- Wild population of endangered Mexican wolves keeps growing
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.
- US says ranger tried to defuse run-in before using Taser
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The National Park Service says a ranger used a stun gun on a man who identifies as Native American after trying repeatedly to defuse a confrontation on federal land in New Mexico. The agency said Friday that an internal investigation determined the ranger's actions at Petroglyph National Monument were consistent with policy and appropriate given the circumstances. Darrell House posted video that drew outcry from Indigenous activists. House, who identifies as Navajo and Oneida, had been seen climbing on petroglyph cliff features off-trail in December. He was cited. Agency officials say they've met with Indigenous leaders to try to strengthen cultural awareness.
- Latest New Mexico film lineup includes independent features
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Film Office says four independent feature films headline the state's latest lineup of projects either recently in production or about to start up. The independent features include "Harem Complex Part 1," a love story revolving around a young couple, and "Peace River," a drama about the struggles and faith of a rodeo cowboy and military veteran. The other two independent films are "Land of Dreams," a political satire, and "Terror at Bigfoot Pond," which involves young adults who find trouble while camping. A silent short comedy, a short film and a docuseries pilot are the other productions.
- New Mexico coal plant to limit operations starting in 2023
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The co-owners of the coal-powered Four Corners Generation Station in New Mexico say they will limit the facility's operations starting in 2023. The plant's five co-owners agreed to shut down one of the facility's two generators for seven months each year beginning in the fall of 2023. The other generator will operate year-round. The proposal could reduce the facility's carbon emissions by up to 25% every year. Arizona Public Service Co., which owns a majority of the plant, had already pledged to transition away from carbon sources by 2050 and close the Four Corners plant by 2031.
- BC-NM-SUSPICIOUS DEATH-SHIPROCK REWARD
FBI offers reward in probe of October death in ShiprockFARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward as it continues to investigate the suspicious death of a Navajo Nation man whose body was found in October along a highway in Shiprock. The FBI and Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety have been investigating since 30-year-old Isiah Terrell Billy's body was found Oct. 5 in a wash near a gas station on U.S. Highway 64. The FBI said in a statement announcing the reward this week that the cause of death is still pending "but considered suspicious." The FBI says Billy lived in Shiprock on the Navajo Nation. No other details have been released.
- EDUCATION FUNDING-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico lawmakers divided over early childhood fundingSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The debate over how to use New Mexico's unique endowment is heating up. A proposal in the Senate would give voters the chance to approve an increase in withdrawals from the $20 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund to invest in universal pre-K, infant and toddler care along with optional home visits for new parents. Supporters of the measure believe a 1% investment in young children now will pay dividends in reducing poverty and increasing education outcomes down the road. Critics of the proposal argue that an increase could deplete the fund. Others say it should be used for public schools.
- Police: 4 shot, 1 fatally, after SUV drives onto property.
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.
- Man charged in NJ slaying, questioned in 4 deaths extradited
WOODSTOWN, N.J. (AP) — A man who is a person of interest in the death of his ex-wife and three others in New Mexico has been extradited to New Jersey for a separate murder investigation. Sean Lannon was arrested in St. Louis on Wednesday morning after a manhunt stretching from New Jersey to Missouri ended when he was arrested driving a car stolen from the New Jersey victim. Authorities say that Lannon was processed this morning and is now in custody at Salem County Correctional Facility. Lannon is scheduled to appear Saturday in court by video. It could not be immediately determined whether Lannon has retained legal counsel.