A key New Mexico Republican lawmaker says he will propose a bill next session modeled after Utah's immigrant driver's license law. Representative Paul Pacheco (puh-chee-ko) telling The Associated Press he will sponsor legislation that would grant New Mexico "driving privilege cards" for immigrants suspected of living in the country illegal. Pacheco says he decided to look at the Utah model amid a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over revising a New Mexico law that allows immigrants to obtain state driver's licenses regardless of status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has denied New Mexico an extension from tougher federal requirements on state driver's licenses. The decision means New Mexico IDs won't be valid for federal purposes. Pacheco had previously sponsored measure to repeal New Mexico's immigrant driver's license law.
A highly decorated Albuquerque police officer and former Army Ranger who was fatally shot in the line of duty will be laid to rest today, with hundreds expected to pay their respects to the police veteran. The funeral for Officer Daniel Webster — described by colleagues as one of the city's "finest officers" — will be held at the city's convention center. Webster, who was 47, died Thursday at University of New Mexico hospital from injuries sustained from a shooting a little more than a week earlier. Governor Susana Martinez issued an executive order for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today in honor and memory of Officer Webster.
Warmer and Wetter than normal… that’s how Meteorologist Mark Fettig at the Albuquerque National Weather Service Office sums up Santa Fe’s weather picture for October. Fettig suspects the early stages of what’s predicted to be a strong El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific this winter might be the cause. *****110315-Fettig-3 26*****Fettig says there were two-point-62-inches of precipitation recorded last month and the 88-degrees recorded on October first was the warmest for the month, while the lowest temp of 31-degrees came last Wednesday.
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are raising questions about the U.S. Department of Agriculture's treatment of Latino farmers and ranchers. Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Linda Sanchez of California and fellow Democrats Michelle Lujan-Grisham and Ben Ray Lujan, both of New Mexico, sent a letter to the agency last week and requested a meeting with Secretary Tom Vilsack. They say many caucus members have received reports from constituents indicating significant civil rights violations and discrimination by the agency. Their letter pointed to a 2013 review that found noncompliance with civil rights requirements and regulations by U.S. Forest Service offices in New Mexico and Colorado. Caucus members say they believe the issues are widespread and affect Hispanic communities across the country. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Authorities still are searching for a person of interest in the explosions outside two Las Cruces churches three months ago. Two small bombs detonated outside Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church about 20 minutes apart on August second. The churches are located about three miles apart and both had some minor property damage. There were no injuries, but the incidents spurred heightened security at churches throughout Las Cruces. No suspects have been apprehended. At a news conference Monday, FBI spokesman Robert Wright says the agency still is looking for a person of interest seen on surveillance video around the time one of the bombs went off at Calvary Baptist. The FBI is offering a 20-thousand dollar reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
A state District Court judge in Alamogordo has imposed a three-year prison term on an Albuquerque businessman who pleaded guilty in an investment fraud case involving an 88-year-old victim. Judge James W. Counts sentenced Jeffrey Bland to 18 years in prison but suspended 15 years of the sentence on the condition that Bland pay restitution of $75,000. The state Regulation and Licensing Department said the victim was defrauded of $229,000, and department Superintendent Mike Unthank said Bland intentionally targeted vulnerable elder victims. Bland was licensed to sell insurance products in New Mexico.
Santa Fe Weather: Sunny today with the high, 62. Tonight: Partly cloudy with the overnight low, 38. Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy and breezy with the high, 52 and a 40-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms.