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NMED Updates Public Comment System Following Alleged Fraud

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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NMED Updates Public Comment System Following Alleged Fraud

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has changed the way it handles public comments following complaints that New Mexicans’ names were used without their knowledge during a public hearing process involving a proposed air quality permit.

Through the new system, anyone who submits a comment through the NMED online public comment portal using an email address will receive an automated message confirming the department’s receipt of the comment. The recipient can then confirm that they submitted and authorized the comment, or have the option to notify NMED if they did not.

The update to this system follows concerns related to the air quality permit application for Yucca Growth Infrastructure, LLC, known as Project Jupiter. During the public hearing determination process for the application, reports were made to NMED that comments had been submitted using the names of people who said they had not authorized them. Public officials were among the individuals who were identified in these complaints.

NMED officials said that about 42 of over 17,500 comments submitted through the public comment portal regarding the Project Jupiter permit were reported as potentially fraudulent.

The department said that the new confirmation system is being instituted with the intention of identifying fraudulent submissions more easily and improving public confidence in the public comments process. This new system aims to also keep the public comment process accessible to those who want to participate in environmental decisions.

To assist with an investigation into this possible fraudulent use of the public comment process, NMED is working with the New Mexico Department of Justice, providing information from the public comment portal related to the Project Jupiter permit.

This investigation could determine whether individuals or organizations improperly submitted comments using other people’s names. NMED said it may pursue civil or criminal action depending on the findings.

The change in the public comment system does not change the opportunity for New Mexicans to submit comments on environmental matters. NMED officials say that it is intended to improve the verification process of a system that depends on public participation and trust.

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh is an Albuquerque-born journalist covering community news and events. They prioritize empathy, transparency, and a community-centered approach. They can be reached on Instagram at @brantonenews.

Route 66 Visitor Center to Host 2026 State of the City Address

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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Route 66 Visitor Center to Host 2026 State of the City Address

ALBUQUERQUE — Mayor Tim Keller’s 2026 State of the City address is hosted at the Route 66 Visitor Center beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. The event will feature the annual mayoral address, a Meet the Fleet event with the Albuquerque Fire Department, a City Department Expo, and live performances. It will also host celebratory activities to mark the Route 66 Centennial. 

The annual address gives Albuquerque’s mayor the opportunity to highlight major successes from the previous year and inform constituents about upcoming initiatives, plans, and priorities for the city in the coming year. 

During the 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Tim Keller said that “to understand where we’re going, we have to be clear about where we are.” Last year, the speech covered advancements in public safety, housing, and education initiatives, both executed and planned for the future, as well as information about federal immigration enforcement involvement in New Mexico.

This year’s address will begin with a Meet the Fleet event, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., where attendees can meet members of the Albuquerque Fire Department. The mayor’s State of the City address will begin at 5:30 p.m. The event will continue from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., ending with a City Department Expo and a performance from Baila! Baila!, a New Mexican performance and dance academy.

The event will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Historic Route 66; the Route 66 Visitor Center, which will be hosting this year’s address, recently reopened with an exhibition celebrating “Mother Road Centennial.” The Route 66 Visitor Center is located on Nine Mile Hill at 12300 Central Ave NW.

Parking for the event will be available at multiple locations. The Route 66 Visitor Center will offer limited parking. Additional parking will be at the Fire Academy parking lot East of the Route 66 Visitor Center, located at 11500 Sunset Gardens Rd SW. Overflow parking will be available at Central & Unser Transit Center at 7901 Central Ave NW; bus riders will also debark here for event access. Round-trip shuttles will be available from the Fire Academy and Central & Unser Transit Center to the Route 66 Visitor Center.

Free tickets, which are required to enter the event, are available online and attendees can bring either a printed or digital version. Organizers note that alcohol, pets, glass containers, weapons, noisemakers, and signs are not allowed at this event.

To reserve a spot or for more information, visit cabq.gov/sotc.

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh is an Albuquerque-born journalist covering community news and events. They prioritize empathy, transparency, and a community-centered approach. They can be reached on Instagram at @brantonenews.

Farmers’ Almanac Forecasts Wild Winter of Snow, Sleet and Surprises Ahead for U.S.

Juan Oliveros
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Farmers’ Almanac Forecasts Wild Winter of Snow, Sleet and Surprises Ahead for U.S.

Farmers’ Almanac forecasts the 2026-27 winter could bring stark contrasts across the United States, with an active storm track across the South, brief cold snaps in the North, and a volatile combination of rain, sleet, freezing rain, and heavy snow in the Northeast.

The almanac released its long-range winter outlook on Friday. It described the coming winter as one of “snow, sleet and surprises.”

Forecaster Caleb Weatherbee, a pseudonym used by the publication, prepared the winter outlook using a proprietary formula that dates to the almanac’s founding in 1818. The proprietary formula uses solar activity, lunar influences, historical weather patterns, and modern meteorological data.

The almanac sees El Niño as a major influence during the winter, favoring wetter-than-normal conditions across most parts of the South.

An active storm track may extend from Southern California and the Desert Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast, bringing more storms, muddy conditions, and occasional bursts of cold air. Some storms could produce sleet, freezing rain, or heavy, wet snow, especially when colder air meets moisture,

The southern Rockies also could experience favorable conditions for mountain snowfall.

There will be average to near normal across the West, northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes. But these areas could experience fast-moving clippers, sudden cold snaps, snow squalls, strong winds, and periods of bitter cold.

Frequent freeze-thaw cycles could produce changing conditions on roads and agricultural land across the middle of the country. The Northeast will be facing some of the winter’s most complicated weather patterns. Coastal areas will see more rain and mixed rainfall, while inland areas may experience several rounds of heavy, wet snow, especially in January and February.

Small changes in storm paths or temperatures could determine whether precipitation falls as rain, sleet, freezing rain, or snow.

According to the almanac, the Pacific Northwest will have a more variable and less reliable snow season. Some areas of the northern Plains and Upper Midwest could turn drier when the southern storm track becomes dominant. Brief periods of intense cold, wind and snow, however, remain possible.

The almanac also predicted above-normal rainfall along the southern storm track that will stretch from California and the Southwest eastward through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast. A secondary storm track along the Eastern Seaboard could bring additional rain, mixed precipitation and snow from the mid-Atlantic to New England. Temperatures near the freezing point could make precipitation types particularly difficult to predict. “Keep the snow shovel, rain boots and ice scraper close at hand,” the almanac said in its summary. “This winter, you may need all three.”

The Farmers’ Almanac has published long-range weather forecasts since 1818. It claims its regional outlooks are 80 percent to 85 percent accurate. But reviews have generally found lower accuracy, while some assessments concluded that the forecasts perform better than chance.

The outlook appears in the 210th edition of the Farmers’ Almanac, which will be available in print later this month.

5 Deaths in Louisiana Vibrio Vulnificus Outbreak

Juan Oliveros
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5 Deaths in Louisiana Vibrio Vulnificus Outbreak

Louisiana documented nine Vibrio vulnificus infections, including five deaths and four hospitalizations, warning that warmer coastal waters heighten risks posed by the bacteria.

Health officials urged people with open wounds to avoid seawater and be careful when handling or eating seafood.

Officials at the Louisiana Department of Health linked this week’s nine Louisiana cases to wounds exposed to seawater. The patients also had pre-existing health conditions, increasing the risk of severe Vibrio infections and complications.

Vibrio bacteria naturally occur in brackish and coastal waters. People are susceptible to infections when they have an open wound and come into contact with contaminated water or by eating raw or raw shellfish, especially oysters.

Vibrio infections are not uncommon from May through October as seawater temperatures are warmer. In recent years, however, Vibrio vulnificus outbreaks were documented in areas such as Long Island Sound, considered too cold to support the bacteria.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency researchers said cases of Vibrio infections could increase by 5 in 10 by 2090, when compared with 1995, due to rising sea temperatures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least a dozen Vibrio species can cause vibriosis, a disease that can range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe, life-threatening infections. Each year, CDC said there are about 80,000 cases of vibriosis that occur in the United States.

Vibrio vulnificus is one of the most dangerous species. About 20 percent, or 1 in 5 people who develop an infection, die. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Once the infection enters the bloodstream, the infected person will experience severe low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions.

Louisiana’s outbreaks are part of a broader pattern occurring in other states. This year, Florida has documented 14 Vibrio vulnificus infections, with two deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health. One infected person died in Marion County in central Florida. The other in Palm Beach County.

Florida health officials warned that the risk of infection increases following severe weather events, such as storms and hurricanes. The state recorded 19 Vibrio vulnificus deaths two years ago, when Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Florida.

Louisiana health officials advised people with open wounds to avoid saltwater and brackish water. If a person’s wound is exposed to such water, they should wash it thoroughly with soap and clean water. Officials also advised people to cook seafood thoroughly and keep cooked seafood separate from raw seafood to reduce the risk of infection.

Could New Mexico’s $567M Meta Ruling Rewrite the Rules for Social Media and Kids?

Juan Oliveros
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Could New Mexico’s $567M Meta Ruling Rewrite the Rules for Social Media and Kids?

A New Mexico judge ruled that Meta Platforms must pay $567 million into a youth mental health fund and change how its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, protect children. This opens the possibility that the rules for social media could be rewritten.

Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court issued the ruling on Thursday. Biedscheid affirmed the claim that Meta’s platforms have helped fuel New Mexico’s youth mental health crisis. The judge also found that the social media platforms facilitated child sexual exploitation and created a public nuisance under state law. The $567 million abatement award is on top of a $375 million civil penalty a jury imposed in March for violations of the state’s Unfair Practices Act. Both rulings expose Meta to $942 million in financial penalties and court-ordered remedies in the case.

A bigger portion of the award, $420 million, will help bankroll a treatment program for young people in New Mexico for the next five years. The remaining amount will support public awareness and prevention programs, screening and assessment, referrals and oversight.

Beyond Financial Penalties

The order, however, is not only about financial penalties.

Over the next five years, the court ordered the social media giant to implement a series of court-supervised safety measures for New Mexico users. The requirements include strengthening age-assurance tools, subject to federal laws such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; developing a system to predict whether a user is younger than 13; and private-by-default settings for users under 18.

The court order also limits adults from messaging minors with whom they have no connection, limits push notifications during overnight and school hours, and limits the usage of users under 18 at about 90 hours per month across Facebook and Instagram.

It also requires Meta to hide public “like” counts from minors, stronger safeguards against the sharing of nude images involving children, increased enforcement against child sexual exploitation, and prohibit romantic or sexualized interactions between minors and Meta’s AI chatbots.

Court Rejects Other Demands

But the court rejected some of the state’s sweeping demands, such as major changes to Meta’s algorithms and features such as infinite scroll and autoplay. The judge cited First Amendment and Section 230 concerns, while questioning the practicality of imposing some of the proposed changes.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said the decision was historic. “This is not just a judgment against one company. It is a blueprint,” Torrez said. The state official said the ruling could pave the way for other states and countries to hold social media companies accountable over product-design decisions that harm children.

Meta will appeal the ruling. “We remain confident in our record of protecting teens online and will continue to defend ourselves against claims that misrepresent the facts,” Meta’s spokesperson said.

The tech company hinged its argument on Section 230, arguing that it protects the company from liability for content posted by users. It contends that its platforms are not the only ones responsible for youth mental health problems, saying that some proposed remedies are impractical or could force it to leave New Mexico.

Limits, Implications

The decision requires Meta to develop and implement features specific to New Mexico, such as usage limits, notification restrictions, age-prediction systems, and privacy defaults. The company must also submit reports to the court twice a year on the progress of these changes.

The landmark case is among the early lawsuits seeking to hold Meta responsible under a public-nuisance theory based on product design and its effects on children. More than 40 states and more than 1,300 school districts have filed similar cases against social media companies.

There is no guarantee, however, that because of the ruling Meta will adopt the same safeguards nationwide. Its effect could depend on the outcome of Meta’s appeal and how other courts interpret the ruling.

Sweet Treat Awaits at Yum Yums 505 in Downtown Albuquerque

Ruben Reyes
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Searching for uniquely sweet treats? This newly opened sweets shop in Downtown Albuquerque is perfect for you.

From candied grapes to cotton candy burritos, Yum Yums 505 has it for you. Aside from treating yourself with a sweet treat, you can share it with your family, too.

Yum Yums 505 humbly started as an ice cream truck and has become a brick-and-mortar shop right in the heart of downtown. They held their grand opening ceremony on Friday, August 7, at their new location on the corner of 7th and Copper.

They moved to this location due to customer demand for a new site and to provide customers with a place to sit down.

For the owners, it is not your typical sweets shop. You can find their candied grapes, also known on social media as “Tanghulu,” on their menu. They want to give Albuquerque something different by offering trendy sweets you see on social media, like candy grapes, cotton candy burrito, and roll-up bites.

Aside from this, they also offer candy-coated grape kebabs, chamoy pickles, pickle paleta, hot pickle, mangonada paleta, and tanguhulu topped with Nerds. All these are available in their shop now.

For them, the goal is to make every family and every business feel safe, so they can blossom.

Apart from sweet treats, a cafe and noodle bar are currently under construction. You can visit their social media page to stay up to date.

If you plan to visit them, they are open from Tuesday to Thursday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from Friday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stay up to date.

If you plan to visit them, they are open from Tuesday to Thursday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from Friday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Applications Open for 2026 New Mexico Adventure Pitch Fest

Olivia Woodard
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Applications Open for 2026 New Mexico Adventure Pitch Fest

Outdoorsmen and adventurers get ready, because applications for the 2026 New Mexico Adventure Pitch Fest are open now!

Adventure Pitch Fest is a celebration held for New Mexico’s $3.6 billion outdoor recreation industry. The statewide showcase and live pitch competition will be on Friday, November 6, 2026 and held at the Albuquerque Rail Yards. 

Right now, New Mexico based outdoor organizations and businesses are invited to apply to get a booth at the showcase. Booths at the event will be where they can interact with investors, consumers, and key stakeholders. 

The Competition

For-profit outdoor businesses are encouraged to apply for the pitch competition, where selected finalists will get coaching from event partners at Activate New Mexico. In the competition, participants will get 4 minutes of stage time to impress a panel of judges. The two top-scoring businesses will go head-to-head in a pitch battle. The winner will take home $10,000, and second place will take home $5000. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy,” said Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo. “Adventure Pitch Fest gives businesses of all sizes and at all stages of growth the opportunity to increase visibility, expand their customer base and build lasting relationships.” 

Last year, the 2025 Adventure Pitch Fest brought together dozens of outdoor businesses and organizations from across the state. The pitch competition winners, the New Mexico Pack Burros, were able to elevate their burro trail racing events, and their events have doubled in size.

“Winning the competition accelerated our company’s growth through both media exposure and capital investment,” said Shane Weigand, founder of New Mexico Pack Burros LLC based in Edgewood, NM. 

So New Mexico outdoor businesses, this could be your shot to grow!

Applications for businesses and organizations will close on September 30. An informational webinar and Q&A session will be held on Wednesday, August 26, at 10 a.m.

For applications and more information, visit bit.ly/adventurepitchfest. 

The event will be family friendly and open to the public, and tickets will be available soon! But for now, New Mexico businesses and organizations apply to participate! 

Olivia Woodard is a journalist for Brant One News. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Instagram at @brantonenews.

Carson National Forest Crews Battle 24-Acre Coco Fire Near Tres Piedras

Juan Oliveros
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Carson National Forest Crews Battle 24-Acre Coco Fire Near Tres Piedras

Firefighters with the Carson National Forest are fighting a 24-acre wildfire Thursday on the slopes of San Antonio Mountain north of Tres Piedras. Crews scrambled to keep nearby homes and telecommunications infrastructure safe.

Named the Coco Fire, the blaze was burning in the undergrowth of aspen and Douglas fir stands with a combination of smoldering and moderate fire, the U.S. Forest Service said.

Three engine crews are battling the fire. Additional resources were ordered, including a helicopter.

Residential structures and telecommunications sites are at risk. San Antonio Mountain, rising to about 10,908 feet, is a landmark on the Taos Plateau near the Colorado border. The upper slopes of the mountain, a volcanic peak, are home to communication towers. It is surrounded by scattered homes and private properties.

Officials have yet to release the cause of the fire or its containment status. The wildfire is still under initial attack on Thursday afternoon.

The Coco Fire occurs during the North American monsoon season that brought increased rainfall and heightened humidity to most parts of northern New Mexico. Carson National Forest had lifted Stage 2 fire restrictions in late July after rainfall lowered fire risk. Lightning from seasonal thunderstorms, however, continues to spark new fires.

Other national forests in northern New Mexico had to contend with several small lightning-caused fires in early August. Most are limited in size because of the wetter conditions.

Authorities advised the public to avoid the area. They also reminded residents and visitors that drones are not allowed near active wildfires as aerial firefighting operations continue their fire suppression activities.

The U.S. Forest Service said it will provide additional updates when new information becomes available.

Albuquerque Endures Triple 100° August Heat Wave That Strains Health and Infrastructure

Juan Oliveros
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Albuquerque Endures Triple 100° August Heat Wave That Strains Health and Infrastructure

For the first time, Albuquerque has logged three consecutive days in August after registering 100 degrees or higher this week. The historic streak marked an unusually intense heat wave that has strained residents, emergency rooms, and infrastructure across New Mexico.

Temperatures reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit on three consecutive days through Thursday, according to observations from the National Weather Service at Albuquerque International Sunport. It is the latest occurrence of triple-digit heat on record for the city and gives Albuquerque its highest number of 100-degree days ever documented in August.

This record first highlights an unusually hot summer across the state and the American Southwest. Continuous high pressure has driven above-normal temperatures, delayed monsoon relief, and increased health risks.

Traditionally, July is among Albuquerque’s warmest months on record. And the city has already recorded at least nine days of 100-degree heat this year — well above its long-term average.

Albuquerque usually records about three triple-digit days annually, most of them occurring between late June and the middle of July. Forecasters have repeatedly issued heat advisories for the metropolitan area and its surrounding valleys, with moderate to major heat risks, particularly in urban areas.

Emergency physicians warned that prolonged heat is taking a toll on residents. Dr. Jon Femling, University of New Mexico’s emergency medicine physician, said emergency departments are treating more patients for dehydration, some of these patients developing complications related to the kidneys.

Albuquerque sits at about 5,300 feet. This elevation has contributed to the dry air, increasing the risk of dehydration, Femling said.

The heat has also strained vehicles. Local mechanics have reported more overheating engines and air-conditioning failures during a heightened streak of extreme temperatures.

The weather pattern is part of a North American heat wave that started in late June.

A heat dome brought extreme temperatures to the eastern United States and Canada ahead of another high-pressure system develops over the West. It produced prolonged sunshine and above-normal temperatures. Across the state, daytime highs have recently reached 5 to 10 degrees above averages.

Meteorologists said the continuing ridge of high pressure has dampened the summer monsoon, limiting the moisture that usually moderates late-season heat across the region. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms have developed over higher terrain. But this weather pattern has provided only limited cooling and has brought gusty winds and brief periods of heavy rain.

The forecast discussion expects the hot weather to persist through the weekend, with temperatures near or above 100 degrees possible across parts of central and western New Mexico.

Albuquerque’s all-time August record high of 102 degrees in 2023 remains unchanged. But the historic triple-digit days and the extremely high number of 100-degree days this month underscore the city’s increasingly intense summer heat.

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Back-to-School Anxiety in Students? Here’s Why Attendance Matters

Gregg Morgan
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Back-to-School Anxiety in Students? Here’s Why Attendance Matters

While many students look forward to a new school year, others feel anxious about returning to the classroom. Health experts say the first day of school can be stressful. Those nerves may sometimes develop into anxiety as learners adjust to new routines. Back-to-school anxiety may be common but it needs to be properly addressed. 

Returning to school can overwhelm some students after a relaxed summer break. New teachers, new classmates, increased academic expectations, social concerns, and changes in routine can trigger anxiety. 

According to health experts, signs of anxiety in children and teenagers include stomachaches, headaches, or sleep issues. They also advise parents to watch for anxiety that affects a child’s ability to attend school or function productively. Experts say recognizing the signs of anxiety is the first step. They encourage parents to have an open conversation with their child about their feelings.

Dr. Molly O’Shea stressed the importance of showing up to school despite anxiety. O’Shea is a pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

“Any attendance is better than no attendance when it comes to school anxiety. And it’s so tempting as a parent to say, okay, we’ll take a mental health day today. And you’ll kind of gather your strength and be able to go again, go tomorrow, when actually that reinforces the anxiety and makes it even harder to go the next day,” O’Shea said via KOAT Action News. 

Doctors say parents can involve a therapist or mental health support professional in certain cases. These professionals can help their children work through their emotions and build confidence.

Attendance Tips from NMPED

The New Mexico Public Education Department shared tips to encourage regular school attendance. According to NMPED, regular attendance helps students build relationships, understand classroom expectations, and develop confidence. 

“Each day at school helps create a positive momentum for the year ahead,” the department said in a social media post. 

Parents and caregivers can make attendance and punctuality a priority from the first day of school. They should also help their child understand why showing up every day matters. 

NMPED advises parents and guardians to plan ahead for appointments, travel, and other commitments to reduce missed instructional time. The department also encourages them to help children begin the school year with a positive attitude toward attendance. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to get involved and connect to the school community. Building those connections can give them something meaningful to look forward to each day. 

“Activities, programs, and positive relationships can help students build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging,” according to NMPED.

Parents and caregivers should help students explore clubs, athletics, fine arts, career programs, and leadership opportunities. They should also encourage them to introduce themselves to teachers, counselors, and other school staff to establish relationships early.

NMPED said talking about the classes, activities, and experiences students are most excited about can help build connections. It also urges students to attend open houses, welcome events, and other school activities with their families whenever possible. 

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