Renato Costa

As ABQ fails, Mayor Tim Keller floats running for another term

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque, has become a warzone under Democrat Mayor Tim Keller, being one of the deadliest cities in the United States, and crime forcing businesses to flee after skyrocketing crime led to devastating losses. 

Murder and pillaging are the norms in Albuquerque, with tent cities, and waiting times for police to arrive at the scene of a crime can take 40 minutes or even longer.

For crime alone, not to mention the other slew of issues the Democrat mayor has passed, including $30,000 crosswalks, bans on plastic bags (that are now overturned), and bureaucratic “equity” offices, Keller is hinting at yet another term in the city despite the abysmal record.

In response to a question from New Mexico PBS about seeking another term in 2025, Keller said, “That’s certainly what I’m looking at right now. It’s not a secret.” 

“I’m talking about groundbreakings in the State of the City, but if we’re looking at completions, we’re looking at like 2026, 2027, and so right now, that’s driving me to say, ‘Hey, I want to make sure to be here to stick around for that,’ and even getting out of consent decree,” he continued. 

The major shift from the far-left mayor toward seeking another term comes after he won the 2021 municipal election for a second term against two candidates, one of them being former Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales. 

He won about 56 percent of the vote to Gonzales’ 26 percent and the radio talk show host’s 18 percent. Both candidates appeared to have split the vote in Keller’s favor and avoided a runoff election since the mayor narrowly won above a 50 percent majority. 

‘“The foundation that we’ve built to deal with crime and homelessness includes things like the Gateway Center, and our community safety department, and even the 100 new officers we have in the pipeline at the academy, and our crime-fighting initiatives through the Roundhouse to stop the revolving door – so this winter is really important,” claimed Keller on election night.

So far, Albuquerque remains failing in its supposed attempts to stem the effects of crime, and KRQE 13 News reported that Keller has so far failed to meet his 95 percent operational compliance level at the Albuquerque Police Department.

Does Tim Keller deserve a third term as Albuquerque mayor?

Please fill out the form:
Keller, top Dems buck mandate, spotted maskless at indoor wedding reception

As ABQ fails, Mayor Tim Keller floats running for another term Read More »

Heinrich desecrates Memorial Day, uses holiday to promote abortion

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Opinion, Politics / By

On Memorial Day, most public officials used the somber holiday to honor and remember the fallen U.S. soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedoms. 

However, that did not stop New Mexico’s far-left Democrat U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich from politicizing the day to promote his radical abortion stance.

“Service members and their families are stationed according to need. That means 40% of active-duty servicewomen live in states that have banned or restricted abortion,” he wrote on Twitter.

“We have a bill that will make sure they have access to reproductive care, regardless of where they live.” 

New Mexicans responded as expected, with Ronnie Lucero of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly writing in reply, “It’s Memorial Day and this guy is talking about killing babies.” 

Another wrote, “You are disgusting. Speaking about abortion rights on Memorial Day. I don’t think the unborn fought and died for our freedom. DISGUSTING!” 

“When you think @MartinHeinrich couldn’t sink any lower on a day of remembering the ones that served and sacrificed. He [somehow] sabotages this day. By mixing abortion into this day of remembrance,” wrote another New Mexican.

One person opined, “Never miss an opportunity even if it’s disgusting.  Then again you are what you tweet!!!”

Heinrich supports unrestricted abortion up to the date of birth. He is running for a third term in his seat amid rumblings he is trying to position himself for the governorship in 2026, as incumbent abortion up-to-birth Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, is term-limited. 

Heinrich desecrates Memorial Day, uses holiday to promote abortion Read More »

Feds allege ‘pirate’ station hiding at Spaceport America

5 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau alleges that pirate frequencies are operating out of FAA-licensed Spaceport America in Sierra County near Truth or Consequences. 

“An Agent from the Denver Office confirmed that unauthorized radio signals were transmitted on frequencies 95.3 MHzx and 96.3 MHz from the Spaceport America property located between Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, between June 21 and June 25, 2022 during the Spaceport America Cup 2022 event,” the FCC wrote on May 24, 2023.

Land Rover MENA via Wikimedia Commons.

“Enabled with new powers by Congress under the industry-friendly PIRATE Act, the FCC has recently been dispatching a sheaf of enforcement letters like this, targeting a station catering to New York City Ecuadorians and another pirate radio station allegedly transmitting from a church,” reported 5mag.net. 

Federal Communications Commission via Wikimedia Commons.

“The letter — typically the first notice of an open investigation and warning prior to enforcement — states that continued broadcasting from the site may result in a fine in excess of $2 million.” 

RadioInk.com adds, “FCC agents have determined that exceptions for low-powered devices do not apply in this case, potentially constituting a violation of the Communications Act of 1934.” 

The Spaceport opened in 2011 and is owned and operated by the New Mexico State Land Office, but it does not have an FCC license to broadcast on either alleged frequency.

Feds allege ‘pirate’ station hiding at Spaceport America Read More »

ABQ Public Schools spends insane amount per pupil as enrollment drops

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to figures compiled by the Rio Grande Foundation (RGF), Albuquerque Public Schools is spending an insane amount of taxpayer dollars per student while enrollment in the school declines.

“Albuquerque Public Schools, the State’s largest district unveiled its FY 2024 budget (next school year) and it’s a doozy. As noted on the APS website, total district spending for the upcoming fiscal year will be $2.16 billion,” wrote the group.

RGF noted, “According to the just-passed budget (which we obtained) the District’s enrollment will have dropped (again) to 68,902. So, dividing the $2.16 billion budget by 68,902 students gets you a mind-blowing spending number of $31,349 PER STUDENT!”

“That’s an increase of almost 69% since 2020 PER STUDENT. Will APS or any of New Mexico’s other school districts be able to move the needle on student outcomes or is the State just pouring good money after bad?” 

On average, education systems nationwide spend $15,120 per pupil in K-12 public education annually, according to figures from the Education Data Initiative. That means APS delves out more money than double the national average per student.

Despite the high spending, the school district has only a three percent higher graduation rate than the state at 80 percent versus the state average of 77 percent. 

“Public Schools in Albuquerque Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the New Mexico public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 58% statewide average),” according to Public School Review. 

ABQ Public Schools spends insane amount per pupil as enrollment drops Read More »

Storm chasers capture videos of tornado hitting ground near Grady, New Mexico

1 Comment / New Mexico, News / By

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned about a tornado storm near Grady, New Mexico, in Curry County. The storm also affected Roosevelt and Quay counties. 

Multiple reports say that the wind was at 90 miles per hour, which is destructive to structures, along with the hail. The shelter-in-place alerts went into effect until at least 8:15 p.m.

See some of the views of the storm caught by storm chasers, with the twister hitting ground shortly after 7:00 p.m. in Grady:

Tornadoes are rare in New Mexico, making this one, which is significant, something for residents to respond to with caution.

Storm chasers capture videos of tornado hitting ground near Grady, New Mexico Read More »

Lujan Grisham makes ghastly assertion about New Mexico’s energy identity

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

While speaking at POLITICO’s energy summit Thursday, Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham angered eco-leftists over her justification for vetoing electric vehicle tax credits in the omnibus package previously passed during the 2023 Legislative Session.

“These were important but way too small,” Lujan Grisham said of the tax credits. “These benefits were so small, they don’t move the needle. Sometimes when you get something, you don’t get a second bite at it.”

Eco-leftists charged the governor with “blowing smoke” with her “bull***t response.” 

However, other comments Lujan Grisham made at the summit have New Mexicans concerned.

The governor told the moderator during the event, “We have free college,” adding, “I’m producing workers in the renewable energy sector.”

She then said, “New Mexico was framed, and in fact, I might…I do disagree with that frame as an energy state and a leader in energy” (emphasis added).

On the contrary, New Mexico was responsible for the largest U.S. oil production growth in 2022 at 50 percent — beating all other states, as we previously reported. Much of the state’s massive $9.4 billion budget derives from the booming oil and gas industry.

A policy and performance analysis for the 2024 fiscal year from the Legislative Finance Committee noted, “Bolstered by high oil- and gas-related revenues, growing incomes, strong consumer spending, and inflation, New Mexico is experiencing record-high revenues across all major revenue streams.” 

The free market think tank, the Rio Grande Foundation, asked regarding Lujan Grisham’s comment, “On what planet is New Mexico NOT a… leader in energy?”

New Mexico, which is the second-highest oil-producing state in the country, certainly is an energy state, and any assertion otherwise is a fabrication of the truth.

WATCH:  

Governor’s feeble excuse reignites eco-left’s fury over EV tax credit veto

Lujan Grisham makes ghastly assertion about New Mexico’s energy identity Read More »

New Mexico responsible for astonishing amount of all U.S. oil production growth

7 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), New Mexico was responsible for an astonishing 50 percent of all U.S. oil production growth in 2022.

Oilprice.com reports, “For the third year in a row, New Mexico’s oil production growth eclipsed the growth of crude output in any other U.S. state, including Texas, the biggest U.S. oil-producing state and also home to part of the Permian shale basin.”

“Crude oil production in New Mexico jumped by 300,000 (barrels per day) bpd to 1.6 million bpd in 2022, a record for the state, the EIA has estimated.”

EIA’s offices are located in the James V. Forrestal Building in Washington, D.C., via Wikimedia Commons.

Crude oil production declined for the eighth year in a row in California and for the fifth year in a row in Alaska. 

“North Dakota, which had been one of the leading states in oil production growth in the past decade, saw oil production fall for the third consecutive year in 2022,” the report notes.

“The administration forecast in its Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) in May that U.S. crude oil production would continue to increase this year and next. Total U.S. crude oil production is set to climb to 12.5 million bpd in 2023 and to 12.7 million bpd in 2024, according to EIA’s most recent estimates.”

The EIA wrote, “More drilling activity leads to more oil production growth, and we follow the number of active drilling rigs reported by Baker Hughes. Based on this data, the number of land rigs increased by 8 in New Mexico, by 100 in Texas, and by 85 in all other states combined in 2022. In 2023, through the first week of May, the number of land rigs decreased in Texas by 8 and increased in New Mexico by 5.” 

New Mexico responsible for astonishing amount of all U.S. oil production growth Read More »

Lujan Grisham declares war on federally approved nuclear storage project

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham launched a thinly veiled threat about the Holtec International facility that was recently approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Commission OK’d the facility, which will safely store casks of spent nuclear fuel in an interim facility in Eddy and Lea counties.

Holtec International, which has a gleaming reputation for nuclear power and storage, began the approval process for constructing the facility in 2017, gathering widespread support from the region. 

Metropolitan-area Democrats, including Lujan Grisham, have been bemoaning the potential of the safe facility to exist in New Mexico, erroneously claiming it would create a “dumping ground” of nuclear “waste,” spurring the passage of S.B. 53, aiming to stop the facility from being built. There was bipartisan opposition to try and preempt the company from coming to New Mexico.

Sens. Moe Maestas (D-Bernalillo) and Jerry Ortiz y Pino (D-Bernalillo), as well as Reps. Ambrose Castellano (D-Ribera), Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Meredith Dixon (D-Bernalillo), Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup), and Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde) joined all Republicans in opposition to the unconstitutional bill.

These safe fuel rods, housed in secure casks, would be transported by rail to the facility on train shipments specifically for storage. The project would account for over 350 new jobs. 

The casks are immune to hurricanes, floods, tornados, earthquakes, and even the impact of a plane crash. There would be no adverse effect on wildlife nor on groundwater, no radiological consequences in the event of a fire, and an inconspicuous design. 

Despite the facts, Lujan Grisham is issuing threats to Holtec International and federal regulators after the project was approved. 

The governor told POLITICO, “I will use every tool in my toolbox” to stymie the project.

“I think other states need to step up. I think other solutions need to step up,” Lujan Grisham said during POLITICO’s first-ever Energy Summit. “And I’ll take it as a compliment. This is a highly scientific state … that does a lot of innovation with two of [the Energy Department’s] national labs right here. But don’t expect us to always do the heavy lifting here.”

The outlet reported, “On Thursday, Lujan Grisham said she supported advanced energy technologies and acknowledged the U.S. should be ‘a little bit more open-minded’ about what technologies fuel the clean energy transition. But she criticized the federal government and Holtec’s process for weighing the risks of nuclear waste storage within her state.”

Immediately following the NRC decision, Lujan Grisham and Attorney General Raúl Torrez fumed about the decision in a joint statement.

“It also undermines the NRC’s alleged commitment to meaningful engagement with stakeholders, as it appears our concerns were wholly ignored and went unaddressed by Holtec and the NRC,” they wrote, despite the lengthy process Holtec took to receive approvals and work with the state and local stakeholders.

NRC’s approval of Holtec project leaves Gov. Lujan Grisham, AG Torrez fuming

Lujan Grisham declares war on federally approved nuclear storage project Read More »

Who was the Farmington shooter? Here’s what we know so far

5 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

Police have released the identity of the Farmington, New Mexico shooter who killed three and injured at least six others as 18-year-old Beau Wilson, a student at Farmington High School who was set to graduate the day after the Monday shooting spree. Police fatally shot Wilson.

Beau Wilson, who killed three and injured at least six in the Monday. May 15, 2023, Farmington mass shooting.

The victims who died from Wilson’s rampage include 97-year-old Gwendolyn Schofield, her 73-year-old daughter, Melody Ivie, and 79-year-old Shirley Voita.

In a Tuesday briefing, Farmington Deputy Police Chief Kyle Dowdy said the shooting in the residential area between Dustin and Ute streets appears “to be purely random and had no specific targets or motives that we can identify at this time.”

Dowdy said Wilson lived at an address in the neighborhood where the shootings took place. However, there was no indication he knew any of his victims.

A 16-year-old friend of the shooter told the Albuquerque Journal that during the shooting, he sent Wilson a Snapchat message about the shooting.

“​​The 16-year-old said he saw a video on TikTok of his friend being shot by officers. He said he knew instantly — by the way Wilson was walking — who it was,” the report noted.

The friend said, “I knew he was going to do something bad, but I didn’t think it was going to be something like that.”

“What he did was wrong,” the teenager said. “But everyone is going to see him as the mass shooter of Farmington, and I’m going to see him as Beau.”

Law Enforcement give Tuesday, May 16, 2023, briefing on Farmington mass shooting carried out by Beau Wilson.

As for a motive of the shooting, police said, “We’ve discovered nothing that leads us to believe that the suspect knew” and “We’re pretty confident in that this was completely random.”

Dowdy noted Wilson had a history of “minor infractions as a juvenile” and was believed to have suffered from an unspecified mental illness but nothing that “would rise on our radar.”

Who was the Farmington shooter? Here’s what we know so far Read More »

Lawyer for alleged NM hospital baby killer gives sickening defense

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A lawyer representing 19-year-old Alexee Trevizo, who is charged with murder after giving birth to her baby in an Artesia General Hospital bathroom and then killing the child, has a sickening defense for the Trevizo’s actions.

Attorney Gary Mitchell claims, “I think it’s pretty outrageous, actually.” 

He said, “She’s in great distress because she’s in jail and never been there before. And didn’t do anything to deserve being there, I don’t care what the State of New Mexico may allege.”

Crime Online reports, “Mitchell said his client is a good student who participates in choir and cheer at school, has never been in trouble before and is planning to attend New Mexico State University. The lawyer noted that Trevizo was already at a hospital when the birth occurred, which he said is significant.”

“She’s at the only facility where she can get help and then this happens? I have serious problems with that. I have serious problems with the hospital care, I have serious problems with the records we’re not getting out of this hospital because I don’t necessarily think it’s correct and honest…. I have serious problems with the charge in this case which is first-degree murder. You can bet your life we’re going to defend this tenaciously,” Mitchell continued.

“Prosecutors are seeking to keep the teen in jail until her trial. Mitchell contends that his client has no criminal history and has not attempted to flee since giving birth. He described the state’s criminal justice system and bail and bond rules as ‘barbaric’ and ‘archaic,’” Crime Online continued. 

The baby was found after a housekeeper at the hospital found pools of blood in a restroom and a heavy trash can that contained the dead child. 

Trevizo claimed to have back pain when she visited the hospital and then gave birth to the child in the restroom before being alleged to kill him. She claims the baby was already dead, but official reports show the child was born alive. 

Lawyer for alleged NM hospital baby killer gives sickening defense Read More »

1 … 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 … 20
Scroll to Top