But in the state Legislature, opponents of abortion rights have crafted a proposal that imposes new limits on abortions in New Mexico. State Rep. Nora Espinoza, R-Chaves, has introduced a bill called the “Woman’s Right to Know Act”—which, among other things, would require doctors to show and describe ultrasounds to women seeking abortions.

Wednesday night, his family's church tried to come to grips with the family's terrible tragedy.

Joined in song and prayer, many people gathered at Calvary Church in Albuquerque to honor the life and ministry of former Pastor, Greg Griego and his family.

There are two parts of gun violence – the violence and the gun. Of the 16,000 or so homicides in this country each year, about 11,000 are committed with guns. Of the 38,000 or so suicides in this country each year, about 19,000 are committed with guns.

That’s the gun side of the equation. Simple arithmetic would tell you that if some of those angry, depressed or impulsive people hadn’t had access to the gun at the critical moment, those numbers would go down.

“I know some states are talking about now having mandatory background checks on all weapons whether it’s through a dealer or an individual,” Covell said. “How are you going to make that work? If you go down to your local department of motor vehicles office, you begin to have your doubts about the state running any kind of program.”

John Fleck, @jfleck, Abq Journal science reporter, to be honored Feb. 4 at Roundhouse with 2013 New Mexico Earth Science Achievement Award.

— Staci Matlock (@StaciMatlock) January 23, 2013

Joseph Kupfer, a lobbyist and consultant to then Secretary-of-State Rebecca Vigil, and Corpus Christi election consultant Armando Gutierrez are on trial for the next two weeks in federal court on charges that reach back to 2004. They include conspiracy to steal money under the Help America Vote Act, a congressional fund intended to help states avoid the voting problems that became evident in the 2000 presidential election, as well as actual theft and obstruction of justice charges.

Doña Ana County sheriff's spokeswoman Kelly Jameson said that Seagal is a considered a reserve officer. According to New Mexico law, he can only carry out police work while with a commissioned peace officer. She said Seagal is expected to take part in a border security training in the coming months.

"Mr. Seagal has spent decades in law enforcement training, and has a special interest in the unique challenges our department faces along the border," Undersheriff Eddie Lerma said in a statement. "He has been an asset to other border communities, where he believes public safety is of particular concern. We are honored to bring that experience to this department as well." A spokeswoman said the El Paso County Sheriff's Office has no plans of deputizing Seagal despite what neighboring counties have done.