On Monday, the Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association announced it had endorsed Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici over incumbent far-left Sen. Martin Heinrich in a massive blow to the Democrat.
The union wrote that it had endorsed Domenici because her “ability to understand the needs of public safety at the local level makes us believe [she is] the best candidate.”
Following the news, Domenici wrote, “I’m honored by the APOA’s endorsement and I look forward to partnering with law enforcement to make New Mexico a place where people can raise a family and where criminals no longer feel welcome.”
I’m honored by the APOA’s endorsement and I look forward to partnering with law enforcement to make New Mexico a place where people can raise a family and where criminals no longer feel welcome. pic.twitter.com/Owa2GJngtQ
Albuquerque — the state’s most populous city — has been ranked the 20th most dangerous city in the world, with the crime epidemic ravaging the metro area and crime flowing across the Land of Enchantment.
For years, Republican lawmakers have put forward commonsense proposals to tackle crime by strengthening statutes to repel criminals and bolster safer communities, all while allies of Heinrich in the Legislature have killed legislation to stop the wave of crime.
Heinrich is also a supporter of wide-open borders, vehemently opposing additional funding and resources to the border regions of the state to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl and end the Cartel’s human trafficking and smuggling pipeline.
In contrast, Domenici supports a strong border and proper funding for law enforcement on the border, which could be another reason the union has thrown its support behind her.
According to recent polling, Domenici is neck-and-neck with Heinrich, as Democrat enthusiasm has hit a wall with Kamala Harris being selected as the Democrats’ standard-bearer.
A two-week-old Craigslist post is offering $50 to anyone who will join “New Mexico-based video producers” in saying nice things about far-left Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris for “on-line (sic) grassroots commercials to promote the election of Kamala Harris for president in 2024.”
The post notes it is “[s]eeking all ages, all ethnicities, any gender to be interviewed on video about why you support Kamala.”
In addition, those who help prop up Kamala with the videos will receive “$50 gas money for participation.”
The X account Libs of TikTok, which shared a screenshot of the posting, wrote, “Video company in New Mexico is offering $50 compensation for people to appear in a Kamala campaign video and praise Kamala. Nothing about the Kamala/Walz campaign is genuine.”
Video company in New Mexico is offering $50 compensation for people to appear in a Kamala campaign video and praise Kamala.
“The ad for paid Kamala supporters is still up on Craigslist,” the account noted in a subsequent post.
One X user responded, “Buying votes! The democratic way.”
Another chimed in, “They’ve done nothing but run away from the media and buy support and nice comments. If you have to pay for people to say nice things about you, you’re obviously the worst choice possible.”
“When you gotta buy support, that’s not a good look. If I were a Kamala supporter, I’d also be a little distressed that this is where my campaign contribution was going,” wrote the account Cat Master.
When you gotta buy support, that’s not a good look.
If I were a Kamala supporter, I’d also be a little distressed that this is where my campaign contribution was going.
Harris’ campaign has been marred with lackluster support, including having to hire rappers and other musicians to perform at her rallies to have attendees show up.
New Mexico offers various taxpayer-funded incentives to push expensive electric vehicles (EVs) and benefit the wealthy who can afford them, but how do these programs compare to those in other states? While New Mexico’s incentives are appealing, they thankfully lag behind more aggressive measures in other regions.
New Mexico’s Powering New Mexico initiative provides a $500 credit for installing Level 2 EV charging stations and up to $1,500 in installation assistance. For income-eligible residents, the state also offers an additional $750 rebate for purchasing a charger and up to $3,500 to help offset installation costs. Utility companies like Xcel Energy and El Paso Electric sweeten the deal with rebates for dedicated circuits and discounts for charging during off-peak hours.
The average cost of a traditional electric vehicle is $56,648, while the average electric truck costs around $74,868.
While these taxpayer-funded subsidies minimally reduce the cost of the expensive EV, which costs more to maintain, they pale in comparison to more aggressive programs in states like California and Colorado. California, for example, offers up to $7,500 in rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), and low-income residents can stack federal and state rebates to receive over $30,000 in total incentives. California also provides significant rebates for installing home chargers, with some local programs offering up to $2,000 for EV charging equipment.
Colorado’s rebate program is also particularly generous, offering up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an EV and up to $12,000 for heavy-duty electric trucks. Colorado also offers additional support for low-income residents, providing up to $6,000 toward the purchase of a new EV through its Vehicle Exchange Colorado program, along with rebates for installing home charging stations.
New Mexico’s incentives do not reach the levels seen in these states. In comparison, the Land of Enchantment’s rebate caps are relatively low.
Another key issue is the impact on taxpayers. In states like California and Colorado, EV incentives are designed to target a wide range of residents, from low-income to high-earning households. However, New Mexico’s programs seem to disproportionately benefit those who can already afford high-priced electric vehicles while leaving lower-income residents with fewer options. EVs remain expensive, and without substantial rebates, they are out of reach for many New Mexicans — but most consumers, regardless of income, are not interested in EVs despite mandates by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to push them on the populous.
Additionally, New Mexico’s incentives for home charging infrastructure are smaller than those in other states, which means residents may still face significant out-of-pocket costs to install charging stations. In contrast, California’s robust local programs often cover much of the cost for home charging stations, particularly for low-income households.
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) has filed a critical brief with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in its ongoing lawsuit, Fort v. Grisham, challenging New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s prohibition on carrying firearms in public parks and playgrounds. The detailed brief is available for review here.
This legal action follows a July 24th Order from the Tenth Circuit, which required the parties involved to submit supplemental briefs addressing three specific questions regarding the appeal’s posture.
In response, FPC’s brief argues, “[A]fter accounting for the issues the Court has raised, it remains the case that the Court should reverse the decision below and order entry of an injunction against the challenged provisions of the Governor’s order.”
The brief highlights the ongoing harm caused by the Governor’s ban, stating, “Plaintiffs have also declared that they will visit parks that are not covered by those ordinances, and regardless, the threat of prosecution under the Governor’s carry ban alone supports irreparable harm and standing.” It emphasizes that the ban causes significant harm to the plaintiffs, which can be remedied through a preliminary injunction.
Oral arguments for the case are set for September 25, 2024. This case is a component of FPC’s high-impact FPC Law strategic litigation program, which aims to challenge and overturn what it views as immoral laws to promote maximal individual liberty.
The litigation is supported by an individual FPC member, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association.
Firearms Policy Coalition is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to defending constitutional rights and advancing personal freedoms. Its FPC Law program is a leading legal initiative focused on restoring the right to keep and bear arms across the United States.
In an escalation of its campaign against cattle grazing in New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountains, the eco-left fringe group, the Center for Biological Diversity, has filed yet another frivolous lawsuit targeting the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The lawsuit alleges that these federal agencies have failed to protect riparian areas and meadows from cattle, purportedly to benefit the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse—a species so elusive that there is no concrete evidence of its presence.
The Center’s lawsuit, which is the third in five years, is based on claims that federal agencies have repeatedly violated legal agreements to protect this endangered species and its habitat. However, the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse remains largely undocumented, with no recent verifiable sightings or evidence of its existence in these areas. The Center’s persistent legal battles raise questions about the real motivations behind their claims, which appear to be more about pushing an ideological agenda than addressing genuine conservation needs.
Robin Silver, co-founder of the Center, has framed the lawsuit as a fight against government neglect. “It’s outrageous that we’re forced back into court to make federal agencies fulfill their duty to protect endangered species,” Silver declared. But the focus on an ostensibly unseen mouse has severe consequences for the local ranching community, which relies on grazing in the Sacramento Mountains.
Ranchers in the region are already facing significant challenges, and this lawsuit threatens to exacerbate their struggles. The Center’s actions could lead to stricter grazing restrictions or outright bans, which would not only impact their livelihoods but could also disrupt the local economy. The Sacramento Mountains are not just a critical habitat for this unverified mouse; they are also essential for the communities that depend on them for agricultural activities.
The lawsuit accuses the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service of failing to protect the mouse’s habitat by allowing cattle grazing, which the Center claims destroys vital meadows and streambanks. Yet, the evidence for such destruction is questionable and often relies on outdated or misrepresented data.
While the Center insists that protecting these areas from grazing is crucial for the recovery of the jumping mouse, it overlooks the broader implications for the local ecosystem and economy. Cattle grazing, a longstanding practice in the region, has been targeted by the Center’s lawsuits despite its role in supporting the livelihoods of many local families.
In addition to its lack of tangible evidence for the presence of the jumping mouse, the Center’s litigation strategy raises concerns about its priorities. By focusing on legal battles over a species that has not been observed in recent years, the Center risks inflicting unnecessary harm on local ranchers and potentially undermining the balance of land management in the Sacramento Mountains.
As the U.S. Presidential Election approaches, New Mexico is emerging as a critical battleground state, with new polling data shedding light on both the presidential and U.S. Senate races. Redfield & Wilton Strategies, in collaboration with The Telegraph, recently included New Mexico in its Swing State Tracker Poll, highlighting its growing significance in the national political landscape.
In the presidential race, the latest poll between July 31 and August 3 reveals that Kamala Harris holds a seven-point lead over 45th President Donald Trump in New Mexico, with Harris garnering 44% of the vote compared to Trump’s 37%. This lead suggests that New Mexico, which has traditionally leaned Democrat in recent elections, may be in contention in November. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate, polls at 8% in New Mexico, the highest support he has received among the swing states surveyed. If Kennedy dropped out and endorsed Trump, that would give Trump an even better advantage over Harris.
Beyond the presidential race, the U.S. Senate race in New Mexico is also drawing significant attention. Incumbent Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich is currently leading his Republican challenger, Nella Domenici, by six points, with Heinrich securing 40% of the vote to Domenici’s 34%. Heinrich’s support falls four points short of Harris’ performance in the state. Domenici, on the other hand, trails Trump by three points, indicating that while she benefits from the Republican base, she has not yet matched Trump’s level of support.
Economic concerns are at the forefront for New Mexico voters, with 55% reporting that their financial situation has worsened over the past year—the highest percentage among the swing states polled. This economic anxiety is likely to play a crucial role in shaping voter preferences in both the presidential and Senate races. Despite these challenges, a plurality of New Mexicans remains cautiously optimistic about the future, with 46% expecting their financial situation to improve in the coming year.
On key issues, New Mexico voters display a nuanced trust in the candidates. Kamala Harris is favored over Donald Trump on healthcare, the environment, and the war in Ukraine, while Trump is trusted more on economic issues, immigration, and national defense. In the Senate race, Domenici could gain traction on economic and immigration concerns.
Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham remains determined to invest New Mexicans’ tax dollars into the solar industry, despite the sector facing significant financial challenges. Recent efforts to support solar companies with substantial subsidies have raised concerns as these investments appear increasingly risky.
One of the key initiatives involved a partnership with Maxeon Solar, a company that was slated to receive over $2.4 billion in subsidies from various levels of New Mexico’s government. This initiative was part of a broader push to promote “renewable energy” under the industrial policies of the Biden-Harris Administration, which included federal and state incentives. However, despite these massive financial commitments, the Maxeon project has encountered delays, and there is growing skepticism about whether the factory will materialize anytime soon—if at all.
Maxeon’s financial health has deteriorated significantly over the past year. On August 9, 2024, the company’s stock was valued at just 16 cents per share, a staggering 99% decline from its price of $22 per share when the deal was initially announced on August 10, 2023, per analysis from the Rio Grande Foundation.
Even at that time, the stock had already seen a sharp drop from its peak of over $50 per share. The company’s financial struggles are further highlighted by its negative earnings per share (EPS) of -$8.03, signaling ongoing losses.
Undeterred by Maxeon’s setbacks, Lujan Grisham recently inked another deal with a different solar company, “Ebon,” which is based in communist China. New Mexico taxpayers are expected to contribute at least $11 million to back this new venture, although the full extent of the subsidy package has not yet been disclosed by the governor’s administration.
However, Ebon is facing its own financial difficulties. The company’s stock price has plummeted from $388 per share in 2021 to just under $6 per share in 2024, marking a 98.5% decline. Like Maxeon, Ebon also reports negative earnings, with an EPS of -$5.86.
These developments have sparked concern among critics who question the wisdom of pouring significant taxpayer dollars into struggling solar companies. As the solar industry continues to grapple with financial instability, the effectiveness of these investments in driving sustainable economic growth in New Mexico remains uncertain.
A teen facing charges for allegedly abandoning her newborn baby in a hospital bathroom trash can has experienced a significant development in her legal case. The New Mexico Supreme Court has delayed Alexee Trevizo’s pre-trial hearing, initially set for August 6, as it reviews whether specific evidence, including statements she made at the hospital, can be used in court.
Trevizo, who is accused of first-degree murder of her newborn son, was charged in January 2023. Additional charges include intentional child abuse and tampering with evidence, as per a criminal complaint filed in Eddy County, New Mexico.
The incident occurred when Trevizo visited the emergency room for back pain. Medical professionals informed her that she was pregnant. Allegedly, she then locked herself in a bathroom, delivered the baby, placed him in a trash bag, and concealed the bag in a trash bin. The newborn was later found deceased.
A major point of contention in the case is the district court’s decision to exclude all statements Trevizo made to her medical providers. The court ruled that these statements, made in front of both her doctor and mother, are protected under doctor-patient privilege.
Trevizo’s attorney, Gary C. Mitchell, argued that neither her mother nor law enforcement officers should have been present during these conversations, especially since they were recorded on a bodycam. He emphasized, “They violated the doctor-patient privilege and they violated Miranda rights – trying to talk to somebody without telling them about their constitutional rights.”
Mitchell further highlighted the broader implications of the case, stating that it touches on crucial issues concerning women’s rights and reproductive matters. He also revealed that there is a civil lawsuit against the hospital for alleged malpractice.
“The state’s not going to have certain evidence that they can introduce – all the video film and all the stuff that should have been confidential and all the testing,” Mitchell noted, expressing doubt about the prosecution’s ability to build a case without this evidence. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that this does not necessarily mean the state won’t try to proceed.
District Attorney Dianna Luce has appealed the court’s ruling, arguing that Trevizo waived her privilege by making statements multiple times, fully aware of the presence of her mother and law enforcement officers.
Ebon Solar, along with state officials, announced plans on Wednesday for an enormous 834,000-square-foot solar cell manufacturing facility at Mesa del Sol in Bernalillo County. Maxeon Solar Technologies intends to build its own massive manufacturing site at this location, which is already home to Netflix’s West Coast production hub.
Despite being marketed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office as having ties to Delaware, Ebon Solar’s parent company, Ebang International Holdings, is based in Hangzhou, communist China. The company, which recently registered the trademark “Ebon Solar” on July 12, claims it plans to invest $942 million into the new facility.
Judy Cai, CEO of Ebon Solar, stated, “Our choice of Albuquerque for our investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable innovation, and New Mexico offers abundant solar resources, favorable renewable energy policies, and a dedicated, skilled workforce.” She emphasized that these factors would enhance Ebon Solar’s capital investment and production capabilities, making Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and the state of New Mexico ideal partners as they integrate into the so-called clean energy market.
The planned expansion at Mesa del Sol follows a similar announcement from Maxeon Solar Technologies last year. The Singapore-based company plans to build a 1.9 million-square-foot plant in the same community, expected to create 1,800 jobs at full capacity.
Ebon Solar’s proposed facility at Mesa del Sol signifies a significant victory for New Mexico, which has been actively promoting advanced solar expansions under the Lujan Grisham regime. In addition to Ebon and Maxeon, Albuquerque-based Array Technologies Inc. committed more than $50 million to a new campus.
However, the expansion of Ebon Solar to New Mexico comes with significant financial implications for taxpayers. The state, city, and county are expected to provide substantial investments and tax breaks to the company. Mark Roper, interim secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department, mentioned that the state is proposing $10 million in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds, while the city of Albuquerque plans to contribute another $1 million. Therefore, taxpayers will be directly funding at least $11 million to communist China.
“I would expect to see some activity on that in August,” Roper said.
Marcos Gonzales, economic development director for Bernalillo County, indicated that the county’s role would involve managing Ebon’s industrial revenue bond (IRB) application, which typically provides tax breaks for expanding companies. He explained that the IRB application would be introduced at a Bernalillo County Commission meeting next week.
“The fundamental piece is they convey the property to the county, and then we lease it back to them for the term of the IRB,” Gonzales said. “So in this case, like 30 years, and then at the end of it, we give it back to the property owner, and then they start paying property taxes. So, it’s the leaseback structure that creates the savings for the company.”
The announcement of Ebon Solar’s expansion was the result of a concerted effort by private and public officials, including the New Mexico Partnership and the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, which served as a project management partner during Ebon’s market evaluation process.
Governor Lujan Grisham, currently on a 10-day trip to India focusing on economic development and education, praised the expansion in a statement, saying, “We have succeeded in making New Mexico a global center for advanced energy manufacturing. Ebon Solar joins other leading companies in embracing New Mexico’s commitment to renewable energy, its talented, dedicated workforce, and the opportunities we provide for job training and tuition-free college. All this works together to diversify the economy and create high-paying jobs for New Mexico’s families.”
Lujan Grisham traveled to communist China during her time in Congress and during her gubernatorial administration and met with communist Chinese Consul General Zhang Ping, being a very close ally to the regime, as evidenced by these deals enriching the oppressive enemy of the United States.
WalletHub has released its latest report on the “States With the Most Underprivileged Children in 2024.” This comprehensive study, coupled with expert commentary, underscores the pressing issues faced by children across the United States and highlights areas in dire need of improvement to better the lives of our nation’s youth.
WalletHub’s report offers a detailed comparison of all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 25 critical metrics. These metrics range from the percentage of children living in households with incomes below the poverty line to the incidence of child maltreatment, child mortality rates, and levels of food insecurity. The findings reveal significant disparities and underscore the urgent need for policy interventions.
In the rankings, New Mexico stands out as particularly concerning, coming in fourth overall in terms of child welfare challenges. Specifically, the state ranks third for the percentage of children living in households with below-poverty incomes, indicating a severe economic hardship for a substantial portion of its youth. Furthermore, New Mexico is seventh in terms of child food insecurity rates, reflecting widespread hunger among children.
The state also shows troubling figures in other areas: it ranks thirteenth for the percentage of maltreated children and seventeenth for the percentage of uninsured children. Additionally, New Mexico has a high rate of children in single-parent families, placing fourth in this category, and it ranks fifteenth in terms of child and youth homelessness. These rankings collectively paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by children in New Mexico.
The report also identifies West Virginia as the state with the most underprivileged children. The state’s high share of children in low-income households with no employed adults and significant child maltreatment rates contribute to its dire ranking. This comparison highlights the broader national issue of child poverty and maltreatment.
Experts provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of various programs aimed at alleviating child poverty. Darcey H. Merritt, MSW, Ph.D., from The University of Chicago, noted the importance of comprehensive family support programs. “Financial support for the entire family is critical, inclusive of support for parents. Early Head Start and Head Start programs have proven across the years to be instrumental in leveling the playing field for children living in poverty at extremely sensitive times of child development.”
Arturo Baiocchi, Ph.D., from California State University, Sacramento, elaborated on the long-term impacts of child poverty. “The enduring impact of child poverty has sometimes been described as having a ‘long arm’ across the life course – the disadvantages of growing up in poverty accumulate over time and restrict the opportunities that people face at different phases of their life.”
Ezekiel Dixon-Román from Columbia University stressed the importance of legislative action in addressing these issues. “There are definitely elected officials that understand and are prioritizing the needs of children coming from low-resourced homes and communities. The problem is a consequential gridlock in Congress and the capacity to successfully put forward necessary legislation for what is known to make a difference.”
The full report by WalletHub, available here, provides a detailed analysis of the metrics used and further insights into the conditions faced by underprivileged children across the United States.
