• EX-OFFICIAL CONVICTED

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former Rio Arriba County commissioner faces up to 18 months in prison when he is sentenced on a conviction for violating the state's procurement code. A state District Court judge ruled this week that ex-Commissioner Barney Trujillo of Chimayo violated the procurement code when he failed to disclose contributions he'd made to an Española school board member's campaign.

• FARM LABOR SHORTAGE-NEW MEXICO

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales says the state is stepping in to ensure a timely chile harvest after growers and producers raised concerns about an inadequate supply of labor. Morales said Wednesday that the state will funnel up to $5 million in federal pandemic relief toward enhanced wages for farmers who harvest New Mexico's renowned green and red chile crop in the late summer and early fall. Some Republican state legislators this week urged Democratic Gov.

• Today in History

Today is Thursday, Aug. 5, the 217th day of 2021. There are 148 days left in the year.

• Today's Highlight in History:

On August 5, 1962, South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was arrested on charges of leaving the country without a passport and inciting workers to strike; it was the beginning of 27 years of imprisonment.

• Today in Entertainment History

On Aug. 5, 1957, "American Bandstand," with host Dick Clark, debuted on ABC. The first act to appear was The Chordettes, who later had a hit with the song "Lollipop."In 1962, actor Marilyn Monroe was found dead in the bedroom of her Los Angeles home. Her death was ruled a "probable suicide" caused by an overdose of sleeping pills. She was 36.In 1966, The Beatles released their "Revolver" album in Britain. It was released in the U.S.

KATA: Cimatica Remota from Gene Coleman on Vimeo.