Morning Word: Lab Workers May Get Loan Relief

Relief Program Expanded

A student

if it’s passed. Robert Nott reports: According to a 2014 study by the Institute for College Access and Success, the average debt owed on student loans nationwide is around $30,000. New Mexicans who took out loans to attend college carry an average of about $19,000 in debt.

Mining Reform

US Sens Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, both New Mexico Democrats, want to reform antiquated mining laws. Udall's

will ensure mining companies pay royalties for the privilege of extracting mineral resources from public lands and ensures taxpayers aren't on the hook for cleaning up abandoned mines.

Gila River Redos

State District Judge Francis Mathew says

(appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez) blew it and must retroactively award contracts to two companies who bid on the Gila River diversion project. But Staci Matlock reports it’s only a partial win since Mathew also determined commissioners didn’t violate the state procurement code or Open Meeting Act. It’s the first time the state has countersued someone for filing an OMA complaint.

Surprise, Surprise

Dan Boyd found out the names of nine people who want to replace Dianna Duran at the secretary of state’s office, and it looks like former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil, who dropped Giron from her last name, has

, despite having once been charged with “fraud, money laundering and embezzlement, in connection with the awarding of $6 million in federal contracts for voter education efforts.” The criminal case was eventually dismissed.

Improper Sign-Offs

A new audit, reviewed by Ryan Boetel, says the City of Albuquerque’s contracts with police department psychologist Troy Rodgers have “the appearance of potential wrongdoing and questionable business practices” since he’s been

while employed by APD.

Three Strikes

Dennis Domrzalski over at ABQ Free Press reports: State Rep. Paul Pacheco, a former Albuquerque police officer, said he'll introduce legislation to make

. The intrepid reporter was also on hand when three Democratic

for blaming them for a shortage of police officers.

Testing the Air

KUNM Reporter Ed Williams, who has been reporting on

in northwest Albuquerque, says the company responsible for the mess is planning to

in some neighborhood homes to see if the toxins pose health threats.

TGIF

If you’re like us, you're glad its the weekend. Here’s a look at some fun things to do in Santa Fe this weekend, courtesy of

.

Thanks for reading the Morning Word this week.

Santa Fe Reporter