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The CDC just gave New Mexico this unfortunate ranking

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has placed New Mexico at the forefront of a concerning trend: the state is experiencing higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to the majority of the United States. This information sheds light on the public health challenges New Mexico faces, particularly in managing infections such as congenital syphilis, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

The CDC’s findings from 2022 highlight the significant prevalence of these infections within the state. New Mexico, in particular, has seen alarming rates of syphilis. The data reveals that the state leads the nation with a rate of 355.3 cases of congenital syphilis per 100,000 live births. This figure is notably high and places New Mexico at the top of the list for this specific infection. Furthermore, when it comes to primary and secondary syphilis, New Mexico is second only to one, with an incidence rate of 36 cases per 100,000 individuals.

Chlamydia is another STI where New Mexico’s numbers are notably higher than the national average. The state reported 528.6 cases per 100,000 people, positioning it 13th among the 50 states. This is a clear indication that chlamydia is a significant health concern that needs to be addressed within the community.

Gonorrhea rates in New Mexico also exceed those in many other states. With 196.7 reported cases per 100,000 residents, New Mexico ranks 20th in the country for this infection. This statistic means that New Mexico surpasses 30 other states in terms of gonorrhea prevalence.

The CDC’s report emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue, especially in the wake of public health challenges such as the monkeypox outbreak. The report states, “As STI services and related resources continue to rebound from the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox outbreak, we must act now to mobilize and execute a whole-of-nation approach if we hope to turn the tide.” This clarion call highlights the need for a unified and comprehensive strategy to combat the rising tide of STIs in New Mexico and beyond.

The data presented by the CDC serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against STIs in the United States, with New Mexico at the epicenter of this public health crisis. The state’s disproportionately high rates of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea underscore the necessity for enhanced public health initiatives, increased access to STI testing and treatment, and broader educational efforts to mitigate the spread of these infections.

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Two Dems quickly announce NM Senate runs after longtime senator retires

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Following Democrat New Mexico State Sen. Nancy Rodriguez’s Wednesday announcement that she will not seek re-election for her Santa Fe-area seat in the New Mexico Legislature after serving since 1997, two prominent Sant Fe figures have declared their intentions to enter the Democrat primary for District 24. 

Linda Trujillo, a Democrat former New Mexico House of Representatives member, and Anna Hansen, a Democrat Santa Fe County Commissioner, are the early entrants into the race, as the Santa Fe New Mexican first reported.

Santa Fe County Commissioner Anna Hansen official photo.

Linda Trujillo has had a varied career in public service. She served in the New Mexico House of Representatives for District 48 from January 2017 until her resignation in July 2020. 

Her resignation from the state House was attributed to financial pressures exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by members of New Mexico’s all-volunteer legislature, who do not receive a salary but are compensated with a per diem for legislative sessions and interim committee hearings. 

Former Rep. Linda Trujillo portrait via NMLegis.gov

Trujillo’s tenure in the House saw her replacing Luciano “Lucky” Varela, a long-standing legislator, after winning a three-way Democratic primary in 2016. She then served without facing primary or general election opposition in the heavily Democratic district until her resignation. 

Trujillo’s background also includes her roles as a local school board member and her leadership at the state’s Licensing and Regulation Department, where she contributed significantly to the state of New Mexico over her years of service.

During her time in office, Trujillo’s platform focused on a range of issues, including education, abortion, eco-leftism, and economic development.

This transition in District 24 represents a major change and the potential for new leadership to address the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the Legislature. The district is heavily Democrat-leaning, so it is unclear if the GOP will run a candidate.

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Longtime Democrat Santa Fe-area NM senator announces retirement

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A veteran member of the state Legislature, Democrat Sen. Nancy Rodriguez of Santa Fe, has declared her decision not to seek re-election, marking the end of a lengthy tenure, one of the longest in the current Legislature. “Truly, it’s time to retire and let someone else take the helm,” Rodriguez remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of her decision after years of service that felt akin to being part of a family.

The announcement has sparked interest among local representatives. Rep. Andrea Romero, also from Santa Fe and a resident within Rodriguez’s Senate District 24, is contemplating a bid for the vacant seat, motivated by Rodriguez’s departure. Romero, known for her advocacy on gun control legislation, sees this as an unexpected opportunity to consider.

Similarly, far-left Democrat Rep. Linda Serrato, who had previously planned to run for re-election to her House seat, is now deliberating a potential run for the Senate seat, emphasizing the significant legacy Rodriguez leaves behind. Serrato, who co-sponsored much legislation this session, expressed her respect for Rodriguez’s fair and supportive presence in the legislative process.

State Sen. Nancy Rodriguez’s official photo via NMLegis.gov.

Democrat Rep. Tara Lujan, although not residing in Rodriguez’s district but representing an overlapping area, intends to seek re-election to her current House position. The upcoming filing deadline for candidates is set for March 12, as stipulated by the state Secretary of State’s Office.

Rodriguez, who has been a fixture in the Senate since 1996 and holds key committee positions, plans to fulfill her term through the end of 2024. Her career has been government-focused since the 1970s. 

Senate District 24, known for its strong Democratic lean, will be closely watched in the upcoming election, with Rodriguez’s departure setting the stage for a potential stand-off by moderate and far-left Democrats. 

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All the New Mexico cities with a Safe Haven Baby Box

9 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

Safe Haven Baby Boxes (National Safe Haven crisis hotline is 1-866-99BABY1) provide a secure and anonymous way for individuals to surrender newborns up to 90 days old without facing legal repercussions, in accordance with New Mexico state law. Equipped with a silent alarm to notify authorities immediately upon a child’s surrender, these boxes also feature a direct line to the National Safe Haven crisis hotline for parents in need of support. Here’s a list of cities in New Mexico with Safe Haven Baby Boxes and their specific locations:

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Eco-leftists have cooked up a new creative way for illegals to jump the border

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The construction of an additional 458 miles of border barrier under the Trump administration, funded by military and defense allocations, has become the target of eco-leftists flinging cockamamy lawsuits to attempt to achieve open borders — and using wildlife as an excuse. They argue that the border barrier not only impacts human movement but also poses severe threats to the region’s wildlife by disrupting natural habitats and migration paths.

In response to these concerns, a coalition comprising 18 states, including New Mexico, alongside two environmental groups, initiated legal action against the 45th president’s administration for redirecting federal funds to the barrier without legislative approval. This legal battle has culminated in a settlement that promises considerable benefits for the environment and wildlife conservation.

Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico claimed the border barrier has a detrimental impact on the state’s unique desert ecosystems and the obstruction it causes to vital wildlife corridors. The settlement, according to Heinrich, represents progress in restoring these areas and safeguarding species such as the Mexican gray wolves, jaguars, and Sonoran pronghorn.

Key components of the settlement include the establishment of 24 wildlife passages and the maintenance of nine stormwater gates along the border barrier to facilitate animal movement. These measures claim to support a diverse range of species, from the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep to various deer species. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has committed $25 million towards acquiring a significant parcel of land for wildlife conservation near San Diego, along with funding research on endangered species. The open stormwater gates now give more opportunities for criminal aliens to leap the border.

The planned wildlife passages, designed to accommodate both small and large animals, are strategically placed to ensure minimal human interference while maximizing accessibility for species at risk. These passages are a testament to the concerted efforts to balance border security with environmental preservation, particularly in areas less frequented by migrants.

Moreover, the settlement includes a substantial investment in acquiring over 1,300 acres of land for conservation purposes. This land, previously earmarked for real estate development, will now serve as a crucial habitat for wildlife, enhancing connectivity between existing protected areas.

The settlement also earmarks $1.1 million for research into the conservation needs of key species like the Peninsular bighorn sheep and the Mexican gray wolves. This research is vital for understanding the impact of the border barrier on these species and for guiding future conservation efforts.

In New Mexico, the repercussions of an open border have been felt keenly, with illegal immigration exacerbating the challenges of wildlife conservation. The settlement’s focus on creating wildlife-friendly infrastructure and enhancing habitat connectivity is a critical step towards mitigating these impacts and ensuring the state’s rich biodiversity is preserved.

This agreement not only claims to address the immediate needs of wildlife affected by the border barrier but also sets a precedent for integrating environmental considerations into border security measures — helping achieve open borders.

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Hamas-sympathizing socialists surround ABQ Jerry Seinfeld show

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Demonstrations took place outside a Jerry Seinfeld performance in Downtown Albuquerque on Friday night as Hamas-sympathizing bigots voiced their violent opposition to Israel’s right to exist.

The gathering occurred close to the entrance of the Kiva Auditorium at the convention center, where attendees were waiting to see Seinfeld, who is Jewish and has publicly expressed his views on Israel being attacked by Hamas terrorists in the unprovoked stroke of bloodshed.

The protest, titled “Shut Down Racist Zionist Jerry Seinfeld,” was orchestrated by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Participants chanted phrases like “Jerry, Jerry, you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide” using a loudspeaker and displayed Palestine flags and placards with slogans such as “Hands off Rafah” and “no one is free until we are all free.”

Although there were minor scuffles between some protestors and event-goers, no significant incidents or injuries were reported. This event is part of a series of protests disrupting local gatherings in New Mexico this week.

A concert by Jewish-American artist Matisyahu scheduled at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe was canceled on Wednesday due to similar protests.

The demonstration also targeted the venue hosting Seinfeld’s show on Friday evening.

Protestor Alex McDonough shared their perspective, stating, “I hope anyone who’s platforming the racist ideology of Zionism and siding with the soldiers who are committing genocide — I hope they lose their platforms,” in a sentiment of hate, misinformation, and cancel culture. 

Zach Benjamin from the New Mexico Jewish Community Relations Center commented on the broader implications of such protests, expressing concern that “[s]ilencing the voices of artists based off their race, religion, national origin or identity. This sets a dangerous precedent. This will give other artists pause before they perform or exhibit New Mexico if we become perceived as a place where artists are welcome selectively.”

Just days ago, Jewish singer Matisyahu’s concert at Meow Wolf was canceled two hours before it began because Hamas-sympathizing staffers at the venue refused to work because of the pro-peace, anti-war singer’s support for Israel’s existence. There has been a massive uptick in antisemitism since Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel that began in October 2023.

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Fury erupts after Meow Wolf bigots shut down sold-out Jewish artist’s show

60 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, hip-hop fans were disappointed as a much-anticipated Matisyahu concert at Meow Wolf was abruptly canceled just two hours before it began. The artist, known for his vocal support of Israel amidst Hamas’ attacks, found his show halted under circumstances that have sparked widespread conversation.

Local pro-Hamas groups claim their pressure influenced Meow Wolf’s decision to cancel the event. In response, Meow Wolf cited vague safety concerns due to insufficient staff to manage the sold-out event as the reason for the cancellation. Kati Murphy, Meow Wolf’s Vice President of Public Relations and Communications, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of both employees and guests.

Matisyahu took to social media to express his dismay, stating, “My fans and I should have played a sold-out show at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe last night… Instead, the staff at these venues refused to come to work, forcing cancellations.” He criticized the venue in Santa Fe for misleading fans by attributing the cancellation to “security concerns” when the actual issue was staff unwillingness to work the show.

The artist lamented the missed opportunity for unity through music, stressing that actions dividing people only serve to escalate tensions. Matisyahu vowed to continue promoting peace and unity through his music, promising his fans in Santa Fe and Tucson that they would sing together again soon.

Matisyahu at Republik Music Festival 4, Honolulu, Hawaii, June 9, 2014. Peter Chiapperino via Wiki Commons.

Santa Fe’s Mayor, Alan Webber, weighed in on the controversy, differentiating between protesting government policies and obstructing a Jewish-American artist’s performance. He condemned all forms of bigotry and called for peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for the safe return of all hostages and an end to violence.

The Jewish Community Relations Coalition-New Mexico also voiced concern in a letter to Mayor Webber, highlighting the cultural and economic significance of the arts in New Mexico. They expressed worry that the cancellation might set a precedent that limits artistic expression based on an artist’s background or views, potentially harming Santa Fe’s reputation as a nurturing environment for diverse artistic talents.


“Let us be clear: Matisayu, an American artist, became a target only because of his identity as a Jew with an affinity toward Israel.  This kind of targeting cannot be normalized,” the group wrote.

Antisemitic workers at Meow Wold spewed blatantly bigoted comments, with one writing that the show was canceled because they “disagree with the Zionist political ideals that Matisyahu holds.” 

Sen. Martin Heinrich’s wife, Julie Heinrich, serves as the executive director of the Meow Wolf Foundation. So far, it is unclear if she was involved in the venue’s decision to cancel the artist’s performance. 

The story has since hit national headlines, with outlets such as TMZ, the New York Post, and NBC News reporting the story.

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In dramatic vote, NM House narrowly kills extreme anti-business bill

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The far-left Democrats’ Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (S.B. 3) finally died on the House floor. The legislation, which proposed to provide New Mexico workers with paid leave for critical life events, faced its decisive moment on the House floor with a 34-36 defeat.

The bill’s advocates claimed it was to address a gap in worker benefits by ensuring paid time off for New Mexico’s workforce, irrespective of their current employment benefits. The proposed measure was comprehensive, offering up to 12 weeks of paid leave for employees to bond with a new child or mourn the loss of a child. Additionally, it included provisions for up to nine weeks of leave for employees or their family members facing serious health conditions. 

The legislation also recognized the supposed need of individuals recovering from domestic violence, categorizing this under “safe leave” by having their employer cover it. 

To support this ambitious program, the bill outlined a funding mechanism that involved contributions from both employees and employers with more than five workers. Specifically, the funding model proposed a contribution of $5 from workers and $4 from employers for every $1,000 earned in wages. This approach aimed to create a state fund dedicated to compensating workers during their leave periods via the dollars of hard-working taxpayers. 

Despite the bill’s intentions claiming to support workers during pivotal moments in their lives, opposition emerged, highlighting concerns from the business community. Critics argued that the provision for 12 weeks of leave was extreme and would pose significant operational challenges for many businesses. Furthermore, they contended that the bill’s criteria for qualifying circumstances were excessively expansive, potentially complicating its implementation.

The defeat of Senate Bill 3 on the House floor marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over worker benefits in New Mexico. Proponents of the bill viewed it as a crucial step toward supporting workers and their families during times of need, while opponents raised concerns about its feasibility, impact on businesses, and the sky-high costs of goods and services that would undoubtedly result from its enactment.

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Domenici officially becomes GOP U.S. Senate nominee to challenge Heinrich

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Nella Domenici has officially been declared the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in New Mexico, as confirmed by the state’s Secretary of State. Domenici, entering the general election race, emphasizes her commitment to the concerns of New Mexico voters and pledges to engage with and secure the support of constituents statewide.

“Our campaign is centered on the priorities of all New Mexico voters,” Domenici stated. “I am eager to connect with, listen to, and gain the trust of New Mexicans from every corner of the state.”

Domenici’s campaign has gained significant traction, evidenced by the substantial number of ballot petition signatures gathered—a number surpassing that of incumbent far-left Democrat Senator Martin Heinrich and all other candidates in the race. This achievement showcases widespread support across all 33 counties in New Mexico.

“The overwhelming support from families across the state, who are rallying behind our mission, underscores our shared commitment to collaboration over the prevailing dysfunction and partisanship in Washington,” Domenici remarked.

Positioning herself as a proactive representative for New Mexico in the Senate, Domenici aims to champion the state’s interests, foster solutions, and cater to the diverse needs of its residents.

“New Mexico’s rich heritage, its natural resources, and strategic institutions like national labs and military bases are invaluable assets. It’s imperative that we come together to harness these strengths for the betterment of our state and country,” she added.

Domenici concluded with a call for unity and a positive outlook on the upcoming electoral challenge: “I am deeply invested in the future of our nation and am confident in our prospects for success in New Mexico. Together, we are stronger.”

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