Speaking ill
Gerald Peters owns or has owned banks, buildings, restaurants and galleries, but perhaps his most valuable asset is his name. So he's suing a Nevada gallery, auction and auction partner for defamation. The fascinating story involves a painting by Frank Tenney Johnson that the defendants say is a fake. Peters sold it to former racetrack owner—and apparently former friend—RD Hubbard for $1 million. He says it's the genuine article.
Me, too
State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn has filed a cease-and-desist order against a prospective opponent for his office, Garrett VeneKlasen. The filing
to order VeneKlasen to pull down a radio ad that references a ranch bought by Dunn that now benefits from a electrical transmission line running through it.
Kokesh wins v. SEC
Former Santa Fe investor Charles Kokesh
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with the US Supreme Court
the SEC can't force him to pay back $35 million now for investment money the feds say he misappropriated between 1995 and 2007.
Dems sue governor again
Leadership in the state House and Senate has filed suit to overturn 10 vetoes by Gov. Susana. The legislators argue the governor
violated the state Constitution
by not attaching a veto message explaining why she nixed the bills. If they win, the bills could become law.
Boyd shooter back on the job
Albuquerque police officer Dominique Perez was fired after being charged with the murder of James Boyd. He wasn't convicted and he's now
with six-figure back pay. He has to complete new Department of Justice-mandated training. He's on administrative assignment for the next year with APD's tactical unit.
ABQ City Council overrides Berry veto
It's not the kind of news a potential gubernatorial candidate wants, but city councilors successfully
Mayor Richard Berry's veto of the $534 million city budget last night. The budget is still a few million dollars away from matching up with revenue projections, but the council plans to make changes and send them to Berry.
New bail rules
The state Supreme Court finalized rules and procedures for
holding accused criminals in jail
prior to trial. It's been one of the biggest undercurrents in criminal justice in the state over the past few years.
Corporate tax free-fall
The state's take since a 2013 corporate tax reform package went into effect has dropped
. Those numbers are now paired with New Mexico's highest-in-the-country unemployment rate. State finance officials also blame the oil and gas markets for the decline.
Thanks for reading! The Word is slugging down an extra cup of coffee this morning, and ready for another news cycle.
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