FBI: Woman Faces Charges Of Involuntary Manslaughter
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Casamero Lake woman faces federal charges for involuntary manslaughter following a fatal car crash on tribal lands in New Mexico last summer.
According to the indictment, Aug. 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack, 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, killed John Doe by operating a motor vehicle with disregard for human life when she knew and should have known that her conduct imperiled the lives of others.
Rojack will remain in third party custody on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Rojack faces up to 8 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Read More
State Child Welfare Officials Decry Slashed Spending; Lawmakers Demand Results
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By Esteban Candelaria
The Santa Fe New Mexican
While House Democrats touted the $10.8 billion spending plan they sent to the Senate on Monday, one state agency sent a dire message: The proposal “will jeopardize essential child welfare services and put the state at risk of costly federal penalties.”
The budget proposal, which heads to the Senate Finance Committee for scrutiny after a House vote of approval, leaves the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department with relatively flat spending — about 11% less than it had requested. Read More
Identity Verification Required For All New Unemployment Insurance Claims
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) announced the implementation of a new identity verification requirement for all individuals applying for unemployment insurance benefits, whether applying in-person or online.
This initiative is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance system security, prevent fraud, and ensure benefits reach those who qualify.
“We are committed to strengthening the integrity of our unemployment insurance system while also increasing options for the public,” NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair said. Read More
Veterans Resource Pop-Up Event In T Or C March 5
VA News:
Veterans Resource Pop-Up Event organized by the Las Cruces Mobile Vet Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, at New Mexico State Veterans’ Home, 992 S. Broadway St., Truth or Consequences.
Learn about VA benefits and resources including VA health care eligibility and enrollment, suicide prevention efforts, disability compensation, VA home loans, and HUD-VASH housing assistance. The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Service will be present to assist with VA benefit claims.
For more information, contact Sam Jones, Sam.Jones@va.gov, 915.227.6589.
BACKGROUND:
Veterans, Read More
U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea In Assault Case
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon after an incident that left one of the victims requiring medical treatment for facial injuries.
According to court documents, Jerome Weaver, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to intentionally assaulting two victims using a firearm with the intent to cause bodily harm. As a result of the assault, one of the victim’s required medical treatment for facial injuries.
Weaver will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Read More
Advancing The Science Of Reading Act Passes Senate, Moves On To House
NMED News:
SANTA FE — Monday, Feb. 24, the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 242 (SB 242), the Advancing the Science of Reading Act, by a vote of 32-6.
If signed into law, it would require teacher licensing candidates to demonstrate competency in structured literacy and the science of reading.
“The science of reading is a game changer for New Mexico’s students,” said Public Education Secretary Designate Mariana D. Padilla. “When we invest in proven reading strategies, we empower our students with the skills to thrive—not just in school, but in life.”
The science of reading Read More
EDD Awards SBIR Matching Grants To 8 Tech Companies
8D Photonics’ 8D Mapper. Courtesy photo
EDD News:
SANTA FE — The Office of Strategy, Science and Technology has awarded SBIR Matching Grants to eight technology companies with active federal funding to boost technologies in advanced energy, aerospace, advanced computing, and bioscience, New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Secretary-Designate Rob Black announced Monday.
The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Matching Grant is available to New Mexico-based for-profit science and technology companies with active Read More
Senate President Pro Tempore Issues Statement After Finance Committee Fails To Pass Clear Horizons Act
NMSD News:
SANTA FE — Monday, the Senate Finance Committee failed to advance Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act, legislation designed to provide a clear pathway for New Mexico’s energy transition while ensuring long-term economic and environmental stability. The bill was tabled on a vote of 6-5.
Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), sponsor of the bill, issued the following statement:
“The cost of inaction on climate is devastating. New Mexico’s communities are already reeling from wildfires, drought, and extreme weather, with billions spent in recovery while we fail to Read More
$10.8 Billion State Budget Clears House; Heads To Senate
By Daniel J. Chacón
The Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico’s $10.8 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year is headed to the Senate with promises of a thorough review.
Budget allocations for a number of high-profile proposals have either been watered down or not included at all.
“We’re going to dig into it,” Senate Finance Committee Chair George Muñoz said after the House passed the measure on a 50-18 vote Monday. He noted the proposed budget, House Bill 2, cleared the House Appropriations and Finance Committee in less than 15 minutes Friday.
“It kind of Read More
Governor Lujan Grisham Announces Statewide Support For Laid Off Federal Workers
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday that the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the State Personnel Office and the Economic Development Department, is launching comprehensive support initiatives to assist individuals recently separated from federal employment.
This initiative includes a dedicated resource web page, recruitment events, and access to education and training opportunities.
“We are committed to ensuring that New Mexicans who have been abruptly dismissed from federal jobs have Read More