Online ad led to arrest in child-sex sting
Nico Roesler | The New Mexican
Court documents say one of the four men arrested last week on charges of soliciting a minor had drawn the attention of Santa Fe police when he ran a personal ad on Craigslist looking for a "slut." A search warrant shows that after a four-week inves ...Story, »

House sends immigrant driver's license bill to Senate
Steve Terrell | The New Mexican
The state House of Representatives on Wednesday once again voted to pass a bill that would repeal the state law that allows undocumented immigrants to get New Mexico driver's licenses. The bill, strongly supported by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez ...Story, »

City tightens law on booze in public
Tom Sharpe | The New Mexican
The Santa Fe City Council on Wednesday outlawed carrying an open container of alcohol in a public place not licensed to serve or sell alcohol, such as a park. City and state laws already banned the drinking of alcohol in unlicensed public places. B ...Story, »

Senate leader: No rush on PRC reforms
Trip Jennings | The New Mexican
Until this week, bills that would ask New Mexico voters this November to adopt reforms at the troubled Public Regulation Commission appeared to be that rarity of rarities around the state Capitol: roadblock-free legislation. Three reform measures s ...Story, »

[Read chat transcript] Legislative Lunch Live Blog
| The New Mexican
Things are heating up with just a week to go in the 2012 Legislative Session. Wednesday's activities at the Roundhouse include more talk about drivers licenses and budgets, among much more.  What do you want to know about? What bills are you f ...Story, »

Man wanted in Albuquerque death dies in standoff
| The Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE -- A man wanted to connection with the death of an Albuquerque man has died following a bizarre standoff with authorities. Wes Brannon was pronounced dead Tuesday in Mora County after authorities said Brannon slammed into a parked deput ...Story, »

Eight hopefuls announce bids for Santa Fe County offices
Phaedra Haywood | The New Mexican
The deadline to file as a candidate in Santa Fe County races is still more than a month away, but a handful of hopefuls have already announced their bids to seek elected positions. Incumbent County Commissioners Kathy Holian, who represents Distric ...Story, »

Paving firm probe heads to grand jury
Phaedra Haywood | The New Mexican
Nearly two years after an investigation was launched into allegations of theft and fraud against a paving contractor that did millions of dollars of work for Santa Fe city and county governments, the case appears to be moving toward resolution. San ...Story, »

Local news in brief, Feb. 9, 2012
| The New Mexican
City adjusts vehicle-forfeiture rules The Santa Fe City Council on Wednesday tweaked the city's vehicle-forfeiture ordinance. Among other changes, the amendment: • Allows forfeiture after the owner's second drunken-driving case, rather than ...Story, »

Legislative roundup, Feb. 9, 2012
| The New Mexican and wire services
Days remaining in session: 7 Social promotion: Two bills that would end "social promotion" of New Mexico elementary school children cleared the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. Senate Bill 96, sponsored by Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming ...Story, »

State District judge says he's resigning this month
| The Associated Press
LAS CRUCES -- A New Mexico district judge accused of bribery says he'll resign from his position. Judge Michael Murphy announced Wednesday that he will retire from the bench, effective Feb. 24. Murphy was indicted last year on bribery charges, in ...Story, »

Senate confirms governor's nominee for energy post
| The Associated Press
The Senate has confirmed John Bemis as secretary of the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Bemis, an attorney with experience in oil and natural gas law, won confirmation unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday. Earlier in th ...Story, »

Police notes, Feb. 9, 2012
| The New Mexican
The Santa Fe Police Department is investigating the following reports: • Rosalinda Hurtado, 33, no address given, was arrested and charged with shoplifting after she allegedly was caught leaving Sears, 4250 Cerrillos Road, with more than $80 i ...Story, »

House approves $5B state budget proposal
Barry Massey | The Associated Press
The House on Wednesday gave bipartisan support to a proposed budget that will spend $5.6 billion on public education and other government programs next year, and provide for higher take-home pay for educators and state workers. The measure heads to t ...Story, »

Senate confirms Indian Affairs nominee
Barry Massey | The Associated Press
Indian Affairs Secretary Arthur Allison won Senate confirmation Wednesday despite questions about allegedly illegal cigarette sales at his family’s store on the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico. The Senate voted unanimously for Alliso ...Story, »

Dimas aware of public safety needs
Julie Ann Grimm | The New Mexican
Seated behind an electronic piano keyboard, the candidate looked at sheet music illuminated by two white light bulbs. The dance floor at the Fraternal Order of Police lodge darkened, and the band struck up a tune. Without a hint of irony, Bill Dima ...Story, »