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NM city listed as one of the top targets during nuclear war

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In the midst of global tensions and the specter of nuclear conflict, a recent analysis has pinpointed Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the 11th most vulnerable city in the United States in the event of a nuclear attack. The report, conducted by 24/7 Wall Street using research from experts, sheds light on potential high-priority targets and the associated risks faced by various American cities.

Westinghouse Atom Smasher, Forest Hills, United States. Allie Reefer, Unsplash.

The study, which amalgamates research from Dr. Irwin Redlener and Stephen Schwartz, considered factors such as population density, distance to strategic military facilities, emergency preparedness, and ease of evacuation. The results position Albuquerque among cities where significant casualties and injuries are anticipated in the unfortunate event of a nuclear strike.

Albuquerque, with a population exceeding 562,000, is home to the Kirtland Air Force Base and serves as the headquarters for the Air Force Global Strike Command’s largest installation, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Despite being ranked the 11th worst for evacuations, experts predict that a nuclear bomb dropped in the area could cause approximately 11,200 deaths and 157,630 injuries.

Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. Joel Mabel, Wiki Commons.

The report underscores the vulnerabilities faced by cities housing military facilities, as the nature of these installations makes them potential targets in the eyes of adversaries. Albuquerque, with its strategic significance in the nation’s defense infrastructure, becomes a focal point in discussions about the potential impact of a nuclear attack.

The other top cities identified as potential high-priority targets for nuclear attacks based on factors such as population density, proximity to strategic military facilities, emergency preparedness, and ease of evacuation include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, New York City-Newark-Jersey City, San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Urban Honolulu, Omaha, Ogden-Clearfield, Colorado Springs, Great Falls, Cheyenne, and Shreveport-Bossier City.

Nuclear weapon test Bravo (yield 15 Mt) on Bikini Atoll. The test was part of the Operation Castle. The Bravo event was an experimental thermonuclear device surface event. U.S. Department of Energy via Wiki Commons.

While the prospect of such an event remains a grim hypothetical, the analysis serves as a reminder of the geopolitical uncertainties faced by cities across the United States. As international tensions persist, discussions surrounding emergency preparedness and the potential consequences of military conflicts become increasingly crucial for communities and policymakers alike.

NM lawsuit exposes Meta’s shocking link to child predator activity

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has unveiled a lawsuit against Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, alleging that Facebook and Instagram are exposing children to explicit content and facilitating the activities of child predators. In a press release, AG Torrez stated, “Our investigation into Meta’s social media platforms demonstrates that they are not safe spaces for children but rather prime locations for predators to trade child pornography and solicit minors for sex.”

Torrez, a career prosecutor specializing in internet crimes against children, emphasized his commitment to using every available tool to halt these disturbing practices and hold companies accountable when prioritizing profits over children’s safety. The attorney general disclosed that an undercover investigation of Meta’s platforms was conducted over several months, involving the creation of decoy accounts for children aged 14 and younger.

The lawsuit outlines troubling findings, accusing Meta of proactively directing sexually explicit content to underage users, enabling adults to contact and pressure minors for explicit imagery, recommending participation in unmoderated Facebook groups facilitating commercial sex, and allowing the sharing and selling of a vast volume of child pornography.

Despite assurances to Congress and the public, Torrez alleges that Meta’s executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, are aware of the harm their products pose to young users and have failed to implement sufficient changes. The complaint asserts that Meta fails to remove Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) across its platforms and facilitates the solicitation of underage users for illicit content and participation in commercial sex.

The lawsuit also delves into the addictive design of Meta’s platform, claiming that it harms children and teenagers, degrading their mental health, self-worth, and physical safety. AG Torrez contends that certain exploitative content is over ten times more prevalent on Facebook and Instagram than on platforms like Pornhub and OnlyFans.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Torrez’s office has chosen not to include many graphic and disturbing images found on Meta’s platforms in the complaint. The attorney general’s office encourages parents and children affected by sexual exploitation, addiction, depression, eating disorders, or other mental health issues due to social media use to share their experiences, fostering a collective effort to address these challenges.

Speaker Mike Johnson endorses Yvette Herrell

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Friday, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) endorsed former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell for her rematch against Gabe Vasquez, who narrowly won the Second Congressional District seat in 2022 following Democrats’ heavy gerrymandering of the district.

“Yvette Herrell is a dependable conservative leader who represented New Mexico’s 2nd District with diligence and integrity, and I am proud to endorse her today. Serving with Yvette, I saw firsthand how dedicated she is to the people of her district, and I know she will always stand firm for limited government and the protection of our Constitutional rights,” wrote Johnson.

“Yvette is the right choice to return this seat to Republican hands as we work to grow our House majority and get America back on track,” the Speaker continued.

Herrell wrote following the announcement, “I’m proud to announce that Speaker Mike Johnson has officially endorsed our campaign New Mexico’s 2nd District!”

“I am fortunate to have had the privilege of previously serving with Speaker Mike Johnson in Congress, and I know we are in good hands under his leadership. I’m so grateful for his support in our fight to restore conservative leadership in New Mexico and ensure we have leaders in Congress who will work to put America First,” she concluded.

The announcement formalized the entire U.S. House majority leadership endorsing Herrell for her comeback to Congress. Vasquez continues to struggle with his reelection chances, as he voted against lower costs for consumers and refused to vote to condemn antisemitism, among many other actions not in line with the Second Congressional District. 

Two of NM’s three U.S. reps. refuse to vote to condemn antisemitism

Failed Dem candidate, husband blew public cash on lavish trips, luxuries

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Western New Mexico University (WNMU), a small institution in Silver City, has come under scrutiny for extravagant spending by its administrators, revealed in a financial review by Searchlight New Mexico. The university, with around 3,500 students, has been spending substantial amounts on international trips and high-end furniture. Since 2018, WNMU President Joseph Shepard has embarked on trips to Zambia, Spain, and Greece in an effort to attract international students and their out-of-state tuition dollars. These trips, costing nearly $100,000 over the last five years, have involved other university executives, members of the WNMU Board of Regents, and Shepard’s wife, former CIA operations officer and Congressional candidate Valerie Plame, all funded by the university.

Locally, Shepard has utilized university funds, around $27,740, to furnish his on-campus residence at Seret and Sons, a Santa Fe retailer known for its luxurious offerings. Shepard defended the expense, emphasizing the need to entertain potential donors with an environment fitting their expectations. Despite the considerable costs incurred in travel, lodging, and furnishing, the university has not conducted a cost-benefit analysis on these expenditures. Only 64 of the current 3,500 students, less than 2% of the total student body, are international students, and more than a third of them come from Mexico.

Shepard justifies these expenses as long-term investments, contributing to a strategic plan to increase the school’s international population. He also emphasizes the importance of the president’s residence looking presidential for fundraising events. However, former university leaders and critics argue that this perceived opulence contradicts the region’s blue-collar history and economic reality, with nearly 30% of the town living below the poverty line.

In addition to international travel expenses, financial records reveal reservations at high-end hotels in the United States, including stays at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, a $12,000 expenditure to lease a 5,400-square-foot home in Santa Fe for two months, and a one-night stay at a Scottsdale, Arizona, resort accompanied by a $119 breakfast totaling over $1,000.

The university, founded in 1893, is located between the Gila National Forest and historic mines, emphasizing its mission to represent the diverse population of southwest New Mexico as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Shepard, who assumed the role of president in 2011, oversees a nearly $75 million budget and receives a $365,000 salary. Despite increased international relationships, particularly with Mexico, critics question the value of these expenditures, especially given the university’s 31% graduation rate. Concerns are also raised about the impact on local low-income students as tuition increases, and they argue that the budget could be more responsibly managed.

Shepard’s spending history faced legal challenges in 2018 when Brenda Findley, the university’s former vice president of business affairs, filed a lawsuit against the WNMU Board of Regents, alleging improprieties in the expenditure of public funds. The whistleblower suit was settled this summer with a payout exceeding $160,000 to Findley. Despite record levels of inflation and state-mandated employee raises, WNMU raised tuition by 3% the same month, further raising concerns about funding priorities and the impact on local students. Critics argue that Western New Mexico University, though potentially great, needs to focus on serving its local students rather than spending exorbitantly to attract students from other regions.

Two of NM’s three U.S. reps. refuse to vote to condemn antisemitism

47 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Two out of New Mexico’s three congressional representatives refused to vote to condemn and denounce “the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world,” with Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) being the only member of the delegation to vote for the measure.

The measure read that the U.S. House “strongly condemns and denounces all instances of antisemitism occurring in the United States and globally; (2) reaffirms and reiterates its strong support for the Jewish community at home and abroad; (3) calls on elected officials and world leaders to condemn and fight all forms of domestic and global antisemitism; (4) clearly and firmly states that anti-Zionism is antisemitism; and (5) rejects all forms of terror, hate, discrimination, and harassment of members of the Jewish community.” 

Reps. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03) voted “present,” while 311 members, including Stansbury, condemned and denounced antisemitism. Fourteen members voted against condemning antisemitism. Both Leger Fernandez and Vasquez did not have the stomach to take a stand against a rising barrage of hate and violence targeting Jews.

The same antisemitism both representatives have refused to condemn has shut down bakeries, canceled menorah lightings, and forced Jewish teachers into hiding, to name only a few instances of the rabid wave of violence. 

National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar wrote following the shocking vote, “It shouldn’t be hard to condemn antisemitism, but apparently, for Gabe Vasquez, it’s too heavy a lift. Voters in New Mexico deserve better than this.”

Vasquez faces a tough 2024 election to keep his seat, with GOP former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell running to reclaim her former place in Congress after the far-left Democrat won in 2022 by around 2,000 votes. National leaders have come to Herrell’s aid in campaigning as Vasquez flounders with votes that will likely harm his reelection chances, including refusing to condemn antisemitism and refusing to vote for measures to curb sky-high prices for American consumers. 

Survey uncovers voters’ stance on GOP’s potential immigration focus

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

A recent poll conducted by News Nation/Decision Desk HQ News reveals that nearly one-third of voters feel that securing the border and addressing illegal immigration should be a top priority if Republicans win the White House and both chambers of Congress in the upcoming election. The survey found that 32 percent of respondents prioritize immigration, with 30 percent leaning towards prioritizing spending to combat inflation.

Within the Republican voter base, support for increased attention at the U.S.-Mexico border is even more pronounced, with 52 percent of Republican respondents indicating that border security should be a primary concern for GOP lawmakers post-election. This issue is exacerbated in border states, including New Mexico.

The survey delves into opinions on the effectiveness of building a wall along the southern border. Only 25 percent of respondents, regardless of party affiliation, believe that constructing a wall would help address the country’s border security issues if Republicans achieve a federal trifecta next year.

Regarding funding to address migrant-related problems, 53 percent of respondents support the federal government increasing funding to state and local governments. Notably, more Democratic voters (73 percent) support this funding compared to Republicans (38 percent).

Title: A dry wash in the high country to the east of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is split between Hudspeth and Culberson counties in Texas, along the New Mexico border. Library of Congress via Wiki Commons.

The poll also highlights a divergence in views on government spending. A majority of respondents, both Democrats and Republicans, believe that government spending is currently out of control. The survey indicates that 55 percent of respondents feel that Congress must take action to bring down government spending, even if it involves shutting down the government.

When it comes to supporting a government shutdown to lower federal spending, 70 percent of Republicans are in favor, while 39 percent of Democrats share the same perspective.

The survey, conducted from November 26 to 27 among 3,200 registered voters, has a margin of error of two percentage points.

ABQ City Council triumphs after Dems flip votes, override Keller’s vetoes

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a surprising turn of events, Albuquerque City Council suspended the ongoing environmental justice rule hearing just one day into what was anticipated to be a weeklong discussion. 

The halt coincided with the council’s move to override Mayor Tim Keller’s recent vetoes concerning legislation aimed at reshaping the Air Quality Control Board, the very entity considering the environmental justice rule. 

A bill aimed to postpone the Air Quality Control Board’s consideration of an environmental justice regulation until February. Despite passing with a 5-4 vote on Nov. 8, falling short of a veto-proof majority, councilors later voted 7-2 to reinstate the moratorium.

Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn and Isaac Benton dissented. However, a pivotal moment occurred when Democrat Councilors Klarissa Peña and Pat Davis changed their votes, resulting in a 6-3 decision to override the veto. This decision allowed for the removal of board members, with Fiebelkorn, Benton, and Davis opposing the move and Peña once again altering her vote.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Councilor Dan Lewis, aimed to replace current board members and postpone hearings on environmental justice regulations until February.

The board, comprised of seven members, was in the midst of a $49,000 contract for the hearing at the Albuquerque Convention Center. 

The contentious rule faced opposition from defense contractors, developers, and major employers like Kirtland Air Force Base, the University of New Mexico, and Sandia National Laboratories. 

Critics argued that the regulation was overly burdensome, potentially quadrupling permitting times, threatening economic development, and even impacting national security.

While some supported the need for “environmental justice” regulations, opponents criticized the proposed rule’s drafting process, claiming inadequate stakeholder involvement. The sudden suspension of the hearing raised concerns about its impact on ongoing discussions and decision-making processes.

New Mexico sheriff found dead in Santa Fe hotel room

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

​​Curry County Sheriff Mike Reeves was discovered deceased in a Santa Fe hotel room on Monday, where he had traveled for law enforcement training. At 59, Reeves, survived by his two sons, Collin and Hayden Reeves, and a daughter, Avery Reeves, left a void in the community. The cause of death has not been immediately disclosed, but Undersheriff Michael Brockett assured that no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is scheduled with the Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque.

The news of Reeves’ passing led to an outpouring of grief from officials and colleagues. Curry County Manager Lance Pyle expressed the community’s heartbreak, acknowledging Reeves’ significant contributions to the county. Brockett will temporarily assume the sheriff’s duties until the Curry County Commission appoints a successor.

Reeves, who ran unopposed for the sheriff’s position in 2022, had a distinguished career spanning over 35 years in law enforcement. He commenced his journey with the Clovis Police Department in 1983 and later retired from the Curry County Sheriff’s Department in August 2018. Following Sheriff Wesley Waller’s retirement, Reeves decided to run for sheriff and succeeded him.

Sheriff Reeves’ career was marked by both accomplishments and challenging moments. Notably, he was among the initial responders to the mass shooting at the Clovis-Carver Library in August 2017, where he demonstrated valor and received a citation for his courageous actions. Reeves also ventured into the medical field, becoming a registered nurse in 2008, inspired by his own experiences during a hospital stay as a child.

In a 2018 interview, Reeves shared two poignant memories from his law enforcement career. One involved receiving a life-saving medal in 2008 for aiding a choking baby girl, and the other was the harrowing experience of responding to the library shooting. Reflecting on these incidents, Reeves emphasized the significant impact law enforcement and medical professionals can have on people’s lives when motivated by a positive intent.

Sheriff Mike Reeves leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication, with his passing eliciting reflections on his meaningful contributions to the community.

New Mexico unemployment claims just spiked

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In the most recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor, it was revealed that initial filings for unemployment benefits in New Mexico experienced an increase during the week ending November 25 compared to the previous week. The data, considered a key indicator of job market dynamics, showed that new jobless claims in the state rose to 743, marking a notable uptick from the 586 claims recorded in the preceding week.

On a national scale, U.S. unemployment claims also registered an increase, reaching 218,000 in the same week. This marked a rise of 7,000 claims from the previous week, which had reported 211,000 claims. The figures are seasonally adjusted to account for variations in employment patterns that occur regularly throughout the year.

Notably, the state of Kansas stood out with the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, experiencing a significant surge of 91.0%. In contrast, Oregon saw a noteworthy decline in new claims, with a substantial 48.3% drop. These contrasting trends in different states highlight the dynamic and varied nature of the economic impact of the ongoing circumstances.

The reasons behind the increase in unemployment claims in New Mexico and other states are likely influenced by a range of factors, including shifts in local economic conditions, potential fluctuations in job availability, and broader macroeconomic trends. The data underscores the continued challenges and uncertainties facing the labor market as it navigates the complex landscape shaped by both the ongoing recovery efforts and the lingering effects of the recent global disruptions.

As policymakers and analysts assess these trends, the focus remains on supporting economic recovery measures and addressing the specific needs of communities facing heightened unemployment challenges. The evolving situation will be closely monitored for its implications on both regional and national economic recovery trajectories.

Lujan Grisham extends radical anti-gun edict

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has decided to extend an executive order declaring “gun violence” a public health emergency. The renewal, effective until December 29, 2023, underscores the governor’s attacks on lawful New Mexico gun owners’ rights.

Governor Lujan Grisham’s executive orders mandate collaboration among the Department of Health, Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, and Health Care Authority. While the renewal doesn’t introduce any alterations to the existing orders, it does maintain the current public health directives banning guns in parks, among other measures.

A notable absence during the signing was the governor herself, with Lt. Gov. Howie Morales taking on the responsibility in her absence. The decision to renew these executive orders comes at a time when gun control measures are a subject of intense debate across the nation.

New Mexicans who follow the Constitution note that executive actions infringe upon individual rights and bypass legislative processes designed to ensure democratic decision-making, along with total ignorance of inalienable constitutional rights. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of labeling “gun violence” as a public health emergency and whether it is the most appropriate approach to tackling the complex social issues associated with it.

The governor promised to provide updates on the progress of initiatives addressing gun violence later this month. The orders, however, have produced no tangible changes to protect New Mexicans.

As Lujan Grisham continues her attacks on gun rights, the ongoing debate surrounding the governor’s executive orders is likely to persist in the next legislative session, with discussions centering on impeaching the governor for violating her oath and far-left Democrats seeking to take away New Mexicans’ rights.

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