Lest there be a doubt, Lea County Sheriff Corey Helton plans to run for re-election next year. After posting his plans on social media, Helton explained he had heard of a rumor to the contrary. “I thought I would quash that rumor,” Helton told the News-Sun, recognizing his office won’t be on the ballot until next June for the primary …

SANTA FE (AP) — Efforts among a handful of states to hold police accountable for brutality and misconduct are expanding Thursday as New Mexico opens the door to civil rights lawsuits against government agencies in state court. The New Mexico Civil Rights Act removes immunity provisions that shield government agencies from financial liability related to misconduct, though individual officials won’t …