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Women’s rights activist Riley Gaines takes UNM to court

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A legal battle is unfolding as the University of New Mexico (UNM) faces a lawsuit over imposing significant security fees on a conservative student group’s event. 

The Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF) has initiated a federal lawsuit against UNM for levying more than $5,000 in security costs for an event featuring Riley Gaines, a women’s sports advocate and former NCAA swimmer, organized by the university’s Turning Point USA chapter and supported by the Leadership Institute.

Gaines, who is known for her stance on women’s sports integrity and her competition against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, was invited to share her insights and advocacy for women’s sports. 

However, the university’s demand for a substantial security fee, initially quoted at over $10,000, has sparked controversy and allegations of First Amendment violations.

The SLF contends that UNM’s approach to assessing security fees based on anticipated reactions to Gaines’ speech constitutes viewpoint and content discrimination, a stance they argue is unconstitutional. 

“The invoice showed that twenty-seven officers were on-site, with several officers roaming and even an ‘arrest team’ standing by, even though the event was peaceful and only a few protestors showed up holding signs. UNM also admitted that the university consistently applies higher fees to Turning Point USA events,” SLF wrote in a release.

Despite objections and a formal warning from SLF, UNM proceeded to bill the organizing groups $5,384 for security, citing the deployment of twenty-seven officers and additional security measures, even though the event proceeded peacefully with minimal protest.

This legal challenge sheds light on the broader issues of free speech and the costs associated with securing events on college campuses, particularly those involving speakers with contentious viewpoints. 

Riley Gaines’ advocacy and experiences have previously ignited debates and protests, underscoring the polarized reactions by leftists to discussions about wanting only biological women to compete in women’s sports.

Gaines recently visited New Mexico and held a rally in front of the Roundhouse to advocate for women’s rights.

To hit GOP opponents, Stansbury trashes gun shop owners, energy sector

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico’s First Congressional District appears to not care about alienating more voters in her latest attack on the two Republicans running to challenge her in November. 

Stansbury’s team sent out a fundraising email Sunday hating on gun store owners and the energy industry (oil and gas specifically) — which provides a majority of the state’s budget for schools and hospitals.

In typical fashion, her team wrote, “Picture this: two extremist Republicans are gunning for our seat — one’s a gun store owner, and the other’s all about big energy.” 

The email added, “We can’t let them hijack our future,” insinuating that owning gun stores and working in the energy industry is in some way how New Mexico’s “future” will be upended. 

Albuquerque-area gun store and shooting range owner of Calibers, Louie Sanchez, and former independent-turned-Republican and retired energy executive Steve Jones of Ruidoso are competing in the June 4, 2024, primary to take on Stansbury.

Stansbury’s email concluded, “Democracy is on the line, John, and keeping NM-01 blue is critical to protecting it. Will you chip in $10 to join the fight with us?” 

It is unclear how keeping Stansbury, a passionately open-borders, pro-abortion up-to-birth Democrat who has spread disinformation about Republicans, is somehow securing “democracy.” 

Gabe Vasquez doubles down on shameless lie about Yvette Herrell

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In another act of desperation, far-left Democrat U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez once again attacked Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, who is running to reclaim the seat she previously held. Vasquez is doubling down in a blatant lie about Herrell’s views on in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Vasquez wrote in the melodramatic X post last week, “Extremist Yvette Herrell is in lockstep with Alabama’s Supreme Court. Republicans are taking away women’s reproductive healthcare rights & now they’re taking away the opportunity for loving couples to start a family. This is shameful & Herrell’s voting record is clear. Enough.” 

Then in a recent fundraising email ironically titled “Hypocrites,” Vasquez’s team lied again, writing, “The Alabama Supreme Court just ruled on restricting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Gabe’s extremist opponent, Yvette Herrell, has a voting record that proves she would support measures just like this one and MORE at the national level.”

“MAGA Republicans know they’re completely out of touch with the American people. Not only did they push policy to ban IVF treatments, but they voted against policy that would’ve protected it. Now, national Republicans are scrambling to get their candidates to flip-flop,” he wrote — another total lie.

However, Congresswoman Herrell is not against IVF. National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar posted that “this is a blatant lie,” sharing an article from Axios that noted the former congresswoman’s position.

“Former Reps. Mayra Flores (R-Texas) and Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.), who are running for their old seats, said in statements to Axios that they support access to IVF,” read the article.

But despite the truth, which is so easily fact-checkable, Vasquez’s team continues to spew vicious and blatant lies. Vasquez is a supporter of abortion up-to-birth without exceptions — a true “extremist” and “radical” position for anyone, much less Vasquez, who is desperate to claim to be an “independent leader.”

Even more hilariously, Vasquez’s team wrote, “Just like her MAGA Republican counterparts, Yvette continues to parrot the national Republican playbook rather than actually campaigning on the priorities of the New Mexicans she’s supposedly running to represent. And Republicans continue to shamelessly try (and fail!) to reverse their extremist agenda.” 

In reality, Vasquez is clinging to the latest national Democrat talking points to attack Herrell in an attempt to hold onto his seat that he narrowly won in 2022 by the slimmest of margins. Herrell, a former state lawmaker and former U.S. House sub-committee chairwoman, is giving Vasquez a run for his money in one of the most hotly contested races of the 2024 election cycle. 

The secret life and crimes of terrorist ‘prophet’ apprehended in Taos: Docs.

13 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

In a case that has captured national attention, Jany Leveille finds herself at the center of a legal storm after her involvement in a terrorist plot in New Mexico came to light. Leveille, a key figure in a group accused of establishing a training camp for terrorist activities in Taos County, has entered a guilty plea for her actions. According to KRQE News 13, federal authorities had initially agreed to a sentence cap of 17 years for Leveille despite the gravity of her offenses, which could have merited a life sentence under different circumstances.

The origins of this case can be traced back to 2018 when federal agents raided a secluded encampment in Taos County. The raid unveiled a shocking scene: a makeshift training ground where children were reportedly being prepared to launch attacks on governmental institutions and FBI agents. The authorities detained five adults, including Leveille, and discovered 11 children in a state of malnutrition. Leveille, a Haitian national, was purportedly the ideological and spiritual mentor of this group.

Investigations into the compound revealed a highly fortified setup, complete with a 100-foot escape tunnel, weapons caches, and a tactical training area designed to mimic real-life combat scenarios. Federal documents suggest that Leveille wielded significant influence over the group, particularly over Sirraj Wahhaj, whom she allegedly persuaded to marry her, thus securing her legal status in the United States.

Leveille’s role within the group extended beyond her marital manipulations. She was believed to have proclaimed herself a prophet, claiming to receive divine instructions. Her leadership included authoring a manuscript that outlined the group’s ideological beliefs and preparations for an impending conflict against those they deemed non-believers.

One of the most harrowing allegations against Leveille involves the kidnapping of Wahhaj’s son from Georgia. The child was reportedly brought to the compound, subjected to rituals purported to be exorcisms, and denied necessary medical treatment, leading to his tragic death in 2017. Federal authorities assert that Leveille attempted to conceal the child’s death, persuading her followers that he would be resurrected.

Leveille’s guilty plea in August to charges of illegal firearm possession and providing support to terrorists marked a significant development in the case. These charges, as noted by federal investigators, are severe enough to justify a life sentence in other contexts.

As Leveille awaits her sentencing, which is anticipated to fall between 12 and 17 years, the implications of her actions continue to reverberate through the community and the nation. Following the completion of her sentence, deportation is expected, marking the end of a chilling chapter in New Mexico’s history that has highlighted the persistent threats of domestic terrorism and the complexities of combating ideological extremism within the United States.

Gabe Vasquez spews ‘blatant lie’ about GOP opponent over recent court ruling

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court decision has virtually halted in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the state. 

Far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico’s Second District used the news of the ruling to attack his GOP opponent, former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, claiming she is “an extremist.” Herrell is the GOP nominee for the seat.

“Extremist Yvette Herrell is in lockstep with Alabama’s Supreme Court. Republicans are taking away women’s reproductive healthcare rights & now they’re taking away the opportunity for loving couples to start a family. This is shameful & Herrell’s voting record is clear. Enough,” he wrote in the melodramatic X post. 

However, Congresswoman Herrell is not against IVF. National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar posted that “this is a blatant lie,” sharing an article from Axios that noted the former congresswoman’s position.

“Former Reps. Mayra Flores (R-Texas) and Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.), who are running for their old seats, said in statements to Axios that they support access to IVF,” read the article.

Many Republicans are joining in to support IVF. On Friday, the 45th President expressed his endorsement for the continuation of in vitro fertilization treatments amid the contentious legal discourse in Alabama, where a recent court decision has classified frozen embryos as persons. In a statement on Truth Social, President Donald Trump emphasized his commitment to fostering robust, flourishing American families, stating, “Under my leadership, the Republican Party will always support the creation of strong, thriving, healthy American families. We want to make it easier for mothers and fathers to have babies, not harder! That includes supporting the availability of fertility treatments like IVF in every State in America.”

Trump further aligned himself with the general consensus in the country, advocating for the accessibility of IVF for couples striving to conceive. “Like the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of Americans, including the VAST MAJORITY of Republicans, Conservatives, Christians, and Pro-Life Americans, I strongly support the availability of IVF for couples who are trying to have a precious baby,” he remarked.

In light of the judicial decision in Alabama, which led to several providers’ temporary halt in IVF services, Trump urged the state’s lawmakers to devise a solution to safeguard IVF services promptly. 

All of the worst bills passed during the 30-day legislative session

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

The 30-day legislative session was a success on many fronts for liberty-minded New Mexicans, with proposals to enact a “Green Amendment,” mandatory paid family and medical leave, and bans on most firearms, among other far-left initiatives not making it across the finish line.

However, some bad legislation seeped through. Here are all the worst bills that got passed during the 2024 Legislative Session. Click the “NEXT” button below to see the list of items:

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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.

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.

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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