Searchlight New Mexico News

Ed williams series, nowhere to go, jointly published with propublica, influenced the opening remarks in the 2023 legislative session. Two related bills were introduced as a result one demanding additional state data, another calling for the creation of a task force to study and document runaway foster youth. The attorney generals office used our reporting to support a bill creating an office of childrens rights. Two of the three bills ultimately passed but were then vetoed by the governor, who instead issued an executive order to reform the states child welfare department. Searchlight examined the epidemic of police shootings across the state and the fact that the vast majority of these occur after a mental illness call, usually from a family member. Joshua bowling and vanessa snchez published deep-dive stories on mental health and police responses. Their work, calling in crisis, documented the impact of New programs in las cruces and albuquerque both created to utilize mental health professionals instead of police. Civilian response programs, such as these, are still in their infancy stage and, as authorities acknowledge, its difficult to measure success. People in the throes of a mental health crisis are likely to be met with an armed police response, and advocates say that leaves them highly vulnerable. But the story itself was met with great interest. It was republished in the guardian, and joshua presented his findings at a panel at nmsu in las cruces for sunshine week. He also appeared on krwg and knmes New Mexico in focus. In august, criminal justice reporter joshua bowling wrote a hard-hitting story about police killings of civilians 350 across the state over the past decade, more in albuquerque than nearly any major city in the u.s. In april, we published a significant story that showed how hospital closures have put untold numbers of mothers and infants at risk. The story by vanessa snchez was republished by virtually every News outlet in the state and led directly to the resignation of the entire board of the New Mexico perinatal collaborative. We remain in touch with our sources and are following their progress as they seek solutions. Weve also been contacted by a state senator about legislation for the 2024 session to increase funding for maternal and child health.