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Water for Rivers, Power for Data: Inside New Mexico’s Budget Push as Project Jupiter Looms

Juan Oliveros
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Water for Rivers, Power for Data: Inside New Mexico’s Budget Push as Project Jupiter Looms

New Mexico’s 2026 legislative session delivered a win for water on paper. But in practice, the state may be racing against a thirstier reality.

Lawmakers concluded the state’s 30-day session on February 19, securing millions for river restoration and water management. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the budget weeks later, sealing in long-overdue investments in fragile ecosystems.

The new funding, Lujan Grisham wrote in her social media post, aims to “restore rivers, protect critical habitat, and ensure water keeps flowing for the wildlife and communities that depend on it.”

But even as funding flows toward rivers, a looming question cast a shadow on the celebration: Will it be enough in a state increasingly courted by industries like the controversial Project Jupiter, a water- and energy-intensive project?

Millions for rivers — but from what baseline?

The 2026 budget includes $13 million for the River Stewardship Program and $10 million for the Strategic Water Reserve. Both are historically underfunded programs, but now positioned as pillars of the state’s water strategy.

The River Stewardship Program, under the state’s environment department, funds the rebuilding of the ecosystems that line rivers and streams. Demand has long outpaced supply: only about $2 million annually was available from a legacy fund in previous years.

Similarly, the Strategic Water Reserve, managed by the Interstate Stream Commission, received a significant boost. The program allows the state to buy and lease water rights to keep rivers flowing.

Both programs are widely seen as essential in a drying Southwest. But none of them was designed with a hyperscale computing infrastructure looming.

Enter Project Jupiter

During the 30-day session, the lawmakers focused on rivers. But a parallel conversation had unfolded outside the Capitol: New Mexico’s appeal as a data center hub is growing. Projects like Project Jupiter could dramatically alter the state’s water and energy landscape.

Data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence and cloud computing, are notorious for massive electricity demand and significant water use. In arid regions such as New Mexico, the combination could spell environmental disaster.

Data from other states showed that a single large data center campus needs millions of gallons of water annually. This massive demand for water is often drawn from the same stressed aquifers and river systems that state programs are trying to restore.

The bigger question: who gets the water?

Roughly 8 out of 10 of New Mexico’s at-risk bird species are riparian dependent. River restoration, therefore, is not just an ecological issue. It is also a biodiversity imperative.

But the state’s water future is increasingly contested. Climate pressures intensify, and economic development accelerates. But the central question is no longer how to restore rivers— but how to allocate scarcity.

Project Jupiter, still in development, may become a defining test of whether the state can strike a balance between ecological restoration and industrial growth. The state has funded both sides of that equation for now.

It remains to be seen if it can reconcile them while Lujan Grisham declares, “We’re committed to keeping New Mexico beautiful and our ecosystems healthy for generations to come.”

To Receive Outstanding Filmmaker Award: Catch Shane Black at LCIFF

Grace Tackman
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To Receive Outstanding Filmmaker Award: Catch Shane Black at LCIFF

Are you a fan of the iconic films “Lethal Weapon,” “Iron Man 3,” “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang,” and “The Nice Guys?” This is your sign to attend the 2026 Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF). Screenwriter and director Shane Black will be there to receive LCIFF’s Outstanding Filmmaker Award. The ceremony is one of the many events during the 11th annual festival on April 8-12.

“We are honored to welcome Shane Black to our festival,” said Ross Marks, New Mexico State University (NMSU) professor in the Creative Media Institute and festival executive director, as reported by NMSU Newsroom. “His work has inspired a generation of filmmakers and film lovers alike. His mastery in blending humor and action, along with his unique storytelling, has made an indelible impact on the film industry.”

Marks said they are excited to celebrate Black’s achievements and allow the audience to experience his work firsthand. The renowned filmmaker joins actors Steve Zahn and Michael Rooker in making LCIFF 2026 “our best festival yet.”

Two Chances to See Shane Black at LCIFF

Black will attend a special ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Allen Theatres Cineport 10. The event follows a screening of his film “The Nice Guys.” Following the screening, Black will engage the audience in a question-and-answer session. He will give fans and aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to gain insights into his creative process. 

Tickets for the event cost $35. With limited seats, you should get your tickets early.

Black also will talk about his work and career in depth with Marks during “A Conversation with Shane Black.” The session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Allen Theatres Cineport 10.

What LCIFF Brings This Year

The five-day festival will screen 160 films this year. These include narrative and documentary features, short films, animation and music videos from 50 different countries. 

LCIFF will take place at Cineport 10, 700 S. Telshor Blvd. VIP passes are $200, All-Access Passes are $100, Day Passes are $35 and admission to celebrity screenings is $35. You can purchase tickets now at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.

LCIFF, supported by NMSU and Visit Las Cruces, has grown over more than a decade into a “world-class” showcase for independent filmmaking. It has also become the largest student-run film festival in the country. The festival continues to help strengthen the local and regional economy.

The event has drawn crowds of more than 12,000 attendees and attracted more than 80,000 visitors to the region. Last year, attendance increased by 30%.

Eleven years ago, Marks founded the festival and began teaching NMSU students how to produce a film festival. Since then, every year 80 to 100 students gain hands-on experience producing LCIFF while working with Marks. 

Campus Visits Begin for New Mexico Tech Presidential Finalists 

Grace Tackman
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Campus Visits Begin for New Mexico Tech Presidential Finalists 

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, commonly known as New Mexico Tech, is moving forward in its presidential search. Five finalists will visit campus from March 23 to March 27 as part of the next step in the selection process.

Earlier, New Mexico Tech revealed the names of the five finalists selected through its national search. They are:

  • Montserrat “Montse” Fuentes, President at St. Edward’s University;
  • Andrew Hamilton, VP for Academic Success at Texas State University;
  • Michael Jackson, Interim President at New Mexico Tech;
  • Kerop Janoyan, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at California State University – Long Beach; and
  • Carlos Romero, Associate Vice President for Research at New Mexico Tech.

During their campus visits, the finalists will meet with students, faculty staff, and community members. Each finalist will spend a full day on campus attending interviews and meetings with campus stakeholders. 

They will give a public presentation and participate in an open session in the morning. These events will give members of the campus and Socorro community a chance to hear directly from the candidates and provide feedback.  The open sessions will be daily at 9:00 a.m. for each candidate at Macey Center Auditorium.

New Mexico Tech will post candidate biographies, CVs, and visit schedules on the Presidential Search webpage.

Next President To Be Declared on April 17

The New Mexico Tech Board of Regents launched the presidential search earlier this academic year. They also appointed a search committee representing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders to help with the process.

“The Board is pleased to announce five finalists for President of New Mexico Tech,” said Board of Regents Chair Dr. David Lepre, Sr. as reported by NMT Newsroom.  “Our sincere thank you to the Presidential Search Committee, Human Resources and the administrative staff for their thoughtful efforts in bringing the search to this point.  We look forward to campus visits with the finalists as the Board moves closer to selecting a President and beginning a new era of New Mexico Tech excellence.”

After the campus visits, the Board of Regents will review feedback from the community. They will then conduct final deliberations and select the university’s next president at their April 17, 2026 regular board meeting.

What’s Promised versus What You’re Living: New Mexico’s Community Solar is Still Years Behind

Juan Oliveros
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What’s Promised versus What You’re Living: New Mexico’s Community Solar is Still Years Behind

A study by the University of New Mexico projected that community solar projects could generate over $400,000 in labor income and create high-paying jobs within five years, among other benefits.

Five years later, however, that projection remains a promise. A closer look into the state’s community solar rollout reveals a program bogged down by regulatory delays, grid bottlenecks, and policy disputes. Only a fraction of its planned capacity is actually delivering power to residents.

A program built on promise

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Community Solar Act in 2021. The law provides the framework for residents and small businesses to participate in community solar projects.

Under the law, households, especially low-income residents, could subscribe to small solar farms and receive credits on their electricity bills instead of installing rooftop solar panels. The concept was straightforward: expand access, reduce costs, and accelerate clean energy adoption.

The numbers tell a different story

State data paints a starkly different picture. Forty-seven projects were awarded in May 2023, with an expected total capacity of about 200 megawatts. Of the 47, only 12 are operational, producing 54.73 megawatts.

That’s barely over a quarter of the program’s initial target.

“It’s been a hard grind,” said Jim Desjardins of the Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico, pointing to slow interconnection processes. It requires technical and regulatory steps to connect solar farms to the grid.

Beyond technical constraints, the program has faced internal turbulence.

Since its launch, community solar has undergone multiple rulemaking revisions and even a challenge before the state Supreme Court. Now, the state’s Public Regulation Commission (PRC) is preparing another overhaul of the Community Solar Program.

The delays are not only administrative. They are financial.

Federal incentives that underpinned the economics of solar development are now winding down. The law signed by President Donald Trump on July 4 removed eligibility for the 30 percent federal tax credit for direct solar purchases after 2025.

That deadline has heightened pressure on regulators. “If Commission processes do not align with investment tax credit deadlines, projects … may be unable to monetize federal incentives fully,” warned the Coalition for Community Solar Access in its filing.

Strong solar demand, weak delivery

However, interest in the program is not the problem. Developers submitted 408 proposals totaling 1.7 gigawatts when bidding opened in 2023.

Big players and local companies are ready to build. Recent announcements from developers, including Forefront Power and Standard Solar, signal continued momentum. Several projects are already powering communities with thousands of households enrolled.

Regulators are preparing to revise the rules again. But the gap between ambition and execution is becoming harder to ignore.

The UNM study laid out a vision of rapid economic gains, job creation, and energy equity. But without faster approvals, clearer cost structures, and streamlined grid access, those projections risk becoming aspirational rather than achievable.

From 50th to 20th: New Mexico Progresses in Adult Education Rankings

Grace Tackman
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From 50th to 20th: New Mexico Progresses in Adult Education Rankings

New Mexico’s investments in adult education have produced positive results. The state has lifted its national standing in adult learning outcomes to 20th place.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education recently published state data for the 2024-2025 academic year and ranked New Mexico 20th in measurable skill gains. This metric tracks student progress toward educational milestones such as earning credentials, improving academic skills, and advancing toward employment. 

The state climbed six spots from last year’s ranking of 26th and rose 30 places from its 50th ranking in 2019.  

“In New Mexico, we support community members with more opportunities to increase adult literacy skills and pursue career pathways through the higher education system at different stages of their lives, no matter their background. These investments are bringing results to New Mexico at a remarkable rate,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “We have made adult education more accessible to tens of thousands of New Mexicans, benefiting them, their families and our communities in countless ways.” 

New Mexico Boosts Adult Education Outcomes

This year, New Mexico continues to invest in adult education through a $20 million dollar appropriation in the state budget. The funding will be used to support adult education programs and high school equivalency testing statewide for the Adult Education Division and other associated programs.

These investments include a suite of workforce training programs in adult education that help New Mexicans achieve certifications in high-demand fields like child care or commercial driving. The programs contributed to a 44% increase in new certificates achieved by New Mexicans in 2025.  

“We will continue to meet New Mexicans wherever they are with programs that help them find and achieve new career goals,” said Adult Education Director Amber Gallup. “Students and program staff have worked hard to reach this point. Our work continues to expand accessibility of high-quality programming at different colleges throughout the state.” 

Further, New Mexico advanced on several federal adult education benchmarks. The state moved up in national rankings for measurable skill gains among English as a second language students, rising from 28th to 19th. Adult education participants securing employment after completing coursework also climbed from 32nd to 25th since 2024. 

Jose Coll Selected as New WNMU President, Vows to ‘Listen, Learn, and Collaborate’

Grace Tackman
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Jose Coll Selected as New WNMU President, Vows to ‘Listen, Learn, and Collaborate’

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) will soon enter a new era of leadership. The Board of Regents officially appointed Jose Coll, Ph.D. as the university’s 16th president after months of selection process. 

The board appointed Coll during its hybrid session on March 1, 2026, which was available via livestream and open to the public. Regents J. Dean Reed, Keana Huerta, and John V. Wertheim, along with the university’s executive leadership team, attended in person at J. Cloyd Miler Library. Meanwhile, Regents Steven Neville and Gregory Trujillo joined online.

Coll is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the current Provost at Western Oregon University. The board selected him for his leadership philosophy anchored in collaboration and advocacy. 

According to a report by WNMU, he will formally begin his presidency on July 1, 2026, under a three-year contract. The agreement automatically extends for two more years upon a successful completion of his first year as president. It also includes a $310,000 salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Coll briefly joined the meeting online. In his address to the board and the WNMU community, he emphasized a comprehensive educational experience spanning the liberal arts to the trades. He said the approach aims to meet state workforce needs while upholding shared governance. Coll expressed his deepest gratitude to the presidential search committee. He also thanked Interim President Christopher Maples, Ph.D., for his “unwavering leadership” and for providing a stable foundation for the transition.

Coll Outlines First Priorities as University President

“My first role is to listen, learn, and collaborate with all stakeholders,” Coll stated. “WNMU must engage the whole person and adapt to realities around the world. We will be a steward of regional identity and a powerful engine for social mobility.”

As WNMU’s new president, Coll said his approach to higher education engages the whole person and adapts education to real-world challenges. It aligns with WNMU’s 130-year educational philosophy.

He said that under his leadership, the WNMU community will focus on:

  • A comprehensive educational experience,
  • Meeting state workforce needs, 
  • Supporting the students,
  • And upholding shared governance. 

Before July 1, Coll plans to visit the Silver City campus several times to work on transition planning. He encouraged students, faculty, and staff to connect with him during these visits, even offering to meet for coffee. 

“If you see me walking across campus or having a coffee at a local shop during these visits, please do not hesitate to stop me. I am genuinely looking forward to speaking with you, hearing your stories, and listening to your hopes for WNMU,” he said. 

“Lastly, I want to thank the Mustang Community for welcoming my family so warmly. Cary and I look forward to making Silver City and the State of New Mexico home!” he concluded.

35-Year-Old Woman Sentenced For Two Years in Prison

Ruben Reyes
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35-Year-Old Woman Sentenced For Two Years in Prison

Angelica Garcia, 35, an active member of Navajo Nation has been sentenced to two years in prison for assaulting and stabbing another woman.

The announcement has been made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.

According to court records, on November 21, 2024, the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to a call at the Northern Navajo Medical Center regarding a patient with multiple stab wounds, including a wound at the back of her neck, face, arm, and abdomen.

It was later found out that Garcia was the attacker and was later located and detained.

The suspect claimed that it was only her self-defense against the victim’s badmouth against her.

During interview with agents, Garcia admitted to stabbing the victim and pleaded guilty to assault with dangerous weapon. Upon her release from prison, Garcia will be subject to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by The Farmington Resident Agnecy of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with the assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Pahl is prosecuting the case.

New Mexico’s Digital Future is On Hold: State set to receive $293M Federal Broadband Funding, But Delays in Washington Stall Rollout

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico’s Digital Future is On Hold: State set to receive $293M Federal Broadband Funding, But Delays in Washington Stall Rollout

Almost half of New Mexico’s broadband funding promised by the federal government remains frozen in bureaucratic limbo, stalling the initiatives to connect underserved communities and raising concerns over delays in the country’s largest internet expansion program.

State officials have urged the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to release the remaining $293 million under the program, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD). The program is a flagship federal initiative approved by Congress in 2021 that sought to expand high-speed internet nationwide.

‘Last mile’ projects

The funding bottleneck occurs despite federal approval of New Mexico’s plan to allocate $382 million for so-called “last-mile” projects. These connections aim to link homes and businesses to broadband networks. The state is set to receive a total of $675 million under BEAD.

But the remaining funds, allocated for nondeployment projects such as 5G infrastructure and connectivity for public institutions, are caught in what state officials describe as a federal policy standstill.

The NTIA must release these funds “to ensure New Mexico reaches its goals of broadband deployment, digital opportunity, and workforce development,” Jeff Lopez, director of the state’s broadband office, said in a statement.

The delay appears linked to pending federal guidance. The NTIA had already committed to issuing new rules for states accessing the remaining funds by early March. But there is no updates about the matter as of writing.

Broadband funding still in limbo

In a February 17 letter to NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth, New Mexico’s broadband office called for immediate action. It cited readiness to implement 31 projects involving a mix of internet service providers, cooperatives, satellite companies, and tribal communities.

The funds still in limbo are intended to support broader digital infrastructure, including connectivity for schools, colleges, libraries, healthcare facilities, and emergency services. These sectors were seen as critical to closing the digital divide.

State officials have warned that delayed federal action could slow down the progress toward universal connectivity, especially in underserved rural and tribal areas.

“Achieving universal connectivity takes more than infrastructure construction,” Lopez said. “Many support services, programs, and other projects are necessary to ensure all New Mexicans have the broadband resources to succeed.”

New Mexico’s broadband targets remain tethered to federal timelines. This situation highlights the complex interplay between funding, policy, and the urgency of digital inclusion.

Inside ‘New Mexico True Certified’: How a State-Backed Label Reshaped Local Branding—And Who Benefits

Juan Oliveros
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Inside ‘New Mexico True Certified’: How a State-Backed Label Reshaped Local Branding—And Who Benefits

This year is packed with milestones — from the Route 66 centennial to America 250. And the New Mexico Tourism Department is marking its own: a decade of the New Mexico True Certified program.

The New Mexico True Certified program is touted as a success story in supporting small businesses. It was launched a decade ago by the New Mexico Tourism Department. But a closer look shows a picture beyond branding power, access, and influence.

From local request to state-backed brand

The program was born out of demand from local entrepreneurs seeking a way to distinguish their products as authentically “New Mexico-made.” In response, the state created a certification system allowing businesses to label goods as “100 percent made or grown” within the state.

State officials say the label has become a mark for trust. “Reaching the 10-year milestone really speaks to the value that the program brings to small businesses,” Acting Secretary Lancing Adams, in a statement, said. He pointed to its role in linking local producers with tourists.

At the heart of the program, however, is branding. The program allows certified businesses to display the official logo on their packaging, storefronts, and websites— signaling that the state backs their authenticity.

Producers like Worthington Farms said the label translates into consumer trust. Owner Kristen Worthington said the branding assures buyers that “Everything is sourced and manufactured here. Those things are important to a lot of people, especially since we have so many great things in New Mexico.”

Retail access: a game changer

The program began with 78 participants, including Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, Piñon Coffee, Noisy Water Winery, and Santa Fe Brewing Company. Late last year, it had expanded to more than 500 partners. Officials described the increase as proof of success.

Program coordinator Brandy Velarde said the certification has highlighted the state’s creative economy. “Over the past 10 years, partners of this program from all corners of the state have leveraged the New Mexico True Certified brand to show customers their product is truly made in New Mexico,” Velarde explained.

One of the program’s most significant developments is the partnership with major retailers such as Smith’s and Albertson’s. These retailers gave products bearing the certification dedicated shelf space. This kind of access can be transformative for small producers.

The New Mexico True Certified label becomes a powerful seal of authenticity, for now. But whether it levels the playing field or reshapes it remains a question that lingers beyond the celebration.

Know Anyone on the List? APS Students Recognized As National Merit Finalists

Grace Tackman
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Know Anyone on the List? APS Students Recognized As National Merit Finalists

Their hard work has paid off. Thirteen Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) students have reached a new milestone after the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognized them.

The students–12 from La Cueva High School and one from Early College Academy, earned recognition as 2026 National Merit Finalists. It is one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors. The designation distinguishes high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, strong test performance, and a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

NMSC selects finalists from more than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, representing the top 1% of graduating seniors in the United States. These students will now compete for thousands of scholarships to be awarded this spring.

Below is the list of the district’s finalists, according to APS:

From La Cueva High School
Hiro Jau
Ally Jones
Pranav Joshi
Joseph Kerlinsky
Yu Liu
Nathan Lupinetti
Ayla McFall
Reyhan Rahim
Rubaina Reza
Anna Richardson
Aubrey Stuart
Giles Yarrington

From Early College Academy
Galen Yane

Students completed a rigorous application process to become finalists. They demonstrated strong academic records, earned high SAT or ACT scores, wrote an essay, and secured a recommendation from a school official.

According to APS, this recognition reflects not only the students’ dedication and hard work. This also shows the support of their families, teachers and school communities.

What Scholarships Will They Compete For?

The program will offer three types of National Merit Scholarships in the spring of 2026. 

Every finalist will vie for one of 2,500 National Merit® $2500 Scholarships, awarded based on a state representation. Approximately 150 corporations and business organizations will provide about 830 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards. These scholarships go to finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 150 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,600 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution. 

The 2026 National Merit Scholarship winners will appear in four nationwide news releases starting April and ending in July. These scholarship recipients will join approximately 389,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

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