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
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.
She spent years questioning New Mexico’s elections. Now she wants to run them.
In an interview with Searchlight New Mexico, Republican Ramona Goolsby talks about her concerns about the state’s election system and her vision for change.
New Mexico insurance officials approve nearly 20% average rate hike for small group plans
The agency attributed the rate increases to a higher than expected “claims experience” in 2025.
Advocates renew calls to expand Medicaid coverage of weight loss drugs
A coalition of Hispanic and health organizations is urging New Mexico to expand Medicaid coverage for weight loss drugs, citing potential to reduce obesity-related health disparities.
Oracle to consider delivering natural gas by truck to Project Jupiter
Oracle is exploring truck delivery of natural gas to fuel Project Jupiter’s data center in Santa Teresa due to pipeline delays, a strategy already used at their Salt Lake City site.
Santa Fe school board audits audio surveillance system after spying concerns
The district will audit the system across 34 properties after an investigation found it recorded staff audio without notice.
New Mexico Department of Health renews syphilis testing order
The order’s main goal is to curb the state’s high rate of congenital syphilis, which is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Trump administration says it’s waiving New Mexico water law to keep using disputed wells for border wall
The Office of the State Engineer intends to fight the federal government’s purported waiver of New Mexico water laws.
How feds respond over disputed wells for border wall in New Mexico
The Doña Ana County Commission unanimously voted to terminate County Manager Scott Andrews — who had signed nondisclosure agreements with developers behind the massive and controversial Project Jupiter data center — without cause July 21.
No, UNM is not buying Las Vegas hospital for abortion clinic — at least not yet
A pair of abortion-related half-truths tied to Northern New Mexico circulated on social media and in anti-abortion publications in recent weeks.
How feds want to change New Mexico meat inspections
The pandemic, which drove nationwide meat processing capacity problems, prompted New Mexico to launch the new program.
Health
Women’s giving circle aims to uplift Santa Fe middle schoolers, broaden reach
Nearing its 20th year, Hestia Fund has given money to some Santa Fe nonprofits for more than a decade and is also focusing on helping new organizations get off their feet.
Timeline: Copper Flat Mine
Lawsuits have challenged Copper Flat’s water rights and residents have questioned its feasibility as a mine with low-grade ore that would use about 360 million gallons of water per year.
Why a copper mine’s return worries Hillsboro residents
A controversial copper mine that closed decades ago could be coming back to Hillsboro, stirring fears among residents about pollution and water use.
child & Family Welfare
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.
State relaxes proposed rules for New Mexico childcare center spending
Some childcare providers have expressed dissatisfaction with the finalized rules, and argue state law needs more revision.
State officials, child welfare plaintiffs strike deal reaching into next governor’s term
The Kevin S. plaintiffs and the state both acknowledged CYFD’s progress but said it continued to lag in some areas.
Government
Here’s what the IPRA task force recommends for New Mexico’s public records
Members of the task force sent a letter Thursday to two legislative committees, summarizing 11 changes they believe the state should consider.
Sunland Park’s water now meets EPA arsenic standards. Can the state rebuild trust with residents?
The region’s water authority has come under fire for distributing high arsenic drinking water to customers without telling them.
AG, Santa Fe lawmaker pitch AI safety measures after UNM breach
The announcement followed an attempt by an autonomous, out-of-control AI model to access a restricted record from the school.
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