Home Blog Page 100

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

Ruben Reyes
-
0

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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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.”

Water for Rivers, Power for Data: Inside New Mexico’s Budget Push as Project Jupiter Looms

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Water for Rivers, Power for Data: Inside New Mexico’s Budget Push as Project Jupiter Looms

New Mexico’s 2026 legislative session delivered a win for water on paper. But in practice, the state may be racing against a thirstier reality.

Lawmakers concluded the state’s 30-day session on February 19, securing millions for river restoration and water management. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the budget weeks later, sealing in long-overdue investments in fragile ecosystems.

The new funding, Lujan Grisham wrote in her social media post, aims to “restore rivers, protect critical habitat, and ensure water keeps flowing for the wildlife and communities that depend on it.”

But even as funding flows toward rivers, a looming question cast a shadow on the celebration: Will it be enough in a state increasingly courted by industries like the controversial Project Jupiter, a water- and energy-intensive project?

Millions for rivers — but from what baseline?

The 2026 budget includes $13 million for the River Stewardship Program and $10 million for the Strategic Water Reserve. Both are historically underfunded programs, but now positioned as pillars of the state’s water strategy.

The River Stewardship Program, under the state’s environment department, funds the rebuilding of the ecosystems that line rivers and streams. Demand has long outpaced supply: only about $2 million annually was available from a legacy fund in previous years.

Similarly, the Strategic Water Reserve, managed by the Interstate Stream Commission, received a significant boost. The program allows the state to buy and lease water rights to keep rivers flowing.

Both programs are widely seen as essential in a drying Southwest. But none of them was designed with a hyperscale computing infrastructure looming.

Enter Project Jupiter

During the 30-day session, the lawmakers focused on rivers. But a parallel conversation had unfolded outside the Capitol: New Mexico’s appeal as a data center hub is growing. Projects like Project Jupiter could dramatically alter the state’s water and energy landscape.

Data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence and cloud computing, are notorious for massive electricity demand and significant water use. In arid regions such as New Mexico, the combination could spell environmental disaster.

Data from other states showed that a single large data center campus needs millions of gallons of water annually. This massive demand for water is often drawn from the same stressed aquifers and river systems that state programs are trying to restore.

The bigger question: who gets the water?

Roughly 8 out of 10 of New Mexico’s at-risk bird species are riparian dependent. River restoration, therefore, is not just an ecological issue. It is also a biodiversity imperative.

But the state’s water future is increasingly contested. Climate pressures intensify, and economic development accelerates. But the central question is no longer how to restore rivers— but how to allocate scarcity.

Project Jupiter, still in development, may become a defining test of whether the state can strike a balance between ecological restoration and industrial growth. The state has funded both sides of that equation for now.

It remains to be seen if it can reconcile them while Lujan Grisham declares, “We’re committed to keeping New Mexico beautiful and our ecosystems healthy for generations to come.”

To Receive Outstanding Filmmaker Award: Catch Shane Black at LCIFF

Grace Tackman
-
0
To Receive Outstanding Filmmaker Award: Catch Shane Black at LCIFF

Are you a fan of the iconic films “Lethal Weapon,” “Iron Man 3,” “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang,” and “The Nice Guys?” This is your sign to attend the 2026 Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF). Screenwriter and director Shane Black will be there to receive LCIFF’s Outstanding Filmmaker Award. The ceremony is one of the many events during the 11th annual festival on April 8-12.

“We are honored to welcome Shane Black to our festival,” said Ross Marks, New Mexico State University (NMSU) professor in the Creative Media Institute and festival executive director, as reported by NMSU Newsroom. “His work has inspired a generation of filmmakers and film lovers alike. His mastery in blending humor and action, along with his unique storytelling, has made an indelible impact on the film industry.”

Marks said they are excited to celebrate Black’s achievements and allow the audience to experience his work firsthand. The renowned filmmaker joins actors Steve Zahn and Michael Rooker in making LCIFF 2026 “our best festival yet.”

Two Chances to See Shane Black at LCIFF

Black will attend a special ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Allen Theatres Cineport 10. The event follows a screening of his film “The Nice Guys.” Following the screening, Black will engage the audience in a question-and-answer session. He will give fans and aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to gain insights into his creative process. 

Tickets for the event cost $35. With limited seats, you should get your tickets early.

Black also will talk about his work and career in depth with Marks during “A Conversation with Shane Black.” The session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Allen Theatres Cineport 10.

What LCIFF Brings This Year

The five-day festival will screen 160 films this year. These include narrative and documentary features, short films, animation and music videos from 50 different countries. 

LCIFF will take place at Cineport 10, 700 S. Telshor Blvd. VIP passes are $200, All-Access Passes are $100, Day Passes are $35 and admission to celebrity screenings is $35. You can purchase tickets now at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.

LCIFF, supported by NMSU and Visit Las Cruces, has grown over more than a decade into a “world-class” showcase for independent filmmaking. It has also become the largest student-run film festival in the country. The festival continues to help strengthen the local and regional economy.

The event has drawn crowds of more than 12,000 attendees and attracted more than 80,000 visitors to the region. Last year, attendance increased by 30%.

Eleven years ago, Marks founded the festival and began teaching NMSU students how to produce a film festival. Since then, every year 80 to 100 students gain hands-on experience producing LCIFF while working with Marks. 

Campus Visits Begin for New Mexico Tech Presidential Finalists 

Grace Tackman
-
0
Campus Visits Begin for New Mexico Tech Presidential Finalists 

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, commonly known as New Mexico Tech, is moving forward in its presidential search. Five finalists will visit campus from March 23 to March 27 as part of the next step in the selection process.

Earlier, New Mexico Tech revealed the names of the five finalists selected through its national search. They are:

  • Montserrat “Montse” Fuentes, President at St. Edward’s University;
  • Andrew Hamilton, VP for Academic Success at Texas State University;
  • Michael Jackson, Interim President at New Mexico Tech;
  • Kerop Janoyan, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at California State University – Long Beach; and
  • Carlos Romero, Associate Vice President for Research at New Mexico Tech.

During their campus visits, the finalists will meet with students, faculty staff, and community members. Each finalist will spend a full day on campus attending interviews and meetings with campus stakeholders. 

They will give a public presentation and participate in an open session in the morning. These events will give members of the campus and Socorro community a chance to hear directly from the candidates and provide feedback.  The open sessions will be daily at 9:00 a.m. for each candidate at Macey Center Auditorium.

New Mexico Tech will post candidate biographies, CVs, and visit schedules on the Presidential Search webpage.

Next President To Be Declared on April 17

The New Mexico Tech Board of Regents launched the presidential search earlier this academic year. They also appointed a search committee representing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders to help with the process.

“The Board is pleased to announce five finalists for President of New Mexico Tech,” said Board of Regents Chair Dr. David Lepre, Sr. as reported by NMT Newsroom.  “Our sincere thank you to the Presidential Search Committee, Human Resources and the administrative staff for their thoughtful efforts in bringing the search to this point.  We look forward to campus visits with the finalists as the Board moves closer to selecting a President and beginning a new era of New Mexico Tech excellence.”

After the campus visits, the Board of Regents will review feedback from the community. They will then conduct final deliberations and select the university’s next president at their April 17, 2026 regular board meeting.

1...99100101...135Page 100 of 135