Legislative Roundup: 45 Days Left In Session
State Sen. Crystal Brantley, R-Elephant Butte, dusts off her own blue Future Farmers of America jacket from 1995 to introduce FFA members from her district, including her two daughters, at the state Capital Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. Photo by Jim Weber/The New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican:
Out for blood … testing: A bill designed to aid in prosecuting DWI cases made it out of the House Health and Human Services Committee on its second try Wednesday.
House Bill 106, sponsored by Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, passed 8-2.
Reeb, a former prosecutor, said law enforcement used to be able to choose Read More
U.S. Attorney’s Office And FBI Indict Two Individuals In Human Trafficking Following APD Investigation
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Two individuals are facing federal human trafficking charges for allegedly forcing two minor girls, ages 14 and 15, into prostitution.
The indictment alleges that from Dec. 29, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025, Roderick Bill Norseweather, 25, and Tajahnae Johnson, 21, knowingly recruited two minors for commercial sex acts, using force, threats, fraud, and coercion.
Norseweather and Johnson are accused of transporting the minors, both under 18 years old, across state lines with the intent that they engage in prostitution. Specifically, they are charged with two counts each Read More
Taos Airport Terminal Groundbreaking Ceremony Feb. 19
View of the Taos mountains from Taos Regional Airport runway with JSX air service. Courtesy photo
Rendering of what will be the Taos Regional Airport passenger waiting lounge with a central service counter. Courtesy photo
TAOS News:
The Town of Taos has announced the upcoming construction of a new multipurpose terminal facility at the Taos Regional Airport (SKX) in El Prado, 8 miles northwest of the Taos central business district (24662 Highway US-64).
The 7,500-square-foot terminal will serve as a modern hub for general aviation, recreational and business travelers, seasonal charter Read More
Senator Proposes Semiautomatic Weapons Ban
Craig Stumpf, director of sales at Calibers Shooting Range in Albuquerque and an instructor for first-time shooters, fires at a target with a Glock 19 Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. State Sens. Debbie O’Malley and Heather Berghmans, both of Albuquerque, have introduced a proposed Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
By Daniel J. Chacón
The Santa Fe New Mexican
State Sen. Debbie O’Malley and her husband, Michael, were both sound asleep early one morning in December 2022 when a piercing noise outside their Albuquerque home Read More
Jim Hall To Recount March With MLK Sunday Feb. 16
Jim Hall
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos
Former community member Jim Hall returns to Los Alamos with his wife Janet for a special presentation Feb. 16 at the United Church of Los Alamos. Hall will share his journey as a college student on the March for Justice with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was Selma, Ala.,1965. His free presentation is a first-hand account of historical events that changed the nation.
Hall was a student at Macalester College in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota. He received his BA from Macalester, created in 1874 and today sits on 53 acres. Noteworthy alumni are Read More
Trio Of Behavioral Health Bills Pass First Committee
New Mexico Legislature News:
SANTA FE — Monday, the second and third of a trio of behavioral health bills advanced in the senate after receiving bipartisan support and do-pass votes (both passed 8-1) in the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee.
Together this suite of legislation represents a critical component of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing the behavioral health and public safety crisis facing the state.
Senate Bill 1 sets to establish a billion-dollar trust fund for behavioral health initiatives throughout New Mexico. The Health Care Authority would then Read More
Heinrich, Daines Resolution Designating National Tribal Colleges And Universities Week Passes U.S. Senate
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) announced that their bipartisan legislation designating this week, beginning Feb. 3, 2025, as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week” passed the U.S. Senate.
This week is dedicated to the recognition and support for the achievements of students pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities in Tribal Colleges and Universities.
“I’m pleased the Senate passed my resolution designating this week as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. This resolution recognizes Read More
New Mexico Aging Dept. Seeks $74.3 Million To Boost Services For Seniors, Adults With Disabilities, Caregivers
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — This week, the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) will present its budget priorities before the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.
“New Mexico seniors and adults deserve the highest quality of care and support,” Emily Kaltenbach, ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Designate said. “This budget reaffirms our commitment to older and disabled adults, as well as their caregivers, by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and independence.”
ALTSD’s budget within the executive Read More
25th Annual Cowboy Days Ride Into Town March 7-8 At New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum In Las Cruces
The 25th Annual Cowboy Days is March 7-8 at New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. Photo by Tira Howard for DCA
Department of Cultural Affairs News:
LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum invites the community to its 25th Annual Cowboy Days event on March 8.
There will be several activities to celebrate New Mexico ranching traditions – including the popular “Parade of Breeds” with the Museum’s cowboys showcase cattle, trick roping and traditional Charreada demonstrations from the Castro Family, working dogs demonstration, and live music. Event goers will have Read More
Museum Of Indian Arts & Culture Announces 2025 Goodman Fellow Award For Auri Poseyesva
Native American basket weaver Auri Poseyesva (Hopi). Courtesy/MIAC
Basket Weaving by Auri Poseyesva. Courtesy/MIAC
MIAC News:
SANTA FE — The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is proud to announce that Native American basket weaver Auri Poseyesva (Hopi) has been awarded the 2025 Goodman Aspiring Artist Fellowship. The Goodman Fellowship provides financial assistance to emerging artists, supporting their growth and development in their respective fields.
Poseyesva is a Hopi Yungyapu weaver from the Village of Hotevilla on the Hopi Reservation. Coming from a lineage of skilled Read More
