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KOAT 7 News smacks MLG with fact-check of ‘State of the State’ speech

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recent State of the State address covered her radical 2024 legislative priorities, including snatching guns from law-abiding citizens and dunking more money into the state’s failing education system. While the governor highlighted several achievements of New Mexico, KOAT 7’s “Target 7” smacked her with a fact-check.

One of the key assertions made by Governor Grisham was about the state’s financial growth. She claimed, “We rank among the top states for financial growth and stability and have grown our permanent fund more than 200 percent.” However, “Target 7 has determined that this statement is mostly false.”

According to U.S. News and World Report’s Best State Ranking, New Mexico is placed 44th in terms of economy, considering factors such as the business environment, labor market, and economic growth. This contradicts the governor’s implication of being among the top states.

UNM economist Reilly White shed further light on this, stating that although New Mexico has made significant advances, it still falls short in several areas. The governor’s office attributed her statement on financial growth to a US Department of Labor report indicating high wage growth in the state last summer.

Regarding New Mexico’s permanent fund, the fund did increase from $23.2 billion in 2018 to $42.9 billion in 2023, marking an 84% rise, not the 200% claimed by the Governor. 

Another claim by Governor Grisham was the improvement in reading scores among students. She said, “Over the last year alone, we saw a 4% statewide increase in reading scores for kids in grades 3 to 8. and an unprecedented 5% increase in reading scores for Native American students.” Target 7 found this statement to be mostly true. New Mexico Public Education Department’s report confirmed a 4% increase in reading proficiency, rising from 34% to 38%. However, the increase for Native American students was 3%, not 5%. The changing testing metrics also likely led to increased numbers. 

Governor Grisham also addressed the issue of child fatalities due to guns, stating, “Right now, the leading cause of death for our children is guns.” But Target 7 wrote, “A little less than a year ago, the New Mexico Department of Health released its child fatality report. It says unintentional injury was the leading cause of death among New Mexico children, accounting for more than 36% of all deaths. The report defines unintentional deaths as motor vehicle crashes; drowning deaths; unintentional overdose or poisoning and fire-related deaths. That would also include unintentional gun deaths – but it doesn’t state how many were caused by firearms. Suicide was the second leading cause.” 

While the governor’s address highlighted her far-left legislative priorities, KOAT 7’s fact-check shows the governor’s issue with the truth. 

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MLG praises ‘brave’ rioters after thrice being interrupted by racist chants

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In Santa Fe on Tuesday, far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivered the State of the State address outlining her legislative agenda. This agenda includes a few measures to combat violent crime, enhance public education, expand affordable housing, and tackle “climate change” and drought issues while snatching New Mexicans’ gun rights. The speech coincided with the commencement of a 30-day legislative session focused on allocating a budget surplus for the next fiscal year.

During the address, Governor Lujan Grisham proposed embedding specialists in underperforming schools to boost student support, addressing the state’s educational challenges. She emphasized the need for accountability in the use of funds allocated for public education to improve outcomes.

Protests disrupted the session three times, shouting about climate change and shouting the antisemitic chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” interrupting official proceedings. They were all escorted out, but not without Lujan Grisham applauding them for their “brave” protest while saying, “That takes courage.” 

The governor also mentioned she wants $170 million for energy storage projects, including batteries, geothermal electricity, and hydrogen fuel. This comes amid expectations of a record $13 billion state income for the upcoming fiscal year.

Democrat leaders in the state legislature have proposed a moderate 5.9% increase in general fund spending, prioritizing sustainable government programs and cautioning against overreliance on fluctuating oil and gas revenues, despite legislation passed by the Legislature in the last few years to cripple the oil and gas industry.

Gov. Lujan Grisham, however, is advocating for a more substantial spending increase, with plans including a $500 million housing initiative and a $40 million program to combat homelessness.

The governor also highlighted her anti-gun agenda, including extending background check wait periods, regulating “assault-style rifles,” and raising the minimum age for purchasing semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to 21.

In response to “climate change” concerns, the governor proposed tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases and the development of alternative water sources from the byproducts of oil and gas drilling.

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ABQ nightmare — young child’s death reveals horrifying abuse

14 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

​​The state of New Mexico, and particularly its city of Albuquerque, has recently been grappling with a disturbing increase in violent crimes, a situation highlighted by a harrowing incident involving the abuse and subsequent death of a three-year-old girl. This tragic case not only underscores the growing concern over crime in the region but also brings to light the complex web of issues, including domestic violence and child abuse, that law enforcement agencies must navigate.

In a recent distressing event, the Albuquerque Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) was compelled to take action following the death of a young girl. The investigation led to the arrest of four adults, including the mother of the deceased child. The suspects, who had recently migrated from Massachusetts to New Mexico, were found to have a history of violence in other states. This incident points to a larger pattern of violence migrating across state lines, contributing to the safety concerns in New Mexico.

Kerri Anne Santos, a 33-year-old mother, presented a chilling narrative when she arrived at the University of New Mexico Hospital with her three children, one of whom was already deceased. Santos claimed that after leaving Massachusetts and traveling through New Mexico, she noticed her daughter was unwell. According to her account, the child sustained injuries after falling from a toilet at a gas station. However, the hospital staff quickly recognized signs of foul play and alerted the authorities.

Upon examination, the child was found to have multiple bruises and ligature marks indicative of abuse. This prompted a thorough investigation by the APD’s Crimes Against Children detectives. The involvement of law enforcement in Massachusetts revealed a troubling history of domestic violence and concerns about Santos using drugs in the presence of her children.

Further investigation unraveled a more sinister scenario. Two other adults, Christina Hopkins Pena-Cantor and her son, Austin Bing, along with James Welch, were implicated in the case. It was discovered that these individuals, together with Santos and her children, had been staying at Welch’s residence in Albuquerque. Alarming details emerged, including allegations of the children being sexually molested and the deceased child being bound with shoelaces.

This case is not isolated in its severity or nature in New Mexico. The state has witnessed a series of violent crimes, contributing to a growing sense of unease among its residents. From domestic disputes escalating into fatalities to incidents of child abuse culminating in tragedy, the pattern of violence in New Mexico paints a grim picture.

The collaborative efforts of various agencies, including CYFD, the Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico social workers, All Faiths Safehouse, the District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI, were instrumental in responding to this case. Their involvement highlights the multifaceted approach needed to address such complex and deeply rooted social issues.

The arrest warrants issued for Santos, Pena-Cantor, Bing, and Welch signify a step toward justice for the young victim. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against crime in New Mexico and the need for concerted efforts to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.

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Lujan Grisham’s anti-gun attempts again make national news

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is intent on yanking guns from law-abiding citizens, is again making national headlines for her screeds against guns.

“The constitutionality questions are beginning to be very complicated in the arena of gun violence,” Lujan Grisham said at a press conference Friday, which was reported on the front page of Fox News on Saturday. The far-left governor added, “We are going to continue this effort, following what is going on around the country.”

“There will be others who will follow in our footsteps, creating their own public safety corridors, which in effect also make New Mexicans safer,” she said of her rabidly anti-Second Amendment proposals.

According to the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, the governor wants to bring forward the following during the upcoming 30-day session.

  • A semi-automatic rife ban modeled after the failed federal proposal from Senator Heinrich
  • Banning the carrying of firearms in parks, playgrounds, and near polling places
  • Raising the age limit to purchase firearms to 21
  • A 14-day waiting period when purchasing a gun
  • Expanding New Mexico’s “red-flag” gun confiscation law (HB27)
  • Making it easier to sue gun manufacturers and retailers

On the other side, Republicans are launching pro-Second Amendment proposals, including Rep. Stefani Lord’s bill to create tax incentives for buying firearm safes, Rep. Block’s proposals to institute constitutional carry and reduce gross receipts taxes on guns and ammunition, as well as other proposals to incentivize gun safe ownership.

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Roswell attorney nominated for open NM House seat

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Chaves County’s legislative team recently welcomed a new member, with oil and gas lawyer Jared Hembree joining its ranks. In a unanimous decision, the county commissioners voted 5-0 to recommend Hembree to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for appointment to represent New Mexico House District 59.

Following the meeting, Hembree expressed his commitment, saying, “I have a lot of experience and dedication to this community and just hope that I can do a good job.” His recommendation comes ahead of the 30-day legislative session in Santa Fe, scheduled to begin in five days.

This nomination occurred in the wake of House Minority Whip Greg Nibert’s resignation after he was appointed to Senate District 27. Nibert’s seat became vacant when Stuart Ingle, a Republican from Portales, resigned in October.

Under New Mexico law, when a legislator resigns, the county commissioners within the legislative district are required to submit a candidate for the governor’s consideration to serve until the next election. As District 59 is entirely within Chaves County, Hembree’s nomination will be the sole recommendation to the governor.

A Roswell resident for 19 years, Hembree, 50, is not only an experienced oil and gas attorney but also holds the position of president at the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico. His community involvement extends to serving as a member of the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Board of Directors and as an adjunct professor of oil and gas law at the University of Washington and Lee School of Law in Virginia.

Hembree voiced his concerns over the potential negative impacts of certain legislation and administrative rules under consideration in Santa Fe on industries such as fossil fuels and agriculture, as well as on small businesses. “We provide so much for this state. It is so important for this state and this part of the state and it is under attack,” he stated.

He specifically mentioned proposed changes to the state’s oil and gas act and paid sick leave legislation. Additionally, Hembree criticized Governor Lujan Grisham’s use of a public health emergency to address gun violence and substance abuse in Bernalillo County, affirming his support for gun rights.

Hembree aims to follow in Nibert’s footsteps, particularly in pursuing legislation to limit the governor’s emergency powers, and expressed his desire to join the House Judiciary and Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committees. “I think with my experience in the oil and gas industry, I am qualified to step into those shoes and fill those roles during the 30-day session,” he remarked.

Moreover, Hembree plans to run for a full term this year and is currently gathering signatures for the June Republican primary ballot. When questioned about the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department, he acknowledged his need to gain more knowledge but stressed the importance of consulting experts on child protection legislation. “I don’t think anyone can do this job as a representative alone. I think they have to know who to talk to about legislation on bills to protect our children,” he said.

The commission’s decision followed a nearly two-hour meeting where they reviewed the qualifications of seven other candidates. These included Chaves County Treasurer Charlotte Andrade Gurule; business owner Steve Dodson; child welfare executive Kevin Berry; Jennifer Cole from the Roswell Independent School District; former city council candidate Christopher Hensley; farmer and businessman J. Shay Wagner; and immigration attorney Eli Luna.

Each applicant was given five minutes to address the commission and respond to questions. The discussion highlighted the diverse backgrounds and motivations of the candidates, ranging from Gurule’s experience in program development and grant writing to Berry’s commitment to child welfare and Cole’s focus on improving education outcomes.

With the primary election approaching, several candidates, including Gurule, Hembree, Wagner, Cole, and Hensley, confirmed their intentions to run for the seat, while Dodson and Berry indicated they were considering it. Luna, however, was not questioned about his plans. The meeting foreshadows a competitive primary race for the seat in June.

Roswell attorney nominated for open NM House seat Read More »

NM’s anti-gun AG Torrez declares war on ammo

23 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In another extremist move, a coalition of Democrat attorneys general, including New Mexico’s Raúl Torrez, have issued a letter to the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, calling for an investigation into the sale of military-grade ammunition to civilians. 

The anti-ammo letter, signed by attorneys general from 20 states, including New York, California, and New Mexico, specifically addresses the manufacture and sale of “military-grade ammunition” at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. They want to ban it from civilian use. The group, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, contends that the availability of such “high-powered” ammunition in civilian markets has contributed to the escalating severity of mass shootings across the country.

However, this initiative has faced staunch opposition from gun rights supporters, arguing that a focus on banning specific types of ammunition is a misguided approach that infringes upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. The Second Amendment clearly protects the right to bear arms, which implicitly includes access to various types of ammunition for such arms.

Raúl Torrez, in particular, has come under fire from pro-gun groups in his home state of New Mexico. These groups argue that his support for the letter contradicts the values of many New Mexicans who cherish their gun rights. They contend that the move is not only an overreach of government authority but also an ineffective solution to the issue of gun violence.

In contrast, gun rights advocates maintain that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of gun violence, such as mental health issues and societal factors, rather than imposing further restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. They argue that such measures only serve to penalize responsible gun owners while doing little to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms and ammunition illegally.

The debate is also colored by concerns about the role of government in regulating firearms. Critics of the initiative view it as a slippery slope that could lead to more extensive gun control measures. They fear that conceding ground on ammunition could pave the way for more restrictive laws that erode the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

The issue is further complicated by the involvement of federal funds in the production of this ammunition. The letter from the attorneys general points out that taxpayer dollars are being used to subsidize the production of ammunition that is ultimately sold in civilian markets, raising questions about the appropriate use of public funds.

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Woke diversity hire Haaland strikes again

20 Comments / National, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The National Park Service, overseen by Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a former member of Congress from New Mexico, and National Park Service Director Charles Sams III, has announced plans to remove the statue of William Penn from a park in Philadelphia. This park, established in 1982 to mark the 300th anniversary of Penn’s founding of Pennsylvania, stands on the site of his original home.

The park, near the Delaware River at Sansom and Second Streets, will undergo rehabilitation, including an expanded interpretation of Native American history in Philadelphia. This plan involves consultations with representatives from various indigenous nations.

The statue of Penn and a model of his original home are set to be removed as part of these changes. The Park Service indicates a future exhibit might mention Penn’s role in founding Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, but this is currently unfunded, per the Post Millennial.

The Strawbridge & Clothier “Seal of Confidence”, which flanks the entrance to the 1897 Renaissance Revival building designed by Addison Hutton on Market Street between N. 8th and 9th Streets in Center City, Philadelphia, just to the west of the 1931 Strawbridge & Clothier flagship building. The seal depicts William Penn and a Lenape Indian and their “never written, never broken” treaty, which enabled Penn to establish the colony of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia on land which belonged to the tribe. The seal stood for Strawbridge & Clotier’s Quaker-based tradition of fairness and honesty, which included a money-back guarantee on all merchandise. The seal was in use from 1911 until the company folded. (Source: “Buildings Then and Now: ‘Think Strawbridge & Clothier first'”).

The Park Service manages significant historical sites in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other important landmarks. The Biden administration has emphasized equity in its policies, a principle echoed in these changes.

The redesign of the park will be led by Venturi & Scott Brown Associates, the same firm that designed the original park. The park was initially named after Penn’s ship, Welcome, and celebrated his life and the establishment of Pennsylvania, known for its principles of religious and civil freedoms.

Penn, a Quaker and advocate for religious freedom, also played a role in the early abolitionist movement. However, his legacy has been scrutinized, particularly following the George Floyd protests, due to his history as a slave owner. This scrutiny aligns with a broader trend of re-evaluating historical figures’ legacies in public spaces.

In 2021, a bill proposed in the US House sought to remove statues of individuals who served the Confederate States of America from the Capitol, reflecting ongoing debates over how to represent historical figures in public spaces.

The public can provide feedback on this proposal through the National Park Service’s planning website found here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ 

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Member of NM House GOP leadership tapped for open state Senate seat

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development within New Mexico’s political landscape, Greg Nibert, a Republican and a member of the State House since 2017 and the House Minority Whip since 2023, has been appointed to the State Senate.

Sen. Greg Nibert’s official photograph.

This appointment, announced on January 5, comes from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and fills the vacancy in Senate District 27. This seat was left open following the retirement of Republican Senator Stuart Ingle in October.

Senate District 27, which Nibert will now represent, is situated around the Roswell area. This move to the Senate marks a significant shift in Nibert’s political career, offering him a broader platform and increased responsibilities within the state’s legislative framework.

As Nibert transitions to the Senate for the 2024 legislative session, his departure from the House of Representatives triggers a need for a replacement. The process to fill his now-vacant House seat is set to commence, overseen by the Chaves County Commission alone, as his former House district only covers one county. 

The upcoming legislative session will likely be an important period for Nibert as he adjusts to his new role and tackles the challenges and opportunities that come with being a state senator. 

As the process of finding Nibert’s successor in the House begins, attention will also be paid to how this change affects the balance and dynamics within the New Mexico legislature. However, the Chaves County Commission must work fast to name Nibert’s successor, as the 2024 Legislative Session begins on January 16.

It is immediately unclear who the potential candidates are to replace Nibert in the minority whip position following his promotion to the Senate.

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Richardson implicated in Epstein’s depraved sex assault court docs.

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Nearly 200 previously redacted names from court documents in the lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell, former accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, have been disclosed by a federal judge in New York. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska ordered the release in December, allowing two weeks for potential appeals by the Jane and John Does involved.

The revealed names, present in 40 unredacted documents, include notable figures like former President Bill Clinton, Clinton’s estranged aide Doug Band, Prince Andrew, late former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, and the deceased French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who awaited trial like Epstein. Epstein, with connections to high-profile individuals ranging from U.S. presidents to foreign leaders, Hollywood stars, academics, and figures in the modeling and fashion industries, had some names known through other means but were previously withheld from public view during the lawsuit. Richardson recently passed away.

Many of the disclosed names have not faced accusations of wrongdoing, such as Clinton, who opted not to request continued sealing of his name. Clinton’s spokesperson refuted claims in the documents suggesting a “close personal relationship” between Clinton and Epstein.

Roger H. Goun | Wiki Commons

Newly unsealed names also include billionaire Glenn Dubin and his former private chef Rinaldo Rizzo. Earlier documents disclosed Rizzo’s account of Epstein and Maxwell visiting Dubin’s residence with a disoriented 15-year-old girl. Other mentions involve Tony Figueroa, Limited Brands founder Les Wexner, and Epstein accusers Johanna Sjoberg and Annie Farmer.

A noteworthy addition to the list is David Copperfield, accused of sexually assaulting a teen model, described as a friend of Epstein in the documents. Sjoberg, in her deposition, alleged Epstein mentioned Trump and claimed he’d contact the businessman when his helicopter had rerouted to Atlantic City. Sjoberg clarified she never provided massages to Donald Trump, director George Lucas, or computer scientist Marvin Minsky.

Some names were withheld for reasons such as protecting Epstein’s underage victims or due to false identification. Dubin and his wife, Eva Andersson Dubin, previously dated Epstein but denied knowledge of his actions.

The unredacted names originated from documents in a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser who settled out of court in 2017. In a separate criminal case, Maxwell received a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking Epstein’s victims.

The release coincides with Congressional efforts to unveil names of Epstein’s clients and private jet passengers. Tennessee Republicans Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Tim Burchett accused Democrats of hindering document release. Giuffre praised their efforts, expressing anticipation over the unnamed associates facing scrutiny.

As the information becomes public, the fight for transparency and accountability continues, and individuals suspecting trafficking are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

Richardson implicated in Epstein’s depraved sex assault court docs. Read More »

Trump adds NM to states on his ‘aggressive’ electoral map expansion

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

45th President Donald Trump expressed his intention to “aggressively” compete in states like New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota, and New Mexico, aiming to conduct rallies and speeches as part of his campaign strategy, according to a new report from Breitbart News.

“One of the other things I’m going to do — and I may be foolish in doing it — is I’m going to make a heavy play for New York, heavy play for New Jersey, heavy play for Virginia, heavy play for New Mexico, and a heavy play for a state that hasn’t been won in years, Minnesota,” Trump said in a lengthy interview with the outlet.

Trump referred to this approach as a “heavy play” for these states, acknowledging that he might not invest as much effort as in traditional battleground states. He mentioned the possibility of holding a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City, highlighting its significance as the “belly of the beast” in a Democratic stronghold.

“The last time a Republican won any of those five states was in 2004 when incumbent GOP president George W. Bush won New Mexico in his reelection bid after having lost New Mexico back in 2000,” Breitbart noted of the states on Trump’s radar.

The Breitbart interview delved into Trump’s connections to New York, where he built his real estate empire, and New Jersey, where he spent summers post-presidency. Trump mentioned the migration crisis and other issues as factors that might make these states more competitive for the GOP.

Trump also criticized New York City’s current state, emphasizing the changes since he left eight years ago. He expressed concerns about issues such as migrants living on Madison Avenue, challenges accessing hospitals and schools, rising crime rates, and a housing crisis.

Despite recognizing the long odds, Trump committed to devoting resources and energy to winning states like New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Virginia, and New Mexico. The article draws parallels to Trump’s successful strategy in the Rust Belt states during the 2016 election.

The analysis extends to the potential competitiveness of these states, citing polls and signs that indicate Trump might have a chance. Notably, a Siena College poll in late 2023 showed Trump within single digits behind Biden in New York. The article also touches on the possibility of third-party candidates influencing the election outcome.

In conclusion, the article provides insights into Trump’s ambitious plan to expand the battleground map, focusing on New Mexico and other traditionally Democratic states, and explores the potential challenges and opportunities in this strategic approach.

Trump adds NM to states on his ‘aggressive’ electoral map expansion Read More »

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