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New Mexico’s Department of Health hired a violence prevention coordinator in August — only to later discover he’d pleaded guilty to battery charges just months earlier, involving choking, forced kissing, and groping. Though not required by law for his role, the department acted swiftly after learning about his record, firing him immediately. The case highlights ongoing gun violence crisis in the state, which ranked second nationally in firearm-related deaths in 2024 — especially among children aged one to seventeen.

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Blackstone’s controversial bid to buy out TXNM Energy hit a major snag after regulators nixed its unauthorized stock purchase and slapped it with a $300K fine — but now, in a surprising twist, Blackstone is returning $13.3 million in dividends to TXNM after a behind-the-scenes meeting with regulators, sparking fresh concerns among New Mexicans about rising electricity costs and the impact of private equity on public utilities.

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A Santa Fe woman’s already shaky driving record just got a whole lot hotter—she led cops on a slow, chaotic chase up I-25, veered into medians, reversed into a patrol car, and refused to talk after being arrested just two nights prior for aggravated DWI. Now she faces multiple new charges including fleeing police, driving with a revoked license, and impeding traffic—all while dodging officers in a construction zone. This isn’t her first rodeo, and the legal fireworks are just beginning.

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New Mexico stands firm on full childhood vaccination schedules, ignoring a Trump-era executive order that pushed for fewer shots and split MMR doses—something state health officials say offers no benefit and just adds hassle. With measles cases at a 35-year high and flu season looming, New Mexico’s Department of Health is doubling down on the 17-vaccine standard, including MMR as one shot since 1971. They stress vaccines are safe, effective, and life-saving—and offer free help via hotline or text for parents with questions.

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The Frijoles Fire is exploding across the Pecos Wilderness, now charring nearly 8,000 acres and still zero percent contained—dry conditions fueling its deadly spread. Helicopters drop water while nearly 200 firefighters battle the blaze, especially on its northern flank where it surged 1,800 acres overnight. Communities like Chimayó and Cundiyó are under threat, with evacuations already underway and containment lines being built using heavy machinery. The fire, sparked by dry thunderstorms on August 4th, has blanketed Taos and Santa Fe in smoke so thick that schools canceled outdoor activities and health officials urge everyone to stay indoors. Tomorrow, a California Incident Mana...

A 60-year-old man armed with multiple weapons allegedly terrorized a Northwest Albuquerque neighborhood, targeting the home of two law enforcement officers—though neither was there at the time. He returned later that evening, dressed in what appeared to be a ballistic vest and changed clothes to provoke confrontation, making threatening remarks captured on video. Neighbors say he followed them home, sparking fear and concern—and authorities believe he may have victimized others who haven’t come forward. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating, urging anyone with similar experiences to report via Tip411 as they dig deeper into his...

Verizon Outage Hits Albuquerque | Santa Fe News

Albuquerque’s Verizon network crashed yesterday at 11:15 AM, crippling data, calls, texts, and home internet—blamed on multiple fiber cuts. Engineers raced to fix it, with a late-night recovery estimate, leaving residents scrambling to stay connected. It’s a stark reminder of how reliant we are on fragile infrastructure—and how quickly our daily lives unravel when it fails.

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The Frijoles Fire is exploding in size—growing from 200 acres to over 6,200 in just a few days—and access remains a nightmare for crews as it races through rugged terrain. With zero percent containment, nearby Cordova residents were warned to evacuate if conditions worsen. Firefighters are battling with bulldozers and aerial support, while a California wildfire team takes command Thursday to turn the tide on this fast-moving inferno.

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Get ready to swing and sip at Putts N Pints, Albuquerque’s brand-new hybrid mini-golf and brewery set to debut soon — the brainchild of former water plant engineer turned brewmaster Scott Salvas. This revival of the legendary Putt-Putt course brings three revamped 18-hole courses plus a virtual golf lounge, arcade, pool tables, and party room, all paired with Salvas’ signature craft beer. After a slight delay due to liquor licensing, they’re rolling out with a limited menu that’ll expand weekly, aiming for a full grand opening in mid-September. It’s classic fun meets modern brews — the ultimate weekend escape...

A massive wildfire in the Pecos Wilderness, sparked by lightning and now covering 7,794 acres, is forcing evacuations in Cundiyo and threatening nearby areas like the Gorham Boy Scout Ranch. Crews are racing against the clock, deploying sprinklers, preparing water resources, and building bulldozer lines to contain the blaze — especially as this is typically New Mexico’s rainy season. Residents remain on high alert with “Set” status, ready to flee at a moment’s notice. While temperatures soar into the high 80s with a north wind, there’s cautious hope for scattered showers and thunderstorms later today and tonight that could help s...

Catch the Perseid meteor shower peaking early August 13th—no fancy gear needed, just a dark sky, comfy chair, and coffee. The Earth slices through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, lighting up the night with streaks of cosmic fire. Best views away from city lights, between midnight and 3 AM, looking northeast toward Cassiopeia and Perseus. Top spots in New Mexico: Sandia Crest, Oak Flats, Placitas Open Space, and Valles Caldera (check access rules). Nature’s free fireworks show—don’t miss it.

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New Mexico’s biggest preschool just opened in Farmington—a $35 million, 51,000-square-foot campus with 23 classrooms and specialized spaces for therapy, all designed for safety and learning. It unites two programs under one roof, partners with the New Mexico School for the Deaf, and gives teachers a dream classroom while empowering every child to thrive.

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Willa Cather’s 1925-26 pilgrimage to New Mexico sparked the creation of her masterpiece, “Death Comes for the Archbishop,” a novel that still captivates readers a century later. Inspired by real-life French missionaries and the rugged beauty of the Land of Enchantment, she channeled the frontier’s raw spirit into minimalist prose that shaped modernist literature. Today, fans follow her trail through Santa Fe’s historic sites—from La Fonda to the Palace of the Governors—to experience the same awe that fueled her writing, proving how deeply place can shape art and endure across time.

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Acoma potters take center stage in a groundbreaking exhibition called “I Am Clay: Acoma Life in Figures,” curated by four Indigenous artists themselves. Featuring over 100 figurative pottery pieces—including works by legendary potter Maria “Lilly” Salvador, who recognized her late mother’s hand in the collection—this show reveals a hidden legacy of Acoma artistry unearthed from museum archives. Rooted in spiritual tradition and inspired by Hopi myths, each piece tells a story of life, memory, and transformation. The exhibition, part of a national celebration of American craft, will travel to Acoma Pueblo for a full year, marking a powerful shift...

Tia Sophia’s, the beloved Santa Fe institution known for its legendary breakfast burritos and Christmas chile, has made a spicy splash in Roswell—bringing its soulful New Mexican flavors to the UFO Capital of the World. Co-owned by Nick and Vanessa Maryol, this family-driven expansion celebrates heritage, with Nick’s Greek roots and his parents’ legacy woven into every dish. The historic downtown spot, once La Gran Victoria, now buzzes with rustic charm, house-made sopaipillas, and a new Roswell Plate that’s already stealing hearts. With Vanessa’s design touch, Nick’s kitchen mastery, and their daughter Courtenay running the fr...

NAGPRA’s 2024 update is forcing museums and federal agencies to return Native American remains by 2029—and consult directly with tribes about sacred items. Cultural artifacts now require tribal expert approval for care and display, turning museum practices into deeply spiritual collaborations. Institutions like the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, holding over 12 million items, are navigating this sensitive, community-guided repatriation process—with privacy and protocol at the core. This isn’t just policy—it’s a profound shift toward honoring Native heritage through tribal leadership.

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Albertsons is urgently recalling 59 store-made items in New Mexico and Texas due to potential salmonella contamination linked to jalapeños in pico de gallo. Sold under Albertsons Market, Market Street, Amigos, and United banners, these products should be thrown away or returned for full refunds. The recall stems from Ron’s Home Style Foods, a supplier, voluntarily pulling the same jalapeños tied to an FDA recall from Coast Citrus Distributors. Customers can reach Albertsons’ customer service Monday–Friday, 6 AM–10 PM MT, for assistance. Safety is top priority as the company moves swiftly to remove all affected items.

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New Mexico’s campaign finance transparency is in chaos after a federal group, American Energy Action Fund, dumped mailers for a state candidate without revealing how much they spent or who funded it—because federal rules don’t sync with state deadlines. Their delayed reports lump all New Mexico spending into one vague category, hiding whether it was a small campaign or a massive media push. Former Senator Dede Feldman calls it “woefully inadequate,” and the trail goes cold when you hit another nonprofit donor who doesn’t disclose its own sources. The state’s online database doesn’t include these fe...

In Wisconsin’s razor-thin Democratic gubernatorial primary, fiery socialist Francesca Hong—once a line cook and now a viral sensation—fights to unseat establishment favorite David Crowley, with the winner set to face GOP’s Tom Tiffany in November. As Democrats aim to flip the state and reclaim legislative control for the first time in over a decade, Hong’s bold platform on childcare, healthcare, and even pausing AI data centers is electrifying voters frustrated with both parties. Her edgy social media presence and past controversies—including defunding police comments and holiday jabs—are fueling debate, but her message of affordabili...

A harrowing night rescue unfolded near Four Hills Road as crews pulled one woman from an arroyo known as “The Box,” but the search continued into Tuesday after a second person was found dead submerged in four feet of water — a chilling reminder of how fast flash floods can turn deadly in these hidden waterways.

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A harrowing night rescue unfolded near Four Hills Road as crews pulled one woman from an arroyo known as “The Box,” but the search continued into Tuesday after a second person was found dead submerged in four feet of water — a chilling reminder of how fast flash floods can turn deadly in these hidden waterways.

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Smoke from the Frijoles Fire blankets Northern New Mexico, triggering air quality alerts and forcing schools, theaters, and outdoor businesses to adapt — recesses moved indoors, opera performances canceled, and hiking trails shuttered as residents brace for hazy skies and health risks, with rain offering hope for relief and fire control by Thursday.

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Senator Cory Booker hit the campaign trail in New Mexico, rallying Democratic voters and fundraising for key candidates like Ben Ray Luján and Deb Haaland ahead of the midterms. While focused on winning back Congress, he teased a potential 2028 presidential run—hinting at his long-term ambitions while staying grounded in current races. He’s bullish on Democratic wins in swing states like Maine and Alaska, especially targeting Sen. Collins’s shaky approval ratings. His visit energized local supporters and underscored the importance of solidarity among Democrats. Adding a personal touch, Booker joked about New Mexico’s green chile—having trie...

Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo is poised to become New Mexico’s next state representative for District Forty-one, with Santa Fe County commissioners already endorsing her after Representative Susan Herrera stepped down early to give her a head start. Jaramillo, who won the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November, is set to begin serving immediately — a seamless transition made possible by her unanimous support across all four counties in the district and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s expected final approval. With Herrera personally backing her successor, Jaramillo is ready to hit the ground running for her constituents.

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Project Jupiter’s massive data center is caught in a whirlwind of permit drama as hearing officer Max Shepherd flips his decision twice—first allowing written arguments to decide if the application should be tossed, then shifting to a live September hearing, and now reversing again to make that hearing the final showdown. Sparked by New Energy Economy’s challenge over an unapproved natural gas pipeline, the process has drawn fire from lawyers calling it “absurd” and “manifestly unfair,” suspecting political pressure to fast-track approval. Developers Yucca Growth Infrastructure are ready for battle in September, while New Mexico’s Environment Depa...

New Mexico’s Epstein probe hits a political snag as two Republican commissioners blast the chair for quietly removing a reference to Deb Haaland’s 2014 flight on an Epstein-linked plane from the final report — a detail all four members reportedly agreed to include. The Republicans claim they were blindsided by last-minute edits, while Democrats defend the bipartisan process and say the omission was intentional to avoid naming figures with only tangential ties, emphasizing accountability over speculation.

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A fiery warning is sounding across New Mexico as activists from Fire on the Mountain blast billboards along I-25 screaming “One Fire Away, Radioactive Santa Fe,” highlighting the deadly risk of wildfire reaching Los Alamos’ Cold War-era nuclear waste drums. With over 2,000 radioactive drums stored in forested tents—just like during the 2000 Cerro Grande Fire—activists demand urgent relocation to a secure underground site in Southern New Mexico. The state’s Environment Department has already slapped $16 million in penalties for delays and is pushing to revise permits at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant to prioritize Los Alamos waste. As recent wildf...

Alamogordo residents are facing shocking electric bills—some over $800—after PNM resorted to estimated usage due to a shortage of meter readers. Bills tripled for many, catching families off guard and straining budgets, especially for those on fixed incomes. While PNM apologizes and brings in extra staff, the financial hit is immediate, and locals demand real solutions to ease the burden.

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New Mexico is doubling down on full childhood vaccine schedules, ignoring a federal executive order that pushes for fewer shots and spacing out doses—especially for MMR. The state’s health department insists science hasn’t changed and that their approach remains aligned with trusted pediatric guidelines. This isn’t the first time they’ve defied Washington; they’ve also resisted removing flu, COVID, and RSV recommendations. Experts warn the federal move could fuel vaccine distrust, even as debunked myths like “vaccines cause autism” resurface. Plus, the order suggests splitting MMR into three shots—but those aren’t available in the U.S., making...

Frijoles Fire’s spreading fast in Northern New Mexico—evacuations are underway in Santa Fe County, with Pojoaque Valley Middle School now a full-service shelter stocked with beds, medical aid, and even pet care. Officials are still knocking on doors in Camino de Cañon, urging immediate departure. Surrounding neighborhoods? Get your “Go” bag ready—meds, cash, papers—because wildfire conditions can change in minutes. Stay alert. The shelter’s got everything, but donations are paused for now.

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After three elections in three months, Democrats in House District 31 have finally locked in their nominee: attorney Lisa Curtis, chosen by party insiders. Her firm’s partnership with Senator Katy Duhigg adds an unexpected twist, while Curtis downplays medical malpractice ties—despite her firm’s past opposition to state health reforms. The nomination came after two previous candidates dropped out, leaving Curtis to face Republican incumbent Nicole Chavez, a health insurance executive with a massive fundraising lead. Curtis, who previously served as an appointed senator, is now self-funded again—but this time she’s actively seeking donations to compete in one of...

New Mexico just won a jaw-dropping $942 million lawsuit against Meta, forcing the company to cap teen screen time at 90 hours monthly and funding critical youth mental health programs. A South Carolina law firm will receive up to $68 million — less than 7.2% of the total — sparking debate over state hiring practices despite the AG’s past warnings about relying on outside counsel. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s own legal team has secured over $885 million in federal grants this year — unrelated to the Meta case — highlighting the state’s growing legal prowess.

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A grieving father turned unwitting accomplice: Joseph Johnson, co-defendant in a $2M education fraud case, broke down on the stand, claiming he was too distraught after his son’s death to notice millions siphoned from his company via blank checks directed by former House leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton. While his defense paints him as a victim of circumstance, prosecutors zeroed in on his failure to report $450K in public school payments on his taxes — starkly contrasting with his claimed losses. Stapleton, meanwhile, stayed silent on the witness stand, choosing not to defend herself. Closing arguments loom — and this emotional, high-s...

Toto turned a rainy Albuquerque night into a legendary concert, hitting the stage after 10 PM with classics like “Rosanna,” “Hold the Line,” and the iconic “Africa” as the storm finally calmed. Despite delays and a shortened setlist, they delivered pure magic — no flashy production, just tight musicianship and soulful energy. Steve Lukather shredded on guitar, Dennis Atlas stole the spotlight with a solo on “Endless,” and the band showcased rare instruments like harmonicas and flutes. With roots stretching from Mick Jagger to Ringo Starr, Toto proved their decades-long chemistry and love for music still shine brighter than any weather delay.

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House Democrats are launching a bold new push to overhaul New Mexico’s troubled CYFD agency, demanding stricter rules for group home placements, empowering the Child Advocate with real oversight powers, and even removing the department from direct gubernatorial control. Speaker Javier Martínez vows this time they’ll fix systemic failures that have hurt vulnerable kids — after past reforms were blocked. The plan includes banning group homes for younger children and requiring stronger justification for facility placements, while CYFD pushes back, citing progress and staffing gains — though it denies the watchdog should override its decisions. With both gubernatorial candidate...

Police Shooting in Northwest Albuquerque | Santa Fe News

Elevate New Mexico agreed to disclose nearly $3.7 million in campaign funding from one source after the New Mexico State Ethics Commission investigated whether they illegally influenced air quality permit decisions for Project Jupiter — a massive data center project — by running a high-budget ad campaign without registering as lobbyists or revealing who paid. The ads, which ran during public comment periods, spent over $419K on digital, TV, and print media, aiming to sway opinions and comments. Though Elevate isn’t admitting fault, they’re complying voluntarily to settle the case — no fine, no legal costs shared — highlighting the growing need for transpar...

A massive data center project in New Mexico, Project Jupiter, is stalled over a critical natural gas pipeline needed to power it. Yucca Growth Infrastructure, the company behind the pipeline, has been denied twice by the State Land Commissioner to build across state land. A hearing examiner initially ordered them to respond to objections from New Energy Economy, which argues the permit shouldn’t even be considered without secured pipeline rights — but then reversed course, saying the issue would be addressed at a public hearing in September. New Energy Economy is pushing back, insisting the burden is on Yucca Grow...

Bernalillo County’s DA is demanding the exhumation of Michael Magirl, a Vietnam veteran buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery, to re-examine DNA evidence linking him to a 2002 rape case — a move that could expose him as a serial offender and force a reckoning over whether convicted criminals deserve burial in a place of honor. With over a dozen cold-case convictions secured in recent years through DNA testing, the DA’s office insists justice must be pursued, no matter how long it takes.

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