- AP-US-ENDANGERED-WOLVES
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Once on the verge of extinction, the rarest subspecies of the gray wolf in North America has seen its population nearly double over the last five years. U.S. wildlife managers said Friday the latest survey shows there are now at least 186 Mexican gray wolves in the wild in New Mexico and Arizona. That marks the fifth straight year that the endangered species has increased its numbers. Reintroduction of Mexican wolves to the American Southwest began more than two decades ago. The program has pitted environmentalists, rural residents and wildlife managers against one another, prompting many legal challenges over the years.
- FOUR SHOT-NEW MEXICO
CHAMITA, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say four people were shot, one fatally, after being told to leave when their SUV pulled off a northern New Mexico county road onto private property. The State Police said two other people in the vehicle weren't injured in the incident Thursday in Chamita. According to a State Police statement, occupants of a residence told the people in the SUV to leave and then began shooting. It said the SUV went through a fence and came to a stop on adjoining property. The statement said the residents barricaded themselves inside a home as officers tried to make contact but eventually surrendered. No identities were released.
- AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-ONE-YEAR-DISTANCE-LEARNING
AMERICUS, Ga. (AP) — At first, many schools announced it would last only a couple weeks. A year later, the unplanned experiment with distance learning continues for thousands of students who have yet to set foot back in classrooms. Comfortable homes and private tutors have made it easier for those with access. Expectations are higher at some schools than others. And growing numbers of students are being offered in-person instruction at least part time. But students of all backgrounds have faced struggles with technology, the distractions of home life, and social isolation.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says New Mexico is stronger having been through the challenges, grief and anxiety brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. It has been a year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In that time, New Mexico has recorded nearly 190,000 infections and more than 3,800 deaths. The governor said Thursday that the strength of health care and other front-line workers, parents, educators and others has been a source of optimism. Republican lawmakers say they are disheartened that too many New Mexicans have lost everything they have worked for and that students lost a year of learning.
- RESIDENTIAL PICKETING
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal to make it illegal to demonstrate at any specific private residence in New Mexico has been endorsed by the state House by a narrow margin. The House voted 33-31 on Thursday to outlaw "residential targeted picketing" to protect people from harassment or being terrorized in their homes by demonstrators. The measure moves to the Senate for consideration. Earlier this week, the Idaho House of Representatives voted down similar legislation. The New Mexico bill would make it a misdemeanor criminal offense to picket outside a specific home "vocally or by standing or marching with a sign, banner, sound amplification device or other means."
- LEGISLATURE HAIR DISCRIMINATION
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico state Legislature is advancing a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on traditional hairstyles and head coverings. The state Senate is advancing the "Crown Act," as it's known nationally, after a 27-12 vote. Conceived as a measure to protect African Americans from discrimination based on natural or traditional hairstyles, the proposed law is winning support from a broader coalition, including Native American and religious advocates. If signed into law, traditional hairstyles and religious coverings could not be prohibited in work or school dress codes or used as an excuse to turn someone down for a job.
- VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation officials cited a declining number of new COVID-19 cases and other improving conditions as they announced a new public health order that will allow some businesses to reopen under certain restrictions. That includes the tribe's four casinos. However, officials said a separate new health order will keep the daily curfew for residents of the tribe's reservation from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. in effect. Both orders will take effect Monday. Officials cited testing availability, hospital capacity and contact tracing in addition to the decrease in new cases as factors in the transition to a status allowing some businesses to reopen under restrictions that include capacity limits.
- NEW MEXICO-FUEL STANDARD
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's state Senate has approved a bill to create a clean fuel standard that environmentalists and Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham say would move the state closer to reaching its carbon reduction goals. Endorsed on a 25-14 vote, the proposed legislation calls for a gradual reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels and applies to companies that refine, blend or import transportation fuels. The bill from Democratic Sen. Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque now moves to the Democrat-led House for consideration. Stewart says the state has to reduce pollution linked to the transportation sector to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.