New Mexico Governor Vetoes Parole Bill – Associated Press
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has vetoed a bill that called for changing New Mexico's rules of probation and parole.
In her message to lawmakers, the Democratic governor said while the legislation was built upon "sound policy considerations," it's critical that all stakeholders participate in the discussion about criminal justice reform.
She was referring to concerns that had been raised by the state attorney general's office and district attorneys after the bill was passed.
She says being tough on crime is not inconsistent with being smart on crime and that state government needs to be both.
Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas said he will work over the next year with prosecutors and other stakeholders to craft a better bill. The Albuquerque Democrat says he believes reforms will improve public safety and reduce recidivism rates
Albuquerque Police Shoot Stolen-Car Suspect During Chase – Associated Press
The Albuquerque Police Department says an officer shot a stolen car suspect after a car crash and short foot chase in the southeast part of the city.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that police spokesman Simon Drobik says at least one officer opened fire Friday night when the suspect pointed a gun at them. The suspect was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.
Police say no officers were hurt, but another person was injured after the suspect crashed into their car. That person's condition is unclear.
Drobik told the Journal that someone called 911 around 5:30 p.m. to say they saw their stolen car driving through the neighborhood.
New Mexico Highlands University Increases Tuition By 3% – Associated Press,Las Vegas Optic
New Mexico Highlands University has increased tuition by 3% for the upcoming school year.
The Las Vegas Optic reports the Highlands University's Board of Regents voted 3-2 Thursday to approve the tuition hike to pay for new programs and faculty and staff raises.
The tuition increases will affect in-state and out-of-state undergraduate and graduate students. There also will be additional 3 percent increase for the new masters of fine arts graduate program.
Vice President of Finance and Administration Max Baca says the university's unreliable dependence on state funding is putting the school in a bind. He says the university needs to have reserves and invest in new programs.
New Mexico State University also is increasing tuition by 6% for the upcoming school year.
Deal Could Move Crude Oil Capacity To The Delaware Basin – Associated Press, Carlsbad Current-Argus
A deal between oil companies and a Texas firm could move almost a million barrels per day of crude oil capacity to the Delaware Basin in New Mexico and Texas.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports the deal will support a planned expansion of Oryx's Permian Basin system to 900,000 barrels of crude oil transportation capacity.
Assets owned by Oryx Southern Delaware Holdings recently were sold by Concho Resources, XPX Energy, Quantum Energy Partners, Post Oak Energy Capital and other investors.
The system already has about 2.1 million barrels of storage capacity and about 1,200 miles of pipeline. Both are in service and under construction in eight counties in Texas and two in southeast New Mexico.
Ex-Inmate Wins $2M Lawsuit In New Mexico Over Hot Prison Van – Associated Press
A former New Mexico inmate's attorney says he has won a $2 million verdict in a lawsuit accusing two officers of leaving him and others in a prisoner transport van to suffer on a hot summer day in 2013.
The decision comes more than three years after Isaha Casias sued the New Mexico Department of Corrections and the officers.
Attorney Matthew Coyte says the verdict was reached late Thursday in federal court in Roswell.
Casias says he passed out in the van. When officers finally returned and opened the back door, he said he fell from the vehicle and hit his head and back on its bumper.
An attorney for the corrections department and officers did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.
This story replaces a previous version that stated the verdict was a settlement in the second paragraph.
Albuquerque Police Arrest Father In Girl's Beating Death – Associated Press
Albuquerque police say they have arrested a father in the beating death of his 5-year-old daughter, who officers say suffered bruising with patterns consistent with the tread of a shoe.
Officer Simon Drobik says 36-year-old Brandon Reynolds is charged with child abuse resulting in death. Drobik says authorities responded to a call early Friday of a child who was not breathing.
A criminal complaint against Reynolds says he told officers that he became upset with his daughter after she told him she did not want to do homework, and he began spanking her before "blanking out."
The complaint says a neighbor told police she had heard Reynolds yell, "Get up!" She also says she heard someone being struck with a sound similar to a shoe hitting a couch.