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OUT WEST ROUNDUP | Early voting starts in New Mexico primaries

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OUT WEST ROUNDUP | Early voting starts in New Mexico primaries


NEW MEXICO

Voting begins to select GOP challenger for governor

SANTA FE — Early voting began on Could 10 throughout New Mexico forward of the June 7 main Election Day to find out the Republican nominee for governor and Democratic nominees for legal professional normal and different statewide workplaces.

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Election officers started mailing absentee ballots to native voters and county clerk’s workplaces opened their doorways to in-person voting. Expanded early voting begins Could 21 at extra polling places.

5 Republicans are vying for the nomination to problem Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as she seeks a second time period. They embody former tv meteorologist Mark Ronchetti, state Rep. Rebecca Dow of Fact or Penalties and Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block.

Democratic voters will choose a nominee for the state’s high legislation enforcement put up as term-limited Lawyer Basic Hector Balderas completes his second time period. Albuquerque-based District Lawyer Raúl Torrez is competing in opposition to lawyer and State Auditor Brian Colón, who can be from Albuquerque. The winner will compete in opposition to Republican legal professional and U.S. Marine veteran Jeremy Michael Homosexual of Gallup.

New Mexico requires affiliation with a significant celebration with a purpose to vote in a main.

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However latest adjustments in state election legislation — together with same-day registration — make it simpler for unaffiliated voters to take part within the main by affiliating with a significant celebration, even briefly.

Folks already registered to vote for main events — Republican, Democratic or Libertarian — are prohibited from switching events in the course of the election interval that lasts from Could 10 by means of June 7.

Grandma will get honorary diploma for aiding neighborhood

SANTA FE — An 84-year-old girl has acquired an honorary diploma from Northern New Mexico School for her contributions to the small neighborhood north of Española.

The diploma was awarded Saturday to Socorro Herrera.

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“I am not the sort that likes to indicate off, however they gave me that honorary diploma, and I am glad,” Herrera informed the Santa Fe New Mexican in an interview after the ceremony.

In line with the newspaper, Herrera is a good grandmother and is thought for feeding the aged, singing at weddings and operating Socorro’s Restaurant, a staple of the little city that has drawn clients together with former President Barack Obama and famed actor John Travolta.

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Herrera was born in the identical home in Hernández the place she has operated the restaurant for the previous 28 years.

She married at 16, had the primary of her 4 youngsters by the point she was 17 and did not graduate from highschool again then.

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However now, Herrera is on her strategy to holding a diploma from the Peñasco Unbiased College District.

She has six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Eggers presents replacements for banned books

RAPID CITY — Finest-selling writer Dave Eggers is providing highschool seniors in South Dakota’s second-largest metropolis free copies of his ebook “The Circle” and copies of 4 books by different authors that have been faraway from the district’s colleges.

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College directors in Speedy Metropolis deemed the books inappropriate for highschool college students and and marked the district’s copies as surplus to be destroyed.

“The mass destruction of books by college boards is an unconscionable horror, and the freethinking younger folks of South Dakota should not be subjected to it,” Eggers mentioned. Valerie Brablec Seales, Speedy Metropolis Space Faculties’ director of Educating, Studying and Innovation, informed the Board of Schooling that lecturers requested the books and have been contemplating utilizing them in a brand new Twelfth-grade English course.

Seales did not say why directors objected to “The Circle,” which satirizes cultures and values which have emerged within the web age. However she mentioned the primary considerations about one of many 5 books have been raised in August, the Speedy Metropolis Journal reported.

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She mentioned the books have been ordered and despatched to a warehouse earlier than being distributed to the district’s three excessive colleges. Copies of the 5 books in query have been then listed as surplus and marked “to be destroyed.” The Board of Schooling on Could 3 voted to delay a call to destroy the books with a purpose to search authorized recommendation.

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Eggers mentioned Speedy Metropolis seniors can obtain any of the books that have been pulled from the highschool without charge to them by emailing Amanda Uhle at amanda@daveeggers.internet. He mentioned the books shall be shipped to college students by impartial bookstores.

Among the many different books that the district pulled are “How Lovely We Have been: A Novel” by Imbolo Mbue, which follows a younger girl from a small African village who begins a revolution in opposition to an American oil firm.

WYOMING

UW staff may get pay raises this summer time

Some College of Wyoming staff is perhaps seeing a pay elevate, the college introduced on Could 5.

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Base pay raises would vary between $1,400 and $1,900. Some staff may see further wage will increase primarily based on benefit, market and compression points. Pay compression signifies that some new staff may at present make near, or generally greater than, what longer-tenured staff make.

The raises would go into impact beginning July 1 if college trustees approve the plan. It is the primary broad-based elevate for UW staff for the reason that 2018-2019 fiscal 12 months, the college mentioned in an announcement.

An roughly $8 million annual appropriation from the Wyoming legislature would pay for the will increase. That quantity could be divided into two swimming pools.

Colorado legislature raises minimum wage in nursing homes to $15 per hour

The primary would supply wage will increase for workers incomes beneath $150,000. Staff incomes beneath $80,000 would get a $1,900 improve. Staff incomes between $80,000 however underneath $150,000 would get a $1,400 improve. These incomes above $150,000 would not get a rise from this pool of cash.

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The second pool would pay for raises primarily based on benefit, market and compression points.

Throughout state authorities, officers have been taking a look at methods to bump employee salaries amid considerations about recruitment and retention.

ARIZONA

Lady avoids jail for voting lifeless mother’s poll

PHOENIX— A choose in Phoenix on April 27 sentenced a lady o two years of felony probation, fines and neighborhood service for voting her lifeless mom’s poll in Arizona within the 2020 normal election.

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However the choose rejected a prosecutor’s request that she serve not less than 30 days in jail as a result of she lied to investigators and demanded that they maintain these committing voter fraud accountable.

The case in opposition to Tracey Kay McKee, 64, is certainly one of only a handful of voter fraud instances from Arizona’s 2020 election which have led to expenses, regardless of widespread perception amongst many supporters of former President Donald Trump that there was widespread voter fraud that led to his loss in Arizona and different battleground states.

Federal judge allows voter intimidation lawsuit to proceed against Colorado group

McKee, who was from Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale however now lives in California, sobbed as she apologized to Maricopa County Superior Courtroom Decide Margaret LaBianca earlier than the choose handed down her sentence. McKee mentioned that she was grieving over the lack of her mom and had no intent to impression the end result of the election.

Each McKee and her mom, Mary Arendt, have been registered Republicans, though she was not requested if she voted for Trump. Arendt died on Oct. 5, 2020, two days earlier than early ballots have been mailed to voters.

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Assistant Lawyer Basic Todd Lawson performed a tape of McKee being interviewed by an investigator together with his workplace the place she mentioned there was rampant voter fraud and denied that she had signed and returned her mom’s poll.

Tom Henze, McKee’s legal professional, pointed to dozens of instances of voter fraud prosecuted in Arizona over the previous decade, many for related violations of voting another person’s poll, and mentioned nobody acquired jail time in these instances.

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OUT WEST ROUNDUP | New Mexico OKs payments to residents to offset inflation



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New Mexico

Cook scores 25, New Mexico State beats Sam Houston 75-71

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Cook scores 25, New Mexico State beats Sam Houston 75-71


LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Christian Cook scored 25 points as New Mexico State beat Sam Houston 75-71 on Thursday night.

Cook shot 8 of 19 from the field, including 2 for 7 from 3-point range, and went 7 for 8 from the free-throw line for the Aggies (8-6, 1-0 Conference USA). Peter Filipovity scored 20 points and added seven rebounds. Dionte Bostick shot 3 of 5 from the field and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with nine points.

The Bearkats (7-7, 0-1) were led in scoring by Kalifa Sakho, who finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Cameron Huefner added 15 points for Sam Houston. Lamar Wilkerson also had 14 points.

New Mexico State went into the half ahead of Sam Houston 38-30. Cook put up 12 points in the half. Filipovity’s free throw with 2:29 left in the second half gave New Mexico State the lead for good at 65-64.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.



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New Mexico

Kaiser leads New Mexico State against Louisiana Tech after 29-point game

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Kaiser leads New Mexico State against Louisiana Tech after 29-point game


Associated Press

New Mexico State Aggies (8-6, 1-0 CUSA) at Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters (8-4, 1-0 CUSA)

Ruston, Louisiana; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST

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BOTTOM LINE: New Mexico State visits Louisiana Tech after Molly Kaiser scored 29 points in New Mexico State’s 79-61 victory against the Sam Houston Bearkats.

The Lady Techsters are 7-1 in home games. Louisiana Tech is fifth in the CUSA at limiting opponent scoring, allowing 61.4 points while holding opponents to 39.2% shooting.

The Aggies are 1-0 in conference games. New Mexico State is eighth in the CUSA with 12.4 assists per game led by Fanta Gassama averaging 2.8.

Louisiana Tech scores 67.2 points per game, 1.7 more points than the 65.5 New Mexico State gives up. New Mexico State averages 5.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than Louisiana Tech allows.

The Lady Techsters and Aggies meet Saturday for the first time in CUSA play this season.

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TOP PERFORMERS: Paris Bradley is averaging 9.7 points for the Lady Techsters.

Kaiser is shooting 48.6% from beyond the arc with 1.3 made 3-pointers per game for the Aggies, while averaging 20.9 points and 1.9 steals.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lady Techsters: 6-4, averaging 67.5 points, 35.5 rebounds, 12.6 assists, 8.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 41.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 61.6 points per game.

Aggies: 5-5, averaging 64.0 points, 24.1 rebounds, 12.2 assists, 8.8 steals and 1.0 block per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.9 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.




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Leadership Crisis at Western New Mexico State University

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Leadership Crisis at Western New Mexico State University


Leadership Crisis at Western New Mexico State University Newslooks Washington DC Mary Sidiqi Evening Edition New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for the resignation of regents at Western New Mexico State University following revelations of financial mismanagement and wasteful spending. The turmoil stems from a state audit uncovering fiduciary failures under outgoing President Joseph Shepard, whose resignation package has drawn sharp criticism. Faculty have issued a no-confidence vote, urging state officials to intervene as the university faces a leadership overhaul.

Western New Mexico State University Leadership Crisis: Quick Looks

  • Governor’s Action: Gov. Lujan Grisham calls for a clean slate by urging regent resignations.
  • Audit Revelations: A state investigation revealed wasteful spending, including luxury travel and purchases.
  • Controversial Exit Package: Outgoing President Shepard secured a $1.9M payout and a faculty job.
  • Faculty Backlash: Faculty issued a no-confidence vote, demanding intervention and leadership changes.
  • Historic University: Established in the 1890s, the university faces one of its most turbulent periods.

Deep Look

The leadership crisis at Western New Mexico State University (WNMU) in Silver City has intensified after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called for the immediate resignation of its board of regents. The call comes in response to a state audit that revealed significant financial mismanagement and governance failures under outgoing President Joseph Shepard. The unfolding scandal has sparked investigations, faculty backlash, and heightened scrutiny of fiduciary responsibilities at public institutions.

Governor’s Directive for Change

In a strongly worded year-end letter, Gov. Lujan Grisham urged the university’s five-member board of regents to step down to facilitate a leadership overhaul. The governor emphasized the need for new leadership to restore stability and ensure the institution prioritizes its mission of serving students.

Her statement described the need for a “clean slate” to help the university regain its equilibrium. The board’s chairwoman resigned earlier in the week, and faculty senate president Phillip Schoenberg reported that the remaining regents are expected to resign before Friday.

“This is a decisive moment for the future of Western New Mexico State University,” the governor said in her letter. “We must ensure that accountability, transparency, and student welfare take precedence in all decision-making.”

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Revelations of Financial Mismanagement

The crisis stems from a state auditor’s investigation into financial practices at WNMU, which uncovered alarming examples of wasteful spending and fiduciary failures, including:

  • Excessive Spending by Leadership: Former President Joseph Shepard faced scrutiny for lavish spending on international travel and luxury furniture purchases.
  • Improper Use of University Credit Cards: Shepard’s wife, Valerie Plame—a former CIA operations officer and 2020 congressional candidate—was found to have used a university credit card, raising questions about oversight and governance.

The findings paint a picture of systemic financial mismanagement that eroded trust in the institution’s leadership. Lawmakers began raising questions in 2023, prompting the audit and subsequent investigations.

Controversial Resignation Package

Shepard announced his resignation following the audit, but the terms of his departure have only deepened the controversy. The outgoing president’s agreement includes:

  • A guaranteed faculty position.
  • A six-figure annual salary.
  • A one-time payment of $1.9 million.

This exit package has drawn sharp criticism from faculty, state officials, and ethics watchdogs. The State Ethics Commission and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez are investigating whether the board of regents violated their fiduciary duties by approving the agreement.

Critics argue that such a generous payout, given the findings of financial misconduct, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines accountability. Shepard and the regents have defended their actions, asserting that the agreement was made in the best interest of the university.

Faculty No-Confidence Vote

The revelations have spurred outrage among WNMU faculty. On Thursday, the faculty senate issued a no-confidence vote against the board of regents and called for state officials to intervene.

Faculty senate president Phillip Schoenberg described the vote as a necessary step to send a strong message about the university’s need for competent and accountable leadership. “This is about restoring integrity to our institution,” Schoenberg said. “We need leaders who prioritize the interests of students and faculty above all else.”

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The faculty also urged state authorities to rescind Shepard’s resignation package, describing it as excessive and unwarranted given the circumstances.

University’s Historical Significance

WNMU, founded in the 1890s before New Mexico achieved statehood, has a long and storied history. Over the years, the institution has undergone several transformations, including name changes and shifts in leadership. However, this financial scandal marks one of the most challenging periods in its existence.

Despite its struggles, WNMU has been an integral part of higher education in New Mexico, serving thousands of students annually. The current crisis threatens to overshadow its legacy and disrupt its mission of providing accessible education to residents of the region.

Investigations and Accountability

The fallout from the audit has prompted multiple investigations:

  • State Ethics Commission: Examining whether the regents acted appropriately in approving Shepard’s resignation package.
  • Attorney General’s Inquiry: Evaluating whether the board violated its fiduciary duties in overseeing the university’s finances.

Gov. Lujan Grisham’s demand for resignations aligns with these inquiries, signaling a broader effort to rebuild trust in WNMU’s governance.

Broader Implications for Public Universities

The WNMU scandal highlights systemic challenges faced by public universities, including oversight of leadership spending, transparency in financial practices, and maintaining accountability to stakeholders.

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Experts suggest that stricter state-level regulations and increased monitoring of university boards could help prevent similar crises in the future. The controversy also underscores the importance of fostering a culture of transparency within public institutions.

Next Steps for WNMU

The resignations of the regents, combined with ongoing investigations, are expected to pave the way for significant changes at WNMU. Faculty and state officials hope that new leadership will prioritize:

  • Restoring financial stability.
  • Rebuilding trust with students, faculty, and the public.
  • Ensuring that governance practices align with the university’s mission and ethical standards.

For the university to move forward, stakeholders agree that swift and decisive action is necessary.

Outlook for Recovery

While the path ahead is uncertain, the actions taken by the governor and state authorities represent an important step toward addressing the issues that have plagued WNMU. As the investigation continues and new leadership is installed, the focus will remain on rebuilding an institution that can uphold its values and serve its students effectively.

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