Morning Word: Justices Review Courtroom Closure Procedures

Constitutional Challenges

Maggie Shepard at the Albuquerque Journal reports the New Mexico Supreme Court is considering when and

. It’s a risky proposition. If witnesses refuse to testify because they’re afraid, prosecutors could have to drop cases. If judges keep the public out, convictions could be reversed on appeal.

Pot Audits Questioned

Investigators at the state auditor’s office want the health department and Professional Accountancy Board to determine if some state-mandated medical cannabis audits, which were

are truly independent.

Procurement Study

On Friday, State Auditor Tim Keller announced his office will

and determine if the right procedures are being utilized at the Department of Finance and Administration, the General Services Department and the Department of Information Technology.

The study will focus on a variety of aspects of state purchasing such as sole-source purchases, emergency purchases, bid-tailoring, and in-state business, small business and veteran’s preferences.
‘Pull Together’

KOB reports that Children, Youth and Families Department officials are launching their “Pull Together” television campaign featuring UFC fighter Carlos Condit today. The goal:

. But some see it as just a slick way to rebrand the troubled agency.

Medical Treatment Helps Addicts

On Sunday, ABQ Journal reporter Olivier Uyttebrouck had a long story on the impact of opiate use disorder in communities around the state and how

struggling with addiction.

River Contamination Lingers

It’s been eight months since the Gold King mine spill, but state officials say

is still contaminated. 

Legal Eagle

One of the immigrant students we reported on in

last spring

, passed the bar and been sworn in as a lawyer.

Left Out

Sadly, some

altogether. In 14 states, the Associated Press reports, unaccompanied minors from Central America have been “discouraged from enrolling in schools or pressured into what advocates and attorneys argue are separate but unequal alternative programs — essentially an academic dead end, and one that can violate federal law.”

‘Obama Out’

President Barack Obama received

after his last speech to the White House Press Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. NPR reports, “Known for his comedic timing and one-liner delivery, Obama didn't disappoint.” If you missed it, you can

.

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