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NMHU Introduces ‘Dialogue Highlands’ 

Gregg Morgan
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NMHU Introduces ‘Dialogue Highlands’ 

Can conversation spark meaningful ideas and interactions? A university unveils a new initiative promoting regular communication.

New Mexico Highlands University announces the launch of Dialogue Highlands, a new quarterly program. It aims to deepen engagement with alumni, donors, community partners, and friends through direct, open conversation with university leadership.

Dialogue Highlands will be a regular event at Ilfeld Auditorium, the historic 1915 venue at the Las Vegas campus. It will bring the institution’s most important conversations into a setting that reflects both its history and its future. Each session will also stream live via Zoom to audiences across New Mexico and beyond.

“Highlands has never been an institution that talked ‘at’ its community. It has always been built with its community,” said NMHU President Dr. Neil Woolf. “Dialogue Highlands is about keeping that relationship direct. We want our alumni and friends to hear from us, ask hard questions, and share what they see. That kind of exchange makes us better.”

How It Works

Dialogue Highlands convenes quarterly, offering sessions that are interactive, accessible, and substantive.

Each program features Woolf in moderated conversations with rotating guests, including senior leadership, faculty, students, and partners. The format emphasizes real dialogue rather than a one-way presentation and creates opportunities for meaningful exchange.

Each session includes:

  • A welcome and introductions from a host,
  • An opening update from Woolf on institutional priorities and progress,
  • A moderated panel discussion with invited guests,
  • Live Q&A from attendees in the room,
  • Live Q&A from Zoom participants, and
  • A brief closing highlighting key themes and upcoming highlights.

Sessions will be recorded and made available after each event. In-person attendance is open to registered participants, with seating limited.

Program Background

NMHU is experiencing significant momentum. Recent milestones include Carnegie R3 research designation, the launch of a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the expansion of doctoral education through the EdD. Others include enrollment growth and more programs on the horizon, all complementing the institution’s historic notoriety for teacher education and social work.

That progress creates a responsibility to communicate clearly and consistently with the people who support and believe in the institution.

“Dialogue Highlands is a simple idea, but an important one,” said Dr. Paul Grindstaff, Vice President of Advancement and University Relations. “The people connected to this university deserve to understand where it’s going and why. We think the best way to do that is directly, in conversation, in a setting that reflects who we are. Ilfeld gives us that stage.”

First Session Preview

NMHU will announce details for the inaugural Dialogue Highlands session soon, including the date, registration, and broadcast information.

The first program focuses on institutional momentum across academics, student experience, and strategic initiatives. It includes an extended Q&A with participants both in-person and online.

Registration opens to alumni, donors, community partners, and friends of the university. In-person seating is limited, while virtual access remains available to all registrants.

Dry, Warm and Calm Weather to be Observed in New Mexico

Ruben Reyes
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Dry, Warm and Calm Weather to be Observed in New Mexico

Milder air is present with passing clouds and hardly any precipitation with southwestern winds are bringing some moisture.

However, in the nudge in the jet stream is also allowing for parched air to mix in with the milder-than-average conditions.

Meanwhile, air temperatures in the north are starting off around the upper 20s to the lower 40s, except for some northeastern areas starting off around the upper 40s. And in the south, air temperatures are ranging from around the upper 30s to 50s.

Apart from that, many areas from eastern New Mexico to the Pecos River Valley area will range from the 70s to the 80s. The northern higher elevations will range from the upper 40s to around 60, while the northern valley floors to western and central areas will mostly range from the 70s to the 80s.

A very spotty showers of rain this afternoon, with a few lightning strikes,a re possible with the passing clouds.

After that, a consistent upper-level winds will continue to bring in more clouds from the southwest ahead with a drier and warming trend through the middle of the week, elevating the fire threat.

Then, another dusty cold front will bring in more precipitation to the north, dropping temperatures, and keeping winds gusty toward the end of the week.

The moisture will reside back over the region late this weekend into next week with some higher rain chances, which will keep conditions mild.

Pedestrian Deaths Drop Again—New Mexico Sheds Worst-In-Nation Ranking

Juan Oliveros
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Pedestrian Deaths Drop Again—New Mexico Sheds Worst-In-Nation Ranking

“One pedestrian death is one too many — but I’m encouraged by the significant drop in fatalities we’re seeing across New Mexico,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said as the state recorded its second straight year of declining pedestrian deaths. And for the first time in eight years, the state shed its ranking as the worst among US states for pedestrian fatality rates.

Records from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) show New Mexico fell to ninth place nationwide. Data showed the rate of 1.27 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people between January and June 2025, marking a sharp decline from 2.49 in the same period in 2024.

Pedestrian deaths across the state decreased to 89 in 2025 from 102 the previous year — the lowest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Albuquerque, pedestrian crashes that led to death dropped from 50 in 2024 to 43 in 2025, marking a second consecutive year of decline after a post-pandemic increase.

Lujan Grisham attributed the improvements to “smarter infrastructure, a safe-systems approach at NMDOT, targeted investments in our most dangerous corridors, and communities demanding better.” However, she cautioned that more work lies ahead.

Data show that no less than 30 of the fatal crashes occurred within the city limits of Albuquerque, with the remaining 13 located along highways and in Bernalillo County’s unincorporated areas. A substantial share of incidents has historically been concentrated along East Central Avenue, a stretch of road where 45 pedestrians have died since 2018.

City officials say recent investments in safety are beginning to show results. These investments include a $5-million package for road redesign, improved lighting, and median fencing. The measures are part of a broader “safe system approach” that aims to anticipate human error and redesign roads to reduce the possibility of fatal results.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller welcomed the developments but urged caution. “We’ve been working on some major changes to try and turn that around,” Keller said. “But it’s much, much too early to tell.”

Officials from the New Mexico Department of Transportation say the decline is not due to a single factor. Shannon Glendenning, director of the Traffic Safety Division, credited the decline to a “holistic” strategy that combines safer road design, speed management, public education, and post-crash care.

“The major principle around it is that death and serious injuries are not acceptable,” she said. “Zero is the only acceptable number.”

Early data for 2026, however, suggest the problem persists. New Mexico has already recorded 19 pedestrian deaths across the state, including five within Albuquerque city limits. It is down from 11 in the same period last year.

City officials are expanding the initiatives beyond infrastructure, launching a “Stop For Everyone” campaign. The campaign aims to change driver behavior, especially distracted driving and speeding.

Keller said the issue is not only about extreme recklessness. “Reckless driving is looking at your cellphone… or consistently going over the speed limit,” he said. He described it as a broader societal problem.

Officials highlight progress. But they stressed that sustained, multi-layered interventions — that is, redesigning roads and reshaping driver habits — will be key to keep the downward trend.

The state’s improved ranking offers a measure of hope. “We still have work to do,” Lujan Grisham said, “but two consecutive years of decline tell us we’re investing in the right solutions.”

First Human H5N1 Avian Influenza Case in Mexico Confirmed in Durango; Child Dies from Infection

Victoria Padilla
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A young child in Durango, Mexico, has become the first-ever human case of H5N1 in Mexico. Health organizations such as the Mexican government, the veterinary department, and WHO are handling the situation.

This is due to the laboratory diagnosis of an avian flu virus (H5N1). This infection causes symptoms like severe breathing difficulties and eventually death. Moreover, it highlights the threat of H5N1 avian influenza in human cases, especially in Mexico.

Symptoms first appeared on March 7, 2025.Health authorities in Mexico confirmed the country’s first human case of H5N1 avian influenza. A young child from Durango developed symptoms on March 7, 2025, and doctors admitted the patient to the hospital on March 13. Specialists diagnosed the infection in early April, and officials released the report on April 17, 2025. It detailed the H5N1 avian influenza human case in Mexico.

It happened in Durango, which is a state in northern Mexico. Consequently, this further connects this human case of H5N1 avian influenza to Mexico.

Investigators believe the child contracted the virus after coming into contact with infected birds. Veterinary teams had already detected avian influenza among animals in the region. The World Health Organization and Mexico’s government collaborated to verify the case.

An infection of avian influenza A(H5N1) resulted in the death of a child in the northern Mexican state of Durango. This marks the first ever human case in Mexico, as stated by health officials on April 17, 2025.

Medical teams tested 91 close contacts, including family members and healthcare workers, and all results came back negative. Authorities emphasized that no additional human cases have appeared. The virus strain, identified as 2.3.4.4b, commonly circulates among birds worldwide.

Investigators initiated an inquiry and identified 91 close contacts of the child, including family members and healthcare workers. Medical teams tested all of them, and every result came back negative. These findings show that Mexico has not detected any additional human cases of H5N1 avian influenza.

CDC Reports 1,714 Measles Cases Across the United States as of April 2026

Victoria Padilla
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In 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in measles cases across the United States. There were more than 1,700 cases by April. The rising number of measles cases in the United States has become a growing public health concern. Furthermore, experts believe that the rise in measles cases in the United States is closely tied to lower vaccination rates. Moreover, the CDC has noted that rising measles cases threaten progress made since the disease was eliminated in 2000.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,714 confirmed measles cases across the United States as of April 9, 2026. Most infections involve U.S. residents. Additionally, health officials have identified cases in 33 states. This reflects the upward trend of measles cases rising in the United States this year.

The report revealed that 1,704 cases occurred among U.S. residents, whereas 10 cases occurred among travelers visiting the United States. Furthermore, the CDC has identified 17 measles outbreaks in 2026, part of a pattern of rising measles cases.

In addition, the report stated that outbreaks account for most infections. Approximately 94 percent of confirmed cases, equivalent to 1,609 infections, occur in outbreaks. Therefore, this contributes to the rise in measles cases in the United States.

Healthcare professionals continue to stress the importance of vaccination to curb the disease’s transmission. The MMR vaccine is currently the best option for protecting against the disease. As a result, increased vaccination could help slow the rising cases of measles nationwide.

Over the last few years, the vaccination rate among kindergarten children has significantly decreased. From 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year, it dropped to 92.5% in the 2024-2025 academic year. As a consequence, an estimated 286,000 children in kindergarten would be susceptible to the disease. This situation underscores concerns about the rising number of measles cases.

The CDC also reminded the public that the United States eliminated measles in 2000, which means the disease no longer spreads continuously in the country. According to this information, measles ceased to be endemic in the country. However, travelers from countries where measles remains common can still bring the virus into the United States. Such imported cases can trigger outbreaks. Especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

Healthcare practitioners urge people to vaccinate to prevent further rising measles cases in the United States.

Free Well Water Testing Offered to Silver City Residents

Victoria Padilla
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The New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health will conduct free testing of well water for those who depend on private wells. This testing will take place at a public testing event. The event will take place on April 25, 2026, in Silver City. This is part of the Silver City free well water testing initiative.

This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Silver City Farmer’s Market. During testing, the first 100 people to show up will have their water tested for free as part of the Silver City free well water testing. The standard cost of testing one well water sample is roughly $150.

Residents should also bring basic information about their wells. Furthermore, it is important that people do not wait until they arrive at the testing site to collect their water samples. Instead, they should collect the samples promptly. Then leave them to flow for 2 to 3 minutes before collecting them into a clean container. Additionally, Silver City’s free well water testing requires that samples be collected correctly to ensure accuracy.

Residents should also bring basic information about their wells. This information helps officials analyze the samples more accurately. Such information could include well depth, casing type, distance from septic systems, and well coordinates.

An official from the New Mexico Environment Department said events like this are part of the state’s “water fair” program, which helps residents check whether their drinking water is safe. The program tests pH and nitrate levels in private well water. High nitrate levels can indicate that water may not be safe to drink. Notably, the Silver City free well water testing is a valuable part of this program for the community.

Since fiscal year 2022, the environment department has conducted tests on over 800 private wells at 34 water fairs. The department has held similar testing events across New Mexico. Since 2022, the program has tested more than 800 private wells at 34 water fairs. Officials estimate the total value of these tests at over $123,000 for local communities.

Officials will mail the test results to participants after the Silver City event. Residents should receive the results within 2 to 3 weeks of processing.

Retire Near Albuquerque—Without the Hustle: 5 Places That Strike the Right Balance

Juan Oliveros
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Retire Near Albuquerque—Without the Hustle: 5 Places That Strike the Right Balance

There’s a quiet appeal to live near a city. But not in it. A cluster of small places around Albuquerque offers exactly that: access to hospitals, urban conveniences, and an international airport, without the hustle of big-city life.

For retirees, it’s a practical choice to stay close enough for care and connectivity, but far enough to enjoy space, slower days, and oftentimes, lower housing costs. These New Mexico towns offer that balance that comes with a bonus: each place brings its own distinct identity—shaped by history, landscape, and culture.

Here are five places near Albuquerque where retirement feels less like a retreat and more like a reset.

Los Lunas, New Mexico Municipal Building
Los Lunas, New Mexico municipal building, constructed 1992, located at 660 Main Street NW. The left wing is the police station and municipal court, and the right wing is the administration building and includes the council chambers. (Wikimedia Creative Commons)

Los Lunas: Close to the city, rooted in tradition

Only a 25-minute drive south, Los Lunas is a place of convenience that doesn’t overwhelm character. Its location in the Rio Grande Valley connects it to Albuquerque, while housing is relatively accessible.

Healthcare is accessible through the Los Lunas Health Center. And the Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts keeps the anchor of the town’s cultural life. Dining in Los Lunas reflects heritage—Teofilo’s Restaurant serves classic New Mexican cuisine, where history is intertwined with everyday living.

Moriarty, NM - USA: The Sunset Motel with Whiting Gas Station on historic Route 66. Sunshine, clear, blue sky.
Moriarty, NM – USA: The Sunset Motel with Whiting Gas Station on historic Route 66. Sunshine, clear, blue sky. (Gerald Zaffuts/ Adobe Stock)

Moriarty: Big skies, small-town pace

An hour east along Interstate 40, Moriarty is a quieter, more spacious alternative. The town’s horizon feels wide—and so does the pace of life.

Flying enthusiasts will find a unique draw at the U.S. Southwest Soaring Museum. The area reflects the reputation for glider flying. Meanwhile, the Moriarty Historical Society and Museum is the lifeline for local stories. Places like Buttercrust Pizza keep things modest and familiar for day-to-day comfort.

Sunset in the mountains, the road to the sky in El Malpais National Monument, Grants, New Mexico, USA.
Sunset in the mountains, the road to the sky in El Malpais National Monument, Grants, New Mexico, USA. (Naya Na/ Adobe Stock)

Grants: Affordable, with a strong sense of history

Drive west, and you’ll find Grants. It is the place where affordability meets a deep connection to the past. Uranium mining and Route 66 traffic once shaped the town, and it has held onto its identity.

Cibola General Hospital serves the town’s healthcare needs, while places like the Cibola County History Museum and the New Mexico Mining Museum provide cultural attractions. Bluewater Lake State Park offers a scenic escape beyond the town limits—proof that New Mexico’s landscapes are not all about desert.

Buildings in Taos, which is the last stop before entering Taos Pueblo, New Mexico.
Buildings in Taos, which is the last stop before entering Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. (Adobe Stock)

Taos: Culture-rich, but at a premium

The town of Taos sits at the other end of the spectrum. It is more expensive—but is unmatched in cultural depth and natural beauty.

The very core is Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community with more than a millennium of continuous living. A stone’s throw away is the Kit Carson Home and Museum, which reflects the region’s history.

Retirees have options like Taos Enchanted Village. It provides independent and assisted living in a walkable, art-filled environment. The village is ideal for those willing to pay more for a richer setting.

Blue Hole, Santa Rosa
The wooden sign informs about the Blue Hole, the famous deep pool. Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (Adobe Stock)

Santa Rosa: Where the desert meets water

There are surprises in Santa Rosa. About two hours east of Albuquerque, it’s a budget-friendly option. Yet, it is the most unique.

It is known as the “City of Natural Lakes.” The town sits on a rare cavernous landscape. Its standout is the Blue Hole, a deep, crystal-clear sinkhole popular with divers because of its visibility and the temperature is steady.

Guadalupe County Hospital provides medical care. And Route 66 nostalgia lives on in local spots such as La Villa Iconic Burgers and Boba.

Finding your balance

Retirement near Albuquerque isn’t a one-size-fits-all choice—it spans a range of choices.

If proximity is a major consideration, Los Lunas and Moriarty offer easy access to the city. Affordability and history are priorities? Grants and Santa Rosa are strong contenders. And for art lovers and drawn to heritage, and mountain views, Taos is the right place, at a higher price to pay.

The common factor of these places is simple: you don’t have to give up access to gain peace. You can have both.

Suspect Arrested for Murder in Downtown Albuquerque

Ruben Reyes
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Suspect Arrested for Murder in Downtown Albuquerque

Police arrested an alleged suspect of shooting and killing a man and trying to rob him after accusing him of trying to steal a car.

Police arrested Edwin Sanders, 44, for allegedly shooting and killing Estevan Gomez.

The shooting happened just before 4 A.M. Saturday in the area of 3rd Street and Copper Avenue.

According to police, Gomez drove from Española with a coworker to attend an event in Albuquerque. After that, two men went to Knockouts in downtown Albuquerque for about an hour and then headed back toward their vehicle.

Along the way, the men mistook another vehicle for theirs and tried to get in but the doors wouldn’t unlock. That is the time when police say Sanders approached them from across the street and accused them of trying to break into his vehicle.

The men then tried to explain the mistake and walked away, eventually found the right vehicle however Sanders allegedly followed them and demanded money from them at gunpoint.

When Gomez tried to drive away, Sanders is accused of firing a shot through the back windows, striking Gomez and unfortunately, died on the scene.

Police gathered a description of the suspect and the vehicle that they say picked him up and drove him away from the shooting.

They also used surveillance video and license plate readers to track down the vehicle and identify Sanders.

The authorities arrested him Saturday night at his home int he 1800 block of California St., NE and is currently facing charges of murder, attempted armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, aggravated assault within a deadly weapon and other charges.

NMDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Alert as Work Zone Awareness Week Begins

Victoria Padilla
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The New Mexico Department of Transportation issued recommendations on how to behave in the construction zone, aiming to promote Work zone safety in New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Transportation released safety recommendations for drivers entering construction zones. The agency shared the reminder ahead of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs from April 20 to April 24. In other news, there has been a New Mexico disease alert recently. Notably, officials want the public to stay updated since the New Mexico disease alert may influence travel and safety in the region. Its main aim is to promote road safety among drivers and workers in the road construction area.

This means there are likely to be more orange cones and warning signs seen on highways. Additionally, these warnings emphasize Work zone safety in New Mexico for motorists and workers alike. Meanwhile, health officials continue to monitor changes associated with New Mexico disease alert status for any updates that could affect travelers.

This year’s slogan is “Safe actions save lives.” This means a motorist may avoid a collision by slowing down and paying attention to road signs, which is essential for Work zone safety in New Mexico. Importantly, the latest disease alert from New Mexico further underscores the need for added caution in affected areas.

Transportation department representatives stress that a construction zone is dangerous not only for workers but also for motorists. During the last year, several incidents happened in construction zones in New Mexico, resulting in serious injuries to the victims. Effective Work zone safety in New Mexico is therefore crucial to prevent these incidents. Also, pay attention to any updates, especially if a disease alert has been issued in New Mexico, when planning your route.

Cabinet Secretary in Charge of Acting David D. Quintana asked the motorists to be more accountable when behind the wheel. This year’s campaign theme is “Safe actions save lives.” The message reminds drivers to reduce speed and follow posted signs in construction areas. Careful driving can help prevent crashes and injuries. Furthermore, it’s vital to monitor any New Mexico disease alert developments as they might impact travel plans and safety measures.

Transportation officials stress that work zones pose risks for both workers and motorists. Several incidents occurred in construction areas across New Mexico during the past year. For travelers, being aware of any ongoing disease alert related to New Mexico is also crucial for safe journeys. Some of those crashes caused serious injuries.

Health Department Issues Alert After Disease Case Detected Through Surveillance System

Victoria Padilla
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A public health alert was issued by the New Mexico Department of Health following the identification of a disease in its surveillance system. Therefore, the New Mexico disease alert was triggered by these findings. The alert was sent on April 17, 2026, following notification activities earlier in the month.

This is done through the state of New Mexico’s electronic disease surveillance system. The New Mexico disease alert system tracks disease reports across various healthcare facilities.

An alert will be issued once the disease report is confirmed. In such scenarios, the use of the alert system will help coordinate healthcare facilities if additional cases are reported from the community. Authorities refer to this process as the New Mexico Disease Alert Protocol.

During such events, the Department of Health’s alert system helps with testing, reporting, and disease prevention. This ensures that medical professionals can monitor symptoms and report other cases, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the procedures.

Reporting one’s illness during such times will be beneficial because it helps contain the spread of disease. Currently, health authorities are investigating the issue.

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