- EDUCATION FUNDING-NEW MEXICO
SANTA 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.
- 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.
- NATIONAL PARK-VISITOR TASED
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 diffuse 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.
- 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.
- AIRPORT BODIES-MANHUNT
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.
- 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."