Department of Public Safety

“It would be a case of us asking everyone who comes in ‘Are you 21?’ and ‘Are you carrying a concealed firearm?” Al Lucero of Maria’s restaurant in Santa Fe said Monday of a bill that would allow concealed weapons in restaurants that serve beer and wine. Meanwhile, John Nardine, the general manager at Upper Crust pizza in Santa Fe, told The Independent: “I just think it’s a really bad idea.”

New Mexico Motor Transportation Division officers in Lordsburg have been targeting African-American truck drivers for detention, inspection and search, alleges a lawsuit filed in federal court (PDF) by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico.

Tension between the Senate and governor is already spewing into the public view even before the 60-day legislative session kicks off on Tuesday.