State Glance

U.S. states, Arizona utility try to settle Colorado River feud

SALT LAKE CITY — Major users of the Colorado River are trying to resolve a dispute over how to conserve the vital waterway amid a prolonged drought.

Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming met with the Central Arizona Project in Salt Lake City Monday. There was no immediate word on the outcome.

The states have accused the Arizona utility of trying to avoid a reduction in its share of the river while others are conserving.

The states said that threatens to wreck years of cooperation aimed at protecting the river, which serves 40 million people in seven U.S. states and Mexico.

The utility denied the allegations. It serves about 5 million people.

James Eklund, Colorado’s representative at the meeting, declined to discuss specifics. Central Arizona Project spokeswoman DeEtte Person had no immediate comment.

Ducey denounces group days after posing for photo with them

PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey is denouncing a controversial conservative group that confronts students about guns, even though he posed for a picture with group members last weekend at a Republican Party dinner in Mohave County.

Patriot Movement AZ members have appeared as counter-protesters at several events this year.

Last month, members wore guns and yelled at attendees of the Phoenix March for Our Lives rally against gun violence in schools.

In a statement Monday, Ducey says he had never heard of the group until Sunday and he absolutely denounces their behavior. The governor adds that by him agreeing to a photo with any group or individual shouldn’t be seen as an endorsement of anyone’s views or actions.

Ex-Arizona assistant coach pleads guilty in stalking case

TUCSON — A former University of Arizona assistant track and field coach convicted of assaulting a female student-athlete in 2015 has pleaded guilty to felony counts of stalking and violating a restraining order.

Pima County prosecutors say Craig Carter entered a plea deal Monday. He’ll serve three years in prison on the stalking charge and 2½ years for violating the protective order with the sentences running concurrently.

The 50-year-old ex-coach didn’t testify during his trial, but admitted to authorities that he choked the woman and threatened her with a box cutter when she wanted to end their relationship.