This July, NDI New Mexico is partnering with Musical Theatre Southwest to create “The Room Where It Happens” Hamilton Experience at the Hiland Theatre and will consist of several masterclasses and workshops with original cast member Betsy Struxness, along with a free community screening of the Broadway musical’s pro-shot.
This Friday, June 19 will be the seventh annual ABQ Indie Film Festival, a local festival showcasing new films from international independent filmmakers. This year’s event will start at 6pm and is hosted by FUSION in Downtown Albuquerque.
A New Mexico judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state's universal child care program, allowing free child care for families regardless of income to continue. The ruling marks a major victory for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and thousands of working parents who depend on the benefit, even as opponents vow to appeal.
State regulators added 145 alleged violations to New Mexico’s Enforcement Watch list in May while closing 93 cases. From a $34,000 refinery fire penalty to water system and emissions violations, here’s who made the list.
Sandia National Laboratories is deploying real-time AI controls that keep voltage steady using existing solar and battery inverters. Lab-to-field tests show it works — and it could protect everything from data centers to national security infrastructure.
Technology experts are warning consumers about a growing scam involving fake party invitations sent through text messages, email, and social media. Cybercriminals use fraudulent invitations to trick victims into clicking malicious links and revealing sensitive personal information.
The Pentagon staged a rare live demonstration of high-energy laser and microwave weapons for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscoring an accelerated effort to transform decades of directed-energy research into operational defenses against drone swarms and other low-cost aerial threats. Officials hope advances in power, manufacturing and integration will reshape modern air warfare.
Lobo Louie, the University of New Mexico's beloved mascot, will appear as a playable character in an upcoming video game. University officials and fans say the addition brings national attention to the school while offering a new way to celebrate Lobos pride.
Central New Mexico Community College is harnessing geothermal heat pump systems across three campuses, combining comfort, efficiency, and LEED-certified design to prepare for a sustainable future.
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) remains committed to bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness through collaborations with various sectors and teacher externships.
With food and utility prices straining household budgets, Albuquerque officials and community leaders are encouraging financial literacy as a tool to help families reduce reliance on credit cards and navigate an affordability crisis. Experts say better money management cannot solve inflation, but it can provide stability and help households avoid deeper debt.
The Albuquerque City Council has approved a gradual increase in the city’s minimum wage, raising it to $15 an hour by 2030. Supporters say the measure will help working families cope with rising living costs, while businesses argue the phased approach gives employers time to adjust. The decision highlights the ongoing debate over wages, affordability and economic growth in New Mexico’s largest city.
A court challenge is testing New Mexico’s universal child care program, but for many families the bigger question is economic: how much money can it save, and what is at stake if the program faces disruption? Here’s what the legal fight means and how the program could help household budgets.
Albuquerque’s proposed gross receipts tax increase offers a real-world lesson in financial literacy—showing how local taxes ripple through prices, small businesses, and household budgets.
This July, NDI New Mexico is partnering with Musical Theatre Southwest to create “The Room Where It Happens” Hamilton Experience at the Hiland Theatre and will consist of several masterclasses and workshops with original cast member Betsy Struxness, along with a free community screening of the Broadway musical’s pro-shot.
This Friday, June 19 will be the seventh annual ABQ Indie Film Festival, a local festival showcasing new films from international independent filmmakers. This year’s event will start at 6pm and is hosted by FUSION in Downtown Albuquerque.
A New Mexico judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state's universal child care program, allowing free child care for families regardless of income to continue. The ruling marks a major victory for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and thousands of working parents who depend on the benefit, even as opponents vow to appeal.
State regulators added 145 alleged violations to New Mexico’s Enforcement Watch list in May while closing 93 cases. From a $34,000 refinery fire penalty to water system and emissions violations, here’s who made the list.
Sandia National Laboratories is deploying real-time AI controls that keep voltage steady using existing solar and battery inverters. Lab-to-field tests show it works — and it could protect everything from data centers to national security infrastructure.
Technology experts are warning consumers about a growing scam involving fake party invitations sent through text messages, email, and social media. Cybercriminals use fraudulent invitations to trick victims into clicking malicious links and revealing sensitive personal information.
The Pentagon staged a rare live demonstration of high-energy laser and microwave weapons for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscoring an accelerated effort to transform decades of directed-energy research into operational defenses against drone swarms and other low-cost aerial threats. Officials hope advances in power, manufacturing and integration will reshape modern air warfare.
Lobo Louie, the University of New Mexico's beloved mascot, will appear as a playable character in an upcoming video game. University officials and fans say the addition brings national attention to the school while offering a new way to celebrate Lobos pride.
Central New Mexico Community College is harnessing geothermal heat pump systems across three campuses, combining comfort, efficiency, and LEED-certified design to prepare for a sustainable future.
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) remains committed to bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness through collaborations with various sectors and teacher externships.
With food and utility prices straining household budgets, Albuquerque officials and community leaders are encouraging financial literacy as a tool to help families reduce reliance on credit cards and navigate an affordability crisis. Experts say better money management cannot solve inflation, but it can provide stability and help households avoid deeper debt.
The Albuquerque City Council has approved a gradual increase in the city’s minimum wage, raising it to $15 an hour by 2030. Supporters say the measure will help working families cope with rising living costs, while businesses argue the phased approach gives employers time to adjust. The decision highlights the ongoing debate over wages, affordability and economic growth in New Mexico’s largest city.
A court challenge is testing New Mexico’s universal child care program, but for many families the bigger question is economic: how much money can it save, and what is at stake if the program faces disruption? Here’s what the legal fight means and how the program could help household budgets.
Albuquerque’s proposed gross receipts tax increase offers a real-world lesson in financial literacy—showing how local taxes ripple through prices, small businesses, and household budgets.
Health officials in New Mexico reported a decline in sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, based on data released during STI Awareness Week by the New Mexico Department of Health.
The department recorded an 18.6% drop in syphilis cases. It also recorded a 32.4% drop in congenital syphilis cases between 2024 and 2025. Officials linked this improvement to stronger prevention programs, better testing, and increased public awareness.
The report came out in April 2026 during STI Awareness Week.
The findings focus on infection trends in New Mexico, United States.
Health officials continue to encourage residents to get tested, practice safe sex, and seek early treatment to help prevent the spread of infections.
The New Mexico Department of Health highlighted these results as a sign of progress in ongoing public health efforts.
Donald Trump attended a healthcare event in Washington, D.C. Government officials and healthcare workers attended the forum to discuss rising medical costs and new healthcare ideas.
The forum gathered policymakers and industry experts. They discussed problems affecting the healthcare system.
Many discussions focused on healthcare costs, health policies, and new health technology.
Organizers held the forum in April 2026 as part of ongoing talks about healthcare reform in the United States.
During the event, Trump spoke about healthcare policies. He also highlighted new technologies that could improve medical services.
He said these technologies could help make healthcare easier to access.
Trump also mentioned possible reforms that could make healthcare more affordable for Americans.
Participants also talked about the challenges facing the healthcare sector. They also explored ways to improve healthcare services nationwide.
Have you done something meaningful for the environment on Earth Day? The Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) students took action through interactive activities.
Tree planting has been a common activity to show love for nature. Atrisco Heritage Academy High School celebrated Earth Day by participating in the inaugural Sapling Summit 2026. The collaborative community initiative brought students, staff, and local partners together to make a lasting impact on campus.
Abeyta’s Nursery led the Sapling Summit in partnership with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department and Atrisco Heritage Academy. Participants planted more than 20 trees across the school grounds, gaining hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Family Community Liaison Specialist Priscilla Valdez coordinated the event at AHA. AHA Family Center interns organized and assisted throughout the event, working closely with students to encourage participation. AHA cheerleaders also joined the effort, building excitement and school spirit while supporting the event.
Students worked side-by-side with deputies from BCSO and community partners. They reinforced the importance of teamwork, civic engagement, and community pride.
AHA creates opportunities for students to gain real-world experiences that build responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their school community.
Additional Earth Day Learning Activities
At Dolores Gonzales Elementary, students celebrated Earth Day with hands-on activities. They explored sustainability, agriculture, and environmental care.
The school partnered with Bernalillo County Solid Waste Services, Bernalillo County 4-H, New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom, and the ABQ BioPark. Together, they created an engaging Earth Day experience for students.
All day long, students learned about the power of healthy soil and the essential elements of agriculture. They also discovered the joys and responsibilities of raising animals. Community partners delivered interactive lessons helping students better understand where food comes from and how land care supports healthy communities.
Students also stepped outside the classroom to participate in a campus cleanup. They took pride in caring for their school environment.
Every student planted a seed and gained knowledge needed to help it grow as Earth Day ended. The experience reinforced the importance of sustainability, stewardship, and food sovereignty. It also showed students how small actions can make a big difference for the planet.
The analysis concerns U.S. residents, healthcare providers, and agencies at various government levels (federal, state, and local). The topic of U.S. healthcare subsidies distribution is central to understanding the involved parties.
The analysis examines the effects of government subsidies, such as cash transfers, tax breaks, and health insurance programs. These effects influence overall healthcare coverage and shape the distribution of U.S. healthcare subsidies across the population.
The analysis will be published in April 2026 as part of a revision of trends in U.S. healthcare spending.
The focus is on the United States healthcare sector, where public and private spending are closely linked. Therefore, the distribution of U.S. healthcare subsidies is a key part of healthcare financing.
It also seeks to investigate how governments allocate subsidies and whether public funding favors specific populations or programs.
A recent analysis of health spending in the United States found that almost every American receives some form of government healthcare subsidy. This raises questions about who truly benefits from public healthcare spending. It also raises questions about how much the government spends on healthcare, which directly connects to the distribution of U.S. healthcare subsidies.
The analysis also notes that the government plays a major role in the American healthcare system. It funds medical costs in several ways. These include Medicare, Medicaid, tax deductions, and health insurance subsidies.
According to the findings, government funding makes up the largest share of total healthcare spending. Although Medicare and Medicaid receive much attention, they cover fewer than half of insured Americans. In addition, subsidies are available in most types of health insurance.
The study also finds that most Americans benefit from government healthcare spending even if they do not directly enroll in public programs.
Changes to the hunting tag system may be on the horizon as the law takes away the governor’s power over appointments to the State Game Commission. The commission, which will be named the State Wildlife Commission, will undergo a restructuring beginning January 1, 2027.
That looming overhaul comes as New Mexico’s big game tag system faces growing criticism. Hunters, outfitters, and conservation groups are questioning whether access to public wildlife is becoming increasingly uneven.
This year, the state has more than 290,000 applicants for big game hunting tags. But the draw results released on Wednesday showed that only about one in five were successful. Around 230,000 applicants went home empty-handed. These unsuccessful applicants may try again next season or pay more for alternative access.
For many hunters, the frustration is not only about odds. “I feel like there should be a chase for quality,” one hunter said while on a trip with outfitter Cole Johnson. “Whether it’s a quality animal, or a quality experience.”
Johnson runs Black Horn Guide Service in Artesia. He said hunting is meant to be about time in the field, shared experience, and tradition. But he admitted that the draw system itself has become part of the modern hunting story. “It’s almost like a welfare system for outfitters,” Johnson said.
New Mexico’s public draw system is designed to favor residents. State law allocates 84 percent of tags to state residents, 10 percent to hunters using outfitters, and 6 percent to nonresidents. But critics say those figures don’t tell the full picture.
The Elk Private Land Use System (EPLUS), a separate channel, allows landowners to receive hunting permits they can either use or sell. These private land authorizations are often traded on the open market, outside the public draw.
A 2020 Legislative Finance Committee report showed that about three-quarters of private land elk tags eventually go to out-of-state hunters. These hunters, according to the report, pay significantly higher fees and sometimes gain access to private land arrangements tied to broader hunting areas.
“The system is rigged against New Mexico residents,” said Jesse Deubel of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. His federation’s analysis suggests that the inclusion of private land allocations resulted in state hunters receiving closer to two-thirds of total elk tags — well below the share that many residents believe they are guaranteed.
“It’s a lifestyle, it’s a tradition,” Deubel said. “But we’re losing it because New Mexicans cannot draw tags.” But industry representatives argued that the structure is an economic engine for rural communities.
“It’s a business incentive,” said Kerrie Romero, executive director of the New Mexico Council of Outfitters & Guides. “Lots of other industries have business incentives… and that’s what the outfitter pool is.”
Nonresident hunters pay more, and the revenue supports local economies linked to tourism and outdoor recreation. Johnson explained that some private land elk permits can sell for between $15,000 and $20,000.
Still, even within the outfitting community, the system’s reputation doesn’t sit well with everyone. “I always thought it was kind of funny,” Johnson said, “because a lot of the people who support the outfitter pool are very much like, ‘We hate welfare.’ But they’re deeply tied into a system that functions like one.”
Officials claim they are aware of the growing debate. They maintain, however, that any structural changes will depend on lawmakers.
“We certainly do hear the concerns of the public at large and are willing to listen to their input,” said Darren Vaughan, communications director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. He said everything depends on how hard they will lobby for the legislature to change the system, adding that “we will abide by whatever the legislature requires.”
New Mexico is heading toward a restructured wildlife commission in 2027. But the fight over who gets access to its prized big game tags appears far from over: hunters are facing a dilemma between tradition, economics, and a system many describe as under increasing strain.
New Mexico lost some 2,700 federal jobs last year, according to a jobs report released Wednesday. The workforce reduction is linked to cost-cutting efforts under Donald Trump’s administration that are beginning to ripple through the state’s economy.
The job losses brought the state’s unemployment rate to 4.7 percent in February. It is the highest level since March 2022, when New Mexico was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions show marked disparities across counties. Los Alamos County posted a low unemployment rate of 2.3 percent, while Luna County posted 16.5 percent. Bernalillo County registered the same as the statewide rate at 4.7 percent, while Santa Fe County came in close at 4.4 percent.
Economist Kelly O’Donnell said the job losses underscore New Mexico’s dependence on federal employment and spending. This dependence, she said, makes the state particularly vulnerable to policy changes in Washington.
“This is probably a taste of some pretty serious economic headwinds,” O’Donnell said. “New Mexico is very vulnerable to uncertainty and volatility at the federal level.”
Job gains in other sectors helped cushion the impact of the federal layoffs. The state has added 1,900 jobs over the same period, while private employers contributed some 1,600 new positions.
Health care and social assistance topped job growth, adding 2,800 positions. The retail sector followed, which grew by 2,100 jobs.
These gains, however, were partly offset by losses in sectors linked to immigration policy. Construction and manufacturing lost a combined 2,300 jobs last year, reflecting labor shortages and policy impacts, O’Donnell said.
“I don’t think we can underestimate the negative impact that federal immigration policy is having on New Mexico’s economy,” she said. The economist noted that industries such as construction and food processing heavily rely on immigrant labor.
Inflation may add further stress in the months ahead. The consumer price index rose 3.3 percent through March, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed. The uptick is driven largely by energy costs, including higher gas prices.
“The profound uncertainty that many of us are experiencing has to be having a chilling effect on employment, if nothing else,” O’Donnell said. “I expect that it will be an increasingly prominent factor in March and April.”
Federal agencies are also feeling the strain of reduced staffing. One agency official, Prather, said the cuts have left remaining workers barely keeping up. “We’re absolutely strapped,” he said, adding that staff have taken on “a ton of extra responsibilities.”
That’s the reason why some senior employees are opting to leave under the current administration, Prather said. “It’s a crushing thing that’s happening,” he said. “For those who want to get out, I can’t blame them — but we’re at critical levels here.”
Opioid use during pregnancy has become a growing public health concern. It affects thousands of newborns who experience withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth. These infants often require medical treatment and extended hospital care to manage a condition known as Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). Now, researchers have discovered that involving families more closely in a baby’s care may help improve recovery. It may also reduce the need for medication. In fact, recent studies have shown that family-focused treatment for opioid-exposed babies can lead to better outcomes.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center studied babies exposed to opioids during pregnancy. They evaluated the role of family-centered care in their recovery, with particular attention to family-focused treatment for opioid-exposed babies.
The team evaluated a treatment approach that encourages parents to actively care for newborns experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). This condition occurs when infants experience withdrawal after exposure to opioids in the womb, and family-focused treatment for opioid-exposed babies is becoming an increasingly recommended strategy.
Scientists released the findings in 2026 as part of ongoing research on treatment options for opioid-exposed newborns.
The research took place at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States.
Researchers aim to develop safer and more effective treatments that reduce the need for medication in infants with NOWS. Therefore, family-focused treatment for opioid-exposed babies is a primary consideration in current research.
However, recent studies done at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center have found further evidence supporting the use of a family-based treatment technique. This technique is aimed at helping infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome. This condition is caused by maternal exposure to opioids.
Doctors normally use medications and a longer stay in hospitals in order to provide treatment for infants diagnosed with this disease. Nevertheless, the researchers suggest that family-based techniques can be more effective. These approaches may provide the necessary results.
The treatment technique includes several steps, such as skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, breastfeeding if applicable, and providing the child with a comfortable environment. As a result, children undergoing treatment feel better. Additionally, their parents become actively involved in helping them recover.
The authors state that this therapy can significantly decrease the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. It can also minimize the necessity of using medicine in certain situations. Moreover, hospitals that use this technique have noted reduced time spent in the hospital. They have also seen better bonding between parents and their babies.
Plastics have become a common part of everyday life—from food packaging and kitchen containers to personal care products. Many people rely on these materials because they are convenient, lightweight, and widely available. However, scientists are increasingly raising concerns about the chemicals that plastics may release into food and the human body.
Now, a recent study suggests that simple lifestyle changes—such as reducing plastic use in daily routines—may help lower people’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
The researchers conducted an experiment with over 200 adult volunteers, with the goal of evaluating the effects of lifestyle modifications on exposure to plastics. In addition, they aimed to explore strategies to reduce chemical exposure to plastics.
The study sought to investigate whether avoiding contact with plastics in food containers, kitchen utensils, and personal care products can decrease the body’s exposure to plastics.
The study was released on April 21, 2026.
The research was conducted in Perth, Australia, among participants in the PERTH trial.
The scientists aimed to investigate whether lifestyle changes could reduce human exposure to harmful chemicals in plastics.
In a recent study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that reducing exposure to plastic in food, diet, and personal products can lower people’s exposure to various chemicals associated with plastic.
People could ingest plastic-associated chemicals when they eat packaged foods or use products stored in plastic containers. Additionally, they may ingest them when they apply products containing plastic components.
These included eating foods with minimal contact with plastic packaging and using kitchenware made of materials other than plastic.
The result was a noticeable reduction in the exposure to some of the chemicals. In seven days, there was a reduction in phthalate and bisphenol A among those who had altered their diet.
New Mexico United, the state’s professional soccer team, is once again inviting the Albuquerque Public Schools community to come together. Join the celebration as the school year ends and summer begins.
APS Education Appreciation Night 2026 with New Mexico United happens on Saturday, May 23. Each ticket purchased through this link donates $4 to the APS Education Foundation, supporting innovative programs for students.
The match against Charleston Battery begins at 7 p.m. at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. APS families can arrive early for a College & Career Fair starting at 5:30 p.m. This is the first-ever College and Career Fair at a United game.
The career fair showcases Goal 3. It ensures students explore post-high school options and graduate ready for the college or career of their choice.
Through the activity, students can explore opportunities and job seekers can connect with Albuquerque’s largest employers.
More than 20 educational and business representatives will be on hand. These include UNM, CNM, Sandia National Labs, APS Human Resources, Dion’s, and trade unions.
APS students can win prizes by visiting college, business, and union representatives and collecting signatures on their passport. APS board members will be there to hand out the passports and connect with families.
The district will highlight students and staff throughout the night. Students from East San Jose Elementary and Washington Middle School will receive recognition for earning bilingual seals.
In our ongoing effort to focus on community and local stories in New Mexico, Brant One is starting a new piece to highlight Community Leaders once a month.
We want to tell stories to inspire and give a shout-out to those working hard among us in our community.
April’s Community Leader Spotlight is on Lindi Rodrigues Walsh, a Registered Nurse at UNM Hospital.
Lindi works in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She got her license almost 8 years ago, and has been working in the NICU for 7 years. However, she hadn’t initially planned on working in the NICU.
Becoming a Registered Nurse
“Before becoming an RN,” Lindi said in an interview, “I was just a mom.”
She had her first child in Brazil, and moved to the US in 2006, while pregnant with her second child. She didn’t speak much more than basic English: “Just introducing myself and asking for water,” she said. “After my second child, I had to go to school.”
Moving to a place like New Mexico from Brazil, the easiest language transition might be from Portuguese to Spanish, but Lindi refused to take the easy route. “I wanted to be involved in the culture of the country,” she said. “When my English was good enough, I started taking pre-reqs for nursing.”
When she began taking pre-requisites, Lindi wanted to be a midwife. “I decided to go to nursing school, it’s just the route people usually take.” Then, she wanted to go to be a labor and delivery nurse, and be involved in the birthing process that way.
Later, during her capstone, the final assignment to apply nurse schooling to real life practice, she realized that becoming a labor and delivery nurse may not be the path she was looking for.
“I had 6 weeks following a nurse for 12-hour shifts, and I realized that labor and delivery nurses were not really 100% about the babies. I decided that it was not for me, so I decided to go to pediatrics.”
What Makes a Great Nurse
I asked Lindi what is most important to her in giving care. She said that language differences and mis-translation can create a real barrier in the healthcare system.
“Because I was a patient before who did not speak English, when I see families who don’t speak English, I try my best, and I try my best with everyone, but especially the ones whose English is not their first language.”
Her own experience gives her a perspective on language barriers that other nurses might not pick up on. “I see that happen many many times that translation gets lost. I use an interpreter, and I will say something in English, and sometimes they don’t convey the full meaning of what I’m saying to families, and I’m lucky enough to understand most of Spanish so I can ask them to clarify. I can understand just how difficult it is when you have somebody giving you care and you cannot pass on your concerns and you’re not totally understood.”
In January 2024, Lindi won the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, and since then has been nominated several times. She was nominated by a family whose baby was born with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), and had to stay in the NICU for 50 days.
“Lindi made a huge impact on our family’s experience and hardship; she was trustworthy and the only nurse I ever felt comfortable leaving my baby alone long enough without me or my husband present to grab a bite to eat or take a nap.” (Taken from Lindi Walsh | DAISY Award.)
The DAISY Award is an international program created in honor of J. Patrick Barnes. The award is intended to recognize and celebrate nurses for their care and kindness. More about the award is on their website, The DAISY Award.
Lindi with her DAISY Award, image from https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/honorees/lindi-walsh
Lindi Rodrigues Walsh would like to thank her kids for being so patient when she was in nursing school. She thanked her husband for supporting her, and she thanked the many nurses at UNM Hospital who trained her: “When you start the job you know nothing, you have the basics of nursing school, and they have to train you and they’re not even paid for that, and I’m very grateful for all the amazing nurses that helped me to become the nurse I am today.”
Do you know someone who deserves a spotlight? Let us know! Email [email protected] or complete our form to nominate a Community Leader for Spotlight.
