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NM is one of the most expensive states to buy groceries: Report

16 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

According to a recent study from HelpAdvisor, New Mexico is the sixth most expensive state in America to buy groceries.

HelpAdvisor’s study has uncovered a stark reality: the average American’s weekly grocery bill is $270.21, significantly lower than New Mexico’s average of $ 286.39.

“While U.S. inflation slowed in 2023, grocery store cash registers continued running hot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for food at home was up 1.7% year-over-year in November,” HelpAdvisor noted.

The only states beating New Mexico’s $286.39 average weekly grocery cost were Florida at $287.27, Washington at $287.67, Mississippi at $290.64, Nevada at $294.76, and California at $297.72.

The lowest weekly grocery bill states were Nebraska at $235.12, Iowa at $227.32, and Wisconsin at $221.46.

“Miami, FL, reported the highest average weekly grocery spending of any major metro area at $327.89, or about 14% higher than Florida’s statewide average. Houston, TX, ($302.65) and Riverside, CA, ($300.50) also topped $300 per week in grocery spending,” wrote the outlet regarding the largest metro areas’ costs. 

Mental Floss’ analysis of the BLS data showed the following regarding the highest price hikes per category: 

  • Cereals and bakery products: up 2.6 percent
  • Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs: up 2.3 percent
  • Dairy and related products: down 1.3 percent
  • Fruits and vegetables: up 0.3 percent
  • Nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials: up 2.6 percent 
  • Other food at home (i.e., candy, snacks, sauces): up 2.8 percent

NM is one of the most expensive states to buy groceries: Report Read More »

MLG chides DHS in leaked audio as ‘feckless’ accusations fly amid inaction

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A new audio recording posted on X by the account “Chaos Coordinator” shows New Mexico Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham talking with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas’ chief of staff, Jonathan Davidson, regarding the border.

“I’m going to put extra border patrol and uh for the love of God, put them at the border in Sunland Park, where I don’t have a single border patrol agent, not one, and people pour over. And so, I’m cranky with the Secretary,” the recording begins. 

“He knew that was coming, [and] did not say a word to me. Politico wants to write an article. Every single major press group in the state is asking repeatedly, basically accusing me of being feckless. Huffington Post, I mean, they’re all going to run with it.”

“They’re saying that they’re worried about fentanyl, so they’re taking all of our cannabis. And they tried to, and they’re detaining people. Never have done that. We just use discretion. Looked the other way,” referring to DHS enforcing federal laws that ban the transport of contraband (marijuana), which federally is a Schedule 1 substance.

“But the press also knows that Border Patrol is taking a hard stance, and the only way … is either we have to adjust it, or I have to send you a letter saying you’re persecuting the state, you are not using your discretion, you’re not working with me on immigration. And I don’t want to send out a letter, but I’m, I’m boxed in.”

“And here’s what also the Secretary (Mayorkas) said to me, just so you know: ‘Well, who cares? They make a lot of money.’ Well, first of all, it’s patience,” the governor said in an annoyed tone.

“So, I was really offended by it. Shame on them. And then, secondly, we’re the only state that lets baby producers in. If they lose a load, their business goes belly-up.” It is unclear what the governor is referring to as “baby producers,” but losing a load of diapers or formula surely wouldn’t bankrupt the company.

“Yeah, I thought that was really inappropriate. I mean, whatever you want to do with that, but it was really inappropriate. Yeah, if you can, I mean, I’ve held off the press, and so that’s, uh, uh, I’ll send it to you. You know, I got a nasty ‘The governor’s feckless and is gonna let Biden walk all over.’ I can’t have that,” she concluded in the leaked call with Davidson. 

So far, Lujan Grisham is the only border-state governor to have done literally nothing to aid Border Patrol with the border crisis. Even far-left Democrat Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Katie Hobbs of Arizona are doing something to address the crisis. Hobbs sent the National Guard to aid border communities, while Newsom’s California National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force, used to help alleviate the crossing of deadly drugs, helped seize over 1.1 million fentanyl pills last week. Lujan Grisham pulled all National Guard personnel from the border as one of her first acts as governor and has refused any help to the federal government to deal with mass illegal immigration.

MLG chides DHS in leaked audio as ‘feckless’ accusations fly amid inaction Read More »

APS ousts principal after drag queen stripper fiasco

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fury erupted from concerned citizens and parents after a video was posted showing a drag queen stripper “entertaining” minors at Atrisco Heritage Academy’s prom in Albuquerque. The shockwaves immediately began, with many contacting the school’s principal, Irene Cisneros, with rage.

In response to the uproar following the video, Albuquerque Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday, informing parents that an investigation into the incident is underway to determine how it was allowed to happen and the impact on students. The statement clarified that this issue is considered a personnel matter, and no further details were available at the time.

Now, according to a social media-shared email, Cisneros is no longer the principal. Albuquerque’s Chief of Schools, Channell Segura, wrote, “I want to inform you that Anthony Lovato has been appointed as the acting principal of Atrisco Heritage Academy.”

The email further read, “Please join us in welcoming Mr. Lovato to the Atrisco Heritage Academy Community.”

One X commenter wrote, “That was surprisingly fast. Good!”

“Nice! I’m shocked it happened, much less so quickly,” added another.

Other videos shared on social media reveal that the male stripper in drag not only danced but told the kids, “We’re grown,” while touching the kids, shaking his fake breasts, then pulling out the breast pads to wipe his face. 

More videos reportedly are circulating, as the Piñon Post has learned. It is still unclear who the people responsible for the drag show performance are, however, with the school’s principal no longer in that role, the school’s chief could be implicated. 

ABQ school hosts ‘drag queen stripper’ performance at prom

APS ousts principal after drag queen stripper fiasco Read More »

ABQ school hosts ‘drag queen stripper’ performance at prom

31 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A video circulating across the internet shows a drag queen stripper performing a sexually lude dance at Atrisco Heritage Academy’s prom last Saturday at the Kiva Auditorium Convention Center.

Concerned parents expressed shock and dismay upon discovering that a provocatively dressed dancer was part of the evening’s entertainment, sparking a widespread backlash as footage of the event circulated online.

Speaking to KRQE News 13, one mother described the performance as highly inappropriate, noting the dancer’s revealing attire and suggestive dance moves. “You can see the video of the inappropriate dance moves and how this exotic dancer performed in front of hundreds of kids,” she said, adding that the incident was shocking and distasteful.

Parents criticized the school’s decision to include such an act in a school-related function, questioning the judgment of those who approved the performance. Many felt that more oversight was necessary, as school staff and chaperones present at the event did not intervene. The lack of prior warning to parents about the nature of the entertainment also came under fire. “Why were the parents not warned that this was going to be happening at a school function? It’s still a school function, parents should still be made aware of the situation whether it’s a dance at school, sports, parents should be made aware of what is happening,” said Morgan, another concerned parent.

Conservative activist Elisa Martinez wrote on X, “Lovely. Instead of allowing students to enjoy prom,… Atrisco Heritage Academy had a drag queen stripper perform. AT PROM. WHY? Imagine if this was an adult female stripper performing for kids at prom.” She then urged concerned citizens to contact the school’s principal, Irene Cisneros.  

The controversy has left many parents feeling let down by the school, with Morgan articulating a broader sentiment of disappointment: “I’ve had multiple kids at this school, and I’ve never had to deal with this issue until this year. And this year it just seems like they’re failing, they’re failing the students, they’re failing the parents, to me it’s a fail all around.”

In response to the uproar, Albuquerque Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday, informing parents that an investigation into the incident is underway to determine how it was allowed to happen and the impact on students. The statement clarified that this issue is considered a personnel matter, and no further details were available at the time.

Amid calls for accountability and transparency, one parent has even requested a refund for her child’s prom ticket, highlighting the depth of frustration and dissatisfaction within the parent community over this incident.

ABQ school hosts ‘drag queen stripper’ performance at prom Read More »

UNM gets shameful distinction of schools with anti-Israel protests

42 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fringe Hamas-supporting radicals on college campuses are continuing their crusade against Jews, with their anti-Israel campaign of hate sweeping across the country at institutions of higher learning.

On campuses, such as at New York University, anti-Israel protesters formed a human chain, which led to the intervention of the NYPD. During the protest, chants like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were heard, a bigoted chant wishing for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth. 

A terror leader who is taking charge of these college campus protests even admitted support for Hamas, saying, “There is nothing wrong with being a fighter in Hamas.”

According to the pro-Hamas newsletter, “Prada,” New Mexico’s own University of New Mexico made the list, along with other institutions of places where so-called “Freedom Flotilla” protests are happening, being organized by radicals such as “Code Pink.”  

Other institutions, including Columbia University/Barnard College, the University of Rochester, Harvard University, Swarthmore College, Yale University, Rutgers University, Vanderbilt University, and Virginia Tech, among many others, totaling at least 40, “as of 6.32pm, Monday, April 22,” per the pro-Hamas blog.

Among protests are encampments being created by the anti-Israel cadre on campuses such as the University of Minnesota, the University of California, Berkeley, Columbia University, and the University of New Mexico.

“By Tuesday afternoon, a few dozen students, alumni and community members were gathered at UNM’s Duck Pond under two tents with tables, signs and camp chairs,” reported KUNM.

According to organizers of the UNM protest, protesters are demanding the “ the university to look into and address any investments it has that benefit Israel or Israeli companies.” 

“A UNM spokesperson said UNM PD will continue to monitor the situation and manage it in the same way,” the outlet reported. 

UNM gets shameful distinction of schools with anti-Israel protests Read More »

Gun permit scandal in New Mexico: Over 700 citizens affected

28 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Six months ago, Santa Fe resident Bob Clark invested significant time and money, over 15 hours and $400, to obtain his license to carry a concealed weapon in New Mexico. However, a recent audit by the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) revealed that the credentials of his instructors and others were expired, leading to the suspension of over 730 licenses.

The DPS has found that 27 concealed carry instructors had failed to renew their credentials, prompting an immediate suspension of their permits. As a result, those taught by these instructors, including Clark, have been instructed to retake their training courses. While the courses will be offered without tuition costs, participants will still need to cover ammunition and range fees.

Expressing his frustration, Clark argued that the responsibility unfairly falls on the students who complied with all requirements. “The only people who didn’t screw up were us, the students who paid the money,” Clark told the Journal. “We’re the only ones who didn’t do something wrong, yet they’re putting the burden on us to correct it.”

DPS has issued a 90-day deadline for affected licensees to complete a new training course and submit a new certificate of completion to maintain their licenses. Failure to meet this requirement will lead to the suspension of their licenses, although they will have the opportunity to reapply later.

DPS spokesman Herman Lovato explained that the oversight was discovered during a routine audit. {DPS cannot advise students to carry concealed weapons without meeting the requirements established in law,” Lovato stated, addressing the legality of the previously issued licenses.

This issue has also prompted Clark to question the reliability of DPS’s system for verifying instructor compliance, which he believes should ensure that instructors listed as certified on the DPS website are actually qualified. His concerns were underscored by the fact that he had initially verified his instructor’s credentials through the state website.

Additionally, Lovato noted that the audit was triggered when an employee noticed that an instructor had not renewed their license. DPS is now implementing a new protocol to notify instructors 30 days before their permits expire to prevent similar issues in the future.

Clark has voiced his dissatisfaction with the need to repeat the training, emphasizing the inconvenience and additional costs imposed on students due to the department’s oversight. His experience has led him to call for an investigation to ensure such errors are not repeated, highlighting the potential implications for public safety and civil rights.

Gun permit scandal in New Mexico: Over 700 citizens affected Read More »

As MLG refuses to act on crisis, Border Patrol works with NM border DA instead

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Last month, over 137,000 illegal immigrants were intercepted trying to cross into the U.S. at non-designated entry points along the border near El Paso, Texas. Doña Ana County District Attorney Gerald Byers has entered into a cooperative agreement with U.S. Border Patrol to address this issue.

The purpose of the agreement is to enhance the safety and security of border communities by increasing prosecutorial actions. This collaboration comes in response to growing safety concerns for both residents and Border Patrol agents in the area. 

The move also comes after open-borders Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pulled all New Mexico National Guard personnel from the border early in her first term and said, “I reject the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the Southern border.” She also dubbed the crisis as a “charade of border fear-mongering.”

Mount Cristo Rey, a key landmark and cherished monument, has become one of the primary locations affected by the scourge of illegal immigration. Border Patrol agents were caught telling a Fox News reporter the sacred mountain was “theirs” now, referring to the Cartel. Despite the crisis, Lujan Grisham will not work with federal authorities to alleviate the effects of the invasion, not even during the special session she has called for July 18, which is supposed to deal with public safety.

 “Mount Cristo Rey has a history here. It was built by El Pasoans, so a lot of people have made their pilgrimages,” explained Ruben Escandon, Jr., a representative of the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee. Escandon also noted the monument’s recent challenges with migration, recalling times when the area saw significant crossings. “Even years ago, when we had smaller groups that would go, we would escort a church group of maybe 60 to 70 people, and there would be 90 to 100 people come down,” he stated.

Crime has escalated in the area, making it riskier for individuals visiting alone. “When people are isolated up there, there [were] a lot of robberies going on, a lot of events that would happen,” added Escandon, who now advises visitors to participate in organized group events for safety.

The new pact with Border Patrol was initiated by the agency itself, which expressed concerns about the local community’s safety in southern Doña Ana County, as well as that of its agents. Byers emphasized that the agreement is geared towards enforcing state laws against criminal activities detected by border officials, focusing on public safety rather than immigration issues. “If the message is brought to those folks who would attempt to cross illegally, that Doña Ana County is not the place to do that because of safety hazards to themselves and prosecution because it violates public safety, then that is more incentive for people to go through the port of entry,” Byers stated.

Moreover, Byers highlighted that border towns such as Sunland Park, Santa Teresa, and Anapra have been particularly affected by heavy trafficking and illegal immigrant crossings. The focus of legal scrutiny under this agreement will include crimes such as breaking and entering, harboring a felon, extortion, human trafficking, and other severe violent offenses.

‘It’s theirs now’: Border agents concede N.M. mountain to Cartel control

As MLG refuses to act on crisis, Border Patrol works with NM border DA instead Read More »

DHS Sec. Mayorkas has bad news for Gov. Lujan Grisham over pot seizures

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The U.S. Border Patrol continues to use its authority over marijuana shipments, including state-licensed cannabis, including in New Mexico, where it is legal. 

Despite the state’s legal market exceeding $1 billion in sales, many cannabis transporters report being detained and their products seized at Border Patrol checkpoints, according to the Associated Press. These checkpoints are typically situated about 60 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, primarily to screen for illegal immigrants and illicit drugs.

This issue has escalated to the point where far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham discussed the matter with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. 

“Secretary Mayorkas assured the governor that federal policies with respect to legalized cannabis have not changed,” stated Michael Coleman, a spokesperson for the governor.

Moreover, the situation has prompted marijuana business managers to seek intervention from New Mexico’s fully Democrat congressional delegation, hoping to secure safe passage for their shipments and address financial losses due to federal seizures. “We request that operators who have had product federally seized should be allowed to either get their product returned or be monetarily compensated for the losses they’ve sustained,” the group wrote in a letter.

Leftist Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s priorities, suggesting that they should focus more on stopping illicit drugs like fentanyl rather than targeting state-compliant cannabis suppliers. 

“Stopping the flow of illicit fentanyl into our country should be the Department of Homeland Security’s focus at these checkpoints, not seizing cannabis that’s being transported in compliance with state law,” he stated. Heinrich, however, does not appear to care about the flow of fentanyl across the border, though, as he opposes measures to secure the wide-open border where the killer drug is seeping through.

The U.S. Border Patrol reaffirmed that despite the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in many states, under federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance, its sale and distribution remain illegal. 

DHS Sec. Mayorkas has bad news for Gov. Lujan Grisham over pot seizures Read More »

Even leftist Santa Fe school board fed up with governor’s ‘unfunded mandate’

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Santa Fe Public Schools is facing a daunting budgetary challenge as it adapts to a new Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham administration mandate requiring 180 instructional days per school year without significant funding increases, Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez explained during a recent school board meeting in the leftist school district.

Describing his experience, Chavez said, “This has been the most difficult year to figure out what your budget’s going to look like, what the school calendar is going to look like and meet all the requirements. [It] almost feels like it’s a moving target.”

As the district begins its budget planning, there remains uncertainty around state funding levels, as the New Mexico Public Education Department has not yet finalized student enrollment counts for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year. These figures are crucial as they directly influence the financial support the district receives from the state. The district must submit its finalized budget, which last year was nearly $315 million, by May 28.

The implementation of the 180-day requirement, set to begin in the 2024-25 academic year, complicates matters further. Santa Fe schools will need to extend their academic calendar by four days, including two days designated for parent-teacher conferences. The challenge, as outlined by district Chief Financial Officer Robert Martinez, is that the state’s funding formula, which is projecting a modest 3% increase to about $6,442.55 per student, does not adequately cover the cost of these additional days.

Board member Kate Noble highlighted the financial strain, noting the increase is “one of the smallest … in recent memory.” The minimal funding boost is expected to cover a mandated 3% salary increase for educators but falls short of addressing the costs associated with the added instructional days. “The 180-day rule is unfunded. It’s an unfunded mandate,” Chavez stated, emphasizing the lack of financial support for the expanded calendar.

During the process of finalizing the rule, a vast majority of those who spoke at the New Mexico Public Education Department meeting were in strong opposition to the mandate, including parents, administrators, teachers, and even teacher’s unions, which are usually in lockstep with the far-left Lujan Grisham regime. 

Further complicating the budget outlook is the upcoming expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds in September 2024, alongside rising needs for academic and behavioral support due to learning disruptions caused by the pandemic lockdowns. Noble described the situation as “a kaleidoscope of complexity.”

Board President Sascha Anderson underlined the board’s commitment to maintaining employee benefits, combating chronic absenteeism, enhancing mental health services, bolstering special education, and ensuring effective staff recruitment and retention. These efforts, she believes, are essential to improving the district’s proficiency rates, which remain a major concern.

“We are all concerned about our proficiency scores; not a person in this room is not concerned about our proficiency scores,” Anderson declared, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican. “The way that we get those up is through quality instruction.”

Even leftist Santa Fe school board fed up with governor’s ‘unfunded mandate’ Read More »

Lujan Grisham officially declares special session

28 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico has declared that she will convene a special legislative session on July 18 to address so-called urgent public safety concerns within the state, although she has said she refuses to address the border crisis, as all other border-state governors have. This decision follows what the governor described as incomplete efforts in the regular session to bolster the safety of New Mexican communities. “While we made some progress toward a safer New Mexico during the 30-day day session, we agree that we must do more,” Lujan Grisham stated.

The Governor emphasized the necessity of this special session to implement critical legislative measures to diminish the threats facing residents daily. “The special session in July will enable us to deliver additional statutory changes that reduce the danger and risk New Mexico communities face every day,” she elaborated.

Lujan Grisham also mentioned that she is open to suggestions on how to enhance the state’s safety laws, inviting lawmakers to propose effective solutions. “The best proposals for making our state safer will be under consideration, and I welcome input from my colleagues in the legislature,” she added, refusing to give specifics. 

The session, which marks the fifth special session called during Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration, is expected to be brief. “Based on discussions with legislative leadership, the governor anticipates that the special session will be completed within several days,” her office disclosed in a news release.

Recently, the governor sat down with “New Mexico In Focus” on PBS to talk about the potential of a special session.

She told the program, “It’s a decision I can make. I have the authority to do that as governor [of] the state of New Mexico, so why not just decide? You know, part of it is I want to be successful for the public.”

She added, “We have a lot of public safety issues that still require, in my view, immediate and dramatic attention. And what I want is these strategies to get through a very narrow, very tight, special session.”

In the New Mexican’s report, the governor claimed she was leaning “80/20” in favor of calling a special session. Previously, the governor called a special session in 2021 to ram through a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales in the state.

Lujan Grisham officially declares special session Read More »

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