Public Safety

New Mexico Ethics Watch Releases Comprehensive Lobbying Report On Tales Of Film, Firearms And Fumes

NMEW News:

New Mexico Ethics Watch (NMEW), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting ethics in governance and public life, has released its report, Lobbyists and Their Outsized Influence in New Mexico: Tales of Film, Firearms and Fumes.

The report takes a fresh look at lobbying and the New Mexico Legislature, examining monies spent and tactics used to influence votes regarding legislation on cannabis, firearms, film and tobacco-related products. 

Using data from the Secretary of State’s Campaign Finance Information System (CFIS), the report paints a picture of the lengths to which lobbyists Read More

Governor Seeks Applicants For Gambling Council

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling for applications to fill the statutory Compulsive Gambling Council.

All 15 members of the Compulsive Gambling Council are appointed by the governor and serve at her pleasure.

The positions that need to be filled include:

  • ​A member of a fraternal organization that sponsors gambling;
  • Two persons with expertise in the field of compulsive gambling;
  • Two Native American representatives from a tribe or pueblo with gaming operations;
  • Two representatives of the non-Native American gaming industry;
  • Two representatives
Read More

Reporters Without Borders USA Calls On Senate To Reverse Unprecedented Restrictions On The Press

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, right, during a recent press conference in Washington, D.C. Courtesy/RSF

RSF News:

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly condemns the restrictions the Senate Sergeant At Arms and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration are imposing on Capitol Hill reporters during the impeachment trial for President Donald Trump.

RSF calls on the Senate Majority Leader to reverse these rules immediately.

Members of the press covering the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, which began Jan. 16, are facing new “security measures” in the form Read More

DOJ Awards $145 Million To Advance Forensic Science

DOJ News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs Thursday awarded grants totaling more than $145 million to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons.

“The Department is committed to improving and investing in forensic science because it plays a vital role in providing indisputable and scientifically based information that protects our communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We will continue to Read More

DPU Reminds Residents To Keep Meters Clear Of Snow

DPU reminds residents to maintain access to and clear snow and ice off meters. Courtesy photo

DPU News:

With the recent snowfall in Los Alamos, officials with the Department of Public Utilities would like to remind customers to maintain access to and clear snow and ice off meters.

This will ensure that DPU can bill customers on actual meter reads rather than estimating reads.

Meter Technician Supervisor Edgar Castillo asks customers to check gates if meters are in the backyard. 

“Make sure your gate can open and close without obstruction of snow and ice,” he said. “Clearing your meters of snow Read More

AG Balderas Joins Coalition Of 56 Attorneys General In Calling For Fentanyl To Remain Schedule I Drug

Attorney General Hector Balderas

From the Office of the Attorney General:

SANTA FE –- Attorney General Hector Balderas today joined a bipartisan coalition of 56 attorneys general from every state, territory, and the District of Columbia in calling for Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs.

Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

“The opioid epidemic has ravaged our communities and torn apart New Mexican families, so public officials must use every tool we can to prevent dangerous Read More