GOP: New Mexico Democrats ‘Playing A Game Of Chicken’ With Trump On Some Bills
State Rep. John Block, R-Alamogordo, sits among his President Donald Trump campaign memorabilia in his shared office with Rep. Stephanie Lord, R-Sandia Park, at the Roundhouse Thursday, March 13, 2025. Photo by Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
As the sponsor of a bill that would prohibit the state from releasing driver data to help enforce federal civil immigration law, Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, D-Albuquerque, said she’s not trying to rile the Trump administration.
“I’m trying to protect our people,” said Sedillo Lopez, one of the most progressive Read More
Senate Confirms Rob Black As New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary
Rob Black
SENATE News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate March 19 unanimously confirmed Rob Black as the cabinet secretary for the Economic Development Department.
“Sec. Black understands that expanding economic security starts with creating high-quality jobs,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Rob is proving that his broad experience and consensus-building skills will grow our economy and expand opportunity in all corners of the state.”
Born and raised in Lovington, Black graduated from the University of New Mexico and the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Read More
Legislative Roundup: 3 Days Remaining In Session
Jojo Sandoval and other second grade students from Thrive Community School look up at the glass ceiling of the state Capitol building while getting a tour on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican Staff:
Senate confirms secretary in mourning: The Senate held a moment of silence Wednesday during an emotional confirmation hearing for Rob Black as Cabinet secretary for the state Economic Development Department.
“Mr. Black’s mother passed away right before he came into the confirmation hearing,” Sen. Jay Block, R-Rio Rancho, announced on Read More
Any Idaho State Bengals In The House?
Courtesy photo
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA
Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) has hope to identify Idaho State University (ISU) Bengals in our midst and the possibility for alumni gatherings. ISU, located in Pocatello, Idaho, started in 1901 and today is Bengal Giving Day! They will spend 1,901 minutes fundraising for the school and reaching out to alumni.
According to www.vetsexplainpets.com, “a group of Bengal Tigers is called a ‘streak’ or an ‘ambush’. Additionally, while Bengal tigers are typically solitary animals, they may form temporary groups for a variety Read More
Ph.D. Candidate Addison Nace Named Summer Research Fellow At Museum Of International Folk Art
Addison Nace
MIFA News:
SANTA FE – Addison Nace, a Ph.D. candidate in Design Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been selected as the 2025 Museum of International Folk Art Summer Research Fellow. Nace will work with local artists and researchers to showcase the ways in which folk art traditions, particularly textiles, explore broader economic practices while respecting and protecting Indigenous knowledge systems.
Nace’s research focuses on textile history, sustainable design, decolonial museum practices, and the protection of Indigenous knowledge through craft. Read More
Senate Committee Finalizes Budget Proposal
By Margaret O’Hara
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Who’s going to benefit most from the latest version of New Mexico’s proposed budget of nearly $10.8 billion?
A strong argument could be made for the state’s middle and high schoolers.
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday voted 9-2 to approve its version of House Bill 2, the state’s budget bill. The proposal would impose a maintainable 6% increase over fiscal year 2025, providing an extra $76 million for middle and high schoolers in the state’s per-pupil funding formula, plus raises for teachers and other Read More
Celebrating National America’s SBDC Day
Julianna Martinez-Barbee
SBDC News:
National SBDC day is a celebration of the impact SBDC’s have on the economy. America’s Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) provides comprehensive support to help small businesses achieve their dream and drive economic growth. America’s SBDC is a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 local centers providing no-cost confidential business consulting, business training and research services to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Julianna Martinez-Barbee, one of New Mexico SBDC Directors is ‘empowering dreams and igniting Read More
Legislation To Safeguard New Mexicans’ Personal Data Headed To The Governor’s Desk
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed two key bills to protect New Mexicans’ safety and privacy by restricting the disclosure of certain personal information.
Senate Bill 57, which passed 42-25, would protect the rights of medical professionals who provide reproductive care at public institutions, by exempting their personal information from the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). This narrow IPRA exemption would help ensure the personal safety of providers and the privacy of their patients.
SB 57 is sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski Read More
Governor Reacts To Tragic Murder Of Cyclist
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Tuesday, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to Monday’s arrest of a 13-year-old boy charged with the murder of Scott Dwight Habermehl, a 63-year-old Sandia National Laboratory employee who police say was struck by a stolen vehicle while cycling to work last May.
Video shows an 11-year-old passenger brandishing a firearm as the vehicle driven by the 13-year-old swerves into Habermehl. Police records indicate that the 11-year-old has an extensive criminal history, including previous arrests for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, shooting incidents, Read More
Girl Scouts Of NM Trails Names Celia Tellez As New CEO
Celia Tellez. Courtesy photo
GSNM News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The Girl Scouts of New Mexico is proud to announce the appointment of Celia Tellez as its new Chief Executive Officer. A distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, strategic growth, and program innovation, Celia brings a deep passion for empowering young women and a lifelong connection to New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
A New Mexico native with generations of family history in the state, Tellez has dedicated her career to fostering leadership, community engagement, and operational excellence. Read More
