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Sacaton Fire Tops 9,000 Acres as Crews Protect Willow Creek, Historic Sites

Ruben Reyes
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Sacaton Fire Tops 9,000 Acres as Crews Protect Willow Creek, Historic Sites

The Sacaton Fire, which began June 25 in the remote Gila Wilderness, has grown to 9,274 acres with no containment as firefighters continue suppression efforts to protect nearby communities, historic structures and critical infrastructure.

The fire, caused by lightning, is burning about 4.5 miles from the Mogollon Baldy Lookout in rugged terrain that limits direct firefighting efforts and poses significant risks to both ground crews and aircraft.

Hot, dry weather fuels rapid growth

The fire covered about 69 acres when it was first reported. Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds fueled rapid growth, and on June 29, a spot fire had ignited about a half-mile from the main blaze.

Combined, the fires expanded to about 372 acres as smoke became visible across much of southwestern New Mexico, including the Gila Cliff Dwellings, Lordsburg, Quemado, and along U.S. Route 180. Fire officials warned that with no significant rainfall in the forecast, smoke and occasional flames would remain visible from long distances.

Fire managers will use direct suppression tactics only where flames threaten key resources, including the Mogollon Baldy Lookout, and only if they can ensure firefighter safety.

Closure order issued as fire intensifies

On June 30, a spot fire spreading north along a ridgeline and east toward the Rain Creek drainage caused most of the increased smoke, officials said. Because of active firefighting operations and increasing fire danger, the Gila National Forest issued a closure order effective at 8 a.m. July 1, closing the northwestern portion of the Gila Wilderness. Authorities prohibit the public from entering the closed area, and violations are subject to penalties.

A reconnaissance flight later that day estimated the fire at 1,229 acres. Crews discovered another spot fire of about 50 acres, roughly 1.25 miles north in the headwaters of the Iron Creek drainage.

The fire remained about 3 miles west of the Mogollon Baldy Lookout and communications site. But officials evacuated the fire lookout by helicopter as a precaution.

Meanwhile, a four-person crew from the Flathead National Forest’s Spotted Bear Wildland Fire Module spent two days wrapping the lookout’s wooden bunkhouse with fire-resistant material before a helicopter safely extracted them.

Willow Creek placed under evacuation alerts

The fire continued to spread, prompting the Catron County Sheriff’s Office to place the Willow Creek community under a “Set” evacuation status on July 2. Officials urged residents to prepare for a possible evacuation by assembling emergency supplies, creating evacuation and communication plans, and staying informed.

The forest closure is still in effect as firefighters reported continued long-range spotting. Command of the fire was transferred to the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team at 6 a.m. July 3. By then, the fire had expanded to 5,546 acres with zero containment.

Firefighters implemented indirect suppression tactics to protect the Willow Creek subdivision, the Mogollon Baldy Lookout, and communications infrastructure. Crews began preparing containment lines for possible defensive firing operations while additional firefighting resources were ordered.

Officials advised residents to monitor air quality, noting that smoke conditions would vary depending on fire activity, weather and wind. They also reminded the public that Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect across the Gila National Forest because of prolonged drought, massive tree mortality, and forecast hot, dry weather. Campfires are restricted to designated recreation sites equipped with metal fire rings.

Willow Creek upgraded to “Go” evacuation

The Catron County Sheriff’s Office upgraded Willow Creek to a “Go” evacuation status on July 4 at the recommendation of the incident management team. Authorities also shut Bursum Road (NM 159) between Mogollon and Willow Creek.

At that point, the fire had grown to 6,782 acres and continued advancing through drainages above Willow Creek. The fire spread northeast into the footprint of the 2025 Turkey Feather Fire.

Historic Apache Cabin destroyed

Extreme fire behavior destroyed the historic Forest Service Apache Cabin in the Gila Wilderness. The firefighters could not safely defend the historic cabin, officials explained, because of the cabin’s mid-slope location and intense fire activity. Firefighters’ safety remains the top priority.

Crews instead concentrated on protecting homes in the Willow Creek subdivision by installing pumps, laying hose lines and evaluating conditions for possible defensive firing operations west of the community.

Forest closure expanded as the fire surpassed 8,000 acres

The Forest Service expanded its closure order, effective at 10 a.m. July 4, to cover additional portions of the northwestern Gila Wilderness. By Independence Day, the fire had already reached 8,638 acres with no containment.

Single-engine air tankers dropped fire retardant to slow the fire’s advance toward Willow Creek. And ground crews evaluated opportunities for direct attack. Firefighters also installed pumps, sprinklers and large portable water tanks to support structure protection in the remote area.

Officials said the fire was moving into the burn scars of the 2025 Turkey Feather Fire and the 2026 Hummingbird Fire. Although previously burned areas may reduce fire intensity, they also contain hazardous standing dead trees and heavy downed timber that complicate firefighting operations.

Fire grows to 9,274 acres

The Sacaton Fire reached 9,274 acres as firefighters made steady progress along portions of the fire perimeter where aerial retardant had been applied. Crews continued installing pumps, inflatable water tanks, and hose lines while testing water delivery systems near the Willow Creek subdivision to strengthen structure protection.

Firefighters plan to build on recent gains by using established retardant lines to engage the fire directly and connect the fire’s edge to the 2026 Hummingbird Fire footprint and the South Fork of Willow Creek, a strategy to slow further spread. At the same time, crews continued preparing indirect containment lines that could be used if conditions required additional defensive firing operations.

A Colorado Tribe Built a Massive Renewable Energy Hub. Washington Couldn’t Stop It.

Juan Oliveros
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A Colorado Tribe Built a Massive Renewable Energy Hub. Washington Couldn’t Stop It.

The Ute Tribe on the high desert of the American Southwest, where sandstone cliffs meet arroyos, is working to build a massive renewable energy hub. Over the next 18 months, more than 270 megawatts of solar panels and 180 megawatts of battery storage will rise on tribal land in neighboring New Mexico.

On paper, the timeline defies the current political gravity in Washington. The Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” had eliminated federal tax credits for renewable energy projects nationwide. President Trump has publicly attacked solar technology as “ugly.” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, at the same time, ordered that the routing of all federal wind and solar permits go through his immediate office—industry advocates called the directive an addition of 68 layers of bureaucratic red tape.

According to Sean Gallagher, a policy analyst for the Solar Energy Industries Association, the administration’s actions amount to a de facto moratorium, endangering about 36 percent of all planned U.S. electricity capacity through 2030.

However, the Ute Mountain Ute project, known as Foxtail Flats, has survived.

About 100 people attended the recent groundbreaking ceremony, where tribal leaders and project partners held shovels and smiled for the cameras. The project squeaked through by the slimmest of margins, securing the necessary federal signatures on its permits last summer, only days before the administration’s policy pivot froze the rest of the industry.

“We’re going through some challenging times right now, especially with the solar projects,” Alston Turtle, a member of the Ute Mountain Ute tribal council, told the crowd in attendance. “But we’ve got to continue to move forward in the vision that we see is right.”

The tribe’s 933-square-mile reservation is in southwestern Colorado. But its borders extend into New Mexico and Utah. Over the last three-quarters of a century, the tribal budget relied mainly on oil and gas development, which at one point bankrolled over half of its annual operations.

The finite nature of fossil fuels, combined with the sharp economic pain of oil’s boom-and-bust cycles, however, prompted the shift. At the same time, the local effects of climate change have become almost impossible to ignore. At the center of the 933-square-mile reservation sits the sacred mountain known as Sleeping Ute Warrior. The mountain’s natural springs, which traditionally sustained juniper forests and vital ceremonies, are vanishing.

“Just in the 30 years I’ve worked here, I’ve seen so many of those springs dry up,” said Scott Clow, the head of the tribe’s Environment Department. “They’re going to have a Sun Dance up there next month, and the spring next to the Sun Dance grounds is dry. It’s bone dry.”

The resilience of Foxtail Flats is the result of a 15-year plan. In 2015, backed by resources from the U.S. Department of Energy, the tribe partnered with Sandra Begay, a Navajo mechanical engineer who, at the time, worked for Sandia National Laboratories. Begay urged the tribal council to view energy shift not as a series of quick wins. She framed the transition as a generational commitment of the tribe capable of weathering shifting political tides.

“Time with tribes is different,” the Navajo engineer said. “You’re dealing with tribal elections, politics, the emphasis on money or no money. That’s a part of the process you have to get people to understand: Can you think 10 years in the future?”

The tribe began the renewable energy project small, installing residential rooftop solar panels before constructing a one-megawatt array to power its highway casino. The success of those early micro-projects eventually caught the attention of utility-scale developers.

Geography was also in the tribe’s favor. The Foxtail Flats array will be built on tribal land, across the border in New Mexico, situated near a newly decommissioned coal-fired power plant. The site lies at an optimal energy crossroads, possessing an intact network of transmission lines capable of carrying electrons to users in Texas, Arizona, Utah, California, and Colorado.

Even with geographic advantages, the financial engineering behind the renewable energy project remained uncertain until the final permits were signed. “The biggest fear was the financing collapsing to get this project going,” said Matt Heavner, a board member for Public Utilities in Los Alamos County, which has won the contract to buy more than half of the project’s generated power. “We worried about federal subsidies going away, and the financing required for this project not making the cut with investors.”

The tribe has found lucrative buyers hungry for its power as energy demand surges across the West. Beyond regional public utilities, Meta has signed on as a primary customer, intending to use the solar array to power a massive new data center under construction near Albuquerque.

Hundreds of other tribal and commercial renewable projects remain stalled in federal review. But the Ute Mountain Ute project represents a rare win in a regulatory freeze.

Begay advises those caught in the current regulatory freeze to be patient. She viewed the administration’s policy posture as a temporary season. “Their land is not going away. Their authority to use that land is not going away,” she said of the native communities seeking a foothold in the green economy. “You just wait until the time is right, when those customers really want new electrons.”

Smoke Expected to Ease Across New Mexico as Storms Move In

Victoria Padilla
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Smoke is expected to decrease across much of New Mexico on Sunday as weather conditions improve and the chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms increases. Forecasters say stronger moisture moving into the state will help improve visibility and air quality in several regions while also bringing opportunities for rainfall.

Meteorologists reported that increased monsoon moisture will support scattered showers and thunderstorms across central, western and northern New Mexico, with portions of the east also affected. Some storms may produce brief heavy rain, gusty winds, frequent lightning and small hail. Many communities could see cooler temperatures compared with recent days, a pattern typical of the summer monsoon season.

Weather specialists said the recent storm will help reduce wildfire smoke in several locations. They expect air quality to improve, though active wildfires will continue to pose risks, especially when winds are light.

Officials warned that while additional moisture will benefit dry regions, strong thunderstorms could still create dangerous conditions. Heavy rain may cause flooding in vulnerable areas.

The variation in weather comes as New Mexico continues its summer monsoon, which often brings quick-developing storms and sudden changes in local conditions. The National Weather Service noted that thunderstorms can become severe at any time, day or night.

Weather forecasters urge residents to monitor forecasts and alerts, avoid outdoor activities during storms, and keep track of smoke patterns near wildfire areas. Officials stressed that improving air quality does not eliminate severe weather risks and encouraged residents to stay informed and take precautions as thunderstorms develop across the state.

Monsoon Moisture to Bring Rain, Storms to New Mexico

Victoria Padilla
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Monsoon Moisture to Bring Rain, Storms to New Mexico

Monsoon moisture is expected to move into New Mexico this week, increasing the chances of showers and thunderstorms across much of the state.

Forecasters say the changing weather pattern could bring rainfall to some areas. But it could also raise the risk of heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds, and localized flooding.

The moisture from the south, meteorologists report, will gradually spread, creating favorable conditions for afternoon and evening storms. Thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread as the week progresses, particularly over central, western, and northern New Mexico.

Weather experts warn that storms may produce heavy rain, frequent lightning, small hail, and strong winds. Thunderstorms often move slowly, which can lead to flash flooding.

Officials note that increased rainfall could help reduce fire danger in some areas. Lightning strikes from storms, however, can ignite fires in drought-stricken regions, and residents are urged to remain alert.

Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall may benefit many communities with the arrival of the summer monsoon. Still, severe thunderstorms can disrupt travel and reduce visibility.

Authorities advise residents to monitor local forecasts and updates before heading outdoors, urging drivers to use caution during heavy rain and avoid flooded roads.

Forecasters stress that monsoon storms can develop quickly and intensify with little warning. They encourage residents to stay prepared as storm chances rise throughout the week.

New Mexico’s Little Roads to Enchantment, Where Ancient Villages, Healing Dirt and Jaw-Dropping Peaks Await

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico’s Little Roads to Enchantment, Where Ancient Villages, Healing Dirt and Jaw-Dropping Peaks Await

New Mexico’s enchantment often reveals itself not on the interstates but along the little roads — the winding, two-lane ribbons of asphalt that slip past adobe villages, centuries-old shrines and landscapes so vivid they seem sculpted by light itself. These routes demand that you slow down, roll down the windows, and let the high desert air, scented with piñon and sage, work its spell.

One such road, highlighted recently in local lore as a “little road to enchantment,” leads to intimate corners like Los Caminitos in the foothills of Santa Fe, where homes blend seamlessly with the rugged terrain. But the real story stretches far beyond any single calle. It encompasses the celebrated High Road to Taos, the Enchanted Circle and myriad backroads that stitch together northern New Mexico’s cultural tapestry.

The High Road: A Journey Through Living History

The High Road to Taos is roughly a 56- to 105-mile picturesque byway, depending on your exact route. It is less a commute than a pilgrimage. Departing Santa Fe, drivers turn onto N.M. 503 and then N.M. 76, then climb into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The “low road” hugs the Rio Grande; the high one rewards with broad vistas, forested slopes and villages that have not significantly changed since Spanish colonial times.

Stop first in Chimayó. It is where El Santuario de Chimayó attracts pilgrims seeking the healing “holy dirt” from a small pit inside the 19th-century adobe chapel. The church’s wooden santos and vibrant retablos speak to a faith as long-lasting as the surrounding hills. Nearby, weavers continue centuries-old weaving traditions, and the chile — fiery and earthy — at Rancho de Chimayó tastes like the land itself.

Further is where the road threads through Truchas, Trampas, and Cordova. These high-mountain villages, with their humble wood-and-adobe homes and communal irrigation ditches still in use, feel like portals to another era. Artists have long journeyed here for the light and solitude; galleries nestled into old buildings offer everything from traditional tinwork to contemporary arts inspired by the beauty outside.

The drive ends near Ranchos de Taos, known for its iconic San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, a favorite subject for Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. From that point, it’s a short hop to Taos proper, where the pueblo — one of the oldest in North America — rises like a multi-level earthen fortress against the mountains.

The Enchanted Circle: Alpine Drama and Mountain Towns

The 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loops out of Taos and is an adrenaline rush for those who crave more heights. It encircles Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest at more than 13,000 feet, then it passes through Red River’s old mining vibe, the high meadows around Eagle Nest Lake and the Bohemian hub of Angel Fire.

Wildflowers carpet the meadows during summer. In fall, aspens turn the slopes to gold, while winter brings world-class skiing and the gentle hush of snow. Side trips will lead to ghost towns, hot springs, and trails where the sounds are the wind and your own footsteps. This is where New Mexico earns the distinction as uniquely enchanting — vast skies, jagged peaks and a sense of scale that humbles and exhilarates.

“The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is one of the most profound ways to experience northern New Mexico between Santa Fe and Taos,” said acting New Mexico tourism secretary Lancing Adams. “The heritage and identity of the communities along the route are evident at every stop, from centuries-old churches and historic plazas to the art, traditions, and landscapes.”

Beyond the Pavement is “More” in Enchantment

New Mexico’s enchantment goes beyond its table and its people. Green chile stew gently heats in kitchens from Santa Fe to tiny mountain cafés. Roadside stands offer fresh tamales or ristras of drying chiles, hanging like ruby necklaces from vigas. Artisans in these villages — Cordova’s wood-carvers and weavers in Chimayó — keep the heritage alive not only for tourists to appreciate but also as a way of life.

The state’s light, crystalline and ever-changing, has inspired many across generations. Drive these roads at golden hour, and you’ll know why. Adobe walls glow pink and orange; light casts its shadows long across the high desert. Even veteran travelers can’t help but pull over, camera forgotten, if only to breathe it in.

Travelers trying to find their own little road might follow local real estate tales of hidden gems like Calle Encanto properties, where modern renovations respect feng shui and native plantings. Or they might keep driving until a village square or mountain pass feels like home.

Enchantment in the state isn’t a destination on a map. It’s the willingness to take the slower path, to drift through the village plaza while church bells toll, or to watch storm clouds form over peaks older than memory. The little roads will take you there — if you allow them. Just don’t forget to fill the tank, pack snacks, and perhaps some holy dirt, and leave room in your itinerary for surprises.

5 Best Places to Actually Call Home in New Mexico in 2026 (Not Just Visit)

Juan Oliveros
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5 Best Places to Actually Call Home in New Mexico in 2026 (Not Just Visit)

New Mexico remains a land of contrasts and enchantments: crimson mesas that catch fire at dusk, piñon smoke curling through high-desert air, and a cultural tapestry of Indigenous, Hispanic, and Anglo heritage that feels both timeless and alive. The state’s allure has sharpened—space, affordability, and authenticity drawing newcomers beyond coastal pressures as remote work redefines where Americans choose the best places to settle.

This year, five communities stand out not merely as destinations but as places to call home, with more than 300 days of sun and housing still affordable compared to much of the West.

Santa Fe: The City Different, Still

Against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at 7,000 feet, Santa Fe is still a draw for those who crave culture as much as canyon views. Adobe walls glow pink at golden hour; Canyon Road galleries and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum offer a serious arts scene. The opera season under the stars remains a summer ritual, and farm-to-table restaurants celebrate Hatch chiles and foraged ingredients with sophistication.

Life moves at an almost contemplative pace for residents of the city. Short commutes, walkable historic quarters, and trailheads just beyond downtown make daily life a reward for hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers alike. The trade-offs are authentic—higher home prices than the state average (often north of a $600,000 median) and an economy driven by tourism. But many who settle here cite the light, the community of creatives and retirees, and a profound sense of place as being worth it. In 2026, Santa Fe feels like a sanctuary resisting homogenization.

Taos: High-Altitude Soul

Farther north, Taos excites many with a more rugged, artistic edge. The Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest inhabited communities in North America, anchors a deep sense of history. Artists have found inspiration in the dramatic light of the high desert plateau and the jagged peaks of the Sangre de Cristos. Skiing at Taos Ski Valley, with sleek new lifts and trails stretched wider than ever, the mountain feels freshly reimagined, paired with a bohemian downtown of bookstores, galleries, and earthy cafés.

Its housing is more accessible than Santa Fe’s for many, and it has a slower, tight-knit community feel. Winters are colder. Summers are kinder. And the acequia-irrigated fields speak to a lingering agrarian spirit. Remote workers and retirees amid multi-generational families and off-grid types. Taos rewards those who seek comfort in isolation and find solitude enchanting. The place is not for everyone, but for the right person, it is hard to leave.

Las Cruces: Southern Charm and University Energy

In the Mesilla Valley, Las Cruces is a different New Mexico—warmer, more affordable, and home to New Mexico State University. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument offers dramatic hiking and rock climbing east of town. Downtown is alive with a renewed energy: farmers’ markets, breweries, and a growing food scene, with a taste of border influences and farm-fresh produce.

Cost of living is notably below the national average, with solid public schools in the neighborhoods and a housing market that still allows entry for young families and professionals. The pace radiates with purpose but is relaxed. Retirees appreciate the ease of healthcare and golf courses, while the university brings lectures, sports, and youthful vitality.

Las Cruces, this year, strikes many as New Mexico’s most livable balance of amenities, nature, and value.

Rio Rancho: Suburban Comfort with Open Space

Rio Rancho, north of Albuquerque across the Rio Grande, has climbed the rankings as a practical, family-oriented choice. It offers more space, master-planned with wide streets, parks, and newer housing stock, and often lower prices than Albuquerque proper. Close to the Sandia Mountains and endless trails, it is attractive for outdoor enthusiasts. Anchored by Intel and a rising wave of tech-adjacent jobs, the region enjoys a steady economic ballast.

Going to Albuquerque’s cultural offerings of museums, the Balloon Fiesta, and vibrant Old Town takes 20–40 minutes. Families are increasingly drawn to excellent schools and community amenities in many areas. It lacks the historic allure of Santa Fe or Taos. But for those prioritizing affordability, safety, and suburban conveniences with desert sunsets as a backdrop, Rio Rancho delivers.

Los Alamos: Brainy Enclave in the Jemez Mountains

Los Alamos, tucked on the Pajarito Plateau, is a standout—small (around 13,000 residents), exceptionally educated, and surrounded by national laboratory lands and forested wilderness. The legacy of the Manhattan Project lives in museums and street names. Today, however, it is a high-achieving community with top-rated schools, low unemployment linked to scientific work, and outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and winter sports.

Housing is pricier than the state average, reflecting demand from professionals. But the quality of life—quick commutes, community events, and a sense of intellectual curiosity—is unique. Nearby, White Rock offers a slightly more residential feel. Los Alamos is an excellent choice for families or couples seeking excellent public services and mountain air without big-city density.

Choose Your New Mexico

All these places capture a different facet of the state’s promise. Choose: Santa Fe’s elegance, the mysticism of Taos, the accessibility Las Cruces offers, Rio Rancho’s practicality, and Los Alamos’ precision. Common threads of these places include dramatic landscapes that humble daily life, a respect for ancient histories, and a cost of living that, outside Santa Fe, still allows breathing room.

Challenges in these best places, however, persist—drought, pockets of poverty, and uneven infrastructure. But for those drawn to wide skies and unhurried rhythms, New Mexico in 2026 offers homes that feel like discoveries. Across all four seasons, the trails demand courtesy toward wildlife—and reward travelers with light that transforms the way they see.

Thousands Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at Albuquerque’s Freedom Fourth

Ruben Reyes
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Thousands Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at Albuquerque’s Freedom Fourth

Thousands of families gathered at Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday for Albuquerque’s annual Freedom Fourth celebration, marking the nation’s 250th birthday with live music, food vendors and a fireworks display.

The celebration began at 3 p.m., and city officials said about 3,000 people had arrived by 4 p.m., filling parking lots early as attendees settled in for an afternoon and evening of festivities.

Families enjoyed face-painting stations, live entertainment and dozens of food trucks before the night’s fireworks show.

“We’re just basically here to have fun for the Fourth of July,” a group of children attending the event said. “We’re just here to spend time with family, have some fun, maybe get some face paintings.”

Asked what they were looking forward to most, the children answered simply: “The fireworks.”

Others came early to secure a good spot for the evening concert by the funk and soul band WAR.

“I’m excited to see WAR. I’ll probably be up in front of the stage by the time they go up,” said attendee Williams.

Despite the hot afternoon temperatures, many visitors stayed at the park throughout the day in anticipation of the evening performances and fireworks.

For some, it was their first time attending Freedom Fourth.

“It is my first time here. I’m here with my family,” said Lena Gonzales. “I’ve been to the one at the Isotopes, but I thought this would be more fun with the vendors, music and the big field.”

Freedom Fourth has been a city tradition since 2003, drawing between 40,000 and 50,000 attendees annually. City officials expected an even larger crowd this year as the celebration coincided with the nation’s 250th anniversary and the centennial celebration of Route 66.

Organizers said this year’s headlining act, WAR, was selected in part because of the band’s hit song “Low Rider,” a nod to Albuquerque’s well-known lowrider culture. “WAR sings ‘Low Rider,’ and here in Albuquerque, we have a lot of lowriders,” said Bree Ortiz, manager of the City of Albuquerque’s Arts & Culture Department. “To tie those two together in these celebrations is something really special.”

The event concluded Saturday night with its traditional fireworks show, bringing another Freedom Fourth celebration to a close.

Albuquerque Police Fatally Shoot Armed Man After Reported Gunfire Downtown

Ruben Reyes
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Albuquerque Police Fatally Shoot Armed Man After Reported Gunfire Downtown

Personnel of the Albuquerque police fatally shot a 41-year-old man late Saturday after hearing gunfire and running toward the scene in Downtown Albuquerque, authorities said.

The Albuquerque Police Department identified the man as Stephen Griego. Emergency responders brought him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

According to police, witnesses said Griego confronted another man near Central Avenue and Third Street shortly before the shooting. Videos circulating on social media appear to show moments leading up to the confrontation. Griego, who had gained a following on TikTok for live-streaming nightlife in Albuquerque, was seen standing on a scooter before an argument escalated into violence.

Videos capture confrontation

One video shows Griego on a scooter as another man approaches and pushes him. The person recording asks Griego whether he can perform tricks on the scooter. Griego shakes his head and gestures toward a group of people, warning the person filming to “watch out” for them.

Another man then asks who Griego is referring to. After Griego clarifies that he is referring to the person holding the camera, the man appears to slap and push him. Griego then runs to the opposite side of a barricade.

A separate video appears to show two men approaching Griego before he fires a handgun toward one of them. Seconds later, additional gunshots are heard as the person recording flees from the scene.

Officers respond to gunfire

APD Chief Cecily Barker said additional officers were patrolling Downtown that night as part of the department’s Downtown Tactical Plan.

“They heard a shot fired in the area of 3rd and Central. When they responded to that area, they saw two individuals who seemed to be in some type of altercation. One of those individuals was believed to be armed,” Barker said.

Police said several officers heard a gunshot at approximately 11:53 p.m. and ran in that direction. Four officers then fired their weapons at Griego. Officers took Griego into custody and began providing first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.

APD spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said investigators are still investigating whether Griego or a police officer shot the other man involved in the confrontation. Hospital officials said the man’s injuries are not life-threatening.

Multiple investigations underway

The shooting incident was Albuquerque’s seventh officer-involved shooting of the year. It was the fifth that resulted in a fatality, according to APD.

The Multi-Agency Task Force will probe the shooting over the coming months. Detectives will interview additional witnesses, complete forensic testing, and submit their findings to the District Attorney’s Office to determine if any criminal charges are warranted.

Separately, APD’s Internal Affairs Force Division will review whether the officers complied with department rules of engagement. The city’s Superintendent of Police Reform will make any disciplinary decisions, while APD’s Force Review Board will examine the incident for possible policy or training recommendations.

Jaw-Dropping Northern Lights Explode Over New Mexico on the Fourth of July — A Rare Red, Green, Purple Sky

Juan Oliveros
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Jaw-Dropping Northern Lights Explode Over New Mexico on the Fourth of July — A Rare Red, Green, Purple Sky

The northern lights made an unusual appearance Friday night across New Mexico and much of the Southwest, treating skywatchers to a rare Independence Day display triggered by intense solar activity.

A series of powerful solar eruptions released multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) toward Earth, igniting a strong geomagnetic storm that pushed the aurora borealis unusually far south. The charged particles interacted with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the rare celestial show visible in parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and other Southwestern states.

Residents in rural areas, away from city lights, reported vivid greens, purples, and reds dancing across the night sky, often posting photos and videos on social media. The event surprised skywatchers in the far south as the northern lights rarely appear in the region.

Space weather forecasters tracked the incoming CMEs. Moderate to briefly strong geomagnetic storm conditions were observed overnight. Forecasters at NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said conditions are expected to continue through July 5. But the intensity of the storm exceeded initial projections, allowing the aurora to reach latitudes typically too low for such displays.

Similar outbursts in recent years have occasionally brought the lights into the northern United States. But the appearance of this far south is not common.

The timing of the display of the northern lights added a patriotic flair for many observers celebrating the holiday.

Scientists observe that auroras occur when solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing them to glow. Strong geomagnetic storms, on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), can widen the visibility zone dramatically.

No immediate reports of disruptions to power grids or communications are available, though such storms can occasionally disturb satellite operations and high-latitude infrastructure. The celestial display slowly faded in the early morning hours as the geomagnetic conditions eased.

They Thought They Scored an Easy Car Theft. It Was an Albuquerque Police ‘Bait Car.’

Ruben Reyes
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They Thought They Scored an Easy Car Theft. It Was an Albuquerque Police ‘Bait Car.’

A couple accused of stealing a vehicle in northeast Albuquerque instead drove off in an Albuquerque Police Department bait car, which investigators claim recorded them as they searched for more vehicles to burglarize before officers arrested them.

Police identified the suspects as Adrian Prevatt, 29, and Kaylyn Reynolds, 26.

According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the couple allegedly stole the vehicle from the parking lot of an apartment complex on Lomas Boulevard NE at about 4:45 a.m. June 29. APD officers, however, used a bait car equipped with hidden audio and video devices to monitor the vehicle’s movements.

Investigators allege Prevatt and Reynolds drove through parts of northeast Albuquerque looking for unlocked vehicles.

Video released by APD appears to show the pair rummaging through backpacks and discovering cash, gold, silver, and firearms, according to police.

The footage also allegedly captured the pair discussing what to do with the bait car and the items they had taken. Police said they eventually drove the vehicle to an apartment complex on Utah Street NE, where they planned to abandon it.

Officers moved in and arrested both suspects without incident, using police K-9 units as they took them into custody.

Prevatt and Reynolds each face charges including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, burglary of a vehicle and receiving stolen property, along with additional offenses.

A judge later ordered both released on their own recognizance Thursday while they await future court appearances. The charges against them have not been adjudicated, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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