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Local News

  • House approves $6.2 billion budget bill

    By Vik Jolly
    The Associated Press

    SANTA FE — The New Mexico House of Representatives has approved a $6.2 billion spending proposal for the next fiscal year that includes pay raises for new teachers and state police officers.

    The House voted 42-25 Tuesday after three hours of debate. Five Democrats sided with 37 Republicans in the majority. The bill now moves to the Senate.

    While most department budgets remain largely flat, the bill boosts spending for education, the state’s child welfare agency and tourism.

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  • Man settles solitary confinement lawsuit

    By Russell Contreras
    The Associated Press

    A New Mexico man allegedly kept in filthy solitary confinement conditions and reportedly denied proper health care while in jail has settled his federal lawsuit for $2.9 million, according to court documents.

    The agreement filed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque said Otero County and Jerome Gonzales, 51, would settle the case and the southern New Mexico county would admit no wrongdoing.

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  • In Brief - News - Feb. 27 , 2015

    The Associated Press

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  • Regulators punt ride service decision

    By Russell Contreras
    The Associated Press
    ALBUQUERQUE — After a heated meeting and charges of holding an illegal hearing, New Mexico regulators tabled a decision Wednesday to allow ride-booking service Lyft to operate in the state while lawmakers debate the future of such companies.

    The Public Regulation Commission voted not to issue a ruling on San Francisco-based Lyft’s request to function in New Mexico — at least until new legislation is passed — amid confusion over current state laws.

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  • Clock ticking on compact

    By Susan Montoya Bryan
    The Associated Press

    ALBUQUERQUE — Casinos run by some American Indian tribes in New Mexico would get to stay open around the clock and offer complimentary food and lodging under a revamped gambling compact negotiated by Gov. Susana Martinez’s office and the tribes.

    A special committee of lawmakers met Tuesday to discuss the latest version, which would also clear the way for the casinos to extend credit to some high-rolling patrons.

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  • Jail Log - Feb. 27, 2015

    The following individuals were booked into the San Miguel County Detention Center between Feb. 16 and Feb. 23:
     
    Mackenzie Parson, 35, failure to pay, failure to comply, bench warrant, LV Municipal
    Robert Bowie, 35, parole violation: tampering with UA
    Daniel Lesse, 32, aggravated DWI, careless driving, failure to give immediate notice of accident, driving on suspended revoked license, failure to register vehicle, no insurance
    Efrain Gutierrez, 27, sentenced to Delancy Street Foundation treatment

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  • Looking Back - Feb. 27, 2015

    In 1965

    Friday, Feb. 26 — Neighborhood Youth Corps have been authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor for the West Las Vegas and East Las Vegas School systems. The NYC program is designed to help alleviate the poverty which has handicapped many Las Vegas area residents for many years, and to help solve the school dropout problem. Sixty-five youths between the ages of 16 and 21 will be enrolled in the West Las Vegas program, and 132 in the East Las Vegas program. The minimum wage is $1.25 per hour, with youths working an average of 15 hours per week.

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  • Looking Ahead - Feb. 27, 2015

    Samaritan House fundraiser is Saturday

    Samaritan House community fundraiser, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m,. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Montezuma Castle Ballroom on the UWC-USA campus. Event includes a night of international cuisine, a cultural performance, a silent auction, and special activities. Tickets are $25 per person and $10 for children 18 and younger. For more information call 454-4206.

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  • Weather - Feb. 27, 2015

    Friday
    A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -4. South wind 15-20 mph. New snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible. A 50 percent chance of snow at night. Cloudy, with a low around 14. South wind 10-15 mph.

    Saturday
    A chance of snow before 11 a.m., then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. South wind 10-15 mph, increasing to 15-20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. A chance of snow at night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

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  • Preemption bills worry officials

    Optic Staff and Wire Reports

    Officials in both San Miguel and Mora counties are concerned about a bill making its way through the House that would significantly limit the amount of authority New Mexico counties have in regulating oil and gas drilling within their jurisdictions.

    San Miguel County Commissioner Nicolas Leger said that if the bill ends up getting enacted into law, it would likely invalidate large portions of the San Miguel County drilling ordinance enacted late last year after about three years of hearings.

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