Home Blog Page 50

Free Groceries for Seniors and Veterans in Bernalillo County This Week

Ruben Reyes
-
0

Silver Horizons has rolled out a program in Bernalillo County offering free groceries to low-income senior citizens and veterans.

The distribution will continue Friday at the South Valley Senior Center, 2008 Larrazolo Rd. SW, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. But participants must show identification and consent to Silver Horizons entering their information into its database.

The program started on Tuesday and Wednesday and will run through July 22 at multiple sites:

  • July 11, 12–1 p.m. — Optum Community Center, 4010 Montgomery Blvd. NE
  • July 14, 10–11 a.m. — Tijeras Senior Center, 10 Tijeras Ave., Tijeras
  • July 18, 10–11 a.m. — Paradise Hills Senior Center, 6001 Paradise Blvd. NW
  • July 22, 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Rio Bravo Senior Center, 3910 Isleta Blvd. SW

Eligibility: Seniors age 50 and older, and veterans of any age qualify if household income does not exceed the following:

  • $1,304.17 for one person
  • $1,762.50 for two
  • $2,220.83 for three
  • $2,679.17 for four
  • $3,137.50 for five

The organizers require proof of age or veteran status.

Silver Horizons thanked Bernalillo County Parks and Recreation/Senior Services and Optum New Mexico for supporting the initiative, which seeks to ease hunger for thousands of seniors, veterans, and their families each month.

Free Back-to-School Vaccinations This Saturday: Protect Your Child Before Classes Begin

Ruben Reyes
-
0

Parents can bring their children to the UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center for free childhood vaccinations on Saturday, July 11, as families prepare for the upcoming school year.

The Family Practice Clinic on the third floor of the medical center will host a free vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to noon. The New Mexico Department of Health partnered with the event as part of a statewide effort to help children stay up to date on their immunizations before returning to school.

It aims to ease one of the many tasks parents face during the back-to-school season by providing convenient access to required childhood vaccines. “We’re really excited to host this event to help kids get the vaccines they need so they’re ready for school,” said Dr. Chris Bouchard, medical director for ambulatory care at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center.

Families who are unable to attend Saturday’s clinic can also take advantage of walk-in vaccination appointments on the following Fridays — July 17, July 24 and July 31 — from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We have all the standard vaccines required for children from birth to 18 years old,” Bouchard said. “So, vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, meningitis, tetanus. We’ll also have the HPV vaccine.”

Vaccines Protect More Than School Attendance

Health officials say childhood vaccinations are more than just a school requirement. While many vaccine-preventable diseases have become less common, they can still cause serious illness and long-term health complications if outbreaks occur.

“These are diseases that tend to spread very easily and very quickly among our kids who are often in small, enclosed spaces like their classrooms and the cafeteria,” Bouchard said.

“So, making sure we have as many kids immunized as we can will help prevent the development and spread of those diseases.”

Bouchard said the clinic’s staff trains to make the experience as comfortable as possible because many children feel anxious about getting shots.

“Our team works with children of all ages,” he said.

“We try to use language to help make giving the vaccine a gentler experience. We use distraction techniques to try to reduce some of the pain that’s associated with getting shots. We also try to combine vaccines into fewer pokes when it’s safe to do that.”

Bouchard said the medical center’s goal is to make vaccinations as accessible and convenient as possible so families can receive the preventive care their children need before the new school year begins.

New Mexico’s Baseball Standouts Shine: Meet the Players Dominating the Diamond and Earning Statewide Honors

Victoria Padilla
-
0

New Mexico high school baseball standouts earned recognition this season for their strong performances, highlighting the state’s growing talent and success on the diamond.

Coaches said the awards recognize more than statistics. They also honor leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication on and off the field. Many of the recipients played key roles in their teams’ success and served as leaders throughout the season.

Albuquerque Isotopes outfielder Zac Veen earned Pacific Coast League Player of the Month honors for June. Veen hit 13 doubles, four triples, and seven home runs with 19 RBIs in 24 games. He led all of minor league baseball in total bases during the month. It marks the first Player of the Month honor of his career and the ninth time an Isotopes player has won the award.

Former Carlsbad standout Nolan Perry has been promoted to Double-A New Hampshire in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He struck out seven over three scoreless innings in his debut with the Fisher Cats. He was also chosen to play in the 2026 MLB Futures Game, scheduled for 10 a.m. MT.

The recognition highlights the continued growth of high school baseball in New Mexico. Athletic officials said schools across the state continue to develop players capable of competing at a high level, gaining attention from college recruiters and professional baseball organizations.

Community members and supporters congratulated the athletes. They noted that the honors reflect months of hard work, discipline and teamwork. Coaches thanked the players for representing their schools and communities with pride throughout the season.

Sports officials said recognizing outstanding student-athletes encourages younger players to pursue their goals and rewards excellence both on and off the field. They expressed hope that this year’s honorees will inspire the next generation of New Mexico baseball players.

The latest awards underscore the strength of baseball programs across the state and recognize athletes who made significant contributions to their teams during the season. Officials expect New Mexico to continue producing standout baseball talent in the years to come.

Grupo Frontera Brings the Heat, Announces New Mexico Tour Stop

Victoria Padilla
-
0

Popular regional Mexican band Grupo Frontera has added a New Mexico concert to its upcoming U.S. tour, drawing excitement from fans across the state and nearby areas.

Organizers made the New Mexico stop part of the band’s expanded tour, which includes performances in cities nationwide. Fans can expect Grupo Frontera to perform many of its chart-topping hits along with other favorites.

Accredited outlets will sell tickets, and organizers urge fans to buy early as demand grows. Grupo Frontera’s popularity stems from its blend of regional Mexican music and modern styles, earning the group a wide following in the United States and Latin America.

The concert helps boost local businesses, with hotels, restaurants and retailers anticipating increased traffic from concertgoers. Organizers said the event will showcase New Mexico’s role as a destination for nationally recognized entertainment.

Following the announcement on social media, fans expressed excitement about the band’s return to the state. Organizers said the show will be high-energy and highlight the growing appeal of regional Mexican music.

They advised fans to monitor official updates on ticket sales and seating plans to avoid scams. Grupo Frontera’s U.S. tour draws strong attendance.

NMSU Global Campus Collaborates with Los Lunas Schools to Offer Online Learning Opportunities 

Gregg Morgan
-
0
NMSU Global Campus Collaborates with Los Lunas Schools to Offer Online Learning Opportunities 

The New Mexico State University is championing another initiative aimed at supporting employee growth. NMSU Global Campus partnered with Los Lunas Schools to expand affordable, flexible higher education opportunities for district employees.

Through the collaboration, Los Lunas Schools staff will access accredited online degree and certificate programs. Teachers, administrators, and support personnel can benefit from the effort. These programs aim to foster career advancement, professional growth, and workforce development.

Employees can enroll in high-demand graduate degrees and licensure pathways in special education, secondary education, and early childhood education. These degree and licensure pathways equip educators with skills and credentials to meet the evolving needs of students and communities.

How the Partnership Benefits Employees

Employees may apply tuition benefits to educator preparation, undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional certificates, and short-term microlearning courses. These fully online options help employees across all roles develop new skills, strengthen leadership capabilities, and advance their careers. They can continue serving students and families while completing their studies.

“Our partnership with Los Lunas Schools reflects a shared commitment to investing in the people who make a difference in our communities every day,” said Andrew Sedillo, executive director of strategic partnerships at NMSU Global Campus. “By expanding access to flexible, online education, we are creating opportunities for educators and staff to continue growing professionally while balancing the demands of work and life.”

The university delivers all programs fully online, allowing working professionals to complete coursework on schedules that fit their responsibilities. Eligible Los Lunas Schools employees also receive a tuition discount. The benefit helps reduce financial barriers and makes continued education more accessible.

“At Los Lunas Schools, we believe that investing in our employees is an investment in the future of our students,” said Susan D. Chavez, superintendent of Los Lunas Schools. “This partnership with NMSU Global Campus provides our staff with valuable opportunities to continue their education, strengthen their professional skills and pursue new pathways for career growth while continuing to serve our school communities.”

The partnership reflects NMSU Global Campus and Los Lunas Schools’ shared commitment to strengthening New Mexico’s workforce. They expand access to high-quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

UNM Retains School of Law Dean Camille Carey 

Gregg Morgan
-
0
UNM Retains School of Law Dean Camille Carey 

University of New Mexico School of Law Dean Camille Carey faced both protests and support over her leadership. UNM decided to keep her as dean. 

On Monday, UNM Provost Barbara Rodriguez announced Carey’s reappointment as dean of the School of Law. The university reached the decision after carefully considering the matter and following its established policies and procedures. Carey’s reappointment takes effect July 1, 2027.

“The School of Law plays a vital role in preparing lawyers who serve communities throughout New Mexico,” said Rodriguez. “As Provost, I remain committed to working with Dean Carey and the entire School of Law community to strengthen the School, support its mission, and ensure it continues to serve the people of New Mexico with distinction. I am committed to supporting Dean Carey in advancing the School’s priorities while working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and our legal community partners to build on the School’s strengths.”

Carey, for her part, said she is honored by the opportunity to continue serving the UNM School of Law. “Our law school has a proud tradition of preparing lawyers who make a difference in communities across New Mexico, and I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and legal community partners as we build on that tradition,” she said.

About Dean Carey

Carey leads a law school with more than 30 faculty and approximately 300 students. Since becoming dean in 2022, Carey has overseen progress in fundraising, accreditation, budget management, and strategic planning. She has also expanded support for faculty, students, and alumni.

During her tenure, the School has raised nearly $22 million, including two consecutive record fundraising years. It also expanded scholarship opportunities, strengthened leadership and student support structures, and increased professional development resources for faculty and staff.

Before becoming dean in 2022, Carey served as vice dean and associate dean for Academic Affairs at the UNM School of Law. She joined UNM’s faculty in 2009. Since joining the faculty, Carey has taught Clinic, Torts, Advanced Torts, Civil Procedure, Immigrants’ Rights and Domestic Violence Law.

Debate over Carey’s Leadership

Last month, some UNM alumni and organizations urged UNM to remove Carey. The New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association and American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico joined the call. They cited declining local applications and the underrepresentation of Native students. 

Critics argue nonresidents students make up one-third of the 2026 and 2027 classes, while Native American students remain underrepresented.

“Our state’s only law school is turning away its own people. This is not simply a debate about admissions metrics. This is a debate about values,” said Jessica Martinez, a UNM graduate. 

Meanwhile, 2025-26 UNM School of Law Admissions Committee members sent a letter to President Stephen Goldstein and Provost Barbara Rodriguez. They said New Mexico applicants for the 2025 entering class had increased since 2011.

They said 23 of 296 students enrolled in 2025-26, or 7.77 percent, identified as American Indian or Alaska Native. The letter said that compares with 24 of 294 students in 2021-22, the school year before Carey took office.

The faculty said 36 students in the 2025-26 student body identify as Chicano, representing 12.16% of enrollment. They said that number has grown with each of the last three incoming classes.

New Mexico Missing Teen Found Alive at U.S.-Mexico Border, Finally Reunited With His Father After 3 Years

Juan Oliveros
-
0
New Mexico Missing Teen Found Alive at U.S.-Mexico Border, Finally Reunited With His Father After 3 Years

Juan Escobar marked his son’s birthdays for more than three years, hoping that the missing teen would someday return home. That reunion finally came last week.

Federal authorities located Andrew Escobar, now 14, at the U.S.-Mexico border, ending a search that had drawn in local, state, and federal investigators. Finding Andrew became one of New Mexico’s long-running parental abduction cases.

The 11-year-old Andrew had to visit his mother, Miriam Felix, in June 2023. But the boy never returned home. The court had already granted Andrew’s father legal custody of his son at the time, but his mother never returned Andrew. Investigators soon concluded that the case had escalated into a parental abduction, launching a nationwide search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service.

Authorities pursued leads with little success in finding the missing teen. His family continued searching while coping with the uncertainty, with Juan Escobar and his wife leaving their jobs to devote themselves to finding him. They celebrated each of Andrew’s birthdays, unwilling to give up hope that they would eventually see him again.

The search ended July 1 when U.S. border authorities identified the missing teen as he crossed into El Paso, Texas, from Mexico with his mother. Authorities took Felix into custody and expect him to face extradition proceedings in New Mexico in connection with the case.

Police called Juan Escobar to inform him that they had found his son. He said the news took several moments to sink in before relief replaced disbelief.

According to Juan Escobar, Andrew told investigators he had lived in several countries during the past three years, including Austria, Albania and Turkey, while attending school online. Authorities have not publicly explained how the pair traveled internationally or remained beyond investigators’ reach for so long.

Authorities found Andrew in good physical health, but his father said the emotional toll of the separation may take much longer to overcome.

Now reunited, the family says its immediate focus is helping Andrew adjust to life back home while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the events that kept him away for more than three years.

Rabid Bat Found Inside New Mexico Home is the 9th Case This Year. What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home.

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Rabid Bat Found Inside New Mexico Home is the 9th Case This Year. What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home.

A small but potent health alert has emerged in the quiet suburban expanse of Sandoval County. State health officials confirmed this week that a rabid bat was found inside a private home in the county, the ninth confirmed animal case in New Mexico so far in 2026.

The discovery, while not unusual in a state where wildlife rabies circulates seasonally, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent, if low-probability, risks lurking in backyards and attics across the American West.

New Mexico Department of Health officials euthanized the bat and submitted it for laboratory testing after its discovery. The department has not publicly detailed any human exposures in this case, but it urges residents to remain vigilant. Health officials reminded residents that even a momentary encounter with a bat — an animal that can slip through gaps as small as a quarter-inch — warrants attention.

“Rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal, but 100 percent preventable,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH.  “State law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or isolated for four months to prevent human exposure.”

Rabies Leaves Little Room for Error

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is almost fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Some of the symptoms include agitation, hydrophobia, paralysis, and delirium. Rabies stands as one of medicine’s clearest triumphs of prevention because doctors can stop the virus before it reaches the brain by administering prompt post-exposure prophylaxis—wound cleaning, human rabies immune globulin, and a series of vaccines.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, bats are the leading cause of human rabies mortality in the U.S., even though the majority of reported rabid animals are not bats. Bats’ tiny teeth can leave invisible marks. And people often fail to realize the bite—especially when contact happens during sleep or involves children or others unable to report it.

New Mexico encounters rabies every year in reservoirs like bats, skunks, and foxes. In 2026 so far, cases include bats in Los Alamos and Sandoval Counties, skunks and a dog in Curry County, bobcats in Sierra County, and a fox in McKinley County. Historical data show bat rabies detections scattered across much of the state over the past decade, Sandoval County among them.

Not Every Bat is a Rabid Bat

The risk remains low in New Mexico because not every bat is rabid. Experts stress that only a small percentage of bats do. Bats are essential to healthy ecosystems, consuming large numbers of insects, including mosquitoes. But officials stress the significance of a zero-tolerance approach to potential exposure.

Key guidance from the state health department and CDC includes:

  • Never touch a bat. If a bat is found indoors, especially in a bedroom or near people who might not recall contact, contain it safely for testing, if possible, and immediately contact animal control or health authorities.
  • Never waste time seeking care. Wash any potential bite or scratch properly with soap and water, and get medical attention. For potential bat exposures without a clear bite, err on the side of consultation. New Mexico offers a helpline (1-833-SWNURSE) for guidance.
  • Protect pets. Keep dogs, cats, and horses up to date on rabies vaccinations. Domestic animals can be a bridge between wildlife and humans.
  • Keep homes bat-proof. Seal every possible entry and consider professional exclusion methods during seasons when bats are active but not raising young.

The seasonal increase in cases during warmer months coincides with increased bat activity and human time outdoors. In rural and suburban areas across the state, where homes often back up against open land, encounters with bats are part of living alongside nature.

Public health experts note that dramatic headlines about individual rabid animals help heighten anxiety. But the real story is one of manageable risk. Vaccination programs for pets and rapid response have kept human cases rare. Still, each confirmed animal case is a signal to renew awareness of the risks.

Health officials hope the Corrales bat will prompt proactive steps rather than panic amid the deepening of summer. In the hours when bats take flight, little caution can spell the difference between a minor wildlife encounter and a medical emergency.

Garlic, Tractors and Tradition: Northern New Mexico’s Garlic Festival and Farm Tractor Show Returns July 11

Victoria Padilla
-
0

Northern New Mexico College will welcome residents and visitors to its Sostenga Farm on Friday, July 11, for the annual Garlic Festival and Farm Tractor Show, a community event celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage.

The festival is a longtime summer tradition for many northern New Mexico families. It will feature fresh locally grown garlic and produce, artisan vendors, food booths, live music, agricultural exhibits and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

A farm tractor show will highlight both vintage and modern equipment, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the area’s farming history and traditions.

According to Northern New Mexico College, the festival also emphasizes sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Sostenga Farm serves as a hands-on learning center where youth and adults can learn about environmentally friendly farming practices, conservation and local food production.

The event will include educational exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops designed to help visitors better understand the role agriculture plays in supporting local communities.

College officials and community leaders describe the festival as an opportunity to strengthens ties between the college and northern New Mexico residents by showcasing local farmers, businesses and artisans. Organizers hope the event will raise awareness of regional agriculture, support small businesses and encourage community involvement.

Festival organizers are encouraging residents and visitors alike to attend and experience the educational exhibits, locally produced goods and entertainment while celebrating New Mexico’s rich agricultural heritage.

Gallup-McKinley Schools Disciplined Native American, Hispanic Students at Higher Rates, DOJ Report Finds

Victoria Padilla
-
0

The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ), after a years-long investigation, found that the Gallup-McKinley County School District suspended Native American and Hispanic students out of school more frequently than their peers, causing them to lose substantial classroom instruction.

The report found that students in the district lost at least twice as many instructional days to out-of-school suspensions as the statewide average. Among the most significant findings, Native American students lost about eight to 10 times as many instructional days to suspensions as White students, and Hispanic students lost three to four times as many instructional days as White students.

Investigators examined several years of student discipline data, district policies, complaints, and interviews with educators, families and community members.

The report also acknowledged progress in the district, noting that expulsions and referrals to law enforcement have declined in recent years. However, the Justice Department said significant racial and ethnic disparities in school discipline remain, recommending further reforms to ensure students spend more time in the classroom.

“Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive school environment,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “Our investigation found that Gallup-McKinley County Schools relies too heavily on exclusionary discipline and that these practices disproportionately affect Native American and Hispanic students.”

“The loss of instructional time has real consequences for academic success and future opportunity,” he stressed. The NMDOJ report, released on July 2, serves as a framework for reforms that strengthen accountability, ensure fairness, and improve student outcomes, he added.

District administrators said they are reviewing the report’s findings and are committed to ensuring all students are treated fairly and consistently. Officials cited recent efforts, including the creation of an Equity Council and expanded community engagement, as part of ongoing work to improve school climate and disciplinary practices.

The report recommends that the district:

  • Reduce disparities in out-of-school suspensions.
  • Strengthen discipline policies and guidelines.
  • Improve the collection and analysis of discipline data.
  • Expand staff training on equitable disciplinary practices.
  • Increase transparency and accountability through regular public reporting.

The Department of Justice said reducing unnecessary out-of-school suspensions is critical, saying consistent classroom attendance is closely tied to improved academic outcomes. The report is part of broader efforts across New Mexico to promote equitable educational opportunities while maintaining safe and effective learning environments.

1...495051...135Page 50 of 135