Piñon Post

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. takes on Big Food in NM with MAHA visit

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will visit New Mexico next week as part of a three-day, multi-state tour promoting the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, a cornerstone of President Trump’s second-term health policy agenda.

The tour, running April 7–9, will take Kennedy across Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, highlighting sweeping public health reforms, tribal partnerships, and school nutrition innovations aimed at addressing chronic disease and wellness disparities in the Southwest.

Kennedy’s visit comes as New Mexico is among several states enacting legislation aligned with MAHA objectives. New laws celebrated during the tour include bans on ultra-processed foods and synthetic dyes in public schools, limitations on the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing soda and candy, and a prohibition on the fluoridation of public water systems.

“These policies mark a new chapter in how we think about public health — not as a reactive system, but as a proactive investment in our children, our families, and our communities,” Kennedy said in a statement released ahead of the tour.

A central focus of Kennedy’s New Mexico leg will be tribal health and self-governance. He is slated to participate in a fireside chat with tribal leaders, addressing the critical role of Indigenous innovation in advancing healthcare delivery, community wellness, and economic development.

In partnership with the Navajo Nation, Kennedy will also discuss food sovereignty programs and tribal-led wellness initiatives. The Navajo Nation is notable for implementing the country’s first tribal “junk food tax” in 2014, a policy seen by the MAHA campaign as a model for grassroots nutrition reform.

The tour will include a stop at a charter school serving students from Pre-K through 11th grade, where Kennedy will observe how integrated health practices — including daily physical activity and scratch-cooked meals — are embedded into school culture.

According to HHS, the school embodies MAHA’s vision for student well-being as a foundation for academic success and lifelong health.

Secretary Kennedy will also visit a pair of health centers, including one that features a teaching kitchen for medical students and another that emphasizes nutrition-based care for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension — a significant concern in rural and tribal communities across New Mexico.

Though no press conference is scheduled in New Mexico as of now, HHS has announced two media events: one in Salt Lake City and one in Phoenix, featuring Secretary Kennedy alongside state legislators.

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Scandal-plagued Lujan Grisham teases 2028 presidential run

35 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed interest in pursuing the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 2028. Speaking at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, the two-term governor stated, “I’m worried about my country, and I’m worried about my planet. If you really are in that position on any of those things, then that’s a call to action in whatever way any of us can be useful.”​

Lujan Grisham emphasized the need for increased female representation in politics, noting that women should hold elected offices proportional to their percentage in the population. She remarked, “I’d like to see more women elected… if we’re going to really uphold a fragile democracy… then you have to represent the people in the right ways, which means 54%-plus are women.”​

However, her tenure as governor has been marked by several controversies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lujan Grisham implemented strict lockdown measures, asserting that such actions were necessary to curb the virus’s spread. She stated, “Expansive lockdowns were necessary to keep COVID-19 at bay.” These measures faced criticism from various quarters, including business owners and civil liberties advocates, who questioned their impact and constitutionality. ​

Adding to the controversies, in October 2021, it was revealed that Lujan Grisham’s campaign paid $150,000 to settle a sexual harassment claim. A former campaign spokesman accused her of pouring water on his crotch and then grabbing his genitals through his clothes during a staff meeting. The governor’s office denied the allegations but claimed it opted for a settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. ​

In September 2023, Lujan Grisham issued an emergency public health order suspending the right to carry firearms in public in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, citing recent shootings involving children. This directive was met with immediate legal challenges. U.S. District Judge David Urias temporarily blocked the order, stating that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their case, referencing constitutional rights. ​

Furthermore, Lujan Grisham has faced criticism from within her own party. Her approaches to tackling addiction, mental illness, and violence have led to clashes with fellow Democrats. In December 2024, she advocated for measures compelling mentally ill and drug-addicted individuals to receive treatment, a stance that sparked debate and highlighted divisions within the party. ​
As lame duck Governor Lujan Grisham contemplates a potential presidential run, these incidents from her gubernatorial tenure are likely to be scrutinized, shaping both public perception and her political trajectory.

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Exclusive—As leftists set to riot Saturday, threats abound: ‘Get ready, f***wads!’

49 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As Dems are set to descent upon American streets to attack Trump and “fight back,” including in New Mexico through agitating “Hands Off” protests organized by a rogue group called “Indivisible,” more threats pour in targeting the New Mexico Republican Party, which was firebombed Sunday morning following Democrat Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez demanding her supporters “agitate.”

Now, new phone calls into the GOP office show the levels of unhinged lunacy that embody the left. One such phone call is as follows:

“Yeah, I saw a report this morning on the news about your state headquarters being firebombed and ICE equals the KKK. And furthermore, I listened to some of your representatives or, let’s see, Amy Barela, Republican Party of New Mexico chairwoman, complaining on TV about how, ‘Oh, this has got to stop. Oh my, we can’t have this.’ Well, you motherf***ers should have thought about that before you attacked the Capitol on January 6th. You should have thought about that before you elected a tyrant for a president who is taking out his personal revenge on anyone that (sic) writes an article against him. Who the f*** do you sorry sons of b****es think you are? Do you think that, ‘Oh, what’s good for the goose ain’t good for the gander?’ Well, I got news for you, motherf***ers. You’re just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg. The American people have woke up to your lies, your bulls***, your fascism, your racism, your bigotry, your misogyny, and electing a g**damn orange sociopath who has violated the Constitution and his office and federal court orders. So let me tell you something, you motherf***ing b****es. You don’t like what’s happening? Get ready, f***wads! You haven’t seen anything yet.”

The same woman called back a few minutes after the first instance, with even more vulgar language, cursing 23 times in the one phone message: 

“I just listen (sic) to some b**** of yours on the TV talking about, ‘Oh, we’ve been getting the most vile calls. They use vulgar language.’ Well, welcome to the party, sons of b****es. Welcome to the f***ing party. This is what Democrats have put up for years and years of your bulls***. ‘Oh, January 6th, it was just a tourist visit.’ That motherf***ing sociopath pardoned hundreds and hundreds of convicted felons for putting out the eyes of police officers and beating police officers, and slaying them with bear spray. Oh, but if the Republicans do it, that must be okay. F*** you, you g**damn hypocrites. F*** your g**damn a**es to f***ing hell. You want to know why, b****es? Because we’re tired of taking it laying down. We’re f***ing tired of your bulls*** and hypocrisy. You’re g**damn little Nazi-a** brown shirts that threaten judges because they make rulings that Trump don’t like. F*** you! You’re little brown-shirt Nazis that phone Democratic elected officials and threaten their lives. F*** you! Now, you’re getting a taste of your own medicine. Go rot in hell, you g**damn f***ing, lying, fascist, sorry-a**, un-American, f***-wad b****es! Damn you to hell!” 

WARNING: the below recording has not been censored and all vulgarities are included. Reader discretion is advised.

Another phone call from a man who has been traced through his phone number to Albuquerque said that he wishes that Republicans were in the building when it was lit ablaze, another sentiment of violent rage from the radical left. The message is as follows: 

“Yeah. Um, saw on the news, I guess you guys suffered a fire, man. That’s too bad. They saw your statement, decrying this attack on democracy. You f***ing hypocrites. You’re destroying this government. You’re destroying democracy. You’re illegally f***ing deporting people. You’re grabbing people off the street with your secret police bulls***. I’m just sad that you guys weren’t in the f***ing building when it burned down. F*** you!”

Multiple other threatening voicemails and correspondences were sent to the GOP and elected officials. The Republican Party of New Mexico has forwarded these to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

After the GOP was firebombed and lit ablaze by radicalized domestic terrorists, the New Mexico Democrat Party released an email blaming the victims — the New Mexico Republican Party and Republican state Reps. John Block (Alamogordo) and Stefani Lord (Sandia Park) — for the attacks, claiming their rhetoric was what was responsible for the fiery blazes at the GOP headquarters. Reps. Block and Lord were recently surrounded and threatened at the Roundhouse during the recent 60-day legislative session by pro-Hamas radicals. The arson at the Republican office is being investigated as a hate crime.

For weeks, violent leftists have been torching Tesla dealerships, keying the vehicles, and even drawing swastikas and other foul messages on them amid Elon Musk’s successful work on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to stop government waste, fraud, and abuse. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported on multiple instances of Teslas being vandalized in a number of ways by residents in the capital city. The photos below are of one of the suspects, and law enforcement is seeking help in identifying this individual, who is still on the lam. 

Now, on Saturday, these same violent hooligans are set to hit the streets again for more agitation and likely violence. The group writes on its website, “We are setting out to build a massive, visible, national rejection of this crisis. On April 5, we will host events across the country, in major cities and small towns in every state. Our goal is to show that the people—the majority—are taking action to stop the corruption and power grab.” 

There are protests planned for Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Silver City, Alamogordo, Truth or Consequences, Socorro, Portales, Los Lunas, Ramah, Gallup, and Taos. It is advised that New Mexicans stay vigilant and aware of these situations and avoid these areas for citizens’ own safety. These radicals have shown they are quick to violence and emboldened by their elected Democrat officials, such as Rep. Leger Fernandez. 

Arsonists firebomb New Mexico GOP’s Albuquerque headquarters

Exclusive—As leftists set to riot Saturday, threats abound: ‘Get ready, f***wads!’ Read More »

Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ star who owned NM ranch, passes away

5 Comments / Culture, New Mexico, News / By

Val Kilmer, the iconic actor recognized for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65.

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that he died on Tuesday, April 1, due to pneumonia. She also noted that Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2014 and later recovered from.

Kilmer had largely retreated from public life in recent years, though he made a rare appearance in June 2019 for his TwainMania Foundation. He was joined at the event by his son, Jack Kilmer.

The appearance came as he prepared for his brief but touching role in Top Gun: Maverick, the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 blockbuster. Tom Cruise, who reprised his role in the film, had expressed excitement in 2018 about working with Kilmer again, calling it “special.”

After years of speculation regarding his health, Kilmer addressed his medical struggles in a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing his two-year fight with throat cancer had profoundly impacted both him and his family. A tracheostomy had left his voice permanently altered and his breathing limited.

Concerns about Kilmer’s health first arose publicly in January 2015, when he was hospitalized. While a spokesperson at the time cited a possible tumor, Kilmer later clarified on Facebook that he had simply experienced a complication, saying, “I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the UCLA ICU.”

He continued to push back against health rumors throughout 2015 and 2016, at times appearing in public with a tracheostomy tube and later without it. In one post, he wrote, “I have not had a tumor, or a tumor operation… I am praying for a speedy return to the boards as they say.”

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer was the middle of three sons born to Eugene and Gladys Kilmer. His parents divorced during his youth, and tragedy struck in 1977 when his younger brother, Wesley, died at just 15 years old.

“He was a genius,” Kilmer told The New York Times in 2002, remembering Wesley as a gifted young filmmaker with dreams that could have rivaled Spielberg or Lucas.

Following Wesley’s death, Kilmer found solace in acting and was accepted into Juilliard’s prestigious Drama Division, becoming the youngest student at the time to join the program. Reflecting on that period during a 2005 Juilliard talk, he shared, “I had a unique experience because I just lost my little brother a week before I started school… the extremely high standards and the activity of the School I’m sure were good for me… I was forced to really challenge myself about my very life.”

Kilmer’s film debut came in the 1984 comedy Top Secret!, where he showcased both his comedic timing and musical talents. But it was his role as Iceman in Top Gun that cemented his status as a Hollywood star. Reflecting on that experience with Larry King in 2013, Kilmer said, “It was fun. My guy didn’t like [Cruise], but it was fun to not like him.”

He later received critical acclaim for his performance as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), where he portrayed the legendary rock star with remarkable intensity—learning Morrison’s songs and adopting his persona for the role.

Kilmer married British actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 after the two met while filming Willow. They had two children—Mercedes in 1991 and Jack in 1995—before divorcing in 1996.

In addition to his acting work, Kilmer was a proud longtime resident of New Mexico. He owned a ranch near Pecos and was actively involved in local culture and preservation efforts, often expressing his deep love for the state’s landscapes and spirit. His passion for Mark Twain and American history also inspired community and arts outreach throughout the region.

In his later years, Kilmer continued to act and also wrote and starred in a one-man stage show, Citizen Twain, embodying the legendary author with characteristic dedication.

Val Kilmer is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack.

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Dems now victim-blaming NM Republicans after firebombing hate crime

25 Comments / Editorial, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a show of complete shamelessness, New Mexico Democrats are blaming the victims — the New Mexico Republican Party and GOP officials — for being the target of a violent arson attack that blew up the entranceway to the Albuquerque headquarters. Rather than condemning the political violence outright, Democrats are inflaming tensions and inciting further hostility by recklessly targeting GOP leaders like Reps. John Block (R-Alamogordo), Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), and Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela. Their dangerous and provably false rhetoric not only undermines the gravity of the violence but also puts these officials at direct risk.

While the FBI and ATF investigate the fire as a suspected arson — with fire-starting materials recovered from the scene — Democrat leaders have chosen to escalate, not de-escalate. State Democrats issued a press release loaded with inflammatory claims, including the absurd accusation that Republican lawmakers had been part of a crowd “calling for murder.” Not only is this untrue, it’s libelous, as pointed out by Rep. Lord. 

Rep. John Block — who is the editor and founder of the Piñon Post —was not even present at the event in question, and despite repeated attempts by Democrats to link him to the January 6 Capitol incursion, he never set foot inside or near the building nor participated in any violence. His presence at a peaceful rally attended by 53,000+ other peaceful Trump supporters — miles from the Capitol steps — appears to be another tired and debunked attempt to tie him to violence.

Chairwoman Amy Barela made clear during a Monday press conference: “This was not just an attack on our building. This was an attack on our values, our free speech, and the right of every New Mexican that wants to participate in the democratic process without fear.” She also revealed to Fox News that the targeted attack was being investigated as a hate crime.

But instead of standing with those under threat, Democrats doubled down. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, whose words to “legislate, litigate, agitate” were cited by Republicans as dangerously timed mere hours before the firebombing, dismissed concerns with shocking callousness. 

In comments to KOB 4, she accused Republicans of hypocrisy for condemning violence instead of apologizing for her call to “agitate,” claiming, “It’s ludicrous to have Republicans, who themselves have participated in violent protests, to accuse me of inciting violence.” She added, “We actually passed the sign of peace” at her town hall — an empty gesture in light of the inflammatory language she used just before the GOP headquarters went up in flames.

Leger Fernandez’s attempt to turn the blame onto Rep. Block — lying that he was involved in violent protests — further inflames the situation and spreads outright disinformation. These reckless allegations endanger GOP leaders by portraying them as instigators of violence when, in reality, they have consistently and unequivocally condemned it, including the January 6 unrest.

Instead of answering the call to stand above the violence they have inflamed, Democrats released a memorandum weaponizing the tragedy to smear GOP leaders with fabricated associations to extremism, referencing long-debunked connections and even citing the crimes of individuals wholly unrelated to the party’s current leadership. The memo accuses Chairwoman Barela of turning a blind eye to extremism simply because she has appeared in photos with GOP figures like Voice of America chief Kari Lake and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene — a clear attempt at guilt by association rather than substantive critique.

Rep. Stefani Lord called the Democratic Party’s allegations “libelous,” and Sen. Nicole Tobiassen said their claims are “desperate.”

In the face of a violent attack, New Mexico Republicans have called for unity, calm, and a return to civility. Democrats, however, have responded with personal attacks, misinformation, and what amounts to political gaslighting — accusing their opponents of the very behaviors they themselves are fueling.

Rather than take responsibility for inflaming tensions, Rep. Leger Fernandez and her allies are engaging in dangerous victim-blaming — further endangering those already under attack. If Democrats genuinely oppose political violence, they should begin by ceasing the kind of reckless rhetoric that invites it.

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‘Gaslighting liar’: Democrat scrambles for cover after terror attack on NM GOP HQ

32 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

At a Saturday town hall in Santa Fe where U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-CD-3) called for followers to “agitate” against Republicans, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Trump administration in general, she is now trying to save face following the firebombing of the Republican Party of New Mexico Headquarters early in the morning Sunday.

At the town hall, Leger Fernandez told the crowd, “Legislate, litigate, agitate! And you guys are part of the ‘agitate’ part.” 

The inciting words were widely seen as a call for violence, mainly because they were not qualified in any way to ensure this agitation was done legally or peacefully.

Her comments come in the wake of violent domestic terrorists torching Tesla vehicles at dealerships, including on tribal land in New Mexico, where Teslas have been seen vandalized following CEO Elon Musk’s advisor role to President Donald Trump. 

After the inflammatory language, violent domestic terrorists committed arson at the state GOP headquarters in Albuquerque, effectively blowing up the main entrance, causing smoke damage throughout, and wrote in a stencil on the stucco outside, “ICE = KKK.” 

Many hours following the terror attack, Leger Fernandez wrote, “Political violence is unacceptable, including the arson attack on New Mexico’s GOP headquarters. The perpetrators must be held accountable. Every American should be able to freely and safely participate in our democracy.”

She added, “At my town hall yesterday, I spoke about love in action—about the importance of showing respect and listening. That is what we need right now.” 

The Democrat conveniently left out the part where she called her supporters to take to agitating those who disagree with them by antagonizing conservatives — resulting hours later in a violent arson attack that could have left people injured or killed.

One X user wrote on Leger Fernandez’s post, “Uhm…  You called for people to ‘agitate’ against Trump, Musk, Republicans, conservatives, and others with whom y’all disagree. Stop lying.” 

“You told them their role was to agitate. They did exactly what you told them to do. Step up and bluntly say you were wrong and to NOT cause destruction and harm. This is on you. Fix it,” wrote another. 

One person added, “[Y]ou incite it at your rally then deny, gaslighting liar. you don’t represent me or NM.”

Arsonists firebomb New Mexico GOP’s Albuquerque headquarters

‘Gaslighting liar’: Democrat scrambles for cover after terror attack on NM GOP HQ Read More »

Arsonists firebomb New Mexico GOP’s Albuquerque headquarters

48 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early Sunday morning, a shocking act of arson targeted the Republican Party of New Mexico’s (RPNM) headquarters in Albuquerque, leaving the building’s entryway destroyed and defaced with hateful graffiti reading “ICE=KKK.” This brazen and deliberate attack, driven by hatred and intolerance, is a direct assault on our values, freedoms, and the fundamental right to political expression.

“This horrific act is not just an attack on the Republican Party—it’s an attack on democracy and the principles that underpin our nation,” said RPNM Chairwoman Amy Barela. “We are deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly incident. Those who resort to violence to undermine our state and nation must be held accountable, and our state leaders must take decisive action to ensure these cowardly attacks are met with zero tolerance.”

This attack is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing and deeply troubling pattern of politically motivated violence that has spread across the nation. As Barela pointed out, such incidents have been fueled, in part, by the silence and implicit encouragement from progressive leaders who refuse to condemn these acts.

“Their failure to stand against political violence has created an environment where attacks like this are not only possible but increasingly frequent,” said Barela. “The lack of accountability and the unwillingness of many to denounce such behavior only emboldens those who wish to silence dissent and intimidate political opponents.”

RPNM is working closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), local law enforcement, and federal investigators to ensure that every piece of evidence is collected and those responsible for this attack are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “We will not allow New Mexico’s broken criminal justice system to dilute the seriousness of this attack,” Barela emphasized. “Justice must be served, and these criminals must be held accountable.”

The Republican Party of New Mexico remains resolute in its mission to protect free speech and defend the rights of all New Mexicans. Barela stressed that the party will not be intimidated or silenced by acts of political violence. “We will emerge from this stronger, more united, and more determined to fight for the people of New Mexico and the future of our country,” she declared.

Barela also pointed out the historical irony of the attack, drawing parallels between the Democratic Party’s historical support of oppressive institutions like the Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow laws, and slavery and the modern-day tactics used to suppress free speech and intimidate political opposition. “Today, we see the same dangerous tendencies play out in new forms—attempts to suppress free speech, silence dissent, and use fear to control the political narrative,” she said.

“Our fight is not just for our party—it’s for every New Mexican who wants a safer, freer, and more accountable state,” said Barela. “We will never back down.”

Just yesterday, Democrat U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez told attendees at a town hall to be “agitators,” and that call apparently has had a response from the most violent agitators seeking to cause fear through apparent domestic terrorism.

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Libs lose their minds after YouTuber calls out ABQ’s ‘Zombie Land’

33 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Albuquerque’s International District, long referred to as the “War Zone” and more recently as “Zombie Land,” has gained fresh national attention after a viral YouTube video exposed the harsh realities of crime, drugs, and homelessness in the area. YouTuber Nick Johnson, known for his “Unboxing America” channel with over 1.1 million subscribers, took his audience on a raw, unfiltered tour of the district—and liberals are losing their minds over it.

“Oh God,” Johnson says at the start of his nearly 54-minute video, capturing scenes of people slumped over after using fentanyl, trash-filled streets, and an overwhelming sense of despair. The video, which has garnered over 186,000 views in less than two days, provides a brutally honest look at the decay in Albuquerque’s once-thriving neighborhoods. Johnson describes it as “the most frightful neighborhood in America” and adds, “This is super bad… I don’t think I’ve seen this bad since Austin, Texas, but this feels sketchier and more widespread”—a damning indictment of Albuquerque’s decline, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Democrats Defend Their Failure

Instead of acknowledging the depth of the crisis, local Democratic leaders have rushed to defend their record. Mayor Tim Keller’s spokesperson, Shannon Kunkel, dismissed the video’s impact, claiming, “Videos by out-of-state influences that exploit people in crisis for likes offer no real solutions to the complex, national challenges we’re facing with addiction and homelessness.” However, this response sidesteps the fact that the situation has spiraled under the watch of Democratic leadership, despite years of promises to clean up the area.

Keller’s administration claims to have poured resources into the district, but the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Wraparound services, additional housing units, and crime-fighting technology have done little to stem the tide of drugs and violence. As Johnson bluntly puts it, “You can’t save any of the people I witnessed on the streets of Albuquerque that day… But, hopefully every kid growing up in New Mexico watches this video and it scares them into never wanting to live their lives like that.”

Elected Officials in Denial

Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, an Albuquerque Democrat whose district includes the International District, downplayed Johnson’s portrayal of the area. “The implication is, ‘Oh, this is a horrible place with murder and mayhem and crime,’ and what you see is people milling about on the street in the middle of the night,” Stewart said, dismissing concerns about public safety. Yet, Stewart herself acknowledged during a Senate hearing that the area has become “the state epicenter for crime, pedestrian fatalities, cartel activity, human trafficking, drugs, crime, tent cities… It’s gotten quite bad.” Her contradictory remarks highlight the disconnect between Democratic rhetoric and the grim reality.

Republican Senator Nicole Tobiassen, however, painted a far grimmer—and more realistic—picture based on her own experiences. “There were drugged-out people walking in the middle of the street… urinating and defecating in the street,” she recounted, describing a visit to the area. “That was a few years ago, and it’s worse now.” Tobiassen’s blunt assessment echoes what Johnson’s video showed—a district in crisis, where residents live in fear and degradation is the norm.

The Ugly Truth: Decay Under Democrat Leadership

Johnson’s video also exposes Albuquerque as “the center for the drug trade” due to its position at the intersection of Interstates 25 and 40. “They come here and cut the drug[s], split it up, bag it up and then distribute it off to the rest of the country,” he explains, illustrating how Albuquerque has become a hub for trafficking and criminal activity.

While Stewart and others tout initiatives like Senate Bill 481, which aims to turn Expo New Mexico, where the State Fair is held, into an apparent housing complex, the truth is that years of Democrat control have only worsened the situation. As Tobiassen aptly stated, “The fact that it’s just allowed to continue is a tragedy.”

Stewart may attempt to highlight positive developments, but even she admitted, “It’s very embarrassing.” And for good reason—Democrats have had years to reverse the decline, yet the International District remains a glaring symbol of failed policies and misguided priorities.

Time for Real Solutions, Not Denial

The harsh truth is that Albuquerque’s International District, once a place of promise, has become a reflection of Democrat mismanagement. The time for excuses and denial is over, Johnson warned,  “This video should be required viewing for high school kids in your state.” Perhaps it’s also time for New Mexico’s leaders to watch and finally confront the disaster their policies have created.

WATCH:

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You’re paying more, getting less: NM named worst state for taxpayers

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As Tax Day approaches on April 15, a new WalletHub report ranks New Mexico dead last in the nation for taxpayer return on investment (ROI), raising serious questions about how effectively state government uses public funds.

The annual study from WalletHub evaluated all 50 states using 29 metrics across five key categories: education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure & pollution. New Mexico ranked 50th overall despite having one of the highest tax burdens in the country.

The state placed near the bottom in nearly every category:

  • 49th in education
  • 42nd in health
  • 50th in safety
  • 45th in economy
  • 34th in infrastructure and pollution
  • 48th in total taxes per capita

“There can be a tradeoff between how much tax you pay and what you receive in return from the government,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Several of the states with the best taxpayer ROI don’t charge any income tax… At the same time, while people pay more in states that do charge income tax, they may benefit from better infrastructure, education, safety or public health as a result.” But New Mexico, he implied, is not among those states.

Despite high tax revenues, the report indicates that New Mexico struggles to deliver high-quality public services. The state’s ranking of 50th in public safety is especially alarming, given ongoing concerns about violent crime and law enforcement shortages. Its poor education score also highlights persistent challenges in student performance and graduation rates.

Tax experts say measuring ROI requires more than looking at how much residents pay. It’s about outcomes.

“Everyday citizens can assess the return on investment of their tax dollars by examining how efficiently their local and state governments convert revenue into high-quality public services,” said Min Su, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Louisiana State University. “Efficiency is not simply about spending less; it is about spending wisely to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

New Mexico’s low ranking suggests a mismatch between spending and results. According to WalletHub’s methodology, New Hampshire topped the list, largely because it delivers strong outcomes in public safety, education, and environmental quality — all while charging no state income tax.

Lauren E. Haddad Washburn, a tax attorney and professor, advised residents to become more involved in municipal budgeting and to scrutinize how funds are spent. “Citizens can attend Board of Finance meetings, hearings, and other public forums… Comparing budgeted amounts versus actual spending can give insight into efficiency,” she said.

With 66% of Americans believing their taxes are too high, WalletHub’s findings may resonate especially loudly in New Mexico — where residents are paying more but getting far less in return.

To view the full report, visit here. 

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Las Cruces shooting suspect’s dark past: NM Dems killed bills to stop these crimes

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The only adult thus far charged in connection with Friday night’s mass shooting at Las Cruces’ Young Park had previously faced serious criminal charges in Texas — including smuggling offenses that prosecutors say point to his danger to the public.

Court documents from El Paso County show that 20-year-old Tomas Rivas was charged in January 2024 with four counts of smuggling persons and one count of evading arrest. His criminal history dates back to 2021 when he was 17 and arrested for transporting an illegal immigrant.

These past and pending charges are now part of the evidence presented by the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in a motion to keep Rivas in jail pending trial. Prosecutors argue that no conditions of release would ensure public safety.

“[He] has a history of criminal activity which appears to be gang-related,” the District Attorney’s Office noted in its pretrial detention motion. Rivas, they added, has been residing in Las Cruces for some time and is employed at a local Sonic Drive-In.

Rivas is among four individuals — including three teenagers — charged in the deadly shooting that killed three young people and wounded 15 others. According to police, multiple people opened fire into a crowd during an unsanctioned car show at Young Park. The victims were identified as Dominick Estrada, 19; Andrew “AJ” Madrid, 16; and Jason Gomez, 17.

Rivas and the three teens — two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old — each face three counts of first-degree murder. Police said Rivas and one of the teens attempted to dispose of four handguns in a dumpster. Those firearms, all semi-automatic pistols, were later recovered.

Authorities also reported that one teen sought refuge in a nearby apartment, where a resident later found another gun that belonged to him. All three juveniles were booked into the juvenile unit of the Doña Ana County jail, while Rivas was held in the adult section after being arrested on Las Cruces’ north side.

Third Judicial District Attorney Fernando Macias told the Albuquerque Journal that he plans to prosecute all four as adults. “The first thing that we’re going to address, hopefully very quickly, is keeping them in custody,” Macias said. He added that under New Mexico law, suspects over age 15 can be charged as adults.

The shooting, which shook the Las Cruces community, follows years of concerns about youth involvement in criminal smuggling operations along the El Paso-Sunland Park corridor. Law enforcement and school officials have long observed how teenagers in the Borderland are recruited into these networks, sometimes with deadly outcomes. Federal agencies like the U.S. Border Patrol have been working for over a decade with local schools in attempts to curb recruitment.

Court filings suggest Rivas may have been involved in such a smuggling network.

As of Monday, prosecutors had filed a motion for pretrial detention. Rivas’ attorney, Thomas Clark, told the Journal he expected a hearing to be scheduled later in the week. Attorneys have also been appointed to represent the juveniles.

Meanwhile, despite repeated concerns from law enforcement, prosecutors, Republicans, and even Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham about rising juvenile violence, Democrat lawmakers in the New Mexico House and Senate declined to advance legislation during the recently concluded 60-day legislative session that would have strengthened penalties or accountability measures for violent juvenile offenders.

Las Cruces shooting suspect’s dark past: NM Dems killed bills to stop these crimes Read More »

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