Foundation for Open Government questioning Martinez policy

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government is asking Gov. Susana Martinez about the administration's policy for handling information requests from the Legislature's watchdog committees. 

The questions were raised in response to a story by The Associated Press that Martinez agencies have told the Legislative Finance Committee and the Legislative Education Study Committee to send their information requests to the governor's chief of staff for approval before an agency will respond. 

Foundation Executive Director Susan Boe sent a letter Wednesday to the governor asking if her chief of staff now serves as the "chief records custodian" for agency requests under the Inspection of Public Records Act. The foundation also made a public records request for any correspondence or memorandum sent to agencies about the governor's new policy.

Foundation for Open Government questioning Martinez policy

Lawmakers have major concerns about new school curriculum

Top lawmakers are complaining that sweeping new high school curriculum and standardized testing rules are too complicated even for those who approved them to understand. 

And they note that, if that's the case, just imagine how tough they will be to follow for students, parents and school administrators.

 The House Public Education Committee discussed implementation on Wednesday of a much-watched new law scrapping the rule that most students take algebra II. It's designed to create more flexibility for vocational training. 

The law also cut the number of high school standardized tests from a nation-high 15 to five. But some committee members complained that the new curriculum is heavy. 

Lawmakers have major concerns about new school curriculum

AG's office launching APD shooting investigation

The New Mexico Attorney General's Office is launching an investigation of the latest fatal shootings by Albuquerque police. 

State Attorney General Gary King said Wednesday that his office's investigation will provide what he called "an objective unbiased external assessment."

 Albuquerque Police Chief Gordon Eden said officers opened fire on a man outside an apartment complex late Tuesday after he shot at police. Officers were responding to a 911 call about a man holding a child at gunpoint.

 That shooting occurred just hours after hundreds of people participated in a protest over a recent confrontation in which police fatally shot a homeless camper. The Attorney General's office will also investigate that shooting.

AG's office launching APD shooting investigation