Link Between Navajo Suicides, Mine Spill Not Clear-Cut - Felicia Fonseca, Associated Press
The top two leaders on the Navajo Nation say recent suicides in communities affected by a mine spill have shaken reservation towns to their core.
President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez have mentioned the suicides numerous times, often alongside pleas for more resources from the federal government over the Aug. 5 mine spill.
The comments have brought skepticism from people in the affected communities who wonder if there's a direct correlation.
Begaye and Nez have said tribal health officials are investigating any possible links. Neither responded to repeated requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Local churches responded to the suicides with prayer walks. Students participated in a program about American Indian pride, values and leadership. Counselors and behavioral health specialists have been focused on suicide prevention.
Senators Seek Education Reforms For Native American Students - The Associated Press
New Mexico's two senators are among those pushing to protect education reforms and provisions aimed at benefiting tribes and Native American students.
Two key congressional committees are working on a final agreement that blends House and Senate versions of a bill that will update the nation's education law.
Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich were among a group of lawmakers who sent a letter to committee leaders this week.
The lawmakers said Native American students have become some of the nation's most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.
They say requiring consultation with tribes, states and school districts and strengthening tribal self-determination could help close the achievement gap and better prepare Native American students for college or careers.
They also called for support of those schools that teach in Native languages.
Man Sentenced In Fatal 2010 Shooting Of A Woman In Artesia - The Associated Press
A man convicted of second-degree murder in the 2010 shooting of a woman in Artesia has been sentenced to 12 years of incarceration.
Prosecutors say 27-year-old Dallas Hnulik was sentenced Friday and an additional four years of his sentence was suspended.
In July, an Eddy County jury found Hnulik guilty in the shooting death of 32-year-old Brandy Capps.
Authorities say Capps died of a close-range gunshot wound to the head while she was sitting in the passenger seat of a car outside an Artesia home in July 2010.
Hnulik maintained that the gun accidentally discharged and he was in a relationship with Capps at the time.
He was arrested last year on charges of first-degree murder.
Arizonan pleads Guilty To Heroin Trafficking In New Mexico - The Associated Press
An Arizona woman has pleaded guilty to heroin trafficking charges in New Mexico and is facing up to 20 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors say 26-year-old Fabiola Soriano-Tlapanco, of Phoenix, entered into a plea agreement Friday.
Soriano Tlapanco and a co-defendant were arrested in May.
A criminal complaint charged the two with conspiracy and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
Federal drug agents say they found almost four kilograms of heroin concealed in the suspects' baggage at an Albuquerque bus station on May 16.
Soriano-Tlapanco says she and the co-defendant were paid to transport heroin from Arizona to Colorado when they were stopped by law enforcement officers while traveling through Albuquerque.
Soriano-Tlapanco remains in federal custody pending her sentencing hearing, which hasn't been scheduled.