Kristin Varela Appointed Chief Investment Officer Of New Mexico State Investment Council
Kristin Varela
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya is proud to congratulate and welcome Kristin Varela as the newly appointed Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the New Mexico State Investment Council (SIC).
A native of Pecos, N.M., Varela returns to her home state following a distinguished tenure as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for the Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii, where she manages a $24 billion portfolio.
Varela’s appointment marks a historic milestone for the SIC as its first female Chief Investment Officer. Her return to New Read More
Quay County, Village Of Logan Requests U.S. Attorney, NM General Attorney Investigate Fraud By ENMWUA
LEGAL News:
LOGAN — Fraud has been committed by Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority in order to obtain funds from the federal and state governments, according to information sent by Quay County and Village of Logan to the U.S. Attorney, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of the Interior, New Mexico State Auditor and New Mexico Attorney General.
ENMWUA is a governmental entity created by the New Mexico legislature for the purpose of building a water pipeline from Ute Lake in Quay County south 120 miles to the Clovis area. Although the project was originally budgeted at $500 million, Read More
Rural Healthcare Providers Can Now Apply For $50M To Stabilize Access
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico’s rural healthcare providers can now apply for a share of $50 million in healthcare funding as part of the State of New Mexico’s three-year, $146 million investment that has helped recruit more than 800 health care workers to underserved communities.
The funding comes from New Mexico’s Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, established in 2023 and most recently replenished during the October 2025 special legislative session. To date, the program has helped ensure health care for more than 125,000 New Mexicans.
Eligible applicants include rural healthcare providers Read More
Wildfire Notification: Unified Fire In Valencia County
NMFD News:
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.
Update: The Unified Fire was discovered at approximately 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 23 near Madrone, east of Interstate 25 and south of Rio Communities in Valencia County. The fire is active and running through bosque fuels including grass, brush, and timber. Fire crews are employing a full suppression strategy during this initial attack response period.
Multiple structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-25 and the surrounding Read More
New Mexico Jury Delivers $375 Million Verdict Against Meta In Landmark Case
Feliz Rael
President
New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association
From New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association:
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- Lawyers Fight and Win for Kids to be Protected From Meta
- New Mexico Jurors Are the Heroes
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SANTA FE — In a major victory for consumers and families, a jury has awarded a $375 million verdict against Meta, finding the social media giant failed to disclose the potential mental health harms its platforms pose to minors.
The case, brought by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez in partnership with nationally recognized trial firm Motley Rice LLC, resulted in $187.5 million in damages for each of Read More
FBI: Shiprock Woman Sentenced For Assault
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Shiprock woman was sentenced to two years in prison for assaulting and stabbing another woman.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on Nov. 21, 2024, Angelia Garcia, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, repeatedly stabbed Jane Doe in an unprovoked attack. As a result of the attack, the victim sustained serious wounds, including a wound to the back of her neck. During a subsequent interview with agents, Garcia admitted to stabbing the victim.
Garcia subsequently pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Upon her release from Read More
Consuelo’s Place & Homewise Celebrate Milestone: A Shared Journey From Homelessness To Homeownership
HOUSING News:
SANTA FE — Consuelo’s Place and Homewise are proud to announce a milestone achieved by a former Consuelo’s Place client (“S”) who transitioned from homelessness to homeownership, a powerful example of what collaboration and financially empowering support can accomplish.
Consuelo’s Place provides private, non-congregate shelter and individualized case management for individuals and families transitioning into permanent housing. Homewise provides homebuyer education, financial coaching, and lending programs designed to help families achieve affordable homeownership. Read More
Rep. Vasquez Seeks Increased Funding For Regional Information Sharing Systems
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 24, 2026, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a letter—joined by 104 lawmakers from both sides of the aisle—to the Appropriations Committee requesting $55 million in funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program. RISS program funds are utilized by 94 law enforcement agencies across New Mexico to arrest violent criminals, get illegal drugs off our streets, resolve criminal investigations, and ensure officer and public safety.
“For many local law enforcement agencies in New Mexico, especially in our rural communities and smaller Read More
Final Update For Nacimiento Wildfire—Now 100% Contained
Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
Location: The wildfire is in the Cuba Ranger District, south of New Mexico State Road 126 and the Nacimiento Mine
Start Date: March 22, 2026
Size: 18 acres
Containment: 100 %
Cause: Under investigation
Vegetation: Burning in oak, ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, and Douglas fir.
Resources: 60 personnel
Highlights: Fire crews remain actively engaged using a direct extinguishment strategy on the 18‑acre wildfire. On Sunday, firefighters, supported by large airtankers dropping retardant, were able to stop the fire’s forward progress. Handlines, along Read More
To’hajiilee Man Accused Of Shooting Two Navajo Nation Police Officers Faces Federal Charges
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A To’hajiilee man faces federal charges in connection with the shooting of two Navajo Nation Police Department officers.
According to court records, on March 6, 2026, Russell Secatero, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly shot and injured two Navajo Nation Police Department officers during a law enforcement response to reports of gunfire near a residence in To’hajiilee, New Mexico.
Authorities allege Secatero hid inside a closet attached to the residence and fired at officers with a rifle, striking Officer John Doe in the arm and back and injuring Read More
