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.
Domestic violence charges against former chief Second Judicial District Judge W. John Brennan have been dismissed because of the unavailability of a “necessary witness.” Also two-term Democratic incumbent District Attorney Kari Brandenburg is the target of a motion by a defense attorney who claims the DA reneged on a plea agreement for political reasons. The Houston-based company that has had its eye on drilling for oil in the Galisteo Basin may be thinking of selling. River otters will be swimming in the Rio Grande for the first time since the 1950s when five of the animals are released near Taos. And a guest lecturer — Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez — told students in the University of New Mexico’s Honors Program Thursday he believes Albuquerque will lead the nation in renewable energy production in the next five to seven years.
Charges Against Brennan Dismissed
Domestic violence charges against former chief Second Judicial District Judge W. John Brennan have been dismissed because of the unavailability of “a necessary witness,” the Albuquerque Journal reports. The witness is presumably Marsella Duarte, the woman who was at Brennan’s home in March when a neighbor called and reported that he heard someone screaming. The dismissal was made without prejudice, which means the case could be filed again. The case is being handled by the 11th Judicial District in McKinley.
DA Target of Motion
Two-term Democratic incumbent District Attorney Kari Brandenburg is the target of a motion by a defense attorney who claims the DA reneged on a plea agreement for political reasons, the Journal is reporting. Defense attorney Linda Kerr, representing three-time accused killed Clifton Bloomfield, says Brandenburg’s conduct is so egregious that the charges against her client should be dismissed. Brandenburg, who is being challenged for her seat by Republican Lisa Torraco, says it is unlikely the motion will be litigated.
Tecton To Sell?
The Houston-based company that has had its eye on drilling for oil in the Galisteo Basin might be trying to sell its mineral leases, the Santa Fe New Mexican says. “Last week, Meagher Oil and Gas Properties Inc., a divestiture firm serving the industry, began listing Tecton’s leases on more than 100,000 acres in the Albuquerque Basin and 75,000 acres in the Santa Fe Hagen Embayment, which includes the Galisteo area,” the New Mexican says, adding:
William Dirks, president of Tecton, said the company has been “seeking investors to join us in this basin since 2006.” The company isn’t necessarily backing out of New Mexico. “We are looking for a potential partner who wants to invest their (own) capital to continue the drilling opportunities,” he said.
But Julia Foster of Meagher in Denver said, “They’re looking to sell the property.”
River Otters To Be Released
River otters will be swimming In the Rio Grande for the first time since the 1950s when five of the animals are released near Taos, the Associated Press reports. The adult otters will be imported from Washington State and will be held in confinement a few days before they are released, AP said.
Chavez Is Guest Lecturer
Guest lecturer Martin Chavez, mayor of Albuquerque, told students in the University of New Mexico’s Honors Program Thursday he believes Albuquerque will lead the nation in renewable energy production in the next five to seven years, the UNM Daily Lobo reports.
The “Destination Albuquerque: An Experimental Journey” class has been looking into the history of Albuquerque this semester and interviewing prominent citizens and city workers, the student paper reports, adding that:
Chavez said the city is at a pivotal point in its history. “It is important that we understand the history of this great city – right after we celebrated our tricentennial, which so few cities can – so that we can understand where we should go.”
…Chavez said he and city administrators are working to expand the city skyward and create larger buildings to accommodate the growing community.
…”We cannot talk about whether or not Albuquerque is going to expand – we are,” he said. “The conversation should be about how to expand in the best possible way. Being able to balance the water sources that we have along with investing into other options is important for us right now.”
…”When I see Albuquerque in five to seven years, I believe that we will be leading the country in renewable energy production,” he said. “All of the energy production will also create jobs in Albuquerque and help steady our economy.”
