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Look somewhere else
New Mexico's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities find jobs and get back into the workforce. Since August, though, the state agency has been telling those with less-severe impairments that it can't help ($). The division is referring those people elsewhere after prioritizing those with the most significant disabilities, according to a definition in federal law. The agency blames the Legislature for not enough funding to help everyone.
Mixed bag
Another Balloon Fiesta is in the books. Two of the big mass ascensions were canceled, including the farewell one yesterday. Three of the five evening events were scratched, too. Still, seven morning events went off, including big ones on both Saturdays. Once they get some sleep, organizers are expected to release attendance numbers.
Prison violence on the rise
Inmate-on-inmate violence is at its highest rate in a decade, according to a legislative study. Staffing shortages and crowding that can pinch treatment program participation have mixed together to create the problem, according to a performance report ($) on New Mexico's Department of Corrections. Increased gang activity and drug use are compounding the problem, the report says.
PED delays APS teacher hiring
Albuquerque Public Schools hired 58 foreign teachers to fill vacancies in its classrooms this year, but the state Public Education Department allowed only 32 to come to work. The department wouldn't accept a Seattle company as a sponsor of visas for the Filipino teachers. The remaining teachers will likely have to wait until at least January to work in Albuquerque.
Here to teach
APS isn't the only school district hiring foreign teachers to fill huge gaps in the classroom. It's happening all across New Mexico. Searchlight New Mexico looked at what teachers have to do to work here, how much they have to pay to the companies that hire them, and why they still come.
Hear ye, Herrell
Democrats in the 2nd Congressional District say Republican Yvette Herrell is avoiding debates for the open seat, which Steve Pearce vacated to run for governor. Xochtil Torres Small told the Associated Press that her opponent won't debate her. Herrell and her campaign didn't respond to the AP.
Dress up
Today at 1 pm, hitch up your sleigh and ask the coachman to take you to the Santa Fe Woman's Club. Carolyn Goldthorpe will talk about Victorian dress in the 1800s. Since it's Victorian, it seems Christmasy, which is skewed, we know. Goldthrorpe is on staff at the Museum of Metropolitan Art's Costume Institute, so she knows of what she speaks. RSVP to them since they'll serve lunch.
Snow
It showed up, though not in great amounts around town. As long as it's in the mountains and helps whatever comes next stick around until spring, we'll take it. Expect a cold day (for fall) around the state, with continued precipitation and temperatures struggling to crack 40 in Santa Fe and little better in Albuquerque. We'll bump up toward 50 tomorrow.
Thanks for reading! The Word just wants a fire and some chestnuts this morning.
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