A middle schooler said she was raped. Then she was suspended from classes.
After a 13-year-old reported sexual assault, she was left to navigate a system where limited state and federal oversight leave school districts to decide how allegations are handled.
The federal government is scaling back civil rights enforcement for students. What does that mean for K-12 schools?
This inaugural podcast episode of “Searchlight New Mexico with Ed Williams” delves into the complexities of sexual assault in schools. Student advocates Sabrina Bernadel and Susan Moen offer their takes on the issue.
As feds scale back sex assault oversight, school districts have final say
New Mexico provides no oversight of sexual assault between students in schools. A recent case in Hobbs shows what that can mean.
Hobbs police struggle with sex crimes
Police in Hobbs said an alleged rape was consensual. The department has a long, troubled record with sex crimes.
How we reported on sexual assault in schools
Sexual violence is a particularly difficult topic for investigative reporters to cover.
Reporta violación y la suspenden de clases
Read in English. Advertencia de contenido: Esta historia contiene descripciones de acusaciones de agresión sexual que involucran a niños. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido una agresión sexual, visite la Línea Nacional de Ayuda para Víctimas de Agresión Sexual de RAINN para obtener asistencia. Llame al 800.656.HOPE (4673), chatee en RAINN.org/hotline o envíe un…
Featured Stories
State Sen. Carrie Hamblen, discusses concerns around Project Jupiter.
One of the biggest stories of the year in New Mexico has been the construction of Project Jupiter, a controversial hyperscale data center in Southern New Mexico.
Grant County commissioners approve data center moratorium
A developer of a proposed data center in Grant County spoke at the meeting Thursday, before the commissioners voted to approve a one-year moratorium.
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains opens new Albuquerque clinic
Tens of thousands of women seeking abortions have traveled to New Mexico since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.
New World screwworm detected in Otero County cow
The case is New Mexico’s fifth since the parasitic fly made its return to the United States this summer.
‘We’re not aliens’: Santa Fe students walk out to protest recent ICE arrests
“Today we walked out to show our support to the immigrants and to stop ICE and to try our best to abolish it,” one student said.
After years of declines, New Mexico alcohol-related death rate rises 2.6%
The increase comes after a 21% decline between 2021 and 2024.
Gun rights groups file new federal lawsuit challenging New Mexico waiting period
Plaintiffs, including major gun rights groups, filed another lawsuit challenging New Mexico’s seven-day firearm waiting period.
Four New Mexico IT projects exceed cost estimates by $450 million, LFC says
New Mexico should focus less on rolling out complete systems all at once and more on an incremental approach, an evaluator said.
Five arrested in alleged Southern New Mexico drug trafficking ring
Police say the ring was coordinated by a man who was incarcerated in Ciudad Juárez, with five people now facing federal charges.
Rail Runner Express sees boost in train riders amid climbing gas prices
Lily Alexander is a state accountability reporter for The New Mexican and Searchlight New Mexico, focusing on equity and transparency. Her position is part of the New Mexican Public Service Journalism Fund, and her stories are available to all readers without a paywall.
Final task force report details recommended changes to New Mexico public records law
The final report by the Inspection of Public Records Act Task Force sheds more light on the 11 proposals summarized in a letter to legislative committees earlier this month.
Health
CYFD withheld records after death of 10-month-old girl, lawsuit alleges
CYFD gave little explanation in denying requests for information about 10-month-old Skylar Magana’s death, an attorney alleges.
Two new cases of New World screwworm identified in New Mexico
They’re the state’s third and fourth cases since the sometimes-deadly pest made its return to the United States this summer.
Judge finalizes bankruptcy for major New Mexico nursing home operator
Genesis facilities, including the company’s 21 nursing homes in New Mexico, will continue operating under new ownership.
child & Family Welfare
CYFD fails to implement long-awaited case management system by deadline
CYFD has not yet set a new timeline for the project’s rollout, prompting concerns from lawmakers over the seemingly endless delays.
CYFD sent documents to incorrect foster families, leaking child information
The agency apologized for the error on Friday, and said a printer malfunction was to blame for the mistake.
Lawmakers, attorney say New Mexico’s child welfare system has a long way to go
Legislators expressed concerns over CYFD’s slow progress toward reform, and said it must better professionalize its workforce.
Government
Oracle touts Project Jupiter benefits during tour as wrangling over power continues
The massive Project Jupiter faces another delayed permitting proceeding. Meanwhile, Oracle exes flew in this week to provide an update on construction.
Ethics complaint alleges GOP Rep. Nicole Chavez has improper ties to Project Jupiter
Chavez is facing an investigation into her ties to Project Jupiter — through both her role in the Legislature and her husband’s lobbying work.
New Mexico seniors face fewer Medicare choices as open enrollment begins
Several major health insurers in New Mexico will discontinue certain Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, including Presbyterian, Christus and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
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