Author: The Associated Press, compiled by Ernest Luning

NEW MEXICO Long a state icon, Spanish conquistador faces attacks ALBUQUERQUE – The Spanish conquistador is an image found throughout New Mexico, the most Hispanic state in the United States. Depictions of men such as 17th century explorers Don Juan de Oñate and Don Diego de Vargas have long adorned murals and been honored at…

WYOMING Kanye West attracts thousands for worship service CODY — Kanye West held an outdoor worship service that attracted thousands of people to the Wyoming city where he owns a ranch. The Billings Gazette reports West held the free event Sept. 29 on the grounds of The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody.…

NEW MEXICO State weighs tuition-free college for local students SANTA FE – New Mexico would eliminate tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate and community college students of all ages under a proposal from Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham that requires legislative approval. The “opportunity scholarship” would tap the state general fund to cover costs not…

UTAH Hunting event organized for wheelchair users PROVO – A Utah man who has been in a wheelchair for more than three decades has created a pheasant hunt for people like him who need help getting into the outdoors. Clint Robinson broke his neck after being thrown off a horse at a rodeo 32 years…

IDAHO Massive juniper tree-cutting project aims to aid sage grouse MURPHY – The largest-ever project in the U.S. to remove thousands of juniper trees to help imperiled sage grouse has started in Idaho. Junipers provide perches for raptors that attack and kill sage grouse. Junipers also force out sagebrush and other plants that produce bugs…

KANSAS Republicans still waiting on Pompeo in key Senate race TOPEKA – Even though U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has declared a Senate run to be “off the table” next year, many fellow Republicans in Washington and his home state of Kansas aren’t buying it. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is among the GOP senators…