February 3, 2026

Over the past year, in my view, there has been a strange and concerning trend happening within our federal government. Federal statistical agencies (FSAs), once the gold standard for information, have seen unprecedented attacks on their independence and capacity, creating questions around whether they can be relied upon to report on problems within the U.S. economy. Since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term, there have been a series of choices that lead one to conclude that the federal government is deliberately trying to hide economic data from the American public. That begs the question: Why are they trying to hide it, and what do they think this will achieve?

Finding an affordable home can be a significant challenge for many families, both in New Mexico and across the country. Housing New Mexico is working diligently to make affordable housing more accessible, offering various programs and services to achieve its vision of providing all New Mexicans with quality, affordable housing opportunities.

Since 1957, the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox has been a trusted leader in developing banking talent nationwide. A member of the New Mexico Bankers Association, SWGSB is known for its rigorous curriculum and powerful professional network. SWGSB delivers immersive learning experiences that prepare financial services professionals to lead with confidence and impact in an evolving industry.

It’s been a truly remarkable year for America’s banks. After spending the past several years grappling with a tsunami of regulation, the tide has finally turned.

On November 5, 2025, New York became the first state to require certain safety guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) companions as its recently passed law officially took effect. The law requires operators of AI companions — AI chatbots that simulate human interaction — to be available to New York residents to detect and address expressions of self-harm or suicidal ideation and remind users they are not communicating with a human.

Sometimes, we tend to forget about all the great scenery in our home state. From the high mountain ranges down to the Chihuahuan desert landscape, New Mexico has so much to offer.