I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry may have to wait to change the “sanctuary city” policy, as the first-term Republican termed it, according to the Albuquerque Journal. The city’s policy governing when law enforcement officers should ask about immigration status came about as the result of a 2007 lawsuit brought against the city by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). Berry is evaluating the policy and talking to city attorneys as well as advocacy groups, the Journal reports.
The Albuquerque Police Department is tweet ing about stolen cars now (@abqpolice). Apparently thieves are stealing more cars while they’re warming up in the driveway. “The public is asked to call 911 within a span of 10 minutes if they see a vehicle mentioned in one of the tweets sent out by APD, said Erika Wilson, APD’s 911 manager. After 10 minutes, the public is asked to call 242-COPS with information,” according to the Albuquerque Journal.
The Alamogordo Public School district will put Superintendent Mike Harris on leave, reports The Alamogordo Daily News. Harris’ administrative and teaching licenses had been suspended for 90 days because he lied on his applications. Previously, Harris has had alleged problems within a Texas school district.
Sunland Park has fired its police chief, Luis Monarez, due to allegations that he served alcohol to minors at an off-duty function. Monarez has not been charged, as investigations are still pending.
A conservation bill that would protect public land in Northern New Mexico has passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says the AP. The bill would protect the Rio Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the Taos Plateau. The bill will now proceed to the full Senate.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Spaceport America officials are seeking legislation that would reduce liability for companies launching from the site. The bill would ensure space travelers signed consent forms regarding the risks involved, that would then reduce insurance costs for flight companies. Other states with spaceports have already passed similar legislation.
The Governor’s Budget Balancing Task Force will present its findings to the governor next week. No specific recommendations are expected to be proposed, but rather, the panel will list “pros and cons” of various proposals. Some are calling for a complete overhaul of state government, instead of “a nip and tuck here and there.”
