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Need Mental Health Support? APS Peer Helpers Are Here to Listen

Gregg Morgan
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Need Mental Health Support? APS Peer Helpers Are Here to Listen

If you’re struggling with your mental health, never hesitate to seek help. Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) connects students with someone who truly understands–a fellow student. 

Through the district’s Peer Helper program, students step up to support one another. This extracurricular initiative focuses on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and helping students know where to turn for support.

APS currently offers the program in 21 APS middle and high schools. Trained student Peer Helpers partner with faculty sponsors to lead outreach projects, share resources, and encourage help-seeking behaviors among their classmates.

In 2025, APS Peer Helpers reached more than 40,000 fellow students and community members. They connected them with important resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other mental health supports.

Students Supporting Students

Peer Helpers receive training in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. They also lead monthly outreach and service learning events for their school communities. Students lead these projects to reduce stigma and make it easier for fellow students to seek help.

At Cibola High School, Peer Helpers recently helped dedicate New Mexico’s first Josh’s Bench. The national initiative, led by Josh’s Benches for Awareness, places benches in schools and communities as safe spaces to sit, talk, and ask for help.

As part of the their service learning project, students dedicated the bench, showing how young people can actively support mental health and prevent suicide.

Peer Helpers across APS are making a life-saving impact, building supportive spaces, sharing resources, and reminding their peers that they are not alone.

Canadian Company Uranium Push Faces Questions as Forest Service Weighs Environmental Risks

Juan Oliveros
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Canadian Company Uranium Push Faces Questions as Forest Service Weighs Environmental Risks

Canada-based Gamma Resources Ltd. is moving forward with its plan to drill for uranium in Rio Arriba County. But the drill is only on paper for now, as federal regulators are assessing whether the project requires a full environmental review.

In a press release posted on its website, the company hired SWCA Environmental Consultants to conduct a Class III cultural resource survey for its Mesa Arc Project. The survey is a procedural step before any ground activity on lands under the U.S. Forest Service.

But a more consequential question beyond the technical filings looms. The U.S. Forest Service is assessing how much disruption the project will cause.

Forest Service forest spokesperson Zach Behrens told Source NM that the agency has just begun reviewing Gamma’s notice of intent, which it filed on February 23. Behrens said the review will determine whether the planned uranium exploration would result in “significant surface disturbance.” The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) sets that threshold for more rigorous environmental assessment to follow.

Early-stage, but high stakes

Gamma’s proposal would drill 10 to 12 exploratory holes, each reaching a depth of up to 350 feet on all four sites within the Mesa Arc Project. The company has expanded its coverage to about 4,520 acres, including newly-staked federal claims.

The area is within the Upper Rio Grande watershed. Although the area is tied to historical uranium production, it is critical for water systems and surrounding communities.

Gamma frames the archaeological survey as a routine compliance step. But such assessments often determine whether the projects could affect not just cultural heritage, but also critical landscapes.

Regulatory trigger point

NEPA requires federal projects that may significantly alter land, ecosystems, or communities to undergo detailed environmental reviews, including Environmental Assessments (EA) or Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). It also mandates public consultation and impact studies.

The company could face delays if the Forest Service finds out the drilling plan crosses that threshold. If not, Gamma’s project could proceed with more limited oversight.

Company stance

In a statement, Gamma CEO Gabriel Alonso-Mendoza described the survey as part of “baseline studies” needed to move forward with the project. “Engaging a highly experienced firm such as SWCA helps ensure that our exploration activities are conducted responsibly,” he said.

The survey will identify any cultural or historical resources in the proposed drilling zones. It will also recommend mitigation measures. Gamma will submit the findings to the U.S. Forest Service, which will decide whether additional safeguards or a full environmental review are required.

In the meantime, the Forest Service is set to start a scoping report. The agency, Behrens wrote in an email sent to Source NM, is reaching out to local governments, conservation districts, acequias, grazing permittees, and the wider public “to flag environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic concerns.”

A Man Has Been Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Firing at an Occupied Vehicle

Ruben Reyes
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A Man Has Been Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Firing at an Occupied Vehicle

The Department of Justice District of New Mexico has announced that a Zuni man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for federal firearms offenses after he fired a shotgun at an occupied vehicle parked outside of a home on the Zuni Pueblo.

There is no parole in the federal system

The Case

On the evening of February 2, 2025, Cody Laweka, 35, an enrolled member of Pueblo of Zuni, drove with another person to a home on the Pueblo of Zuni.

The person Laweka drove with had a shotgun in his truck bed. On the way to residence, Laweka asked to use that shotgun; and when he arrived at the residence, he exited the truck with the shotgun and shot at least twice at a car occupied by John Doe.

After the shooting, Laweka got back into the truck with the other person and left the scene. Fortunately, no one was hit by Laweka’s gunshots.

The Consequences

The following day, the FBI went to arrest Laweka at another home in Zuni, but fled when he saw the officers but was eventually apprehended.

During the interview, Laweka admitted on firing the shotgun at the car, and tossing it along the highway, which the Police attempted to search but never found.

At that time, Laweka admitted to these crimes and was on supervised release for committing a prior federal crime.

The Verdict

Laweka plead guilty to assault with dangerous weapon, using a firearm during a crime of violence and discharging the firearm. The court recommeded Defendant to complete the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), the Bureau of Prisons’ most intensive treatment program.

Upon his release from prison, Laweka will be subject to three years of supervised released.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin Garris, Speical Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque’s Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Zuni Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Z. Jones and Nicholas Marshall are prosecuting the case.

2 Suspects Arrested Over Dispute on Paid Sexual Encounter, Leading to Murder

Ruben Reyes
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2 Suspects Arrested Over Dispute on Paid Sexual Encounter, Leading to Murder

A couple was arrested on Tuesday by Albuquerque Police Department after a fatal shooting rooted in a confrontation over a planned sexual encounter.

Shirley Juras, 48 years old, told the police she had arranged to meet a man in exchange in money to pay for an RV she was buying from a friend. It was then discovered that she is living in the RV with her boyfriend, James Young, aged 45.

According to the report, Juras and Young met the victim, Nathan Loos, at his apartment late Monday. Juras said she left the meeting without engaging in sexual activity, taking the partial payment instead, and left with Young in the RV. Loos accused her of theft and chased them in his white Mercedes SUV.

APD began receiving reports of cars chasing a white Mercedes SUV and a white RV. According to a witness, the SUV’s driver, Loos, was waving for help and appeared injured, claiming he had just been robbed of his wallet and firearm.

The witness followed both vehicles and traversed through the city, watching both RV and SUV turn to Vermont Street SE, a dead-end road. He reported hearing a man shouting, “Get out of here,” followed by two gunshots. Subsequently, Mercedes crashed into a wall.

APD officers discovered an unconscious Loos inside the SUV with a gunshot wound to the neck and was later pronounced, dead on the spot. APD officers found the victim’s driver’s license on a nearby sidewalk, along with several discarded bank cards, and a health insurance card, recovered by a Major Crime Scene Team (MCST) detective in the 200 block of Shawnee Ct SE.

The Investigation

The investigation led APD officers to Young and Juras as their person-of-interests. Initial interviews revealed the dispute roots from an earlier meeting at Loos’ residence. Juras testified she agreed to a sexual encounter for a $1000 exchange, but according to Juras, Loos became “aggressive” and only paid her $300.

Young and Juras stories provided a conflicting alibis about there whereabouts during the shooting, Young eventually admitted to firing at Loos. Young told officers that Loos had previously allowed him to hold a 9mm handgun and claimed Loos was selling it to him. Young also added that Loos encourage him to keep the gun and he would get a change when he paid him.

Conflicting Stories

The complaint alleges that APD detectives informed Young that Juras provided a different account of the events and asked about the actual sequences of the events.

Young then said that when Loos cornered them on the dead-end-street, near 244 Vermont St. SE, he believed that Loos was reaching for a weapon and just shot to protect Juras.

Young denied taking anything from Loos, but the complaints emphasizes Young telling APD officers that he was in possession of Loos’ firearm.

After the shooting, Young threw the fire hood into a neighborhood trash can, based on a tip from a resident who saw two individuals fleeing the area. Police officers began searching the area and recovered a black and green handgun from a bin, matching the description.

Young was booked into Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court on Tuesday evening as well as Juras, who is also facing charges of robbery and conspiracy, she was booked into MDC on Wednesday, just after midnight.

Previous Cases

Young has been previously charged with murder on April 15, 2011, but the charges were changed on May 3, 2011, to second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, burglary, and larceny.

Meanwhile, Juras has a criminal history dating back to 2016 over distributing and possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia, shoplifting, felony, first offense on unlawful taking of a motor vehicle twice, and an attempt to commit afelony to wit.

Measles Cases Rise to 15: Why Measles Still a Concern?

Juan Oliveros
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Measles Cases Rise to 15: Why Measles Still a Concern?

Cases of measles in New Mexico have climbed to 15. The Department of Health has traced all these cases to three county detention centers.

Luna County Detention Center has recorded 10 infections, three at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, and two at the Hidalgo County Detention Center. All these cases involved federal detainees. Health officials have deployed vaccination teams to the facilities to stop the spread.

“Measles is very contagious, and there have been almost 1,500 measles infections reported this year in the United States. The best way to prevent measles infection is to be fully vaccinated,” NMDOH medical epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser said.

Why measles remains a threat

The United States declared the elimination of measles in 2000. But state health officials warn that measles remains a public health risk due to its high transmissibility, particularly in crowded settings like detention centers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had noted earlier New Mexico’s response during a 2025 outbreak. It cited strong public messaging and vaccination efforts. Over 60,000 people received measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines during that period. This represents some 55 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Still, health authorities say gaps in vaccination coverage leave communities vulnerable, especially as travel increases this spring season.

Symptoms and transmission

Symptoms of measles (rubeola) usually appear seven to 21 days after exposure. A person exposed to measles manifests signs such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A red, blotchy rash typically ensues, usually starting on the face and spreading downward.

An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before and four days after the appearance of rashes, making early detection and isolation critical.

What to do if exposed

Health officials advise individuals with symptoms or possible exposure to call a doctor or hospital before visiting, to help prevent further spread. They also urged the public to review their vaccination records and ensure they are fully protected against measles.

Help is available through NMDOH’s online portal and helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). 

Meta Vows to Fight $375M Child Safety Verdict — But Investors Don’t Seem Worried as Stock Climbs

Juan Oliveros
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Meta Vows to Fight $375M Child Safety Verdict — But Investors Don’t Seem Worried as Stock Climbs

Meta Platforms vowed to appeal a jury verdict ordering it to pay $375 million in penalties, contesting the findings that it misled users and failed to keep children safe on its platforms.

“We respectfully disagree with the verdict,” a Meta spokesperson said. The company spokesman added that Meta continues to invest in safety tools as it also acknowledges the challenge of detecting harmful actors online. The statement signals the tech giant’s readiness to prolong a legal battle that could reshape how courts hold social media companies accountable for user harm, especially among minors.

Shares uptick despite verdict

Despite the verdict, the investor appeared largely unmoved. Shares of META ticked up 0.8 percent in after-hours trading, Reuters reported. This suggests that markets may be pricing in a prolonged appeals process rather than an immediate financial or operational impact.

The contrast — a modest stock gain despite a landmark legal loss — highlights a pattern of regulatory and legal pressures against Meta, but it did not dent investors’ confidence.

The verdict was handed down on Tuesday after less than a day of jury deliberation. It ordered the giant tech company to pay $375 million in civil penalties, merely a fraction of the over $2 billion sought by state prosecutors.

The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Raúl Torrez, accused Meta of downplaying risks on platforms widely used by minors, such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Pattern of harm

State attorneys, during the six-week trial, argued that Meta’s systems allowed predators to access underage users with the least resistance. Sometimes it led to real-world abuse and human trafficking. “Over the course of a decade, Meta has failed over and over again to act honestly and transparently,” Linda Singer, a lawyer representing the state, said during closing arguments.

Prosecutors described the case not as isolated incidents, but a systemic failure. They alleged that design choices and weak enforcement tools resulted in harmful interactions despite public assurances of safety.

The ruling was the first time a jury weighed in on claims that platforms owned by Meta contributed to child exploitation. “This is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety,” Torrez, in a statement, said.

The case is entering a new phase. State prosecutors are expected to seek court-ordered changes to Meta’s platforms that could carry consequences that outweigh financial penalties.

New Mexico Ranks Among the Most Stressed States — And What it Reveals About Stress Today

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Ranks Among the Most Stressed States — And What it Reveals About Stress Today

New Mexico ranks third among the most stressed states in the U.S., where multiple stress factors align, such as family pressures, safety, and financial instability. The state has among the highest violent and property crime rates in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, contributing to persistent concerns about personal safety. These risks don’t only affect communities physically. They also create a constant psychological burden.

Family-related stress is also prevalent. The state was among the 10 states with the highest rates of separation and divorce. These realities often result in increased emotional and financial challenges for both parents and children.

Economic conditions further complicate the situation. New Mexico has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. Moreover, residents have relatively low median credit scores. This condition limits access to loans, housing, and other pathways to financial stability.

Most & Least Stressed States

Stress isn’t just personal — it’s structural

Many think that stress is about personal struggles. It isn’t — increasingly it is shaped by larger social and economic forces. Pressures, from rising costs to job insecurity and strained relationships, converge in ways that show how deeply the environment can shape well-being.

Survey results from the American Psychological Association show that top stressors include concerns about the future, work, and the economy. A growing sense of isolation compounded the situation, with nearly two-thirds of adults saying they needed more emotional support.

An analysis by WalletHub reinforces this point. Comparing states across 40 indicators — from work hours and sleep levels to bankruptcy rates — the results showed that stress is tied to systemic conditions, not only lifestyle choices.

New Mexico’s rank as the third most stressed state reflects that safety concerns, family pressures, and economic struggles can compound, making stress harder to escape.

How other high-stress states compare

New Mexico’s situation reflects trends in other high-ranking states.

Louisiana ranks first. The stress is driven by high poverty, limited access to healthcare, and weak job security. Many individuals delay medical care due to cost. And mental health challenges and unemployment remain widespread.

Financial strain plays a dominant role in Kentucky, the second-highest-stressed state. High unemployment and bankruptcy rates, combined with family instability and poor health conditions, produced a cycle of long-term stress for many homes.

The hidden role of community and connection

Beyond economics and safety, emotional well-being depends on social support. The widespread gap in emotional connection suggests that stress is also a social issue, according to the latest APA’s Stress in America survey.

The lack of social support can make stress more difficult to manage in places like New Mexico, where structural pressures are high.

The truth is: exercise, hobbies, and therapy matter. But they are just part of the solution. New Mexico’s ranking as the third-most-stressed state, according to WalletHub, underscores the reality that overall well-being requires stronger, more supportive communities.

Keep Kids Learning This Summer: APS Offers Free Reading Program for K-8 Students

Grace Tackman
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Keep Kids Learning This Summer: APS Offers Free Reading Program for K-8 Students

Don’t want your child to have idle moments this summer? This program helps keep young minds active and ensure learning continues even during the break. 

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is offering a free and comprehensive summer reading program for all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The district has partnered with the New Mexico Public Education Department for the initiative. 

The program aims to empower participating students. It has three simple goals: enhance literacy, track reading progress, and boost confidence and skills in literacy.

This high-impact opportunity helps students who may be struggling to catch up in reading. It also provides focused instruction for those who want to get further ahead. APS said it is one of the several summer learning programs available to students. 

The NMPED/APS Summer Reading Program offers structured literacy instruction in small groups. It maintains a ratio of four students to one instructor. This focused approach ensures students receive the attention necessary to enhance their reading skills. 

Attendance Policy 

The program runs Monday through Friday from June 8 to July 17, 2026. It will not hold sessions on June 19 or during the week of June 29 through July 3. Instruction takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

APS will provide free transportation, breakfast, and lunch to all participating students to ensure accessibility. Additionally, the district will offer free Out-of-School Time at all sites from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Students must attend the entire six weeks of the program. If your student misses more than three days in a row, APS will automatically disenroll them from the program. This includes consistent late arrivals and early pick up. 

APS said student attendance is crucial because the program implements multiple literacy components that participants work on each day.  If a student misses part or all of a program day, they will find it significantly more difficult to keep up with the program. 

Participating Schools

More than a dozen elementary and middle schools will host the program:

  • Alamosa Elementary School
  • Arroyo del Oso Elementary School
  • Bellehaven Elementary School
  • Chamiza Elementary School
  • Chaparral Elementary School
  • Emerson Elementary School
  • Hodgin Elementary School
  • John Adams Middle School
  • Kirtland Elementary School
  • Lavaland Elementary School
  • LBJ Middle School
  • Mary Ann Binford Elementary School
  • San Antonito Elementary School
  • Tomasita ES

How to Register

Registration for summer of 2026 is now open. Click here to register your student. All APS, charter, private, and home school incoming kindergarten through 8th grade students are eligible to register at any of the sites according to grade.

The registration process includes the following:

  • Create an account if you do not already have one.
  • Create and add a student profile for each student you are enrolling.
  • Choose Summer Reading Program site (All sites operate on a first-come first-served basis.  The Extended Learning Department will notify you once they accept your student.)
  • School Site is based on grade.  Elementary students may attend elementary schools only, and middle school students may attend middle schools only.

APS will keep registration open until each site reaches capacity. For questions about your student’s registration, email NMPED at [email protected]. or call 833-550-4300.

State Regulators Order Producers to Tell You What’s in the Product—and Set Deadline to Get Rid of ‘Forever Chemicals’

Juan Oliveros
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State Regulators Order Producers to Tell You What’s in the Product—and Set Deadline to Get Rid of ‘Forever Chemicals’

Starting in 2027, New Mexico will ban products that contain intentionally added Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)—better known as ‘forever chemicals.’ That means items like cookware, food packaging, and even toys will be off the shelves under new rules approved by the state’s Environmental Improvement Board.

Cosmetics, furniture, and carpets will join the list in 2028. And four years later, the state will fully phase out all non‑exempt PFAS products.

The move places New Mexico among the most aggressive states in the U.S., like Minnesota and Maine, in regulating PFAS. With the phaseout, state regulators require manufacturers to label products containing intentionally added PFAS so consumers have clearer information about what they are buying.

Health and environmental concerns have increased over PFAS, a class of chemicals that do not easily break down and can accumulate in the human body. A study funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences linked PFAS to a wide range of cancers, raising alarms over their widespread use in everyday products.

“Labeling consumer products containing PFAS is about honesty – a concept now
required by regulation,” said Environmental Secretary James Kenney. Companies must now disclose which common goods—from cookware to cosmetics—contain the chemicals, he added.

The rules strengthen the PFAS Protection Act, which Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed in 2025. The labeling requirement applies to manufacturers, but not to retailers or consumers.

State officials say the move combines transparency with a long-term phaseout. The move aims to minimize public health and environmental risks linked to PFAS exposure.

Hospital Denies Breach as City, County Pursue Lawsuit Over Care Access: Here’s What to Know

Juan Oliveros
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Hospital Denies Breach as City, County Pursue Lawsuit Over Care Access: Here’s What to Know

The Memorial Medical Center (MMC) denied wrongdoing, saying it has acted “in good faith” to address concerns after the city and county officials moved forward with a lawsuit over the hospital’s operations.

MMC, in a statement released Monday, said it was “surprised and disappointed” by the lawsuit, filed in New Mexico’s 3rd Judicial District. The hospital insisted it has been in close coordination with local governments.

“We strongly believe that we are not in breach of our agreements, and we have been committed to forging a collaborative path aimed at the common goal of ensuring our community has access to the care they need,” the hospital said.

Lawsuit cites care gaps, transparency issues

The lawsuit names MMC, its operator Lifepoint Health, and its owner Apollo Global Management as defendants. MMC operates on public property under a lease and asset purchase agreement with the city and Doña Ana County.

Local officials accused the hospital of failing to meet obligations to provide care for indigent and low-income patients. They further alleged that the hospital failed to invest in facility upgrades based on a share of its revenue.

The case stems from a 2024 notice of breach issued by the city and Doña Ana County, which outlined seven demands, according to the complaint cited by the Albuquerque Journal.

Despite some progress and discussion, MMC, according to Mayor Eric Enriquez, “failed to fulfill the obligations that were agreed upon.” For his part, City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau said complaints from residents about barriers to accessing care persist.

Hospital says talks were ongoing

The hospital, however, clarified it had been attempting to engage with officials to resolve the issues. “We have attempted to discuss the City and County’s latest requests for weeks — even as recently as last week — and continue to be rebuffed,” the hospital said.

MMC describes the lawsuit as a breakdown in ongoing negotiations, rather than a refusal to comply.

Dispute over patient care and finances

The legal dispute follows a 2024 report by NBC News of patients who claimed the hospital denied care, including those with serious illnesses. The report alleged that MMC also required patients to pay up front, particularly those without insurance.

At the time, hospital CEO John Harris denied the allegations. But he retired abruptly soon after. Dennis Knox succeeded him.

Officials also question whether the hospital complied with the mandatory allocation of 4 percent to 5 percent of its net revenue toward capital improvements. They claim the hospital provided limited financial information from 2021 to 2023. The refusal to provide information complicates efforts to verify compliance. MMC, they said, declined the proposed third-party audit, which the government offered to fund.

Case could drag on, but settlement possible

City Attorney Brad Douglas said possible outcomes could include reclaiming the public property. He emphasized, however, that this is not the preferred outcome, as the lawsuit seeks a declaration that MMC’s owners and operators breached their contracts. It also seeks court orders to enforce compliance and award damages.

But both sides signify their openness to resolve the case amicably. The hospital’s owner and operator maintain they are committed to working with local leaders.

“This could be over tomorrow,” Douglas said. That is “if Lifepoint and MMC come to the table with a resolution… that ensures that our residents get the care that they deserve.”

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