New Mexico's highest court has cleared the way for two lawsuits alleging political support for former Governor Bill Richardson influenced state investment deals. The Albuquerque Journal reports the Supreme Court found Thursday that former chief state investment officer Frank Foy can receive triple-damage awards if he can prove corruption was taking place. The court also ordered that the two civil lawsuits Foy filed on behalf of taxpayers be consolidated and the court will appoint a pro-tem judge to handle the litigation. One of the main issues in the appeal was the constitutionality of a provision for whistleblower lawsuits on behalf of the state for alleged fraud that took place as far back as July 1987.
A new report from the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee reveals the state’s middle-school students have more troubles than students in elementary and high schools. Analysts with the L-F-C detailed the challenges facing middle schools in a first-of-its-kind report that looked at everything from standardized test scores to truancy and social issues. The report was released Thursday during the committee's meeting in Albuquerque. The report shows middle schools are struggling with student performance, programming and funding. As a result, just 2 percent of middle schools earned top grades during their annual assessments. Deputy Public Education Secretary LeighannLenti says her agency already is looking for ways to keep middle school students engaged. This includes hiring social workers and truancy coaches.
Thursday’s U-S Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act is seen as a big victory in the for President Barack Obama's health care law. The justice upheld the nationwide tax subsidies that help make insurance affordable for millions of Americans.
In New Mexico, Dr. Veronica Garcia, the Executive Director of the non-profit children’s advocacy organization, New Mexico Voices for Children, is calling the ruling a “victory for Americans across the country:”
Runs 2:02 Q: for everyone in this country.”
Veronica Garcia, Director of New Mexico Voices For Children
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas says the state's current electricity system is dysfunctional. He took aim at utilities during a news conference Wednesday in Albuquerque, suggesting that the system is focused on representing the interests of wealthy corporations and special interests. He says many families can't afford to pay their bills and the system needs to be revamped to include affordable clean energy. Balderas called on the state Public Regulation Commission to investigate the value of solar and wind generation. He also directed his own office to lead in the creation of a statewide strategic energy security plan. The attorney general also criticized a proposal for dealing with the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station in northwestern New Mexico. He wants the parties to return to the table.
Two new animals can now be seen at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. The Albuquerque Journal reports one is a 14-year-old fossa named Mac, and the other is a 3-year-old tayra named Nessie. The fossa, an endangered species, is indigenous to Madagascar, and is the island's largest carnivore. The animal appears catlike with a long tail, however it is related to the mongoose family. Mammal department supervisor Shelly Dicks says Mac, who is 26 pounds, is calm and confident while 10-pound Nessie appears very curious and likes to explore. Nessie is a member of the weasel family and her species is native to Central and South America. She has a slinky body with a long bushy tail. The two animals are now in display in the catwalk area.
Santa Fe Weather: Partly sunny today with a high of 85 and a 60-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms, some producing heavy rain. Tonight: Mostly cloudy with the overnight low down to 61, with a 50-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms. Tomorrow: Partly sunny skies and a high of 79 with a 60-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms.
In National News…
Crews in southeast Alaska will try today to recover the remains of nine people killed when the sightseeing plane they were in crashed. Wind and rain prevented any recovery after the aircraft wreckage was found yesterday against a granite rock face, 800 feet above a lake. There was no immediate indication of why the plane went down, killing the pilot and eight cruise ship passengers on an excursion.
Today is the funeral for the senior pastor of Charleston, South Carolina's Emanuel AME church, where the Rev. Clementa (kleh-MEN'-taye) Pinckney, and eight others were gunned down last week during Bible study. President Barack Obama will deliver the eulogy for Pinckney, who also was a state senator. The funerals for two other victims were held yesterday.