Jason McNabb

Two former financial employees of New Mexico's Early Childhood Education and Care Department have filed lawsuits claiming they were unfairly terminated after raising concerns about financial practices and a significant budget shortfall. Attorney and former state senator Jacob Candelaria, who represents the plaintiffs, said, "This lawsuit is about two very dedicated state employees." The lawsuits were filed by Chief Financial Officer Carmel Pacheco-Aragon and Budget Director Kimberly Gonzales.

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. - Residents in Alamogordo are frustrated and confused after seeing their electric bills skyrocket over the past month, with some charges nearing $1,000 due to billing delays and estimated usage. Cheyenne, a longtime resident, said she did not receive an electric bill from PNM for June. "We typically go into the payment center here in Alamogordo to see what we owe," she said.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Kim Cordova, a New Mexico mother, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) and Serenity Mesa Recovery Center, alleging negligence after her teenage daughter, Payton, was reportedly sexually assaulted twice while in their care. Cordova described Payton as "feisty" and "an amazing daughter," but said their household in Los Lunas faced difficulties, including challenges stemming from her relationship with Payton's father.