JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT
Albuquerque attorney appointed as state district judge
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has chosen an Albuquerque attorney to fill a vacancy on the bench that serves New Mexico's busiest judicial district.
Erin O'Connell will fill the seat left open by the retirement of Judge Nan Nash, who served as the 2nd District's chief judge before stepping down.
O'Connell has managed a solo practice since 2013. She previously worked as an associate attorney at another Albuquerque law firm and clerked under former New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Charles Daniels.
She also was a member of the high court's Appellate Rules Committee for five years and serves on the New Mexico Trial Lawyers board.
Once a farmer and rancher in Mora County, O'Connell earned her law degree from the University of New Mexico in 2007.

LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico bill to boost school funding heads to House vote
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Democrat-led New Mexico House of Representatives is poised to approve a spending plan for the coming fiscal year that would channel a windfall of state income toward public education, infrastructure projects and pay raises for public officials.
The House scheduled floor deliberations for Thursday on the $7 billion general fund budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1. It increases annual state spending by nearly $700 million.
About $450 million would go toward education initiatives as lawmakers grapple with a judicial order to provide more resources to struggling schools and minority students in particular.
The bill also includes $150 million in one-time subsidies for the film industry and would reinstate intercollegiate soccer, skiing and beach volleyball teams at the University of New Mexico.

TORTURE-KILLING
Report: New Mexico man used machete, sword to torture victim
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a New Mexico man facing murder and kidnapping charges tortured his victim with a number of items.
The Albuquerque Journal reports prosecutors say Allister Danzig Quintana tortured and killed the victim in February 2018 using a machete, sword, broken broomsticks, and a flashlight.
According to a criminal complaint and a new indictment, the 25-year-old suspect killed a man with the help of at least one accomplice. The name of the victim has not been released.
The Jicarilla Apache Police Department says tribal officers found the victim's body in a closet during a search of Quintana's home.
It was not known if Quintana had an attorney.
Quintana is in custody awaiting trial. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
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BODY IN ARROYO-ID
Albuquerque police ID girl whose body was found in arroyo
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police are investigating the death of a teenager whose body was found in an arroyo as a homicide.
Police identified the girl Thursday as 16-year-old Tomica Yellowhorse.
The medical examiner's office is working to determine exactly how she died.
Authorities had responded to a call about a body in an arroyo in northeast Albuquerque on the morning of Feb. 10.

MURDER CASE-PLEA
Dulce man pleads not guilty in first-degree murder case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Dulce man has pleaded not guilty in the death of another man at a home on the Jicarilla Apache reservation.
Allister Quintana entered the plea in federal court Wednesday to charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
Prosecutors say Quintana tortured and killed a man at Quintana's home on Feb. 3, 2018. Police found the victim's body with his hands and feet bound in a closet 11 days later.
The 25-year-old Quintana faces up to life in prison if convicted.
A medical examiner ruled the man's death a homicide.
Authorities say Quintana beat the victim with his fists, a flashlight, and a stick, and stabbed him with a machete and a sword.
Quintana was arrested last May. A grand jury issued a superseding indictment last week.

OILFIELD ENFORCEMENT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico weighs new authority for oilfield regulators
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico oilfield regulators would recover the authority to directly levy civil fines against well operators who fail to properly maintain equipment or spill waste under proposed legislation backed by the Democratic administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Initial committee deliberations were scheduled Thursday on a bill that is being closely watched by the oil industry and advocates for tighter state oversight.
State fines against oilfield operators in New Mexico have ground to a halt in the aftermath of a 2009 state Supreme Court decision that required the involvement of state prosecutors.
The bill from Sen. Richard Martinez of Espanola would give new authority to the Oil Conservation Division to pursue sanctions directly through administrative hearings or litigation. It would increase potential penalties from $1,000 a day to $15,000.

PUBLIC PENSIONS-NEW MEXICO
Task force to address New Mexico's public pension problems
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Officials who oversee one of New Mexico's major public pension funds say they're encouraged Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is creating a task force to address mounting unfunded liabilities.
The board chair of the Public Employees Retirement Association, Jacquelin Kohlasch, is among those who will serve on the 19-member task force. She said Thursday the goal is developing meaningful solutions to "our very real solvency challenges."
The Public Employees Retirement Association, or PERA, covers roughly 50,000 active state and municipal workers and 40,000 retirees. It had an unfunded liability of $6 billion at the end of the 2018 budget year.
Lujan Grisham issued an executive order Monday calling for the task force. The panel's recommendations are due Aug. 30 and will serve as the basis for legislation during the 2020 session.
​
OIL BOOM-LEASE SALE
New Mexico oil and gas lease sale nets $35 million
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The State Land Office says this month's oil and natural gas lease sale has netted more than $35 million.
Officials say that includes the largest open bid sale in the agency's history, with numerous tracts in southeastern New Mexico closing at more than $12 million.
Most of the money generated by the State Land Office supports public education and other beneficiaries.
Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says New Mexico is continuing to see the benefits of the boom in the Permian Basin, which straddles parts of New Mexico and West Texas.
Federal energy forecasters expect the United States to pump 12.4 million barrels of crude a day in 2019 and 13.2 million barrels a day in 2020. Most of the increase is expected to come from the Permian Basin.

GUN LEGISLATION-RURAL COUNTIES
More New Mexico counties adopt resolutions against gun bills
Two more rural counties in New Mexico have passed resolutions saying they will not require their sheriffs to enforce a series of gun-control proposals that have gone before state lawmakers.
Commissioners in San Juan County in the state's northwest corner and in Eddy County in the southeast have adopted "Second Amendment Sanctuary County" resolutions Tuesday.
Sheriffs in Curry, Quay, Socorro and Union counties recently presented similar resolutions that commissioners have adopted in response to the proposed state legislation.
The proposals include a bill that would expand requirements for background checks on gun sales. Another measure would allow for courts to order people who are deemed to be a threat to themselves or others to temporarily surrender their guns to law enforcement.

OIL BOOM-LEASE SALE
New Mexico oil and gas lease sale nets $35 million
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The State Land Office says this month's oil and natural gas lease sale has netted more than $35 million.
Officials say that includes the largest open bid sale in the agency's history, with numerous tracts in southeastern New Mexico closing at more than $12 million.
Most of the money generated by the State Land Office supports public education and other beneficiaries.
Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says New Mexico is continuing to see the benefits of the boom in the Permian Basin, which straddles parts of New Mexico and West Texas.
Federal energy forecasters expect the United States to pump 12.4 million barrels of crude a day in 2019 and 13.2 million barrels a day in 2020. Most of the increase is expected to come from the Permian Basin.

OIL BOOM-PROTESTS
Thousands of protests submitted against New Mexico oil sale
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Thousands of protests have been lodged with U.S. land managers in opposition of next month's oil and natural gas lease sale despite a decision to remove from the offering several parcels near a national park in northwestern New Mexico.
Environmentalists say they turned in 33,000 protests to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Wednesday, the last day of the protest period.
It will be up to the federal agency to review the information ahead of the March 28 sale. The agency earlier this month deferred nine parcels that were within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Aside from ongoing criticism over development in the Chaco region, environmentalists also voiced concerns about parcels up for bid near Carlsbad Caverns National Monument in southeastern New Mexico.

RAILWAY INVESTMENT
BNSF Railway plans $80 million investment in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — BNSF Railway plans to invest $80 million in New Mexico this year.
The freight company made the announcement Wednesday, saying the money will go toward maintenance projects as well as rail upgrades to ensure its network remains safe and reliable.
According to the company, nearly 4.5 million carloads of freight move along BNSF lines in New Mexico each year.
This year's maintenance program includes more than 850 miles (1,368 kilometers) of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of about 20 miles (32 kilometers) of rail and more than 200,000 ties.
Plans also call for BNSF to extend its quadruple main tracks in Belen to boost capacity.
Over the last five years, BNSF has invested about $555 million to expand and maintain its network in the state.

OILFIELD ENFORCEMENT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico weighs new authority for oilfield regulators
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico oilfield regulators would recover the authority to directly levy civil fines against well operators under proposed legislation backed by leading Democratic lawmakers and the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Initial committee deliberations were scheduled Thursday on a bill that is being closely watched by industry representatives and advocates for tighter state oversight of oil wells and waste-water disposal sites.
State fines against sloppy oilfield operators in New Mexico have ground to a halt in the aftermath of a 2009 state Supreme Court decision that required the involvement of state prosecutors.
The bill from Sen. Richard Martinez of Espanola would give new authority to the Oil Conservation Division to pursue sanctions directly through administrative hearings or litigation. It would increase potential penalties from $1,000 a day to $15,000.

LEGISLATURE-CHARTER SCHOOLS
Moratorium on new charter schools passes first hurdle
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — No new charter schools would be allowed to open in New Mexico until 2022 under a proposal that has cleared its first legislative hurdle.
The bill has the support of Democrats and teacher unions. It passed the House Education Committee on a 10-3 vote Wednesday.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also has voiced support for imposing a moratorium on opening new charter schools until state leaders have time to review how those in place are performing.
Some parents testified that putting the brakes on new charter schools would limit options for families in a state that has struggled for decades to boost success rates within the public school system.
The bill's supporters argue that charter schools siphon money from traditional schools and that the state is facing costly court mandates for improving opportunities for minority and low-income students.

TRAVEL-GREEN BOOK
Travelers can retrace 'Green Book' path with some research
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Oscar-nominated interracial road trip movie "Green Book" has spurred interest in the real guidebook that helped black travelers navigate segregated America.
With a little research, travelers can find copies of "The Negro Motorist Green Book" online and retrace the route in the movie. Travelers also can develop their own tours of sites that once provided refuge to African-Americans during Jim Crow.
In Birmingham, Alabama, the A.G. Gaston Motel is abandoned and owned by the city. The motel once was an upscale haven with a restaurant and live music for blacks seeking safety in a place known as the most segregated city in America.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the De Anza Motor Lodge along the historic Route 66 is undergoing renovations.
​
IMMIGRANT ADVOCATE-SENTENCING-THE LATEST
The Latest: Immigrant advocate in Arizona gets 18-month term
PHOENIX (AP) — A longtime advocate for immigrants in Arizona has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for a felony conviction stemming from his tax preparation business.
Elias Bermudez had previously pleaded guilty to assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
He had acknowledged that he falsely added dependents — including three children who lived in Mexico — to his clients' tax returns to maximize refundable credits.
Bermudez led protests more than a decade ago against Arizona's immigration laws and then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio's crackdowns on immigrants.
He also owned a business that helped immigrants prepare immigration and tax documents.
Bermudez previously worked as a talk show host for a Spanish-language radio show in Phoenix and served as a vice mayor in San Luis, Arizona.

VOTER REGISTRATION-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico House considers same-day voter registration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House of Representatives is poised to vote on bills to allow same-day voter registration and to automatically register eligible voters during transactions at state motor vehicle offices.
Democratic House legislators pushed forward Tuesday with the initiatives aimed at increasing voter participation.
Under current state law, voter registration closes 28 days before Election Day. Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf says that deadline prevents voter registration when political campaigns often are attracting the most public interest.
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is the state's top election regulator and says technology is readily available to provide accurate same-day voter registration.
A separate bill would register eligible voters or update their existing registration as they apply for driver's license or state identity card unless they explicitly opt out.

JICARILLA APACHE-PRESIDENT
Jicarilla Apache Nation president resigns
(Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com)
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The president of the Jicarilla Apache Nation has resigned.
The Farmington Daily Times report s the northwestern New Mexico tribe announced Levi Pesata resigned from office on Friday, citing personal reasons.
The tribe says Vice President Edward Velarde will serve as interim president until a new president takes office.
During a special meeting in Dulce on Friday, the Jicarilla Apache Nation Legislative Council passed a resolution to hold a special election within 60 days to fill the vacancy.
Council members also thanked Pesata for serving five terms in office and for his contributions to the tribe.
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LEGISLATURE-WATER DATA
Bill calls for curating data on New Mexico water resources
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A council focused on curating data related to water use and resources in New Mexico would be created under legislation introduced in the state House of Representatives.
Supporters said Tuesday the bill would help address water management needs as New Mexico continues to weather the effects of long-term drought.
The council would be led by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and the Interstate Stream Commission. Its mission would be to make the data more accessible.
The legislation notes that it would be the policy of the state to develop a modern, more integrated approach to collecting and sharing information to improve water resources planning and management.
The information would include state, federal and local data on streamflow; precipitation; reservoir and irrigation operations; groundwater use and levels; and other measurements.

LOS ALAMOS-SUPERCOMPUTER
Los Alamos Labs seeking bids on new supercomputer
(Information from: Los Alamos Monitor, http://www.lamonitor.com)
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — Los Alamos National Laboratory has put out a request for proposals for a new supercomputer.
The Los Alamos Monitor reports one of the nation's premier nuclear labs announced recently it is seeking bids on a supercomputer dubbed "Crossroads."
Like the supercomputer the lab has now, "Trinity," Crossroads will be put to work helping to maintain the nation's nuclear stockpile.
Supercomputers employed by the U.S. Department of Energy often are used to test, through computer simulation, the components of nuclear weapons in the stockpile as well as the weapon's power and capabilities.
Crossroads' increased computational power is expected to be able to render simulations and modeling more accurately.
Responses to the lab's requests for proposal are due by March 18.
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SCHOOL-GUNSHOT-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Police: Student heard 'voices' before shooting
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Police say a 16-year-old boy accused of firing a gun at a New Mexico high school told officers 11 months prior voices were telling him to "shoot up the school."
The Albuquerque Journal reports police were called to V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in March 2018 after a girl told staff the teen had sent her text messages about bringing a weapon to campus.
The teen was not charged in connection with that episode and it's unclear if school officials took any action
Police said the teen opened fire on campus last week before leaving the gun behind and running from the scene. No one was hurt.
A state district judge ordered Monday the teen to remain in detention while he undergoes mental health evaluations.

WIRE GOLD MYSTERY
Neutrons used to examine Harvard's priceless gold specimen
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Scientists at a federal laboratory have helped to unravel some of the mysteries of a rare specimen of wire gold discovered at a Colorado mine more than 130 years ago.
Officials at Harvard University's mineral museum had asked Los Alamos National Laboratory for help in understanding more about the structure of the gold specimen known as the Ram's Horn. They say it's the finest known example of its kind.
No scientific studies previously had been published on the internal nature of the specimen.
Scientists used neutrons from a half-mile-long particle accelerator at the New Mexico lab to see deeper into the sample. They determined it's a mix of gold and silver and is composed of only a few single crystals.
The specimen will be the centerpiece of an exhibit at Harvard's Museum of Natural History in 2020.

CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to provide US Capitol its next Christmas tree
TAOS, N.M. (AP) — This year's U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will be coming from northern New Mexico.
U.S. Forest Service officials announced Tuesday that a tree will be cut from the Carson National Forest just outside of Taos.
The chosen tree will be displayed on the Capitol's west lawn next December.
The state will also send along 70 smaller companion trees to adorn other government buildings in Washington.
Forest rangers say communities across New Mexico will be invited to help hand-make ornaments for the tree throughout the year.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says it is an honor for the state to be represented in this way.
​
LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico House speaker wary of delay tactics
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's Democratic House speaker says he is contemplating rule changes to limit the length of floor debates as the end of the legislative session approaches on March 16.
House speaker Brian Egolf of Santa Fe told reporters Tuesday that Republicans colleague may be prolonging floor debates as a delay tactic that eventually could threaten major reform proposals on public education and more.
Republican House minority whip Rod Montoya of Farmington attributed lengthy House floor debates this year to hastily written bills that require amendments and said the House is rapidly taking up Democrat-sponsored bills.
Current House rules allow for up to three hours of deliberations on each bill before a motion can be made to close debate and vote. Deliberations lasted three hours Monday on a Democrat-sponsored bill to allow the utility customers without access to rooftop solar electricity to subscribe to community solar energy installations. It passed on a 42-25 vote over unified Republican opposition.
Rule changes to reduce debate time would require majority approval of a rules committee and the full House, and have not yet been formally proposed.

ELECTION 2020-COURTING FRESHMEN
Democratic 2020 hopefuls court party's famous freshmen
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats hoping to unseat President Donald Trump in 2020 are courting support from the party's famous freshmen.
The furious pursuit of the congressional newcomers is a sign of the energy the freshmen bring to a party looking for a new generation of leaders, direction and know-how. But there is risk, too, for the belles of the early Democratic primary ball.
The new lawmakers receiving the most attention are New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and those from early voting states such as New Hampshire, South Carolina and Iowa. They're being pursued by virtually all of the White House hopefuls, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker.
The courtship is taking the form of emails, visits and phone calls, but few if any explicit requests for commitments of support.

BUDGET SURPLUS-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico spending plan, teacher raises advance
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A spending bill that would increase New Mexico state spending on public school education by about 16 percent or $450 million is headed to the floor of the House of Representatives for consideration over the objections of Republicans.
Democrats on the lead House budget-writing committee advanced the bill on a 12-6 party-line vote Monday over the objections of Legislators in the Republican minority. The bill would increase overall state general fund spending by nearly $700 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1 to just over $7 billion.
Republican Rep. Paul Bandy of Aztec says he supports the bill's 6 percent pay increases for teachers but worries that the overall spending plan can't be sustained in future years and may lead to painful budget cuts. Public schools in New Mexico rely on state government for a majority of their funding.
The bill would set aside financial reserves of nearly $1.6 billion in case of an economic downturn.

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY-CALIFORNIA-THE LATEST
Latest: California sues Trump over emergency declaration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's emergency declaration to fund a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Xavier Becerra released a statement Monday saying 16 states — including California — allege the Trump administration's action violates the Constitution.
Joining in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Virginia.
Becerra says there is no emergency at the border.
Trump declared a national emergency to fulfill his promise of completing the wall.
The move allows the president to bypass Congress to use money from the Pentagon and other budgets.
California has repeatedly challenged Trump in court. Becerra has filed at least 45 lawsuits against the administration

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico to sue Trump over emergency wall declaration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's attorney general and governor say the state will sue President Donald Trump over his emergency declaration to fund a wall at the U.S. border with Mexico.
Democratic Attorney General Hector Balderas and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Monday in a statement that New Mexico will join with other states in suing to block Trump's effort.
Trump says immigrants are invading the country and has declared a national emergency to bypass Congress to use money from the Pentagon and counterdrug efforts to fulfill his promise of completing the border wall.
Balderas and Lujan Grisham said the president's declaration would improperly divert funds away from crucial efforts to protect New Mexican residents.
Lujan Grisham says the wall doesn't address real humanitarian and safety problems at the border.

NEW MEXICO-ATHLETICS SPENDING
Arraignment postponed for New Mexico ex-athletic director
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An arraignment for former University of New Mexico athletic director Paul Krebs who is facing fraud and money laundering charges has been postponed.
State District Judge Stan Whitaker pushed back the arraignment on Monday to Friday after raising concerns over the method the New Mexico Attorney General's Office used to file charges against Krebs.
The AG's office filed a criminal complaint in state district court this month accusing Krebs of five felony counts stemming from a 2015 overseas golf trip.
Attorney general's office spokesman David Carl says a court rule allows for the filing of a complaint in the Krebs case.
The complaint accused Krebs of fraud, money laundering, evidence tampering, criminal solicitation and making or permitting false public voucher.
The charges come after authorities seized records in October.

NATIONAL EMERGENCY-PROTEST
Protests slam Trump's emergency declaration for border wall
NEW YORK (AP) — Protesters are gathering in cities from Washington to Fort Worth, Texas, to decry President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to fund his planned U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Organized by the liberal group MoveOn and others, the Presidents Day demonstrations assailed Trump's declaration as undemocratic, anti-immigrant and based on a nonexistent emergency.
The declaration shifts billions of dollars from military construction to the border. The move came after Congress didn't approve as much as Trump wanted for the wall. He considers it a national security necessity.
While he was in Florida, hundreds of protesters stood at the White House fence Monday. They chanted: "Trump is the national emergency."
At a rally beforehand, a few apparent counter-protesters toted a sign saying, "finish the wall."

SCHOOL-GUNSHOT-NEW MEXICO
Teen in New Mexico school shooting ordered held
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico teen who authorities say fired a gun at a New Mexico high school and intended to kill his ex-girlfriend has been ordered to undergo mental health evaluations.
State District Judge George Eichwald directed state officials on Monday to hold the 16-year-old boy in detention at least until his psychiatric assessments.
Police say the teen opened fire inside a high school in suburban Albuquerque last week before leaving the gun behind and running for the scene. No one was hurt.
He's facing three counts of attempted murder and other charges.
Defense attorney Steven Archibeque (AR'-chee-bek) say the teen is taking medication for a number of mental health issues.
The Associated Press is not naming the V. Sue Cleveland High School student from Rio Rancho because of his age.
​
WINTER WEATHER
Winter weather expected to strike New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Parts of New Mexico are expected to be hit with winter weather that will bring snow and cold temperatures.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque said Monday a storm and cold front is scheduled to strike the state's northeast portion. Meanwhile, a weather system could bring snow to the Mesilla Valley in southern New Mexico.
Twelve to 18 inches of snow are anticipated by end of day Tuesday in Chama, while Red River and Raton residents could see 8 to 12 inches.
The National Weather Service expects the system to bring light precipitation to the area Monday night. Areas of the Gila National Forest and the Sacramento Mountains are expected to get a couple inches of snow.
Light snow accumulation is possible in the lowlands of southwestern New Mexico.

MAN ARRESTED-EXTREME ANIMAL CRUELTY
Albuquerque police: Man is accused of extreme animal cruelty
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say a man has been accused of extreme animal cruelty after the alleged beating of a dog.
According to court documents obtained by KOB-TV, Gabriel Salaz was watching the five-month-old puppy for friends so they could surprise their children on Christmas Day.
Salaz later told the couple that the puppy had run away.
But in late December, someone told police about seeing Salaz allegedly beat the dog in a parking lot.
Authorities say the puppy was brought to an animal clinic for treatment of a concussion and hemorrhaging.
A warrant was issued for Salez's arrest.
The 30-year-old Salez appeared before a judge Saturday.
He was released on his own recognizance pending a future court date.
It's not immediately clear if Salez has an attorney yet.

LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: House approves more spending from state trust
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House of Representatives has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase spending from a state education trust fund on early childhood education programs.
The 41-27 vote by the House late Friday sends the measure for consideration to the state Senate, where similar proposals have stalled in the past. Final approval also requires a statewide vote and the consent of Congress.
The initiative sponsored by Reps. Antonio Maestas and Javier Martinez of Albuquerque would increase annual distributions from the state's Land Grant Permanent Fund by about $145 million.
Opponents of the plan fear it would erode investment earnings that have helped the fund grow to $17 billion even as it pays out annual dividends to public schools, universities and hospitals.
Lawmakers are grappling with a court order to increase resources to public schools and implement proven strategies for improving student academic performance such as high-quality preschool.

CRUDE OIL STOLEN
139 barrels of crude oil stolen from a New Mexico oilfield
(Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus, http://www.currentargus.com/)
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — Eddy County Sheriff's officials say they're investigating the theft of 139 barrels of crude oil from an oilfield.
They say the barrels were removed from property owned by Concho Resources near U.S. Highway 62/180.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports Concho's security supervisor contacted sheriff's officials on Jan. 31, but it's believed the theft occurred between last September and December.
The estimated loss is about $7,000.
Sheriff's officials say the department has a full-time oil field theft investigator.
They add that most oilfield sites are in isolated portions of Eddy County and it's difficult for detectives to find substantial information.
Authorities also say crude oil is not the easiest thing to sell because there's a limited amount of people that want to use it, other than the people working in the oilfield.
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SANTA FE TREES
Santa Fe's trees at risk amid climate change concerns
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More trees on Santa Fe-owned land might have to be pruned or removed, which officials in New Mexico's capital city say is a result of climate change.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the city Parks and Recreation Department conducted an audit last year of the city's dead and dying trees that department director John Munoz says will be removed or pruned only as a last resort.
Mayor Alan Webber says he's worried about the health of the trees on the Santa Fe Plaza, which serves as a gathering point for tourists.
Munoz says disease and pests are among the many factors affecting city trees.
He says the removal of trees requires a "thorough and mindful process" as well as approvals from the Land Use Department.
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AMTRAK FUNDING-SOUTHWEST CHIEF
Lawmakers: US budget measure includes $50M for Amtrak route
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Lawmakers say a federal budget compromise approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump provides $50 million of additional federal funding to maintain Amtrak rail passenger service through New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas.
New Mexico Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan said Friday the funding for the Southwest Chief route will enable Amtrak to pay matching funding for a grant to pay for maintenance and safety improvements to the Southwest Chief route.
Amtrak officials previously proposed replacing train service with bus service between Dodge City, Kansas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico — about a quarter of the 2,265-mile (3,645-kilometer) route providing daily train service between Los Angeles and Chicago.
The New Mexico lawmakers said the funding was also pushed by senators from Colorado and Kansas.
​
UNM REGENTS-SENATE CONFIRMATION
New Mexico Senate confirms appointments of 5 new UNM regents
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Senate has confirmed Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's appointments of five new members of the University of New Mexico Board of Regents.
The Senate's action Friday came just under a week after Lujan Grisham announced Feb. 9 her appointments of businesswoman Kimberly Sanchez Rael and UNM law Professor Emeritus Robert Schwartz for two-year terms, former Regents Sandra K. Begay and Douglas M. Brown for four-year terms and student Melissa C. Henry to a two-year term.
The Senate Rules Committee considered the appointments during a three-hour hearing before the full Senate confirmed them without dissent.
Five board seats were open because members' terms were ending or were completed and the Senate didn't hold confirmation hearings on then-Gov. Susana Martinez's UNM appointments over the past two years.

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY-LEGAL
Trump emergency declaration faces fights in the courts
WASHINGTON (AP) — Let the lawsuits begin.
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the southern border and predicted his administration would end up defending it all the way to the Supreme Court.
That might have been the only thing Trump said Friday that produced near-universal agreement.
The American Civil Liberties Union announced its intention to sue less than an hour after the White House released the text of Trump's declaration.
Nonprofit watchdog group Public Citizen has filed suit in federal court. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several Democratic state attorneys general already have said they might go to court.

COMMUTER RAIL-NEW MEXICO
No plans to reopen abandoned $800K commuter train stop
(Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It's been a decade since the Rail Runner platform south of downtown Albuquerque has been used, and there are no plans to reopen it.
Albuquerque television station KRQE reports the $800,000 stop along the commuter rail route was abandoned just months after it was built and critics are pointing to it as another example of government waste.
The Lobo Special Events Platform was the brainchild of former Gov. Bill Richardson. A venture between the Rail Runner, the University of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque, the idea was to provide service for college sporting events.
No feasibility studies were done relating to ridership before it was built.
A recent Legislative Finance Committee report says overall ridership on New Mexico's only commuter rail line has declined every year since 2010.
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LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico House weighs more spending from education trust
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House of Representatives is poised to vote on a proposal to divert additional money toward early childhood education from a multibillion-dollar state trust fund.
Debate began Friday evening on the House floor about a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase annual distributions from the state's $17 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund.
The amendment would provide about $145 million a year in additional public spending on early educational services for infants and preschool-aged children. Approval requires a majority vote of all legislators, a statewide public vote and the consent of Congress.
Lawmakers are confronting a court order to provide greater resources to public education, including early childhood programs. Recent attempts to increase distributions from the permanent fund have stalled in the state Senate.

AMTRAK FUNDING-SOUTHWEST CHIEF
Lawmakers: US budget measure includes $50M for Amtrak route
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Lawmakers say a federal budget compromise approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump provides $50 million of additional federal funding to maintain Amtrak rail passenger service through New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas.
New Mexico Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan said Friday the funding for the Southwest Chief route will enable Amtrak to pay matching funding for a grant to pay for maintenance and safety improvements to the Southwest Chief route.
Amtrak officials previously proposed replacing train service with bus service between Dodge City, Kansas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico — about a quarter of the 2,265-mile (3,645-kilometer) route providing daily train service between Los Angeles and Chicago.
The New Mexico lawmakers said the funding was also pushed by senators from Colorado and Kansas.

UNM REGENTS-SENATE CONFIRMATION
New Mexico Senate confirms appointments of 5 new UNM regents
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Senate has confirmed Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's appointments of five new members of the University of New Mexico Board of Regents.
The Senate's action Friday came just under a week after Lujan Grisham announced Feb. 9 her appointments of businesswoman Kimberly Sanchez Rael and UNM law Professor Emeritus Robert Schwartz for two-year terms, former Regents Sandra K. Begay and Douglas M. Brown for four-year terms and student Melissa C. Henry to a two-year term.
The Senate Rules Committee considered the appointments during a three-hour hearing before the full Senate confirmed them without dissent.
Five board seats were open because members' terms were ending or were completed and the Senate didn't hold confirmation hearings on then-Gov. Susana Martinez's UNM appointments over the past two years.

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY-LEGAL
Trump emergency declaration faces fights in the courts
WASHINGTON (AP) — Let the lawsuits begin.
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the southern border and predicted his administration would end up defending it all the way to the Supreme Court.
That might have been the only thing Trump said Friday that produced near-universal agreement.
The American Civil Liberties Union announced its intention to sue less than an hour after the White House released the text of Trump's declaration.
Nonprofit watchdog group Public Citizen has filed suit in federal court. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several Democratic state attorneys general already have said they might go to court.

COMMUTER RAIL-NEW MEXICO
No plans to reopen abandoned $800K commuter train stop
(Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It's been a decade since the Rail Runner platform south of downtown Albuquerque has been used, and there are no plans to reopen it.
Albuquerque television station KRQE reports the $800,000 stop along the commuter rail route was abandoned just months after it was built and critics are pointing to it as another example of government waste.
The Lobo Special Events Platform was the brainchild of former Gov. Bill Richardson. A venture between the Rail Runner, the University of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque, the idea was to provide service for college sporting events.
No feasibility studies were done relating to ridership before it was built.
A recent Legislative Finance Committee report says overall ridership on New Mexico's only commuter rail line has declined every year since 2010.
___
LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: House approves more spending from state trust
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House of Representatives has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase spending from a state education trust fund on early childhood education programs.
The 41-27 vote by the House late Friday sends the measure for consideration to the state Senate, where similar proposals have stalled in the past. Final approval also requires a statewide vote and the consent of Congress.
The initiative sponsored by Reps. Antonio Maestas and Javier Martinez of Albuquerque would increase annual distributions from the state's Land Grant Permanent Fund by about $145 million.
Opponents of the plan fear it would erode investment earnings that have helped the fund grow to $17 billion even as it pays out annual dividends to public schools, universities and hospitals.
Lawmakers are grappling with a court order to increase resources to public schools and implement proven strategies for improving student academic performance such as high-quality preschool.

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY-THE LATEST
The Latest: Acting defense chief unsure on border money
WASHINGTON (AP) — The acting secretary of defense says he has not yet determined how much money he will redirect to President Donald Trump's border wall project.
Pat Shanahan, who has been leading the Pentagon since Jim Mattis stepped down Dec. 31, made the comment to reporters flying with him from Germany to Washington on Saturday.
Shanahan said he has a great deal of discretion in deciding how to use the authorities granted to him in Trump's declaration of a national emergency on Friday. The White House says it expects $6.1 billion from the Pentagon.
Shanahan said he would be working out the details starting Sunday, emphasizing that his mission is to support the border security needs of the Department of Homeland Security.

CLERGY ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
Judge sets conditions of release for ex-priest
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge has set conditions of release for a former Catholic priest accused of kidnapping and raping a 6-year-old boy in the 1980s.
KOB-TV reports a judge ruled Friday that 81-year-old Marvin Archuleta must wear a GPS monitoring device while he awaits trial. He also cannot be in contact or around children.
Archuleta was arrested last week in Albuquerque.
The New Mexico Attorney General's Office had filed a motion for him to remain held until his trial.
A grand jury in Santa Fe returned an indictment Thursday against Archuleta on charges of kidnapping and rape.
He is accused in court documents of raping a boy who attended the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, New Mexico, during the mid-1980s.
Archuleta's trial has not yet been scheduled.

CLERGY ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
Judge sets conditions of release for ex-priest
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge has set conditions of release for a former Catholic priest accused of kidnapping and raping a 6-year-old boy in the 1980s.
KOB-TV reports a judge ruled Friday that 81-year-old Marvin Archuleta must wear a GPS monitoring device while he awaits trial. He also cannot be in contact or around children.
Archuleta was arrested last week in Albuquerque.
The New Mexico Attorney General's Office had filed a motion for him to remain held until his trial.
A grand jury in Santa Fe returned an indictment Thursday against Archuleta on charges of kidnapping and rape.
He is accused in court documents of raping a boy who attended the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, New Mexico, during the mid-1980s.
Archuleta's trial has not yet been scheduled.

UNM REGENTS-SENATE CONFIRMATION
New Mexico Senate confirms appointments of 5 new UNM regents
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Senate has confirmed Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's appointments of five new members of the University of New Mexico Board of Regents.
The Senate's action Friday came just under a week after Lujan Grisham announced Feb. 9 her appointments of businesswoman Kimberly Sanchez Rael and UNM law Professor Emeritus Robert Schwartz for two-year terms, former Regents Sandra K. Begay and Douglas M. Brown for four-year terms and student Melissa C. Henry to a two-year term.
The Senate Rules Committee considered the appointments during a three-hour hearing before the full Senate confirmed them without dissent.
Five board seats were open because members' terms were ending or were completed and the Senate didn't hold confirmation hearings on then-Gov. Susana Martinez's UNM appointments over the past two years.

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY-LEGAL
Trump emergency declaration faces fights in the courts
WASHINGTON (AP) — Let the lawsuits begin.
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the southern border and predicted his administration would end up defending it all the way to the Supreme Court.
That might have been the only thing Trump said Friday that produced near-universal agreement.
The American Civil Liberties Union announced its intention to sue less than an hour after the White House released the text of Trump's declaration.
Nonprofit watchdog group Public Citizen has filed suit in federal court. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several Democratic state attorneys general already have said they might go to court.

COMMUTER RAIL-NEW MEXICO
No plans to reopen abandoned $800K commuter train stop
(Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It's been a decade since the Rail Runner platform south of downtown Albuquerque has been used, and there are no plans to reopen it.
Albuquerque television station KRQE reports the $800,000 stop along the commuter rail route was abandoned just months after it was built and critics are pointing to it as another example of government waste.
The Lobo Special Events Platform was the brainchild of former Gov. Bill Richardson. A venture between the Rail Runner, the University of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque, the idea was to provide service for college sporting events.
No feasibility studies were done relating to ridership before it was built.
A recent Legislative Finance Committee report says overall ridership on New Mexico's only commuter rail line has declined every year since 2010.
___
LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: House approves more spending from state trust
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House of Representatives has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase spending from a state education trust fund on early childhood education programs.
The 41-27 vote by the House late Friday sends the measure for consideration to the state Senate, where similar proposals have stalled in the past. Final approval also requires a statewide vote and the consent of Congress.
The initiative sponsored by Reps. Antonio Maestas and Javier Martinez of Albuquerque would increase annual distributions from the state's Land Grant Permanent Fund by about $145 million.
Opponents of the plan fear it would erode investment earnings that have helped the fund grow to $17 billion even as it pays out annual dividends to public schools, universities and hospitals.
Lawmakers are grappling with a court order to increase resources to public schools and implement proven strategies for improving student academic performance such as high-quality preschool.

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY
Trump declares emergency at border after stinging defeat
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border after a stinging budget defeat. Trump is moving to secure more money for his long-promised wall by exercising a broad interpretation of his presidential powers that is certain to draw stiff legal challenges.
In his emergency proclamation Friday, Trump painted a picture of the border as "a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics" and one that threatens "core national security interests." Overall, though, illegal border crossings are down from a high of 1.6 million in 2000.
His declaration instantly transformed a contentious policy fight into a foundational dispute over the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution, spurring talk of a congressional vote to block Trump.

LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico House weighs more spending from education trust
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House of Representatives is poised to vote on a proposal to divert additional money toward early childhood education from a multibillion-dollar state trust fund.
Debate began Friday evening on the House floor about a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase annual distributions from the state's $17 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund.
The amendment would provide about $145 million a year in additional public spending on early educational services for infants and preschool-aged children. Approval requires a majority vote of all legislators, a statewide public vote and the consent of Congress.
Lawmakers are confronting a court order to provide greater resources to public education, including early childhood programs. Recent attempts to increase distributions from the permanent fund have stalled in the state Senate.

OIL ROYALTIES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico shuns proposal to raise royalty rates on oil
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state legislators have shunned a proposal to increase the maximum royalty rate for oil and natural gas production on state trust lands that generate money for public schools.
A House committee on Friday declined to advance the bill for further consideration after a lengthy public hearing.
Newly elected Democratic State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard backed the proposal to increase top royalty rates from 20 percent to 25. She says that would give the state a stronger hand in negotiating leases with oil producers and raise more money for public education.
The bill also would have allowed the state to charge royalties on methane that is released into the atmosphere to discourage waste and pollution.
Oil companies and industry associations say the changes would drive away business.

TEXAS-NEW MEXICO WATER FIGHT
New Mexico's top prosecutor ready for fight over Rio Grande
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas says the state is in what he describes as a "historic fist fight" with Texas and the U.S. government over management of one of North America's longest rivers.
Balderas made the comments during a presentation this week to members of a key legislative committee as he provided an update of the legal battle that has been simmering before the U.S. Supreme Court since 2013.
His office is seeking $4.5 million for the next fiscal year to pay for the ongoing litigation as well as a team of scientists who will spend the next year modeling the surface flows of the Rio Grande and the river's relationship to groundwater sources.
Briefings are scheduled next month. But Balderas says it will likely be more than a year before the case makes it to trial.

SCHOOL-GUNSHOT-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Police: Teen charged after firing gun in school
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Police say a 16-year-old boy suspected of opening fire inside a New Mexico high school is being charged with three counts of attempting to commit murder.
Rio Rancho police said in a statement late Thursday that the student also is facing a felony count of unlawfully carrying a deadly weapon on school grounds. He has been booked into the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center.
The Associated Press is not naming the student because of his age.
Police say he fired a handgun inside V. Sue Cleveland High School on Thursday morning before school started. No one was injured in the shooting.
Police have not said what may have motivated the student to open fire.

LIBRARY SHOOTING
Sentencing set for convicted New Mexico library shooter
(Information from: The Eastern New Mexico News, http://www.easternnewmexiconews.com)
CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge is scheduled to announce his sentencing decision for a man who pleaded guilty to opening fire and killing two people at a library in 2017.
The sentencing Friday is set to come after Nathaniel Jouett apologized two days earlier in court to dozens of victims. The Eastern New Mexico News reported that Jouett told victims that he wanted to get better.
He turned 18 last month. His sentencing is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Jouett previously pleaded guilty to 30 felony counts from the shooting, including two first-degree murder charges for the deaths of library employees Wanda Walters and Krissie Carter.
Defense attorney Stephen Taylor has asked that his client only serve 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors have requested Jouett serve 96 years in the Department of Corrections.
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TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY
Trump will sign border deal; but will also declare emergency
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress lopsidedly approved a border security compromise that would avert a second painful government shutdown.
But a new confrontation has been ignited. President Donald Trump's plan to bypass lawmakers and declare a national emergency to siphon billions from other federal coffers for his wall on the Mexican boundary is certain to be challenged.
Money in the bill for border barriers, about $1.4 billion, is far below the $5.7 billion Trump insisted he needed and would finance just a quarter of the 200-plus miles he wanted. The White House said he'd sign the legislation passed Thursday but act unilaterally to get more. That prompted condemnations from Democrats and threats of lawsuits from states and others who might lose federal money or said Trump was abusing his authority.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY-SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Judges tosses 2 counts in ex-film official's harassment suit
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico state judge has tossed out two counts in a sexual harassment lawsuit against a former state film industry union official.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports state District Judge Francis Mathew dismissed two counts but kept the other four counts in the case filed by two women against Jon Hendry.
Two women said in a lawsuit filed in late March that Hendry harassed and discriminated against them when they were union employees.
Hendry served as a business agent for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 480 and resigned after the lawsuit. Hendry also had served as president of the New Mexico Federation of Labor.
Richard Ellenberg, the chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, was forced to resign after he defended Hendry.

NAVAJO NATION-HOMICIDE-REWARD
Reward for info in 2014 Navajo Nation killing raised to $10K
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The FBI is raising its reward to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a 2014 killing on the Navajo Nation.
The reward for information in the bludgeoning death of 75-year-old Wilson Joe Chiquito of Counselor, New Mexico, was raised from $1,000 on the fifth anniversary of his death.
James Langenberg, special agent in charge of the FBI's Albuquerque office, said Thursday in a statement that "it's time for justice to be served" and for the person or people who killed Chiquito to be held responsible.
According to the FBI, Chiquito was killed sometime between the evening hours of Valentine's Day 2014 and noon the following day at his home in Counselor, which is 95 miles (145 kilometers) north of Albuquerque.

LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico Senate backs gun background checks
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill that would expand background checks on private gun sales in New Mexico has cleared its last major hurdle with the approval of the state Senate.
The Senate voted 22-20 on Thursday to pass the Democrat-sponsored bill that would close a loophole that allows many private sales without a background check against a federal database of prohibited buyers.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has vowed to sign the legislation. The House and Senate have approved similar background-check bills and still must agree on one to send to the governor.
Background checks are part of a slate of gun regulation and school safety proposals making their way through the Democrat-led Legislature over the objections of Republican lawmakers and dozens of rural sheriffs.
​
UNITED STATES-MEXICO-ASYLUM-THE LATEST
The Latest: Children sent to Mexico under US asylum policy
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A Mexican official tells The Associated Press that the first children have been returned to Mexico while their cases wind through U.S. immigration courts.
All 13 children returned with their families. The first 10 arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, from San Diego on Wednesday. Another three were returned Thursday, for a total of 13.
The Mexican official was not authorized to be quoted by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The policy took effect in late January at the San Diego-Tijuana crossing and is expected to be expanded to other parts of the border.
Civil liberties groups filed a lawsuit Thursday in federal court to challenge the policy. The lawsuit says the first asylum-seeking families included a 1-year-old.
Unaccompanied children are exempt from the policy.