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Are Albuquerque’s Young Students Improving in Reading?

Grace Tackman
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Are Albuquerque’s Young Students Improving in Reading?

Are Albuquerque’s young students reading better? Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) says elementary schools are showing improvements.

In its latest news release, APS reports “encouraging” progress in early literacy, especially among historically underserved student groups.

Superintendent Gabriella Blakey shared midyear results from the district’s early literacy monitoring reports during a recent Board of Education meeting. The data shows the district’s progress toward ensuring students read proficiently by third grade.

The district is using Amira for the first time this year, the state-required literacy assessment for kindergarten through third grade. Midyear data offers an early look at how students are progressing in foundational reading skills.

APS reports the district is on track.

Early-Grade Reading Progress

At midyear, 24.4 percent of first-grade students in Yazzie-Martinez equity groups and African American students scored proficient or above. This is more than a percentage point above the district’s three-year goal.

Moreover, among second graders in the same student groups, 32.5 percent reached proficiency.  That exceeds the district’s three-year goal by more than eight percentage points. 

“These early-grade checkpoints are important because they tell us whether our youngest learners are developing the foundational skills needed to become confident, fluent readers,” Blakey said during the meeting.

The district recognized several schools before reviewing the progress monitoring reports. These schools showed some of the largest gains in reading proficiency so far this year. 

First Grade Reading Gains

The following schools achieved reading proficiency gains of 20 percentage points or more among first-grade students in the targeted student groups:

  • SY Jackson Elementary School

Increase of 25.9 percentage points (from 27% to 52.9%)
Principal: Jack Vermillion

Vermillion said the improvement reflects a coordinated effort across the entire school.

“Our gains are the result of a coordinated, schoolwide effort to close literacy gaps,” Vermillion said. “Teachers are implementing strong Tier 1 instruction aligned to evidence-based practices, and our interventionist provides targeted support using research-based literacy strategies.”

He also credited the school’s librarian and intervention support for helping accelerate growth among students needing extra help.

  • Barcelona Elementary School
    Increase of 23.5 percentage points (from 12.5% to 36%)
    Principal: Rae Lynn Dooley

“At Barcelona, we have focused on rigorous grade-level instruction and helping students embrace challenges that lead to growth,” Dooley said. “Our teachers use data-driven collaboration and engage students in conversations about their own progress.”

  • Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative
    Increase of 21.2 percentage points (from 22.9% to 44.1%)
    Principal: Hannah Manifola

“Our teachers attribute this growth to consistency with foundational skills, daily literacy routines, and maintaining high expectations for students,” Manifola said.

  • Bellehaven Elementary School
    Increase of 20.5 percentage points (from 11.1% to 31.6%)
    Principal: Sara Carrillo
  • Manzano Mesa Elementary School
    Increase of 20.2 percentage points (from 35.4% to 55.6%)
    Principal: Shannon Dickson

Dickson said collaboration among teachers played an important role. “Our first-grade team uses assessment data during teacher collaboration time to plan explicit phonics and decoding instruction,” Dickson said. “That allows us to provide consistent, targeted support for students who need it most.”

Second Grade Reading Gains

The following schools saw reading proficiency gains of 20 percentage points or more among second-grade students in the targeted groups:

  • Double Eagle Elementary School
    Increase of 29.5 percentage points (from 43.8% to 73.3%)
    Principal: Shayna Kagan

Kagan said teachers analyze assessment data closely and tailor instruction to meet student needs. “Flexible small-group instruction aligned to monthly assessment data allows us to provide targeted reading support,” Kagan said. “At the same time, structured literacy instruction strengthens decoding and builds fluency.”

  • Hubert H. Humphrey Elementary School
    Increase of 27.5 percentage points (from 42.9% to 70.4%)
    Principal: Adam Dodge

“This year we focused on integrating social-emotional strategies into reading and math instruction,” Dodge said. “Those strategies help students build perseverance, self-efficacy, and confidence as learners.”

  • Petroglyph Elementary School
    Increase of 21.1 percentage points (from 19.4% to 40.5%)
    Principal: Kristina Romo

Romo said the school achieved progress by closely monitoring student data andproviding consistent classroom instruction. “Our teachers analyze data monthly and discuss every student,” Romo said. “We focus on strong core instruction and small-group targeted support.”

  • Chaparral Elementary School
    Increase of 20.5 percentage points (from 14.5% to 35.0%)
    Principal: Michelle Tudor

Tudor said the school’s growth resulted from ensuring students consistently used the Amira literacy tutoring program.

APS Acknowledges Efforts Supporting Young Students 

District leaders extend appreciation to the educators, support staff, and families who help students succeed every day.

“I also want to recognize the teachers, educational assistants, support staff, and families who make this kind of progress possible,” Blakey said. “And of course, our students. We know how hard they are working, and it is exciting to see that effort paying off.”

The district will continue tracking literacy progress all year. It aims to ensure every student reads proficiently by third grade.

Rio Rancho School Board: Dr. Beth Miller Resigns to Focus on Health

Juan Oliveros
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Rio Rancho School Board: Dr. Beth Miller Resigns to Focus on Health

A member of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education is stepping down from her post to focus on her health, the school district announced Thursday.

Dr. Beth Miller represents District 4 on the five-member board and serves as board secretary. She will officially leave office on Monday, which coincides with the board’s next regular meeting. It is also a scheduled work session on Independence High School.

Miller led with compassion and commitment during her time on the board, said Board President Amanda Galbraith. “Secretary Miller has led with compassion, diligence, and a genuine desire to make a difference,” Galbraith said. It saddened the community to see her leave, the board president said, adding that “we fully support her decision to focus on her health and well-being.”

Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sue Cleveland also praised Miller for her service. She said her work helped shape the district’s direction.

“Her leadership and advocacy for student success have left a lasting impact on our district,” Cleveland said. “On behalf of the entire RRPS community, we thank her for her service and wish her strength, healing, and all the very best.”

Miller had been absent from several recent board meetings, including the February 23 session. Galbraith publicly excused Miller during that meeting, saying only that the board “wishes her well.” She did not elaborate.

The board confirmed Galbraith as president of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education during the reorganization meeting on January 12. Miller was elected as board secretary during the same meeting.

Miller, however, participated in the district’s superintendent search despite her absences. She voted to hire Dr. Robert “Robby” Dodd, a longtime Maryland schools administrator, in December. Dodd will become only the second superintendent in the history of Rio Rancho Public Schools.

Miller was first elected to the board in November 2023. She won over former board member Ramon Montaño with 58 percent of the vote. She represents Lincoln Middle School, the only Rio Rancho Public Schools campus located within District 4.

The board policy authorizes the remaining four members of the school board to appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy. More details about the selection process will be announced in the coming weeks, the board statement said.

Governor Signs Several Health Care Bills Into Law: Medical Malpractice Reform, Two Others

Juan Oliveros
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Governor Signs Several Health Care Bills Into Law: Medical Malpractice Reform, Two Others

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law on Friday a package of health care bills, including a medical malpractice reform bill and other legislation. She signed the measures along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers at the construction site of a new 15-bed hospital in Los Lunas in Valencia County.

One of the measures Lujan Grisham signed was House Bill 99. The measure caps punitive damages in medical malpractice claims. The governor said the reform is a major step toward addressing the state’s physician shortage.

“This was an incredible herculean lift because you want to protect patients, but we have to change the climate of practice,” the governor, in a Source NM report, said. “We can’t make New Mexico the No. 1 place to move and raise and grow a family if you are waiting more than a year to see a primary care doctor.”

One of the most closely watched proposals during the state’s recent 30-day legislative session, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), described the measure as a “balanced approach.” That means limiting jury awards in malpractice cases while ensuring families can still seek legal recourse.

The bill nearly derailed after a proposal to amend it to exempt corporate-owned hospitals from caps on punitive damages. But it sailed through with bipartisan support. Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) said the final passage reflected rare bipartisan agreement among lawmakers.

“Today represents something we don’t see nearly enough, and that is true, bipartisan consensus,” Brantley said, adding she was proud lawmakers rejected the amendment, which she described as a “hijacking by special interest groups.”

The reform, however, drew criticism from the advocacy group New Mexico Safety Over Profit. Executive director Johana Bencomo said the law benefits corporate-owned hospitals while limiting support available to families suffering from preventable medical malpractice.

Another measure signed by the governor includes House Bill 4. The bill increases funding for the state’s Health Care Affordability Fund. Supporters of the measure say it would help protect residents who depend on Medicaid if federal funding is reduced. The state has the highest per-capita Medicaid enrollment across the country.

Meanwhile, House Bill 306 prohibits hospitals from collecting facility fees for preventive outpatient care, outpatient vaccinations, and telehealth services. The bill allows such fees for inpatient and emergency care.

Previously, the governor signed a separate bill allowing out-of-state licensed medical professionals to move to and practice in New Mexico. Lujan Grisham said she is open to additional legislative work before her term ends this year.

Lawmakers’ 30-day sessions usually focus on budget matters. But the governor allowed them to address a broader range of issues, such as health care, public safety, and water security.

New Mexico Nurse Arrested, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Underage Patient

Ruben Reyes
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New Mexico Nurse Arrested, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Underage Patient

A nurse from Las Cruces has been arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile patient.

The suspect has been identified as Kayla Salcido who was arrested on Thursday with four counts of sexual penetration and three counts of delinquency of a minor after the victim reported the incident while he was under her care at Mesilla Valley Behavioral Hospital.

The victim testified that on December 5, 2025, after he was discharged from the hospital, Salcido went to her home, gave him alcohol then proceeded to sexually assault him at least twice, only stopped when she told guest were coming to her home.

They also mentioned that Salcido would show him nude photographs of herself on her phone and would kiss him while in the room.

He also added that he was dropped off by Salcido near Mesilla Valley Hospital and he was then readmitted the next day heard that Salcido had resigned.

The victim felt depressed and used that he seeked help from another hospital staff, recounting what happened.

Why Learn About Brain Health and Brain Injury: Event Highlights Importance of Awareness

Grace Tackman
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Why Learn About Brain Health and Brain Injury: Event Highlights Importance of Awareness

Curious about your brain? This event may captivate your mind. 

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) will host “Wellness Wednesday 3.18: One Brain, One Day,” a special brain health and brain injury awareness event. It will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, in the Jemez Rooms on campus, 6400 Richards Avenue, 87508.

Community partners, health advocates, and Northern New Mexico residents gather through the event to explore brain injury, prevention and recovery. Partners include the State of New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability, Stagecoach Foundation, Presbyterian, SFCC Foundation, and Christus St. Vincent. Participants can join the event at no cost.

During the program, a documentary on brain injuries will be premiered. The film helps viewers understand brain injuries and highlights the importance of awareness, prevention, and support. Additionally, attendees can engage with community resources and enjoy brain-healthy food demonstrations.

At the resource fair, participants can also learn about brain injury prevention, recovery, and support services. 

Community Event Shows Shared Commitment To Health and Awareness

The informative community gathering builds on SFCC’s Student Wellness Center’s Wellness Wednesday initiative. It connects students and community members with practical wellbeing tools and supportive resources.

“This event reflects what can happen when community partners align around a shared commitment to health, awareness, and access,” said Dr. LaNysha Adams, Director of the Student Wellness Center at SFCC. “Brain health is a community issue. By bringing education, nutrition, and resources together in one place, we are helping people understand brain injury, learn how to protect their health, and connect with the support systems that make recovery possible.”

The community event reflects a growing collaboration between SFCC and the State of New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability, particularly through the New Mexico Brain Injury Advisory Council. The council works to raise awareness and improve services for people affected by brain injury across the state. 

Angelia Velarde-Logsdon, coordinator for the New Mexico Brain Injury Advisory Council, emphasized the importance of education and public awareness. 

“Brain injuries affect thousands of families across our state, often in ways that are not immediately visible,” said Velarde-Logsdon. “Raising awareness is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure people understand prevention, recognize the signs of brain injury, and know where to turn for support. Partnerships like this one with SFCC are important for serving everyone.”

Food for the Brain Takes the Spotlight

The SFCC Campus Cupboard Food Pantry will showcase brain-healthy snacks. The pantry will also host a food demonstration focused on nutritional practices that support cognitive wellness. 

Renee Treviño Zisman will lead a live cooking demonstration featuring salmon, brown rice, and spinach. The session highlights simple foods that support brain health and overall wellbeing. Zisman is a nutrition educator with ICAN (Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition), a community nutrition education program through New Mexico State University teaching practical, affordable healthy cooking skills.

The SFCC Foundation supports the event in part. It is contributing food for the demo and refreshments to help demonstrate the role of nutrition in maintaining brain health.

Organizers invite students, families, healthcare professionals, educators, and community members to attend and learn more about brain health, prevention and the services available throughout New Mexico.

Excited for the Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF)? Here’s What To Expect

Grace Tackman
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Excited for the Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF)? Here’s What To Expect

Curious about this year’s Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF)? New Mexico State University (NMSU) has revealed a preview of what to expect as the big event returns April 8-12.

Now in its 11th year, the LCIFF will showcase 160 films–from short to feature-length, music videos to animation–from the U.S. and around the world. The film festival drew 3,000 people to watch 60 films 11 years ago. This year, organizers expect more than 12,000 people to attend the five-day event at the Allen Cineport 10.

“The festival embraces unique, independent filmmakers, filmmakers with important voices that we need to celebrate and put in front of an audience,” said Ross Marks, NMSU’s Creative Media Institute professor and festival executive director.

“Our 10th anniversary was just amazing last year. We had our increase of 30% in attendance,” Marks said. “The economic impact for the city has grown along with the festival each year. The revenue we’re generating has probably grown eight times over the years. The same would be true of the economic impact for the city.”

The LCIFF is presented by NMSU and Visit Las Cruces. According to a report by NMSU, the number of sponsors for the event continues to grow each year. VIP passes are $200; All-Access Passes are $100; Day Passes are $35; and admission to celebrity screenings is $35. You can still buy tickets at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.

More Activities Await at LCIFF

The LCIFF brings more than unique entertainment experience and celebrity appearances to Las Cruces and the region.

The film festival will offer free workshops and panels at various locations for students and community members. Attendees can explore topics ranging from stunts and acting to horror films, prop-making, and directing this year. 

The LCIFF not only showcases “world-class” independent filmmaking but also gives university students a hands-on learning experience. 

Moreover, several celebrity guests will be on hand, including actor Michael Rooker. He will receive the film festival’s “Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment” award on April 9. Rooker will also have a question-and-answer session with a screening of the film “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”

Meanwhile, tickets are still available for the LCIFF Poster Party. Local artists Asiah Thomas-Mandlman, an NMSU alumna, created artwork for this year’s festival poster. It will be revealed at an event from 5:30 to 8:oo p.m. Friday, March 6, at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.

How LCIFF Empowers Students

The LCIFF has become the largest student-run film festival in the country. Approximately 80 to 100 NMSU students from the Creative Media Institute and the Creative Media Technology program at Doña Ana Community College collaborate to produce the festival. Marks guides their efforts throughout the process.

At NMSU, Marks teaches two courses on producing a film festival. During the fall course, he trains students to prepare for the festival. In the spring course, students get hands-on experience producing the festival. Marks calls it a “lab and a classroom” for NMSU students, helping grow southern New Mexico’s film industry.

“At the beginning of the semester, they’re thinking, ‘Oh man, I don’t think we can pull this off. This is scary.’ But by the end, every single one of them is empowered and confident because they do pull it off,” Marks said. “That’s the payday for me.”

Check out the complete schedule of films, workshops, and special VIP parties at lascrucesfilmfest.com.

State Grants Up to $150,000 Now Available for Business Incubators

Juan Oliveros
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State Grants Up to $150,000 Now Available for Business Incubators

Business incubators can apply for grants of up to $150,000 under the state’s NM Incubator Certification Support (ICS) Grant Program. The program is open to all incubators across all sectors, including those in technology and innovation, officials said.

The Technology and Innovation Office of the New Mexico Economic Development Department administered the competitive grant. It aims to help non-certified business incubators to pass the requirements of the Certified Business Incubator program, EDD said in a statement released on Thursday, March 5.

The program, established in 2005, aims to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by helping incubators meet the standards that support startups and small businesses.

A study by the International Business Innovation Association (INBIA) shows that nearly 87 percent — or about nine in 10 businesses — that graduate from incubator programs remain operational. And that every 50 jobs created by an incubator client could lead to about 25 additional jobs in the community.

Incubators have until April 2 to file their applications. A webinar for interested individuals will be held on March 18 at 1 pm MST.

More information, including webinar registration and application links, is available on the department’s website.

WNMU Presidential Finalists Share Their Vision–What’s Next for the University?

Grace Tackman
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WNMU Presidential Finalists Share Their Vision–What’s Next for the University?

Another step in Western New Mexico University’s (WNMU) presidential search has ended. The WNMU community will meet its next president in a few days. 

The four distinguished finalists for WNMU’s 16th presidency concluded their campus visits. On March 4, 2026, a final forum meeting featuring finalist Mario Martinez, Ph.D. gave students , faculty, and staff the opportunity to engage with the candidates about the university’s future. The Silver City community also attended public meet-and-greet events for each candidate.

Over the week, candidates Martinez, Sharon Jones, Ph.D., Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D., and Jose E. Coll, Ph.D., presented their visions for WNMU. They discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the Silver City community and the broader Southwest region.

According to a WNMU report, the forums focused on critical themes. These include academic quality across online and in-person modalities, staff morale, and the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education.

Presidential Finalists Share Their Vision For WNMU

Martinez currently serves at Fort Lewis College. He emphasized WNMU’s potential for seamless academic progression through degree offerings that range from certificates to graduate programs. He proposed a systematic solution to salary compression and workload issues. Martinez advocated for standing committees and a collaborative leadership style focused on operational improvement. His message focused on creating a frictionless, student-focused experience as a defining institutional goal.

Jones is a Vice Chancellor at the University of Washington Bothell and an environmental engineering expert. She defined her candidacy around place-based education and strong mentorship. Jones highlighted her personal journey as a first-generation college graduate. She said her approach focuses on diversifying the funding model—particularly through philanthropy—to secure the university’s mission during challenging financial times.

Romero, an expert in research and economic development, focused on ensuring public trust in university governance. He pushed for rigorous IT and cybersecurity practices and introduced the idea of “budget summits” to reinforce transparency. Romero’s approach tied the university’s identity to its role in supporting Silver City’s well-being.

Coll is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the current Provost at Western Oregon University. He stood out for his collaborative leadership and advocacy for veterans. From day one, he prioritized workforce readiness. Coll also lauded WNMU’s advanced digital presence. He highlighted leveraging staff as the university’s foundation and using digital innovation to drive operational excellence. 

While their backgrounds vary, the finalists shared common priorities:

  • The Applied Liberal Arts: Recognition of the university’s unique blend of traditional academics and professional and vocational training.
  • Sustainability: A commitment to leveraging the university’s proximity to the Gila National Forest to support experiential learning and regional economic development.
  • Shared Governance: All candidates pledged to rebuild trust through transparent decisions and collaboration with Faculty and Staff Senates.

Final Phase Up Next

As the WNMU Board of Regents enters the final search phase, the search firm Anthem Executive gathers stakeholder feedback.

“Student, faculty, and staff input is the cornerstone,” Board of Regents Treasurer/Secretary Dean Reed said. Reed was also part of the hiring committee. “We seek a leader who understands and lives our mission.”

On March 5,2026, the Board of Regents met in executive session to review survey data and interview notes.WNMU expects to formally announce its 16th president on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, following contract negotiations.

In September 2025, WNMU launched a comprehensive nationwide search for its next president. 

The president serves as the university’s chief executive officer and reports directly to the WNMU Board of Regents. The new president will lead the university through a pivotal period of renewal and growth, ensuring its sustainability and mission in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

Report: New and Resolved Environmental Enforcement Cases Slightly Drop in February

Juan Oliveros
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Report: New and Resolved Environmental Enforcement Cases Slightly Drop in February

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) recorded a decline in enforcement cases in February, with 226 new environmental and safety violation cases added to its Enforcement Watch transparency database, down from 235 cases recorded in January, according to officials.

However, the number of cases resolved by the department also declined during the month. It resolved 38 cases in February, a slight decline from 41 cases in January.

The monthly update, released by the department’s Compliance and Enforcement Division, allows the public to access enforcement actions regarding environmental protection, public health, and worker safety across the state.

Enforcement Watch, launched in May 2023, publishes updates on two cases classified as Active Matters and Resolved Matters. The former looked into alleged violations under investigation or pending resolution, and the latter includes cases that have been settled administratively or resolved in court with penalties fully paid.

The emergency response bureau highlighted

The NMED February report highlighted the accomplishment of the Emergency Operations and Response Bureau (EORB). The bureau was created in July 2025 under the Compliance and Enforcement Division to strengthen New Mexico’s emergency response capability.

The bureau operates 24 hours a day. It coordinates responses to environmental emergencies, including hazardous material spills, wildfires, and flooding. It also manages the Environmental Notification Tracking System, allowing residents to report environmental concerns and enabling authorities to monitor response and recovery efforts in real time. The system, a public reporting platform launched in 2006, has recently recorded its 20,000th incident report.

“Whether it’s a wildfire, a flood, or an accident involving the shipment of hazardous waste, the Emergency Operations and Response Bureau is ready to respond and rapidly assist with cleanup,” EORB Bureau Chief Russell Lashley, in a statement released on March 5, said.

The bureau also oversees the Environmental Crimes Task Force, working along with state, federal, and local partners. Its task is to investigate and prosecute serious environmental violations, namely: illegal dumping, improper hazardous waste disposal, and air or water pollution.

Winter storm response

The bureau’s operations commenced in January 2026 during winter storm warnings across the state. At the time, it opened the Emergency Operations Center to monitor potential environmental impacts.

During the storm response, the bureau coordinated the cleanup of a 3,000-gallon fuel tanker spill. At the same time, it monitored public water systems to ensure assistance was available if needed.

February enforcement actions

The 226 new cases added to Enforcement Watch in February include 148 notices of violation issued by the Water Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau, and 34 notices issued by the Food Safety Program to retail food establishments.

Some 23 notices of violation were issued by the Resource Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau, and 15 notices from the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau.

The Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau issued the remaining six notices of violation.

Meanwhile, NMED resolved 38 cases, including 19 in the Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau, 17 in the Resource Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau, and one case each in the Water Protection Compliance and Occupational Health and Safety bureaus.

Major violations cited

One of the significant enforcement actions by the NMED was the issuance of the Administrative Compliance Order to the U.S. Department of Energy for violations of the New Mexico Water Quality Control Act at Los Alamos National Laboratory linked to chromium contamination in groundwater.

NMED issued an assessment of $9.76 million in penalties and almost $20,000 in administrative compliance costs to DOE.

In another case, the Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau issued a notice of violation to Primal Crushing LLC of Fort Worth, Texas. The firm failed to pay the required New Source Review permit fees for a portable crusher in the south of Dayton. The unpaid fees from 2022 to 2025 have reached $9,431.

The officials also cited Barcelona Mobile Home Park in Albuquerque for failing to correct 14 deficiencies identified in a sanitary survey last June 2025. The park is required to notify residents of the violations within 30 days and must continue to do so until the issues are fixed.

Meanwhile, the Resource Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau issued a notice of violation to the City of Socorro Landfill over improper storage of recyclable materials. It also failed to keep and manage records of scrap tires under the state’s recycling and illegal dumping rules.

The Occupational Health and Safety Bureau also penalized Central New Mexico Co-Op, amounting to $33,110. An investigation into a utility pole replacement incident showed that workers were operating on energized power lines without sufficient safety controls, resulting in a severe injury.

Transparency and compliance

Enforcement Watch, according to NMED, allows the public, businesses, and environmental organizations to monitor alleged regulatory violations and their resolution. The cited organizations will remain on the platform’s list until they correct the violations.

The agency said companies have to comply with environmental and safety regulations to avoid appearing on Enforcement Watch. It advised all businesses to consult industry experts and conduct third-party compliance audits.

Mystery Ad Campaign Backs Data Center Project. And Why No One’s Owning Up to It.

Juan Oliveros
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Mystery Ad Campaign Backs Data Center Project. And Why No One’s Owning Up to It.

Mailers and online advertisements promoting a big data center project in southern New Mexico have raised concerns about transparency, as the group behind the campaign failed to disclose funding and environmental impact.

Purple and yellow mailers began arriving in mailboxes across the state in January, touting what they called “a new day for New Mexico.” The flyers promoted Project Jupiter, a proposed data center backed by tech companies OpenAI and Oracle. It came with a promise of $360 million in community investments, $50 million for local water system upgrades, and “thousands of high-paying careers” prioritizing residents of Doña Ana County.

Each mailer has a QR code encouraging recipients to “Voice Your Support.” The link directed users to a website urging them to submit their names and addresses to ask the New Mexico Environment Department to approve the air quality permits the project needs.

Natural gas to power data center complex

The permits would allow developers to construct an on-site natural-gas power plant to energize the data center complex. Early applications for the project sought permission to emit greenhouse gases on par with the total emissions of the state’s two largest cities.

A group called Elevate New Mexico runs the campaign, which also placed digital ads on Facebook, LinkedIn, and on local news websites. The group’s website asked residents to submit comments to the state environment department before the end of the public consultation on Monday. It is not yet clear whether the Elevate New Mexico campaign generated the comments.

According to public records, Elevate New Mexico is not registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State. The campaign materials also do not disclose who backs the campaign.

Elevate New Mexico lists a Virginia building as its headquarters. Individuals working at the address told Source NM they never heard of the group. And the return address on the mailers belongs to a shipping store in Alexandria, Virginia.

Las Cruces resident Neeshia Macanowicz, who received one of the mailers in January, sounded skeptical, saying, “For most people, this is something they get in the mail and throw away.” She noted noted the absence of a “paid for” disclosure commonly found on political campaign materials.

Digital ads

Besides the mailers, the campaign ran digital ads claiming the potential benefits of the project such as electricity supply, water conservation, and the jobs it can generate. LinkedIn’s ad library shows that APCO Worldwide placed some of the ads. APCO is a Washington, D.C.–based public affairs and communications firm.

Maslyn Locke, a senior attorney at the New Mexico Environmental Law Center who represents the litigants against Project Jupiter, said the ads disproportionately feature Hispanic and Latino models, knowing that the companies behind the project are outside the state. “It’s very much a brownwashing campaign,” Locke said. The lawyer accused developers of framing the proposal as a community-driven effort.

State environmental officials said they received about 7,700 comments on the project’s permit applications before the public comment period closed. According to a spokesperson for the environment department, many of the submissions may be duplicates, and officials have not yet determined how many supported or opposed the project.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, a Democrat from Mesilla, opposes the project. The lawmaker warned about the influence of outside groups trying to shape public opinion. “It’s really problematic when outside, unnamed and unidentified actors are leveraging huge amounts of money,” she said.

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