Lawyers for Hansen say his children are suffering the effects of his incarceration, with his oldest child diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Hansen pleaded no contest to aggravated burglary and attempted murder in connection with the attack on a then 17-year-old girl who was a Cibola High School student at the time.
Authorities say she was left blind in one eye and deaf in one ear as a result of the beating.

NAVAJO PRESIDENT-ENDORSEMENTS
Navajo Nation president endorses former leader over his VP
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation president is endorsing a man he beat for the job in the last election cycle to succeed him.
Russell Begaye announced his endorsement of Joe Shirley Jr. on Monday at a campaign event in Albuquerque.
He says Shirley, who served two terms as president, has the experience to guide the tribe through an economic blow when a coal-fired power plant on the reservation closes next year.
Shirley is facing Begaye's vice president, Jonathan Nez, in the Nov. 6 election.
Nez and Begaye distanced themselves months ago as they campaigned separately for the presidency. Begaye placed fifth among a record field of 18 candidates.
Nez's campaign manager, Clara Pratte, says she doesn't expect the endorsement to have a major impact. She says Begaye is not a popular president.

TRUMP-IMMIGRATION-THE LATEST
The Latest: Trump plans 'tent cities' at US-Mexico border
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he's planning "tent cities" to house asylum-seeking Central American migrants who are traveling in caravans toward the U.S.
Trump says in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham that if any of the migrants, who are still hundreds of miles away, do make it to the border and apply for asylum, as they're legally entitled, the U.S. plans to "hold them until such time as their trial takes place."
Trump says: "We're going to build tent cities. We're going to put tents up all over the place ... and they're going to wait."
Under current protocol, migrants who clear an initial screening are often released until their cases are decided in immigration court, which can take several years.
__
ESPANOLA-VIOLENT CRIME
Recent violent crime in Espanola raises officials' concerns
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
ESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — Espanola officials are gathering to talk about why there has been a spate of violent crimes in recent months, including several homicides.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Mayor Javier Sanchez, police, educators and local charities met Monday to discuss stemming community violence.
Sanchez says there have been four killings since he was elected in March. He says that's a shocking rate for a town with a population of 10,000.
The most recent case was the Oct. 4 shooting death of 18-year-old Cameron Martinez.
Police say suspects mistook Martinez for someone else and opened fire as he was riding in another vehicle.
Seven people, all between the ages of 16 and 22, have been arrested.
Participants in this week's conference plan to hold more meetings to talk about solutions.
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ELECTION 2018-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
Torres Small keeps huge money advantage in key US House race
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal documents show Democrat Xochitl (ZOH'-cheel) Torres Small continues to vastly outraise her GOP opponent in a key U.S. House race in southern New Mexico.
New Federal Election Commission filings show water rights attorney Torres Small raised $803,650 during the first two weeks in October while Republican state lawmaker Yvette Herrell pulled in $147,779. That's a more than five times advantage in money raised for an open U.S. House seat that could help determine which party controls Congress.
According to the filings, Torres Small's campaign reported having $1,003,194 cash on hand on Oct. 17. Records show Herrell had $406,459.
Democrats are hoping that Torres Small can flip the traditional GOP-leaning congressional district that sits along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Democrats have long targeted the heavily Hispanic congressional district.

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES-HEIST
Police: New Mexico couple nabbed in Halloween costumes heist
(Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque couple is facing charges after police say they tried to steal more than $1,000 worth of Halloween costumes.
KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reports Seth McKelvy-Cothren and Lona Armstrong were arrested Thursday following an attempt to buy expensive costumes from the Spirit Halloween store in Albuquerque by using fake credit cards.
Investigators say McKelvy-Cothren used a fake credit card to buy more than $1,300 worth of Halloween loot before returning with his girlfriend and their 5-month old son.
Authorities say the pair was arrested after store employees called police.
McKelvy-Cothren was charged with fraud, ID theft, and tampering with evidence.
Armstrong was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and tampering with evidence.
It was not known if they had attorneys.
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MOVING BIGHORN SHEEP
40 desert bighorn sheep released to the Sacramento Mountains
(Information from: Alamogordo Daily News, http://www.alamogordonews.com)
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico wildlife officials have released 40 desert bighorn sheep to the Sacramento Mountains — an area where the animal has been absent for nearly a century.
The Alamogordo Daily News reports the transplantation of the sheep was orchestrated by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish over the weekend as part of an effort to expand the desert bighorn's range.
Around 100 members of the public and wildlife enthusiasts attended the releases on Saturday and Sunday and formed wings alongside the sheep trailers to help usher the sheep into the mountains.
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officer Andrew Armendariz says the sheep population introduced into the Sacramento Mountains was made up of ewes and rams of various sizes and ages.
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CITIZENSHIP DELAYS
Wait times for citizenship applications stretch to 2 years
LOS ANGELES (AP) — More than 700,000 immigrants are waiting on applications to become U.S. citizens, a process that once typically took about six months but has stretched to more than two years in some places.
The long wait times developed after President Donald Trump took office, and some immigrant advocates are asking whether the delays might be aimed at keeping anti-Trump voters from casting ballots in elections.
The number of immigrants aspiring to become citizens surged during 2016, as Trump campaigned on an immigration crackdown. At first, the federal government kept up with the applications, but then the wait grew.
Trump on Thursday tweeted that Central American migrants in a U.S.-bound caravan should return to home and apply for American citizenship if they wish.

ELECTION 2018-NEW MEXICO-ETHICS
New Mexico voters to finally decide on ethics commission
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to New Mexico voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would allow for the creation of an independent ethics commission.
The proposal is on the ballot this year, after many years of debate in the Legislature over establishing such a panel to address complaints involving state officials, legislative employees, lobbyists and government contractors.
New Mexico has had a string of public corruption scandals over the last 13 years, with two state treasurers, two state senators, a secretary of state and a deputy insurance superintendent going to prison on criminal charges.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the number of states with ethics commissions has steadily increased in recent years, leaving New Mexico as one of only six without a commission.

ANGEL FIRE-VETERANS CEMETERY
Governor dedicates new veterans' cemetery in Angel Fire
ANGEL FIRE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has dedicated a new $3.2 million veterans' cemetery in Angel Fire.
The dedication Friday makes it the third cemetery constructed under the Martinez administration for veterans who live in rural areas throughout the state.
The Angel Fire cemetery will serve veterans and their families in northern New Mexico who live too far from the state's two Veterans Affairs national cemeteries.
The Fort Stanton State Veterans Cemetery in southeast New Mexico opened last November.
Another state veteran's cemetery in Carlsbad is in the pre-construction phase.

FARMINGTON SHOOTING-TEENS INJURED
3 teens injured in shooting near high school football game
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Farmington authorities say three teens suffered minor injuries in a shooting Friday evening at a park near a stadium where a high school football game was in progress and that police didn't make an immediate arrest.
The Police Department said two teenage boys were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and that a third teenage boy with minor injuries was treated and released at the scene.
The boys' names, ages and details on their injuries weren't released.
The Daily Times reported that people attending a football game between Piedra Vista and Highland high schools were asked to remain in Hutchison Stadium for a time as the game ended while police searched for the shooter.
​
EMBEZZLEMENT-LIABILITY DISPUTE
Insurer: Not liable for claims of embezzlement victims
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Another insurance company has gone to federal court in New Mexico to avoid paying millions of dollars in claims from victims whose trust funds and savings were embezzled.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the Cincinnati Insurance Co., based in Fairfield, Ohio, is seeking a declaratory judgment that the company isn't liable for coverage of the losses because the insurance policy it sold to Desert State Life Management of Albuquerque doesn't cover the "wrongful acts" by former Desert State CEO Paul Donisthorpe.
Donisthorpe, who is not in federal custody, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to federal criminal charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
A proposed class action lawsuit filed on behalf of victims is still pending in federal court, as is a lawsuit filed by Evanston Insurance Co., which provided "professional liability" insurance for the firm.
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CITIZENSHIP DELAYS
Wait times for citizenship applications stretch to 2 years
LOS ANGELES (AP) — More than 700,000 immigrants are waiting on applications to become U.S. citizens, a process that once typically took about six months but has stretched to more than two years in some places.
The long wait times developed after President Donald Trump took office, and some immigrant advocates are asking whether the delays might be aimed at keeping anti-Trump voters from casting ballots in elections.
The number of immigrants aspiring to become citizens surged during 2016, as Trump campaigned on an immigration crackdown. At first, the federal government kept up with the applications, but then the wait grew.
Trump on Thursday tweeted that Central American migrants in a U.S.-bound caravan should return to home and apply for American citizenship if they wish.

ELECTION 2018-NEW MEXICO-ETHICS
New Mexico voters to finally decide on ethics commission
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to New Mexico voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would allow for the creation of an independent ethics commission.
The proposal is on the ballot this year, after many years of debate in the Legislature over establishing such a panel to address complaints involving state officials, legislative employees, lobbyists and government contractors.
New Mexico has had a string of public corruption scandals over the last 13 years, with two state treasurers, two state senators, a secretary of state and a deputy insurance superintendent going to prison on criminal charges.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the number of states with ethics commissions has steadily increased in recent years, leaving New Mexico as one of only six without a commission.

ANGEL FIRE-VETERANS CEMETERY
Governor dedicates new veterans' cemetery in Angel Fire
ANGEL FIRE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has dedicated a new $3.2 million veterans' cemetery in Angel Fire.
The dedication Friday makes it the third cemetery constructed under the Martinez administration for veterans who live in rural areas throughout the state.
The Angel Fire cemetery will serve veterans and their families in northern New Mexico who live too far from the state's two Veterans Affairs national cemeteries.
The Fort Stanton State Veterans Cemetery in southeast New Mexico opened last November.
Another state veteran's cemetery in Carlsbad is in the pre-construction phase.

FARMINGTON SHOOTING-TEENS INJURED
3 teens injured in shooting near high school football game
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Farmington authorities say three teens suffered minor injuries in a shooting Friday evening at a park near a stadium where a high school football game was in progress and that police didn't make an immediate arrest.
The Police Department said two teenage boys were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and that a third teenage boy with minor injuries was treated and released at the scene.
The boys' names, ages and details on their injuries weren't released.
The Daily Times reported that people attending a football game between Piedra Vista and Highland high schools were asked to remain in Hutchison Stadium for a time as the game ended while police searched for the shooter.

EMBEZZLEMENT-LIABILITY DISPUTE
Insurer: Not liable for claims of embezzlement victims
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Another insurance company has gone to federal court in New Mexico to avoid paying millions of dollars in claims from victims whose trust funds and savings were embezzled.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the Cincinnati Insurance Co., based in Fairfield, Ohio, is seeking a declaratory judgment that the company isn't liable for coverage of the losses because the insurance policy it sold to Desert State Life Management of Albuquerque doesn't cover the "wrongful acts" by former Desert State CEO Paul Donisthorpe.
Donisthorpe, who is not in federal custody, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to federal criminal charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
A proposed class action lawsuit filed on behalf of victims is still pending in federal court, as is a lawsuit filed by Evanston Insurance Co., which provided "professional liability" insurance for the firm.
___
STREET BODY
Arrests made in death of Lincoln man found in street
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police say three people have been arrested in connection with the death of a Lincoln man killed earlier this month.
Police say in a news release that 27-year-old James Richard Howard, of Lincoln, was arrested in Leon County, Texas, on Friday. He's charged in a Nebraska warrant with being an accessory to a felony in the death of 42-year-old Stacy Talbot.
Police say 32-year-old Jesse James Wilson and 34-year-old Sherry Lynn Thomas, both of Lincoln, were arrested Saturday in Clovis, New Mexico. Wilson is charged with theft, and Thomas is charged with attempt of a felony in an unrelated case.
Police didn't detail what roles those arrested are suspected of having in Talbot's death.
Talbot was found Oct. 18 in a Lincoln street with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at a Lincoln hospital.
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This story has been corrected to show Stacy Talbot was a man, not a woman.
DEATH AND DISAPPEARANCE-NAVAJO WALK
Group walks miles to remember missing Native American women
RED VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) — A more than 100-mile (160-kilometer) walk along a Navajo Nation highway that sought to raise awareness of domestic violence, and cases of missing and murdered women and girls has left organizers hoping the trek spurs more discussion.
The annual walk from Window Rock, Arizona, to Shiprock, New Mexico, this month was the ninth organized by a local father and son who aim to bring attention to social issues on the Navajo Nation through the event.
The Farmington Daily Times reports that the walk began Oct. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock and ended Oct. 20 in Shiprock.
And while the journey's focus centered on the high volume of cases in Indian Country overall, it was specifically dedicated to Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old girl who was kidnapped and killed in New Mexico in May 2016.

MIGRANT CARAVAN-THE LATEST
The Latest: Migrant caravan advances after police blockade
ARRIAGA, Mexico (AP) — Mexican federal officers have abandoned a blockade they formed on a bridge to prevent a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants from advancing.
The officers ended a standoff after representatives from Mexico's National Human Rights Commission told police that a rural stretch of highway without shade, toilets or water was no place to hold negotiations.
The migrants, keen to travel farther before the sun blazed at full midday strength, cheered as they made their way forward on foot. Police boarded buses and headed down the highway.
Officials originally said they would reopen the highway and only wanted an opportunity to explain Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's offer of shelter, medical attention, schooling and jobs to Central Americans who agree to stay in southern Mexico.
Migrants in the city of Arriaga rejected the plan Friday night, but said they may be willing to discuss it again once they reach Mexico City.

FARMINGTON SHOOTING-TEENS INJURED
3 teens injured in shooting near high school football game
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Farmington authorities say three teens suffered minor injuries in a shooting Friday evening at a park near a stadium where a high school football game was in progress and that police didn't make an immediate arrest.
The Police Department said two teenage boys were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and that a third teenage boy with minor injuries was treated and released at the scene.
The boys' names, ages and details on their injuries weren't released.
The Daily Times reported that people attending a football game between Piedra Vista and Highland high schools were asked to remain in Hutchison Stadium for a time as the game ended while police searched for the shooter.

EMBEZZLEMENT-LIABILITY DISPUTE
Insurer: Not liable for claims of embezzlement victims
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Another insurance company has gone to federal court in New Mexico to avoid paying millions of dollars in claims from victims whose trust funds and savings were embezzled.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the Cincinnati Insurance Co., based in Fairfield, Ohio, is seeking a declaratory judgment that the company isn't liable for coverage of the losses because the insurance policy it sold to Desert State Life Management of Albuquerque doesn't cover the "wrongful acts" by former Desert State CEO Paul Donisthorpe.
Donisthorpe, who is not in federal custody, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to federal criminal charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
A proposed class action lawsuit filed on behalf of victims is still pending in federal court, as is a lawsuit filed by Evanston Insurance Co., which provided "professional liability" insurance for the firm.
___
DEATH AND DISAPPEARANCE-NAVAJO WALK
Group walks miles to remember missing Native American women
RED VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) — A more than 100-mile (160-kilometer) walk along a Navajo Nation highway that sought to raise awareness of domestic violence, and cases of missing and murdered women and girls has left organizers hoping the trek spurs more discussion.
The annual walk from Window Rock, Arizona, to Shiprock, New Mexico, this month was the ninth organized by a local father and son who aim to bring attention to social issues on the Navajo Nation through the event.
The Farmington Daily Times reports that the walk began Oct. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock and ended Oct. 20 in Shiprock.
And while the journey's focus centered on the high volume of cases in Indian Country overall, it was specifically dedicated to Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old girl who was kidnapped and killed in New Mexico in May 2016.

MIGRANT CARAVAN-THE LATEST
The Latest: Migrant caravan advances after police blockade
ARRIAGA, Mexico (AP) — Mexican federal officers have abandoned a blockade they formed on a bridge to prevent a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants from advancing.
The officers ended a standoff after representatives from Mexico's National Human Rights Commission told police that a rural stretch of highway without shade, toilets or water was no place to hold negotiations.
The migrants, keen to travel farther before the sun blazed at full midday strength, cheered as they made their way forward on foot. Police boarded buses and headed down the highway.
Officials originally said they would reopen the highway and only wanted an opportunity to explain Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's offer of shelter, medical attention, schooling and jobs to Central Americans who agree to stay in southern Mexico.
Migrants in the city of Arriaga rejected the plan Friday night, but said they may be willing to discuss it again once they reach Mexico City.

ALBUQUERQUE POLICE SHOOTING-REVIEW
Panel of district attorneys to review fatal police shooting
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The district attorney for Bernalillo County says a panel of three district attorneys from elsewhere in New Mexico will review a former Albuquerque police officer's fatal shooting of a 19-year-old woman to recommend whether he should be prosecuted.
A team of special prosecutors decided last February against prosecuting ex-Officer Jeremy Dear for shooting Mary Hawkes, but the Albuquerque Journal reports that District Attorney Raul Torrez wrote to a lawyer for Hawkes' family that another review is warranted.
Dear has said he shot Hawkes during a foot chase after she pointed a gun at him, but a lawyer for Hawkes' family said the prior review overlooked key pieces of evidence.
Dear's lawyer, Thomas Grover, said any problems with the investigation were not Dear's fault and that Torrez's decision is based on politics.

ELECTION 2018-SENATE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Senate candidates in New Mexico all smoked pot
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Three candidates for Senate in New Mexico found common ground during a rambunctious televised debate by each acknowledging that they had smoked marijuana before.
During the Friday debate, Libertarian Senate candidate and longtime marijuana user Gary Johnson badgered and interrupted Republican candidate Mick Rich when Rich initially appeared to avoid answering whether or not he had ever smoked pot.
Rich eventually said yes without elaborating. He does not support legalization based on health and safety concerns.
Johnson became an early advocate for legalizing cannabis in 1999 as governor of New Mexico and still uses it occasionally. Heinrich said someone whose only crime is marijuana possession does not belong in the criminal justice system.

ELECTION 2018-PENCE-SOUTHWEST-THE LATEST
The Latest: Pence touts administration feats in Arizona
YUMA, Ariz. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence is in Arizona touting the administration's feats while rallying a crowd in Yuma to vote for Senate candidate Martha McSally.
McSally, who spoke briefly to the crowd, is a member of Congress and the Republican nominee to replace Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, who is retiring. She's facing Democrat Kyrsten Sinema.
Pence said McSally will advance the president's agenda and help secure the border.
The vice president called McSally an impressive leader.

SCHOOL DISTRICT-FIRING
Mora school board fires superintendent after low grades
(Information from: Las Vegas Optic, http://www.lasvegasoptic.com)
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — The board of a troubled school district in northern New Mexico has voted to fire its superintendent after no school earned higher than a C grade from the state.
The Las Vegas Optics reports the Mora Schools Board of Education voted 3-1 to terminate the employment of Superintendent Ella Arellano.
New Mexico Public Education Department records show that in addition to law school grades, Mora Elementary fell from a B to an F grade last year.
The district has been through a long string of short-term superintendents over the past 10 years.
This list includes Board Vice Chairman George Trujillo's nephew, Charles Trujillo, who recently pleaded guilty to a felony charge for falsifying the credentials.
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NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL
Seat on Navajo Nation Council filled by late lawmaker's aide
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — A seat on the Navajo Nation Council that was left vacant by the death of a lawmaker has been filled.
Olin Kieyoomia was sworn in Thursday to serve five Navajo communities in northwestern New Mexico. A majority of those communities had nominated him for the position.
Council Speaker LoRenzo Bates then appointed Kieyoomia to serve out the remainder of Steven Begay's term, which ends in January. Begay died earlier this month.
Bates says he's looking forward to working with him.
Kieyoomia is from Naschitti and had served as Begay's legislative district assistant.
He is an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He and his wife have two children

MIGRANT CARAVAN-US BORDER
Long lines await the migrant caravan if it reaches US border
TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — A waiting game that plays out each day in Tijuana, Mexico, gives a glimpse of what the Central American migrants making their way northward in a giant caravan could face if they ever reach the U.S. border.
At Tijuana, people desiring asylum in the United States have to wait more than a month to proceed to the American side and make their case.
To make things easier, an informal system has been set up on the Mexican side in which the migrants are issued numbers. Every morning, the numbers of those who can go across to San Diego are read out.
That spares them from having to stand in line or sleep out in the open
.
SANTA FE MAYOR-ETHICS
Lab hiring of ex-Santa Fe mayor after grant raising eyebrows
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A high-tech startup that received a $100,000 grant from the city of Santa Fe a few months before then-Mayor Javier Gonzales left office has hired him as a consultant.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the hiring of Gonzales by Descartes Labs is raising eyebrows in the city over ethics.
Former City Councilor Karen Heldmeyer says she didn't know if the hiring was a conflict of interest, but most residents believe it doesn't look good.
Descartes chief marketing officer Julie Crabill says Gonzales is consulting for Descartes Labs to explore the market in state and local governments nationwide.
The privately held company says it is "building a data-refinery on a cloud-based supercomputer for the application of machine intelligence to massive data sets" and "using its data refinery for satellite imagery."
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ELECTION 2018-NEW MEXICO-LAND COMMISSIONER
Control of powerful New Mexico land office up for grabs
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of New Mexico's most powerful statewide offices is in play this year as voters go to the polls to pick a new land commissioner.
As head of the State Land Office, the commissioner oversees oil and gas drilling, renewable energy projects and other development on millions of acres of state trust land. The proceeds help to fund public schools.
Citing the oil boom, the office expects revenues to hit the $1 billion mark this fiscal year.
Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn is not seeking re-election. That has set up a contest among Republican Patrick Lyons, Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard and Libertarian Michael Lucero.
Lyons held the seat previously and is a member of the Public Regulation Commission. Garcia Richard is a lawmaker from White Rock, and Lucero is a rancher.

ELECTION 2018-MIGRANT CARAVAN-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico politicians, troops grapple with migrant caravan
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Concerns about an approaching northbound migrant caravan in Mexico are permeating campaigns for governor, Congress and U.S. Senate in the border state of New Mexico.
President Donald Trump has targeted the caravan to highlight his hardline immigrant policies. New Mexico has 188 National Guard and Air Guard troops at the border in response to the president's request in April for reinforcements.
On Wednesday, incumbent Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich accused the president of fear-mongering and stoking an immigration crisis by proposing to cut off aid to countries whose residents are walking northward.
Republican Senate candidate Mick Rich is accusing his opponents in a three-way race of supporting open borders.
Libertarian contender Gary Johnson asks, "What's the emergency?"
He wants safe and humane procedures for accepting immigration and asylum applications.

RECORDS-LAW RULING-NO APPEAL
New Mexico AG decides not to appeal records-law ruling
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas will not appeal a court ruling against his office in a lawsuit over the state's open-records law.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Balderas late Wednesday ruled out appealing a state Court of Appeals ruling that promised to give bite to the Inspection of Public Records Act by allowing fines of up to $100 a day when agencies improperly withhold documents requested under the statute.
The case began with Marcy Britton, an animal rights activist who objected to then-Attorney General Gary King's Animal Cruelty Task Force raiding Hispanic ranches on the supposition it would find cockfighting rings. The raids usually turned up no cockfights.
Britton found that King's office had withheld documents that fell under her request for documents. Britton sued and the appeals court agreed that King's office wrongly withheld the records.
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UNCOMPETITIVE RACES
Even in high-interest election year, top races go unopposed
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Even in a year being portrayed as the most important midterm race in a generation, races for some of the most important positions in states across the country aren't even contests.
Democrats in red states and Republicans in blue states are failing to field viable candidates for a number of statewide offices and congressional seats, and in some cases they won't even have candidates on the ballot for powerful offices such as attorney general.
One Republican candidate in heavily Democratic Rhode Island told supporters not to donate to his campaign: he has little chance of winning. In Connecticut, a Republican congressional candidate disappeared from his campaign against an incumbent Democrat.
South Carolina Democrats sent out a robo-call asking for people to run, but still struggled to find candidates.

ELECTION 2018-GOVERNOR-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico candidates clash on state spending
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce says New Mexico's financial surplus should not go toward increased annual general fund spending that sustains teacher and state agency salaries.
In a televised debate Wednesday, Pearce says he would be cautious about new spending that must be sustained each year by state government. He favors one-time infrastructure improvements to roads, sewers and high-speed internet lines that boost private-sector employment.
Democratic contender Michelle Lujan Grisham says some new money must be spent to hire social workers to better ensure childhood safety. She also said a court order proves that classrooms need more resources.
State economists are forecasting a $1.2 billion general fund budget surplus for the coming fiscal year, with unofficial estimates of up to $2 billion.

ELECTION 2018-MIGRANT CARAVAN-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico politicians, troops grapple with migrant caravan
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Concerns about an approaching northbound migrant caravan in Mexico are permeating campaigns for governor, Congress and U.S. Senate in the border state of New Mexico.
President Donald Trump has targeted the caravan to highlight his hardline immigrant policies. New Mexico has 188 National Guard and Air Guard troops at the border in response to the president's request in April for reinforcements.
On Wednesday, incumbent Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich accused the president of fear-mongering and stoking an immigration crisis by proposing to cut off aid to countries whose residents are walking northward.
Republican Senate candidate Mick Rich is accusing his opponents in a three-way race of supporting open borders.
Libertarian contender Gary Johnson asks, "What's the emergency?"
He wants safe and humane procedures for accepting immigration and asylum applications.

NATIONAL LABS-QUANTUM RESEARCH
Sandia, Los Alamos labs get funding for quantum research
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two national laboratories based in New Mexico have been awarded $8 million by the U.S. Energy Department to study the fundamental physics of all matter.
The award will fund two three-year projects focused on quantum research at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies.
Scientists from Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories will be able to build advanced tools for nanotechnology research and development. Officials say funding also will provide opportunities for researchers outside the labs to benefit from the new technologies.
The center's co-director, Sean Hearne, says the science community recognizes that quantum-enabled systems are a new frontier for electronic and optical devices.
He says work at the center includes developing new techniques to place single atoms where scientists want them and control how they interact with the environment around them.

CHURCHES VANDALIZED
3rd church in southern New Mexico reportedly hit by vandals
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A third church in southern New Mexico this week has been vandalized.
KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas, reports church officials say a vandal threw a rock into windows of the University United Methodist Church earlier this week. That attack came after police say the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces was hit with racist graffiti and the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla reported someone throwing a rock through a window, breaking a statue and urinating on the church's doorsteps.
Diocese of Las Cruces spokesman Deacon Jim Winder says college students admitted to the Basilica attack and have turned themselves in to authorities. He says they have offered to pay for damages.
No arrests have been made in the other church vandalism.

ESPANOLA-VIOLENT CRIME
Espanola mayor asks residents to help end violent crime
ESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — The mayor of a northern New Mexico city plagued by violent crime is calling on residents for help.
KOB-TV in Albuquerque reports Espanola Mayor Javier Sanchez recently wrote a letter to city residents pleading for everyone's aid in ending the violence.
Sanchez says he wants community leaders, parents, teachers and concerned citizens to develop a blueprint for solutions.
According to FBI crime statistics, Espanola had a violent crime rate of 2,934 per 100,000 residents last years.
That's almost eight times the nationwide rate. Nationally, the estimated rate of violent crime was 382.9 offenses per 100,000 residents.
Earlier this month, Espanola Valley High School graduate Cameron Martinez was shot and killed in what police are calling a case of mistaken identity.
Much of the violence has been linked to the opioid crisis, which has plagued Espanola for decades.

ELECTION 2018-HOUSE-NEW MEXICO
No debates in key US House race, GOP hopeful spurns invites
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Voters in a closely watched U.S. House race in southern New Mexico likely won't get a chance to hear a debate after the GOP hopeful ignored all invites.
Republican nominee Yvette Herrell has declined to respond to offers by three television stations to participate in a debate between her and Democrat Xochitl (ZOH'-cheel) Torres Small.
Torres Small campaign manager Brian Sowyrda says it's now too late for a debate since the election is less than two weeks away.
Herrell senior aide Rob Burgess did not immediately respond to a text message. He previously said Herrell couldn't attend a KOAT-TV debate because she was meeting with voters.
KRWG-TV in Las Cruces and KOB-TV and KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reached out to both candidates about debates.
Sowyrda says Torres Small agreed to all offers.
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This story corrects the name of the Torres Small campaign representative who said the candidate had agreed to all debate offers.
FATAL CRASH-GRANT COUNTY
Police: 2 men killed in a 4-car crash between Hatch, Deming
DEMING, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say two men are dead after a four-car crash between Hatch and Deming.
They say 75-year-old Roy Edwards of Silver City and 23-year-old Alexis Chavez of Deming both were pronounced dead at the scene of Tuesday afternoon's crash.
State Police say a passenger car was traveling on State Road 26 following behind a van that was pulling a flatbed trailer with a vehicle on it.
The passenger car began to pass the van when it collided head-on with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, killing both drivers.
State Police say alcohol doesn't appear to be a contributing factor to the crash and seat belts appear to have been properly utilized.
They say the crash remains under investigation.
​
AIR FORCE-WATER TESTING
Air Force completes water testing near Cannon base
(Information from: The Eastern New Mexico News, http://www.easternnewmexiconews.com)
CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — Recent tests show three of 25 private water sites near Cannon Air Force Base are not safe to drink.
The Eastern New Mexico News reports the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center has completed testing the sites and two other sites are below Environmental Protection Agency safety threshold, but still need monitoring.
Twenty sites showed no evidence the water is contaminated.
The testing was done in response to Cannon's announcement in August that groundwater monitoring wells on base contained high levels of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS.
Two other sites were found to be below the health advisory of 70 parts per trillion of certain PFAS, but high enough for monitoring.
The Air Force will continue to monitor the area but isn't planning additional tests outside that area.
Officials declined to identify the location of the three sites.
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POLICE SHOOTING-LAS CRUCES
Las Cruces officer cleared in shooting death of 29-year-old
(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A district attorney has cleared a Las Cruces police officer of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man who reportedly suffered from schizophrenia and was bipolar.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Third Judicial District Attorney Mark D'Antonio announced in a letter last week that Officer Jason Hayes would not face charges in the shooting death of James Bishop.
Authorities say officers were called to a home in August after Bishop's father reported him threatening his mother with a baseball bat.
Police say Bishop attacked an officer with the bat and wouldn't stop despite being hit with a stun gun.
Officials say Hayes then fired multiple rounds that struck Bishop, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bishop was the son of Betty Bishop, chairwoman of the Dona Ana Republican Party.
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ELECTION 2018-GOVERNOR-NEW MEXICO
Crime concerns take hold of New Mexico governor race
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Concerns about crime are being thrust into the political race for governor of New Mexico in the final weeks of voting.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce's campaign has launched lurid attack ads that accuse his Democratic rival of supporting automatic parole and show photos of a supposed criminal posing beside her.
Several veteran law enforcement officials gathered Monday in Albuquerque to denounce the ads as slanderous and pledge support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham.
State analysts have outlined an uptick in crime in the New Mexico's largest metro area over a multiyear period as poverty and other social issues worsened.
Pearce wants to connect former jail inmates with work and housing opportunities. Lujan Grisham has outlined a lengthy anti-crime strategy that seeks better pay and technology for police.

ALBUQUERQUE-WATER RESCUE
Albuquerque firefighters rescue 3 from flooded arroyo
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque firefighters rescued three homeless people from swift-moving water in an arroyo Tuesday as rainstorms trundled across New Mexico.
The Fire Department says two other people were able to get out of the water on their own before firefighters used a rope with a flotation device to rescue the other three adults.
Lt. Tom Ruiz says it appears the people didn't understand the imminent danger and that the morning rainfall caught them off guard.
The department says nobody appeared to be injured but that at least two people among the five who'd been in the water were taken to a hospital for observation because they were wet and cold.

WORLD WAR II MARINE-BURIAL
Marine from New Mexico to be buried in hometown Friday
BELEN, N.M. (AP) — A U.S. Marine from New Mexico who was killed during fighting on a Pacific island during World War II will be buried Friday in his hometown.
Pfc. Paul D. Gilman of Belen was 19 in 1943 when he died on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands while serving with the 2nd Marine Division
The Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency says Gilman's remains were buried in a military cemetery immediately after the fighting and then weren't recovered when remains in that cemetery were reburied in a centralized cemetery in 1946.
According to the agency, Gilman's remains were identified through DNA analysis and other means after being found with other remains at a burial site on Betio by a nongovernmental organization, History Flight Inc.

CNM-POLICE ACADEMY
Central New Mexico Community College to start police academy
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Central New Mexico Community College is set to begin a police academy in an effort to grow the ranks of the Albuquerque Police Department.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the Albuquerque college announced Monday that it is launching the CNM Law Enforcement Academy next year.
The inaugural class will head to the Albuquerque Police Department after graduation.
Albuquerque police has about 880 officers. Ten years ago, there were 1,100 officers but, over the past six years, the number dwindled to a low of 831.
CNM President Katharine Winograd says Rio Rancho, the Village of Corrales, Los Lunas, Moriarty, and the Pueblos of Laguna and Isleta police departments also plan to use the CNM academy, as do sheriff's offices in Sandoval, Valencia and Torrance counties, and the 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office.
The academy starts next fall.
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POLICE SHOOTING-ALAMOGORDO
Police: Man fatally shot after pointing shotgun at officer
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico authorities say a state police officer fatally shot an Alamogordo man after the man pointed a shotgun at the officer.
State police said Tuesday in a statement releasing additional details about the incident that Officer Fabian Picazo shot 55-year-old Gregory Allen Tilly on Oct. 14 after authorities got a call about gunfire at Tilly's mobile home and learned that Tilly had shot out of the rear window of his residence.
The statement said the shooting occurred after officers from several law enforcement agencies tried to get Tilly to exit the home and he finally emerged holding a shotgun that he pointed at Picazo.
Picazo was placed on standard leave pending an investigation. Its results will be reviewed by prosecutors.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA BANDIT
New Mexico man sentenced to 44 years of medical pot heist
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A 33-year-old New Mexico man has been sentenced to 44 years in prison for his role in the armed robbery of a Santa Fe medical marijuana growing facility.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports state District Judge T. Glenn Ellington handed down the sentence on Monday to Reyes Barela after three trials.
Authorities say Barela and at least two other men tied up the two owners of the New Mexico Top Organics cannabis facility and held them at gunpoint while stealing $30,000 worth of marijuana in 2013.
Prosecutors held three trials before getting a guilty verdict in the case.
At the sentencing hearing, Barela attacked Ellington's handling of the case, saying the judge had allowed jurors to hear testimony that should have been kept out.
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ELECTION 2018-NEW MEXICO-PENCE
Vice President Pence scheduled for GOP rally in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence plans to attend a political rally in New Mexico in support of GOP candidates for governor, Congress and other political offices.
Gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Steve Pearce on Monday announced the rally at Roswell in a heavily Republican region of the state. New Mexico Democrats have flocked to early voting in disproportionate numbers. Hillary Clinton won the state in 2016.
Pearce and Republican congressional candidate and Yvette Herrell were scheduled to attend Friday's event at an airport hangar.
Pearce is competing to succeed GOP Gov. Susana Martinez in a race against Democratic Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham. Herrell, a state lawmaker, is competing against attorney Xochitl Torres Small.
Herrell has campaigned as a staunch advocate of President Trump, while Pearce makes little mention of the president.

ELECTION 2018-NEW MEXICO-PENCE
Vice President Pence scheduled for GOP rally in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence plans to attend a political rally in New Mexico in support of GOP candidates for governor, Congress and other political offices.
Gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Steve Pearce on Monday announced the rally at Roswell in a heavily Republican region of the state. New Mexico Democrats have flocked to early voting in disproportionate numbers. Hillary Clinton won the state in 2016.
Pearce and Republican congressional candidate and Yvette Herrell were scheduled to attend Friday's event at an airport hangar.
Pearce is competing to succeed GOP Gov. Susana Martinez in a race against Democratic Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham. Herrell, a state lawmaker, is competing against attorney Xochitl Torres Small.
Herrell has campaigned as a staunch advocate of President Trump, while Pearce makes little mention of the president.

FLIGHT-GROPING INCIDENT
Florida man faces groping charge after flight from Houston
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Florida man is accused of groping a female passenger while on a flight Sunday from Houston to Albuquerque and later telling authorities that the president of the United States says it's OK to grab women by their private parts.
Bruce Michael Alexander, 49, of Tampa made his initial appearance in federal court Monday in Albuquerque on a charge of abusive sexual contact. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.
According to a criminal complaint , a woman told authorities the man behind her touched her twice and that she told him to stop and asked to change seats.
Alexander recalled in a written statement only that the woman in front of him had spoken to him and then changed seats.
Alexander remains in custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

FARMINGTON HOMICIDE-ARREST
Suspect facing 2nd-degree murder after Farmington stabbing
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Police in Farmington say a suspect in a homicide case has been arrested.
They say 40-year-old Ronnie Garcia of Farmington is facing a change of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Police say officers were dispatched around 1:25 a.m. Monday about a man who had been stabbed in the chest.
The victim was identified as 24-year-old Dion Debarry of Farmington and later died at a hospital.
Police say Garcia fled the area and a nearly 3 ½-hour standoff ensued.
Garcia was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the police station for questioning.
It's unclear if he has a lawyer yet.

RIO RANCHO-CHILD DEATH-THE LATEST
The Latest: No bond for suspect in Rio Rancho girl's death
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — The man charged in the killing and raping a 6-year-old Rio Rancho girl will remain behind bars until trial.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that 21-year-old Leland Hust, via his attorney, waived a pretrial detention hearing Monday morning, granting the state's motion that he stay in jail without bond.
He is facing charges of child abuse resulting in death and aggravated rape.
Hust was arrested earlier this month after investigators found his DNA matched evidence on the body of Ariana Romeo. Hust has denied hurting the girl.
Authorities found Ariana's body in August in a home occupied by several people, including the girl, her mother and Hust. A state medical investigator found injuries consistent with sexual assault and strangulation.
Hust's mother was present in the hearing but declined to comment.

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT
New Mexico school braces for $10M hit as enrollment declines
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The president of New Mexico's flagship university is warning state lawmakers that the University of New Mexico could face as much as a $10 million hit to its budget as fewer students are enrolling.
President Garnett Stokes told a panel of lawmakers during a recent meeting that officials were predicting a drop in enrollment but it was more substantial than expected, meaning less money will be coming in from tuition and fees.
She said the loss of revenue follows multiple years of many cuts at the university but that it's critical for the University of New Mexico to keep tuition low given that New Mexico is a state where many can't afford to access higher education.
Figures released by the university show overall enrollment has declined around 7 percent from the previous fall semester.

ARIZONA COURTHOUSE SHOOTING-SENTENCING
Man gets 50 years in fatal Holbrook courthouse shooting
HOLBROOK, Ariz. (AP) — A man who shot two Gallup women to death outside an eastern Arizona courthouse over a custody dispute will spend the next 50 years in prison.
The Navajo County Sheriff's Office says 49-year-old Salomon Diaz, of Snowflake, was sentenced late last week to two consecutive 25-year terms.
According to Navajo County Superior Court records, Diaz pleaded guilty in August to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Diaz initially faced first-degree murder charges.
Authorities say Diaz fatally shot 25-year-old Ashley Utley, the mother of his grandchildren, and her mother, 45-year-old Sherry Quintero-Davenport, in June 2016 outside the Navajo County Superior Court in Holbrook. Another woman was injured but survived.
The shooting happened after Utley was awarded temporary custody of her two children.

TV-NATIVE AMERICA-DOCUSERIES
PBS docuseries 'Native America' recreates world pre-1492
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A new four-part PBS docuseries, "Native America," seeks to recreate a world in the Americas generations prior to the arrival of Europeans.
Using archaeology, Native American oral traditions, even high-tech 3D renditions, the series presents images of busy cities connected by networks that span from the present-day United States to South America.
The docuseries shows how Chaco Canyon in New Mexico became a busy spiritual and commercial center centuries before New York was founded.
It also discusses the pyramids of Teotihuacan, Mexico and how 10,000 people helped erect massive earthwork pyramids outside present-day St. Louis.
Series executive producer and director Gary Glassman said the project took more than a year to plan because producers wanted to make sure they had buy-in from Native American communities the documentaries sought to cover.
​
NEW MEXICO SCHOOLS-SECURITY
New Mexico districts to share funding for security upgrades
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More than 220 school campuses around New Mexico will be sharing in state funding for security upgrades that will range from new doors and locks to fencing and security cameras.
Forty-seven school districts applied for security improvements at 288 campuses.
Officials said during a meeting earlier this week that most of those applications were granted following a survey of school buildings and public comment sessions that covered how parents, teachers and students would like to improve the safety of their schools.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that a total of $16 million will be doled out this year, with projects beginning as soon as December.
In community meetings, school staff, students and parents said the biggest issues for school safety were mental health and bullying.
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ALBUQUERQUE-FATAL CAR CRASH
2 dead, 1 critically injured after car crash in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police say two men are dead after a car crashed into an apartment in northeast Albuquerque.
They say a woman also is in critical condition after the crash, which occurred about 3 a.m. Sunday.
Police say a sports car was being driven at a high rate of speed when the driver went through a stop sign.
The car struck a landscaping boulder, went airborne and hit an apartment.
Police say the three people inside the car were ejected.
One man died at the scene and another died at a hospital.
The names of the dead and injured weren't immediately released.

NEW MEXICO SCHOOLS-SECURITY
New Mexico districts to share funding for security upgrades
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More than 220 school campuses around New Mexico will be sharing in state funding for security upgrades that will range from new doors and locks to fencing and security cameras.
Forty-seven school districts applied for security improvements at 288 campuses.
Officials said during a meeting earlier this week that most of those applications were granted following a survey of school buildings and public comment sessions that covered how parents, teachers and students would like to improve the safety of their schools.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that a total of $16 million will be doled out this year, with projects beginning as soon as December.
In community meetings, school staff, students and parents said the biggest issues for school safety were mental health and bullying.
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MEADOW LAKE-DOUBLE HOMICIDE
2 men found fatally shot and a woman wounded in Meadow Lake
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
MEADOW LAKE, N.M. (AP) — The Valencia County Sheriff's Office say it is investigating a double homicide in Meadow Lake.
Deputies tell Albuquerque TV station KOB that two young men were shot and killed Saturday morning.
They say a female was also shot and is hospitalized in critical condition.
The names of the victims haven't been released.
Investigators have not released any information about any possible suspects in the case.
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SALAD RECALL-CHICKEN
Houston company recalls salad with chicken products
HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston company has recalled nearly 1,800 pounds (817 kilograms) of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products because a corn ingredient may be contaminated with salmonella and listeria.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says GHSW recalled salads produced Oct. 1 through last Thursday, with "best by" or "best if sold" dates of Sunday or Monday.
There are no reports of anyone getting sick.
Salads with a "P-44056" USDA mark were shipped to Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The items include some products sold under the Whole Foods and Trader Joe's labels.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Listeriosis can cause diarrhea, fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
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Items include:
— 10 ounce (283.49 gram) packages of "365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET BBQ STYLE CHOPPED SALAD WITH CHICKEN"
— 8 ounce (226.79 gram) packages of "365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET CHICKEN FAJITA SALAD"
— 13 ounce (368.54 gram) packages of "TRADER JOE'S BBQ SEASONED WHITE CHICKEN SALAD"
— 10.7 ounce (303.33 gram) packages of "TRADER JOE'S FIELD FRESH CHOPPED SALAD WITH GRILLED WHITE CHICKEN"
— 10.7 ounce (303.33 gram) packages of "TRADER JOSÉ'S MEXICALI INSPIRED SALAD WITH CHILI SEASONED CHICKEN"

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE-WARREN
Warren ancestry highlights how tribes decide membership
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The clash between Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and President Donald Trump over her Native American heritage highlights the varying methods tribes use to decide who belongs.
The decision has wide-ranging consequences for Native American communities and their relationship with the federal government.
Some tribes rely on blood relationships to confer membership. Historically, they took a broader view that included non-biological connections and people's value in society.
The 573 federally recognized tribes are sovereign governments that must be consulted on issues that affect them. Within tribes, enrollment also means being able to seek office, vote in tribal elections and secure property rights.
For centuries, a person's percentage of Native American blood had nothing to do with determining who was a tribal member. And for some tribes, it still doesn't.

DETECTIVE-BATTERY
Former Alamogordo detective charged with battery
(Information from: Alamogordo Daily News, http://www.alamogordonews.com)
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — A former Alamogordo detective fired after video footage showed him attacking family members at a hospital is facing battery charges.
The Alamogordo Daily News reports prosecutors filed two counts of petty misdemeanor battery against Kyle D. Graham this week in connection with a fight at the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in September.
According to state records, New Mexico State Police review of video footage shows Graham pushed a woman to the ground and put another woman in a headlock.
Graham was later fired from the Alamogordo Police Department days later. He's appealing his firing.
Graham has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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SOLITARY CONFINEMENT-LAWSUIT
Lawsuit: New Mexico inmate left for dead in solitary
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The mother of a New Mexico inmate who died in a solitary confinement at a state prison is suing.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Jonella Luevano filed a lawsuit in state District Court this month over the 2016 death of her son, Francisco.
Francisco Luevano, who was in prison for several convictions, including voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery on a peace officer, was found dead in his cell in October 2016.
The lawsuit says guards at the Penitentiary of New Mexico south of Santa Fe failed to check up on his for almost four hours despite requirements for close monitoring of inmates suffering from mental illness.
Court documents say guards later sprayed Luevano's dead body with pepper spray.
She is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
Corrections spokesman S.U. Mahesh declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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