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Want to Limit Student Cell Phone Use? Schools Can Apply for $1 Million Grant to Enforce Restrictions

Gregg Morgan
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Want to Limit Student Cell Phone Use? Schools Can Apply for $1 Million Grant to Enforce Restrictions

Should students be allowed to use cell phones during school? The debate has continued for years. Some argue that the device distracts students, while others say they support learning in the digital age. In New Mexico, schools are tightening student phone rules with the help of a $1 million in state grant to enforce the restrictions during the school day. 

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and the Public Education Department announced the grant program in Santa Fe.

OBAE is providing the funding, KOB 4 reported. The money will help PED support 89 school districts and 100 charter schools that have already implemented the new policy.

State leaders said school districts and charter schools can apply for the funding. They must first adopt a policy that limits students’ from use of phones and personal wireless communication devices during school hours. 

“Every student deserves a learning environment where they can focus, engage with their teachers and classmates and reach their full potential free from unnecessary distractions,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla.

How Limiting Electronic Device Use Help Students

The state said nationwide studies show that limiting electronic device use supports anti-bullying efforts. The studies also found that the policy promotes students’ social emotional health.

In April 2025, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the school anti-distraction policy bill. The law requires every school district and charter school to develop and enforce its own rules.

The law allows exceptions for students with medical needs and during emergencies.

What the Grant Covers and How Schools Can Apply

“Part of OBAE’s mission is to ensure every school and student has access to the internet and the digital tools to be successful,” said OBAE Director Jeff Lopez. “Today, that means balancing access with tools to limit distractions and mitigate social media’s harms to mental health.”

The state said schools can use the money to purchase network firewalls. They can also buy phone lockers or locking bags that block Wi-Fi signals.

Schools must submit their applications by Aug. 14 to qualify for funding. The funding is limited. OBAE said it will process and fund applications on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If applications exceed available funding, OBAE will carry the remaining applications over to the next fiscal year.

Schools can apply for an OBAE grant through the online application portal. 

A Dispute Over a Church Sign Ended With Pepper Spray and a Pulled Gun. Here’s Why Police Charged a Third Person.

Gregg Morgan
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A Dispute Over a Church Sign Ended With Pepper Spray and a Pulled Gun. Here’s Why Police Charged a Third Person.

An argument outside a northwest Albuquerque church led police to arrest a third person after he allegedly pulled a gun during the confrontation.

Police charged David Romero with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the incident outside St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Parish.

Tensions had been mounting for weeks following Bernalillo County’s approval of a North Valley mosque, a decision that sparked debate within the local Catholic community, KOB 4 reported.

The Rev. Vincent Paul Chavez said the conflict began on social media between him and parishioner Katrina Griego.

“She recorded me during my one-minute public comment to the county commissioners, posted the video to her Facebook page and called for people to telephone the office of the archbishop,” Chavez said. “She posted the telephone number and demanded that Father Chris and I be removed as priests.”

In response, Chavez said he posted a message on the church marquee reading, “Racism, a grave sin against God’s love,” with “Katrina G.” listed underneath.

When Chavez saw Griego taking photos of the sign, he approached her outside the church.

“I said, ‘Katrina, I know you’re a follower of Jesus, as I am. I know for myself I would not want to hear from our Lord Jesus, “Out of my sight, you condemned into that eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels,” because of your racism,’” Chavez said.

After Chavez walked away, the church facilities director asked Griego to leave the property. Instead, Griego called Romero, her boyfriend, who arrived at the parish and allegedly brandished a handgun, according to police.

“The facilities director said, ‘He has a gun, Father.’ I said, ‘Shoot me. I don’t care. I’m ready to go. We have a good God over here,’” Chavez said.

The facilities director pepper-sprayed Romero and Griego before Romero fled, according to KOB 4.

Police have not charged Griego or any parish employees in connection with the incident.

Monsoon Storms Bring Heavy Rain and Renewed Flash Flood Threats to Parts of New Mexico This Weekend

Juan Oliveros
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Monsoon Storms Bring Heavy Rain and Renewed Flash Flood Threats to Parts of New Mexico This Weekend

Monsoonal moisture will bring afternoon and evening thunderstorms to New Mexico each day this weekend. There is still a risk of heavy rain and flash flooding in areas that are prone to it.

The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center says monsoonal thunderstorms will continue in the Southwest, including New Mexico, through at least Monday. Some storms may bring heavy rain that could cause quick runoff and flooding, especially in the mountains and areas with burn scars.

“A large upper ridge anchored over the Intermountain West will expand toward the Gulf states,” the center noted in its latest short-range public discussion issued Friday. “Monsoonal moisture in place across the Intermountain West and the Rockies will fuel the development of daily afternoon and evening convection, some of which could be locally heavy and result in flooding across vulnerable locations.”

Forecasters warn that repeated thunderstorms raise the risk of flash flooding in cities, canyons, and along rivers and arroyos. People in low-lying areas or near recent wildfire burn scars should stay alert for possible flooding.

This weather pattern will also bring both heat and humidity. Although it will not be as intense as in the Desert Southwest, daytime temperatures will stay high across much of the state, and the muggy air will help storms form.

The Weather Prediction Center’s update covers Saturday through Monday. You can find more forecasts and graphics from the National Weather Service.

20th Annual Lavender Festival Blooms this Weekend

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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20th Annual Lavender Festival Blooms this Weekend

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 20th annual Lavender in the Village Festival, the self-described largest lavender festival in the Southwest, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Balloon Fiesta Park.

Hosted by the Rio Grande Community Farm, the festival raises funds for community gardeners, farms, and agricultural programs for students. Open to all ages, this event will feature more than 150 local vendors offering lavender plants and products, fine art, artisan crafts, food and beverages. Visitors also can enjoy live music, gardening demonstrations, crafts, and various activities for children.

The Rio Grande Community Farm is an Albuquerque-based nonprofit urban farm that says it is dedicated to “prioritizing food justice, biodiversity, and climate resilience.” The organization offers opportunities for people of all age groups to “learn, share, and give back” to their community through agriculture.

Located on the Farm Stage, this year’s presentations will begin at 8:30 a.m. with an opening prayer by Homer Hubbell. The schedule features the following events:

  •  9 a.m. – Red Willow Basket Weaving with Jilli Oyenque
  • 10 a.m. – “What’s Growing at the Agri-Nature Center” with Erin Callahan
  • 11 a.m. – Permaculture Design presented by Vital Soil Landscapes
  • 12 p.m. – Indigenous Farming Practices with Homer Hubbell, Jana and Chad Pfeiffer
  • 1 p.m. – Tree Care in New Mexico presented by Tree New Mexico
  • 2 p.m. – Healthy Soils with Sarah Mock and New Mexico Healthy Soils

Live entertainment begins with Seth Hoffman from 8:30 to 10 a.m., followed by The Ukuladies from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and ending with True House Story, who will perform from 1 to 3 p.m.

General admission is $12 for attendees 16 and older, with a two-for-$20 ticket option available. Admission for children ages 4 to 15 is $5, and children 3 and younger can attend for free. Tickets can be purchased through the event website.

Organizers encourage visitors to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and other items as it is an outdoor event. Parking will be available at Balloon Fiesta Park.

For more information, visit https://lavender.riograndefarm.org.

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.

DEA Under Fire: Why 1.8M Seized Fentanyl Pills Prompted a Congressional Demand for Reform

Ruben Reyes
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The spread of powdered fentanyl through street drugs is worrying law enforcement officials, who warn it could lead to increased car crashes and overdoses.

The changing drug supply prompted Santa Fe and San Miguel counties to issue community warnings last week.

Capt. Brian Brandle II of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said the problem has plagued the area for years. From heroin to counterfeit blue pills and now powdered fentanyl, law enforcement officers across the state say street drugs are shifting once again. Brandle said people who believe they are purchasing cocaine or methamphetamine may actually receive powdered fentanyl, which can spread rapidly upon entering a community.

Smaller drug dealers can obtain the substance and begin distributing it within hours, Brandle added.

Decline In Fentanyl Seizures Prompts Call For Reform

Meanwhile, New Mexico’s congressional delegation is demanding answers and calling for reforms following a decline in major fentanyl seizures. A whistleblower alleged that Albuquerque-based Drug Enforcement Administration agents chose not to seize at least 1.8 million pills between 2023 and 2025.

Back in 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice and the DEA rolled out what they called “Fentanyl Protocols.” The idea was simple: agents were directed to quickly seize or stop fentanyl from being distributed, as soon as possible, to keep communities safe.

However, the DOJ revised those protocols in 2024 to give law enforcement greater discretion, allowing agents to weigh public safety risks against “the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.”

Lawmakers concluded their letter by requesting written documentation of every instance in which the DEA declined to seize fentanyl in local communities.

Heavy Rain Raises Flash Flood Risk Across Parts of New Mexico

Juan Oliveros
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Heavy Rain Raises Flash Flood Risk Across Parts of New Mexico

Forecasters say thunderstorms fueled by near-record atmospheric moisture will bring periods of heavy rain across much of New Mexico through Friday, raising the risk of localized flash flooding.

Storms will spread most widely Thursday afternoon and evening near Silver City, Reserve, Gallup, Grants, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, and Raton. Forecasters said thunderstorms over Raton, Clayton, and Tucumcari could linger until around midnight.

Rainfall could reach two inches an hour, raising concerns about flash flooding in low-lying areas, arroyos and places that have already seen heavy rain.

On Friday, a weather boundary moving into northeastern New Mexico will trigger another round of widespread thunderstorms. The greatest chances for storms are near Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Raton, Clayton, Tucumcari, Roswell, Artesia, and Carlsbad.

Scattered thunderstorms are also forecast for Gallup, Grants, and Silver City. With unusually high moisture levels in the atmosphere, forecasters said any storm could produce intense downpours capable of causing flash flooding.

Storms over eastern New Mexico may form into a larger complex Friday evening before weakening around midnight.

Officials urged residents in flood-prone areas to watch forecasts and avoid driving through flooded roads, warning that water can rise quickly during heavy rain.

Elephant Butte Drops to 1.7 Percent Capacity —Its Lowest Since 1971

Juan Oliveros
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Elephant Butte Drops to 1.7 Percent Capacity —Its Lowest Since 1971

Elephant Butte Lake has fallen to 1.7 percent of its normal capacity, marking its lowest level since 1971 due to a combination of dam releases for irrigation, meager winter snowfall, and rising temperatures.

Park officials are using the exposure of the lakebed as an opportunity to perform maintenance work before the irrigation season concludes. “The biggest thing here is the sediment,” said Johnathin Horsley, superintendent of Elephant Butte Lake State Park. “We’ve been pulling out sediment for about two weeks now. We’re trying to move the best we can, so the big goal right now has been to keep the loading ramp clean … so folks can launch vessels and enjoy the water.”

The drop in water levels has created operational challenges for area businesses. Josh Koch, manager at Marina Del Sur, said the receding shoreline complicates routine fueling operations.

“We have movable fuel barges. So when they empty, we have to bring them over to the courtesy docks by the boat ramp and then fill them up,” Koch said. “Because the sand is really soft, the gas tanker will get stuck. So we have to haul our barges over to the dam site and fill it up.”

Despite the hurdles, local businesses are pushing forward with late-summer promotions to attract tourists. “We just pushed out a promotional code — a back-to-school coupon,” Koch said. “So if you rent a boat from us, it gives you a one-fourth or one-fifth off your boat rental. We’re just trying to get people out here.”

Water releases at Elephant Butte Dam will cease on July 28 at the end of the irrigation season, which local officials hope will allow the reservoir to begin refilling.

While the current conditions are severe, the lake remains above its record low of 0.01 percent capacity, set in June 1954.

Bears Frequent Rio Rancho, Albuquerque Area in Search of Food and Water

Ruben Reyes
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Bear sightings are becoming increasingly common in neighborhoods across Rio Rancho and the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

In the most recent encounter, Rio Rancho residents woke up to find a bear roaming through the Enchanted Hills neighborhood. The bear walked through alleys, explored yards, and balanced along property walls. It was also spotted near an apartment complex close to Safelite AutoGlass and U.S. Route 550.

Prior to that, a bear reportedly stalked a home in Tijeras, while another roamed near the Cottonwood Mall area and Paradise Hills Golf Course in May. Wildlife officials have not confirmed whether that bear was captured.

Drought Drives Bears Out of Higher Elevations

The recent surge in sightings stems from abnormally dry conditions this spring and summer, which have left bears with fewer natural food and water sources at higher elevations, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Department spokesperson Darren Vaughan said bear sightings are unusual in places like Rio Rancho. He added that the lack of bear‑proof trash cans makes human food sources easy to reach.

Mateo Nayak spotted the animal while jogging in the area. He first mistook it for a large brown poodle before realizing it was a bear. Nayak hid behind a parked car as the bear walked past, then ran home once it moved on.

Nayak admitted he was frightened by the encounter, but said it motivated him to learn more about wildlife safety.

Safety Measures and Prevention

State wildlife officials emphasize that the bears are primarily searching for food and water. To minimize human-bear interactions, officials recommend:

  • Storing trash cans inside a garage or shed until the morning of collection.
  • Cleaning outdoor grills after every use and securing them when possible.
  • Bringing pet food indoors.
  • Picking ripe or fallen fruit from fruit trees and the ground.

In a separate incident in Clayton, a bear died after climbing a utility pole and contacting live electrical wires. Officials noted it as one of the state’s most recent fatal wildlife encounters.

What to Know About the Midwest Poultry Egg Recall in New Mexico

Juan Oliveros
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What to Know About the Midwest Poultry Egg Recall in New Mexico

Federal health officials have recalled almost 1.6 million dozen eggs sold in New Mexico and five other states due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Here’s what you should know about which eggs are affected, how to identify them, and the reason for the recall.

What Eggs Are Being Recalled?

Midwest Poultry Services, based in Indiana, has voluntarily recalled 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage-free eggs.

The recalled eggs came from two farms in Texas and were produced between June 6 and July 3, 2026. They were distributed to grocery stores and food service providers in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The affected brands are Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, and Sunups.

How Can Consumers Identify Affected Cartons?

To check if your eggs are included in the recall, look for these markings printed in date-coding ink on the side of the carton. The recall only applies if all of this information is present: Plant Codes: P-1950 or 0840962; Julian Date Range: 157 through 184; and Sell-By / Best-By Dates: July 20 through Aug. 17, 2026.

Egg cartons without the listed plant codes and date ranges are not part of the recall.

Why Were the Eggs Recalled?

Midwest Poultry Services began the recall after routine testing found possible Salmonella Enteritidis at its Texas facilities.

No illnesses have been reported so far. The company has paused shipments of fresh eggs from the affected Texas farms while they investigate the cause.

What Are the Risks of Salmonella?

Salmonella Enteritidis is a bacterium that can cause a foodborne illness called salmonellosis. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, usually starting 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

  • Most healthy adults recover without medical treatment in about a week. But young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe or life-threatening infections.

What Should Consumers Do?

Health officials and the company advise anyone who bought the recalled eggs not to eat them.

If you have any of the affected eggs, throw them away or return them to the store for a full refund. For questions about the recall, contact your retailer or visit the official U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recall page for a full list of affected products.

A Bear Stranded On A Pole Died From Electrocution In Clayton

Ruben Reyes
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A bear stuck on a utility pole in northeastern New Mexico drew a lot of attention on social media before it was sadly electrocuted.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said a concerned citizen reported seeing the bear near Gladstone on Highway 56. State officials suggested letting the bear come down by itself, and local dispatchers told people to leave it alone.

Traveler Shannon Mullens recorded a video showing the bear balancing on the pole’s crossarm, panting and struggling to stay up several meters above the ground. Mullens filmed this while driving with her family from Red River, New Mexico, to Oklahoma.

Mullens said at first they thought the bear was dead, but as they got closer, they saw it was still alive. Deputies from the Union County Sheriff’s Office came to help, but the bear was fatally injured and died before the power could be turned off or a rescue could happen. Wildlife experts say bears sometimes climb utility poles when startled by people, traffic, or dogs, treating the poles much like trees in an attempt to escape danger.

Public Safety Tips

Officials remind residents to avoid contact with wildlife. Experts advise the public to avoid problems with bears by observing the following:

  • Never feed or approach bears.
  • Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
  • Do not leave food outdoors.
  • Clean and store food properly.

If you live in bear country, you can protect your livestock and pets by putting electric fences around their enclosures. Homeowners should also manage waste properly, keep pet food secure, stay away from compost pits, and keep beehives and chicken coops away from the house.

A bear got stranded on top of a telephone pole in Clayton, earning attention on social media before reportedly getting electrocuted.

According to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, a concerned citizen called to report the sighting in Gladstone. Officials informed them to help the bear come down on its own, while local dispatch instructed residents to leave the bear unbothered.

In a video, the bear is balancing on the crossarm of the pole, panting and struggling to keep its footing several meters above the ground. Shannon Mullens recorded the video, who is traveling with her family from Red River to Oklahoma.

According to Mullens, they thought the bear was already dead, but when they moved closer, they realized it was still alive. The Union County Sheriff’s Office went to the scene, but the bear did not survive and sustained fatal injuries before they arrived.

Meanwhile, wildfire experts say bears sometimes climb utility poles when startled by people, traffic, or dogs, treating them much like trees in an attempt to escape danger.

Experts Reminded Public About Safety Precautions

The public is advised to leave wildlife alone when encountering them. Various safety measures, such as never feeding or approaching them, removing bird feeders when they are active, never leaving food outside, cleaning and storing grills, and informing your neighbors about your recent encounter with a bear, can help avoid conflicts. All these precautionary measures can help guarantee the safety of both people and bears.

Aside from that, property owners can protect their livestock by erecting fencing to keep bears out of their enclosures. Electric fencing has proven to be an effective way to keep their property and their pets safe.

Homeowners in bear county should take the following steps to keep themselves, their property, and their pets safe: properly segregate waste, properly store pet food, maintain proper distance in compost pits, keep beehives and chicken pens away from your house, and clean barbecues after each use.

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