Morning Word: Dog Head Fire Out of Control

State of Emergency

Gov. Martinez toured the out-of-control

in the Manzano Mountains on Thursday evening after announcing that

for the state. This means that federal funds will cover 75 percent of costs associated with fighting the fire, which has forced mandatory evacuations and consumed dozens of homes.

“to man roadways and go door to door in those area that have been evacuated to assure that people have left.”

Report: New Mexico Has Model Legislature

The Associated Press did a survey of state legislatures around the country and found New Mexico has the most

and the most Hispanic lawmakers.

Luján Support DREAMers' Military Service

Speaking of diversity, US Rep. Ben Ray Luján joined members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer in denouncing

that prevent DREAMers from serving in the Armed Forces.

Johnson Picks Up Endorsement and National Airtime

This probably doesn’t surprise anyone, but

the nation’s largest pro cannabis group, is endorsing Gary Johnson for president in 2016. CNN has announced it will host

with Johnson on June 22 at 9 pm.

Silent Witness Takes Charge of Plan to Fix SNAP

Joey Peters at New Mexico Political Report has been doing yeoman’s work covering the problems with the state’s administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Today he reports that Marilyn Martinez, “an official who pleaded her Fifth Amendment rights in court over widespread allegations of fraud in how the state administers the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, will t

outlined by the federal government.”

'Flagrant Disregard'

This is bound to be a precedent-setting open government legal case: Heath Haussamen, who is suing the City of Las Cruces and its executive search firm The Mercer Group for violating the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act for withholding city manager candidates’ job applications, contends

by claiming the private business has custody of the documents.

Whistleblower Settles for $900,000

Phaedra Haywood uncovered documents that shows the

Obamas Visit Carlsbad Today

If you were planning to visit Carlsbad Caverns today, you want to reschedule.

, and the park service is closing it down.

Santa Fe Reporter