By Julia Goldberg | Editor-in-Chief
Happy Friday, everyone! After a surprisingly wet start to the fall, this weekend looks (mostly) like typical gorgeous October weather. Yes, we’re fans of the month. What’s not to love? Fall foliage. Halloween costumes. Candy. Oh, and nonstop political ads! Speaking of politics, limited early voting starts next Tuesday. We’re going to roll out our Voter Guide in time for anyone who is racing to the polls. But this morning, we have some non-election news for you, on topics ranging from AI to black bears and everything in between. Thanks for being here.
New Mexico First Judicial District Judge Francis Mathew listens to attorney Matthew Nicholson, representing Facebook, during a Thursday hearing to determine penalties against the company. (Photo by Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)
New Mexico requests judge fine Facebook up to $40B for violating state law
Lawyers representing New Mexico on Thursday requested a district court judge fine Facebook up to $40 billion after a Santa Fe jury last week found that the social media giant willfully violated state law regarding unfair and deceptive trade practices. First Judicial District Judge Francis Mathew told lawyers for both sides he will render a decision on penalties within two to three weeks.
A record-setting total of 307 black bears have been killed so far this year, according to New Mexico Department of Wildlife data. (Photo courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Wildlife)
‘Particularly rough year for bears’; New Mexico sees record-setting year for bear killings
New Mexico wildlife managers have killed more black bears this year than any full year on record, wildlife officials told state lawmakers this week, as hot temperatures and drought conditions force bears into human-populated areas in search of food.
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) center, with (l-r) Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), held a news conference earlier this week at the U.S. Capitol to introduce bipartisan permitting reform legislation. (Screenshot)
New Mexico U.S. Sen. Heinrich and colleagues announce bipartisan regulatory reform bill
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, this week helped introduce the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, which sponsors say will help bolster cheaper energy and create more jobs by reforming the federal government’s regulatory process for energy and infrastructure projects.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, right, and state Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), at podium, on Thursday announced a new legislative effort aimed at reining in large AI companies following a series of high-profile AI incidents. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann/Source NM)
New Mexico attorney general and state lawmaker announce push to rein in rogue AI models
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and state Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe) on Thursday announced that they will push a bill this legislative session that aims to rein in advanced artificial intelligence systems, an effort they describe as nation-leading and necessary amid federal inaction.
ICYMI
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We're looking at photos from America’s past, including New Mexico circa 1957.
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