Judge dismisses historic preservation claim in drilling case By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A U.S. district judge has dismissed claims by environmentalists who argued that the approval of drilling permits violated historic preservation laws because of potential threats to culturally significant sites in northwestern New Mexico. Despite an earlier ruling that signaled the claims had merit, Judge …

Dallas mayor: 1 officer has died after Home Depot shooting DALLAS (AP) — A Dallas police officer died Wednesday after a shooting that wounded another officer and an employee at a home improvement store, the city’s mayor said. Mayor Mike Rawlings was presiding over a city council meeting when he announced the death of Rogelio Santander, a member of the …

Albuquerque immigrant measure goes to mayor The Albuquerque City Council has approved a measure that would prevent federal immigration officers from entering a prisoner transport center without a warrant, and prohibit local tax dollars from being used to enforce federal immigration laws. The measure debated Monday seeks to bolster the New Mexico city’s “immigrant friendly” status — which briefly came …

New Mexico state and local tax revenues rise thanks to oil SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico tax authorities are collecting more local and state government tax dollars amid an oil industry rebound and some signs of an economic expansion, Gov. Susana Martinez announced Wednesday. Martinez said in a statement that state and local revenues for the first seven …

New Mexico medical marijuana program tops 50K patients SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — More than 50,000 patients are now participating in New Mexico’s medical marijuana program. The latest figures from the state Health Department show a total of 50,954 patients were enrolled at the end of March. That’s an increase of nearly 46 percent from the same time last year. …

Austin bombing suspect blows himself up as SWAT moves in ROUND ROCK, Texas (AP) — The suspect in the deadly bombings that terrorized Austin blew himself up early Wednesday as authorities closed in on him, bringing a grisly end to a three-week manhunt. But police warned that more bombs could be out there. The suspect’s motive remained a mystery, along …

Investigators suspect FedEx bomb is tied to Austin bombings AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A package bomb that authorities believe is linked to the recent string of Austin bombings exploded early Tuesday inside of a FedEx distribution center near San Antonio, leaving one worker with minor injuries. Hours later, police sent a hazardous materials team to a FedEx facility in Austin …

Feral cats make Western Governor’s list of invasive species DENVER (AP) — Weeds, feral cats, insects and other pests are invading the U.S. West, and state governors released a list of the worst offenders Thursday in hopes of helping people recognize and eradicate the invaders before they spread. The Western Governors’ Association cataloged the top 50 invasive species in their …

New Mexico governor OKs spending boost on police, teachers By MORGAN LEE and RUSSELL CONTRERAS, Associated Press SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez on Wednesday signed a $6.3 billion spending plan that boosts funding for law enforcement and public education, while reluctantly embracing a bipartisan package of public safety reforms that she described as flawed. Martinez said …

New Mexico governor OKs spending boost on police, teachers By MORGAN LEE and RUSSELL CONTRERAS, Associated Press SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez on Wednesday signed a $6.3 billion spending plan that boosts funding for law enforcement and public education, while reluctantly embracing a bipartisan package of public safety reforms that she described as flawed. Martinez said …