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Albuquerque Students Lead ‘Words Matter’ Campaign to Change the Power of Language

Gregg Morgan
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Albuquerque Students Lead ‘Words Matter’ Campaign to Change the Power of Language

Words carry power. They can inspire others, create a sense of belonging, and offer comfort. But they can also cause pain that lingers long after the moment has passed. 

That message drives the Words Matter campaign. The initiative is led by Albuquerque Public Schools’ Office of Equity and Engagement. As the campaign grows, one thing remains clear. Students themselves have the most important voices in this conversation. 

Last year, two middle schools and six high schools joined Words Matter. Students created presentations, posters, buttons and stickers, encouraging peers to consider the impact of words.

Taylor Middle School learners participated in the campaign to help foster a more supportive school community.

“I want to change the environment of the school,” said seventh grader Alex.

Others view the campaign as a deeply personal effort. 

Giselle, a seventh grader, drew inspiration from her cousin’s mental health struggles to create something that could help others. 

Eighth grader Izel said others had directed negative language at her and her peers. She wanted people to understand how those words can make someone feel.

Student Feedback Guides the Campaigns Future

Students also shared honest feedback about the campaign’s impact. Some noticed greater kindness and awareness, while others said the campaign still had room to grow.

APS said the feedback is helping shape the initiative’s next steps.

Students suggested exploring how words affect people and finding more ways to help people feel better about themselves. They also called for more efforts to address bullying and opportunities for work with school leaders.

“Since we just scratched the surface, I think we should go further down the iceberg about talking more about what it could do to a person, depending on what you say!” said Olivier, a sixth grader.

The Office of Equity and Engagement hopes to build on student perspectives as Words Matter continues to evolve. The campaign goes beyond telling students which words to use. It creates opportunities for students to lead conversations about kindness, identity, belonging, and mental health. It also gives them a voice in the school culture they want to build. 

New Mexico Families Staggered by $220-Plus Power Bills Amid Brutal Heatwave and PNM Shortages of Meter Readers

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Families Staggered by $220-Plus Power Bills Amid Brutal Heatwave and PNM Shortages of Meter Readers

Across New Mexico, families are being hit with staggering electricity bills of $220, $700 — and in some instances more than $1,000 — as the brutal heatwave collides with a shortage of meter readers at Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM).

The eye-watering power bill is another unwelcome shock for households battling the soaring temperatures. From Albuquerque’s South Valley to southern New Mexico, consumers say their bills have doubled or even climbed many times higher than what they were paying previously.

And amid the punishing temperature, many families say they have no choice but to switch on their air conditioners. “It’s $220. It was last month,” South Valley resident Penelope Aley told local reporters. “So probably the same or more this next month. But we’re not managing it because we’ve got to keep cool.”

The financial trouble is severe for many families who rely on refrigerated air conditioning instead of evaporative coolers.

One father said his children’s homes, equipped with refrigerated air cooling systems, are seeing their bills doubled.

Behind the soaring bills

PNM acknowledges that consumers are having higher bills this summer. But the utility company says that a combination of extraordinary heat and a temporary shortage of meter readers driven the spike.

The staffing problem, according to PNM, has forced them to bill consumers based on estimated readings in some areas and has delayed actual meter readings in others.

That created a particularly nasty surprise. A consumer may receive an estimated bill based on historical usage, and receive later a higher bill based on actual meter reading.

In some cases, the delayed meter reading covers more than one month of electricity consumption, giving the impression to consumers that their usage has suddenly gone high.

PNM spokesperson Eric Chavez said the utility is working to eliminate the backlog. “We’re doing everything that we can to fill those shortages so that we can get back on track and make sure that these meter reading delays come to an end,” he said.

He explained that a bill could, for example, cover electricity used from the middle of one month through the end of the following month. The reading produced a larger than usual total.

Some bills have topped $1,000

Temporary staffing shortages forced PNM to use estimated and multi-month bills for June and July, particularly in Alamogordo, Tularosa and Ruidoso. Residents in these communities have complained of soaring bills as high as $700 to $1,000.

The utility says that once those routes have since been fully staffed and that customers facing unusually large bills can seek payment arrangements and help through programs such as the Good Neighbor Fund.

But the impact can be overwhelming for families already living on tight budgets. A four-figure electricity bill, for some families, can mean choosing between keeping the lights and air conditioning on or paying for groceries, rent, medication and other essentials.

New Mexico’s power grid is feeling the heat

Meanwhile, the weather itself has placed enormous pressure on the state’s electricity system. The state’s power grid reached an all-time peak load of 2,264 megawatts recently, which is about 6 percent higher than the previous record set during a heatwave three years ago.

The physics behind is simple: when temperatures climb, air conditioners run longer and harder. That results in a surge in demand.

PNM and its parent company, TXNM Energy, warned customers in areas including far Northeast Albuquerque that a surge in demand could put equipment under stress. It urged customers to voluntarily reduce electricity use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when the demand is particularly high.

The bill-buster

Air conditioners are obviously the culprit behind much of the summer pain. During hottest months, cooling can increase by half or even higher of a household’s electricity consumption. And the higher the electricity usage of a household, the higher the bill under PNM’s tiered summer rate structure.

The first 450 kilowatt-hours are billed at one rate. But once the customers hit beyond that threshold and rises again after 900 kWh, the price increases.

Recent rate adjustments approved by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission — the first phase taking effect in July 2025 and the second in April 2026 — have also increased base charges. PNM, however, said that the startling summer bills being reported are primarily the result of extreme temperatures and increased electricity consumption, rather than rate increases alone.

Taking their complaints online

Customers do not take the matter sitting down. They bring their plaints to social media and online forums. Some residents posted images of bills that they claim are unreasonably higher.

But PNM maintains that they billed customers only of what were actually consumed. The utility explains that once the actual meter reading is unavailable, the bills are calculated using historical information to estimate a customer’s average daily usage.

Customers who received an estimated bill can submit their actual meter reading to PNM for review.

The utility also offers payment arrangements to customers who suddenly received an unusually large bill.

Stay cool or save money

Thousands of New Mexico households can either choose to stay cool or save their money. As temperatures rise into dangerous levels this summer, air conditioning has become a necessity for households with elderly residents, young children and people particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. But it comes at a punishing price. 

The utility says it is aggressive in their hiring and training for additional meter readers to restore normal reading schedules and prevent delays. Until that happens, customers bear the brunt of scorching temperatures, soaring electricity demand, and operational concerns inside the utility.

New Mexico’s unusual summer heat is not only making people sweat. It’s making them sweat over how to pay the bill while staying cool.

UNM Warns Students Against Joining Unrecognized Greek Organizations as New School Year Begins

Ruben Reyes
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The University of New Mexico warns students about unrecognized fraternities that are still recruiting, even after one group was suspended for allegedly hazing new members.

UNM no longer recognizes Sigma Chi as an official student group because it broke school rules. But since their house is on private property, they can still recruit and house students, and they remain connected to the national Sigma Chi organization.

Monday marks the start of the new school year at UNM, which is usually a busy time for Greek Life to recruit new members. However, the Beta Xi chapter of Sigma Chi was suspended in April. Because of this, they can’t take part in official UNM events like Greek Week, community service days, or on-campus recruitment.

Distribution of Alcohol Led To Suspension

According to an incident report from September 27, 2025, the chapter worked with the Women’s Resource Center and the Arcoíris Center to hold a stay-sober event before a UNM football game. At the event, new members wore high-visibility vests and were asked to hand out alcohol and help with cleanup.

At the same time, some current members wrote and drew sexually explicit and gender-insensitive statements on the new members’ bodies and vests.

The investigation began on October 27, 2025, and lasted nearly four months, ending on February 12, 2026. During the investigation, UNM found that the chapter broke the university’s anti-hazing policy, the student code of conduct, and other rules. These included illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances, breaking posted university rules, and not following previous disciplinary sanctions.

The university decided to suspend the group for two years. Before they can return, they must complete certain requirements. If they come back, they will have a year of disciplinary probation, undergo operational restrictions, and need to complete an alcohol skills training program, a hazing prevention workshop, and other steps.

One UNM student said that while some initiation traditions can be fun, there needs to be a clear line to prevent hazing. They do not agree with any tradition that puts lives at risk, breaks the law, or harms someone’s body or mental health. They believe it is easy for hazing to go too far, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved.

The Fraternity’s House Is Not Under UNM’s Control

The Sigma Chi group can do things on their own because their house is on private property. They are still part of Sigma Chi, so their connection with the national organization remains ongoing.

The Sigma Chi – University of New Mexico house that sits on a private property outside the university’s jurisdiction (Photo from: Sigma Chi – University of New Mexico’s Facebook page)

Still, UNM Greek Life is warning students not to join fraternities that are not officially recognized. They say these groups do not follow the same standards as recognized Greek organizations and urge students to put their safety first if they are thinking about joining.

Some students still want to join a fraternity. They find it appealing to be part of Greek life, and previous incidents do not change their desire to join as long as they feel safe.

The exchange of safety between Beta Xia and the university

The Sigma Chi – Beta Xi chapter released a statement about the situation. They say they are still active and focused on the future, and they respect the university’s authority over campus recognition.

However, they disagree with the idea that their chapter is unsafe. They say the incident involved language that did not meet their standards, but there were no claims of physical harm, hazing, sexual misconduct, or threats to anyone’s safety.

Now, the fraternity says it has implemented a new plan focused on accountability, education, engagement with alumni, and observance of community standards.o released a statement in response to the fraternity’s statement.

UNM maintains a zero-tolerance policy for hazing and commits to keeping all students safe. The university suspended the fraternity after an investigation found that it had violated the anti-hazing policy.

After the disciplinary action, the organization decided to separate from the university and keep operating on its own. As a result, UNM no longer recognizes it as a student group. Even if the organization is no longer affiliated with UNM, the individual students remain subject to the Student Code of Conduct and all applicable university policies.

FACT-CHECKED: No-Cost Universal Child Care Program, What Families Need to Know

Gregg Morgan
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FACT-CHECKED: No-Cost Universal Child Care Program, What Families Need to Know

Almost a year after New Mexico launched its no-cost universal child care program, residents continue to debate its implementation. In a recent social media post of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, discussions emerged about the initiative’s legitimacy. Some citizens questioned whether child care in the state can truly be “free.” 

With the new school year, Lujan Grisham assured parents that they have the support they need to help their children learn, grow, and thrive.

The governor posted:

“For the first time, every New Mexico child up to age 13 is eligible for no-cost child care, including the before- and after-school care families rely on. That can save families an average of $13,000 per child, per year.

This is about more than saving money. It’s about giving parents the freedom to work if they choose, giving kids the support they deserve and strengthening our workforce and economy. New Mexico is showing the country what’s possible when we invest in families.”

While some citizens expressed gratitude for the state’s intervention, others expressed doubts about this direction. They argued that the program does not benefit every child and that not every family receives free child care support. Some also claim that the state still enforces income restrictions, limiting the number of beneficiaries. Others said personal income taxes fund the program.

Our team conducted research to verify the facts and debunk misinformation about New Mexico’s no-cost universal child care program.

QUESTION #1: Has the no-cost universal child care program been implemented for many years?

TRUE: New Mexico launched the no-cost universal child care program on November 1, 2025. Lujan Grisham signed universal child care into law on March 10, 2026. 

FALSE: The no-cost universal child care program has been running for years. 

QUESTION #2: Did New Mexico follow other states in implementing the no-cost universal child care program?

TRUE: New Mexico is the first state in the nation to guarantee no-cost child care. The program sets young children up for success and helps make life more affordable for families. 

FALSE: Other states have started no-cost universal child care programs.

QUESTION #3: Is universal child care free? 

TRUE: Universal child care means every family in New Mexico will have access to free, licensed childcare. This includes care for infants and toddlers, preschool, and before- or after-school programs. 

The state pays providers directly rather than requiring families to handle fees, creating a simpler and more predictable system.

FALSE: New Mexico’s universal child care requires families to pay for services.

QUESTION #4: Are there income restrictions for the no-cost universal child care program?

TRUE: Families at any income level can apply. The initiative makes child care available to all New Mexicans, regardless of income. It removes income eligibility requirements from the state’s child care assistance program and continues to waive family copayments. 

Universal child care could save families an average of $12,000 per child each year. The state will need to license and register about 5,000 more providers to meet the demand for child care. Recruitment efforts are already underway.

FALSE: High-income families are not eligible for the no-cost universal child care program.

QUESTION #5: Are 15-year-olds accepted for the universal child care program?

TRUE: New Mexico’s universal child care program covers children up to age 13. Families with children under age 13 can access no-cost child care if their parents work, attend school, or search for jobs. The program covers licensed or registered child care. The constitutional amendment funds the program, and it won’t raise taxes.

FALSE: Families with children up to 15 years of age qualify for the universal child care program.

QUESTION #6: Does New Mexico use personal income taxes to fund the no-cost universal child care program?

TRUE: The Early Childhood Trust Fund, Land Grant Permanent Fund, and surplus oil and gas revenue keep the program running. 

New Mexico maintains substantial permanent funds capitalized by taxes and royalties on oil and gas production. Permanent funds are endowments that invest in financial assets. They pay out investment earnings without drawing down the principal. As a result, the fund balances will grow over time even without continued inflows.The funds will continue to grow as long as distributions remain below inflows and capital gains. 

In March, Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 241, the Universal Child Care bill, into law. The measure establishes the statutory foundation for universal child care in the state. It allows the legislature to appropriate up to $700 million from the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund between 2026 and 2031, provided the fund remains above $10 billion. 

FALSE: Residents’ income taxes are used to fund the no-cost universal child care program.

QUESTION #7: Did New Mexico allocate additional funding for child care providers? 

TRUE: New Mexico has currently set aside $60 million for increased wages for the state’s child care workforce.  

The Lujan Grisham administration and the New Mexico Legislature have invested in improving wages and benefits for child care professionals. These investments led to the nation’s steepest increase in child care wages and a 64% increase in the number of child care professionals.

FALSE: Child care professionals will not receive higher wages and additional benefits under the no-cost universal child care program.

QUESTION #8: How will child care providers receive reimbursement? 

TRUE: The state will reimburse child care providers directly. Those that pay staff at least $18 an hour and remain open full days will qualify for higher reimbursement rates. The state also offers grants and low-interest loans to help providers expand facilities, especially in areas with limited childcare.

FALSE: Child care providers will need to negotiate with the state before receiving direct reimbursement.

Families no longer have to prove financial hardship or meet complex income guidelines. However, they still must meet basic requirements to qualify for universal child care. They must:

  • live in New Mexico;
  • have children who reside in the state, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status (state funds cover children who do not qualify federally);
  • use a licensed or registered child care program; and
  • provide proof of residency, identification, and basic documentation for their children.

Under the new rules, families can choose their providers and continue using providers they already know and trust. The universal child care program includes:

  • child care centers;
  • home-based child care providers;
  • before- and after-school programs; and
  • summer programs.

New Mexico’s Brutal Summer Heat Is Turning Deadly as Record 900 Heat-Related ER Visits Are Reported

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico’s Brutal Summer Heat Is Turning Deadly as Record 900 Heat-Related ER Visits Are Reported

Extreme heat has baked New Mexico, prompting health officials to warn that the unrelenting heat is no longer simply uncomfortable — it could even lead to death.

Temperatures have repeatedly climbed to triple digits in communities across the state. 

Albuquerque and Farmington have repeated bouts of extreme heat, with temperatures climbing above 100°F (38°C). Some communities have also experienced higher temperatures in the evening.

Health officials said more than 900 heat-related visits have already been reported since April, surpassing the record for the same period. Of this number, six people have died. 

Officials said the toll on health may even rise further, describing this grim picture as a serious threat to public health.

They warned that heat-related illness can be particularly dangerous to children, adults aged 65 and older, outdoor workers, and people with pre-existing health conditions. 

A disturbing trend

The alarming figures did not appear out of nowhere. As summers get hotter and periods of extreme heat become more persistent, the state has seen an uptick in heat-related illness.

In 2023, the state reported more than 900 heat-related emergency visits between April and September. This figure was more than twice the number recorded in 2019.

Health officials said the state has already had more than 900 emergency cases so far. They are particularly alarmed by the acceleration, fearing that extreme heat is becoming an increasingly serious and persistent threat, not just an occasional summer hazard.

The danger is the duration of heat rather than the temperature on the mercury.

The frequency of extreme heat and the lack of overnight relief for the human body to recover can leave vulnerable people exposed.

Officials advised residents to seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible. Cooling centers have opened in several communities, particularly in areas facing extreme heat.

But not everyone can escape from the heat. 

Outdoor workers have to brace for danger because they have to work. Some older residents may not have access to cooling centers. Families already struggling with expenses may have to choose between running an air conditioner and paying other bills.

Extreme temperatures have always been part of the life of New Mexicans. But the recent numbers indicate that the idea that residents can simply “handle the heat” no longer holds.

The statistics don’t lie. Nearly 1,000 emergency cases since April. Six people died, and the summer is not yet over.

Those numbers mean the heat doesn’t just make life in New Mexico miserable. It is also sending people to emergency rooms and claiming lives.

Albuquerque Braces for Another 101F Scorcher as Summer Heat Refuses to Let Up While Night Storms Loom

Juan Oliveros
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Albuquerque Braces for Another 101F Scorcher as Summer Heat Refuses to Let Up While Night Storms Loom

Albuquerque will experience scorching summer heat as temperatures are expected to soar to a sweltering 101F on Wednesday, with little sign of easing.

Sunshine will dominate Duke City’s skies, bringing another scorching heat that could pose a serious health risk to particularly vulnerable residents.

Winds will be of little help. They will calm before shifting to a gentle westerly breeze of around 5mph, not enough to take the edge off temperatures pushing beyond triple digits.

In its discussion for Wednesday, the National Weather Service expects a “sunny and hot” day, forecasting temperatures reaching 101F.

The temperatures are several degrees above the mid-August average. 

The agency urged residents to stay hydrated and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces during the hottest part of the afternoon. Parents are advised to keep children out of the heat where possible.

But the heat may give way to a stormy evening. Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will develop before midnight, with a 30 percent chance of rain. There will be a slight chance of additional rain showers afterward as skies turn partly cloudy.

Temperatures will remain warm overnight, dipping to around 69F and the winds will shift from west to east.

The storms will not be widespread, according to NWS, but some areas could see brief bursts of heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.

Temperatures will remain near or above 100°F for much of the rest of the week, leaving Albuquerque residents to face several more scorching days.

[UPDATED: 08/18/2026] 13-Year-Old Who Fled Albuquerque Psychiatric Center Found Saturday – Questions Remain Over Delayed Brittany Alert 

Gregg Morgan
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[UPDATED: 08/18/2026] 13-Year-Old Who Fled Albuquerque Psychiatric Center Found Saturday – Questions Remain Over Delayed Brittany Alert 

A 13-year-old boy in state custody went missing after he allegedly ran from University of New Mexico’s child psychiatric center. 

The Children, Youth and Families Department confirmed the information Friday afternoon and identified the missing child as Andy Carrasco.

CYFD said New Mexico State Police took Carrasco from a treatment center on July 17. Police transported him to UNM’s Psychiatric Center because he needed acute care.

CYFD said Carrasco left the facility during an internal transfer on August 11 and jumped a fence. 

The department told KOB 4 that it notified UNM police, state police, and Roswell police about Carrasco’s disappearance on Tuesday. However, state police said they did not learn he was missing until Friday morning, when UNM police informed them.

“On July 17, New Mexico State Police transported him from a treatment center to UNM Children’s Psychiatric Center due to acute care needs. On August 11, during an internal transfer at the Center, he fled after jumping over a fence,” CYFD’s full statement read.  

“CYFD was notified at 1 p.m. that day that he had fled at 11 a.m. Law enforcement—including New Mexico State Police, Roswell police, and university police—were notified that day and the next, along with the missing child hotline and Statewide Central Intake.”

Maralyn Beck, founder of New Mexico Child First Network, said she has been a foster mom to multiple teens. She said minors stayed at the children’s psychiatric center before the new facility opened in June.

“When you are inpatient at Children’s Psychiatric. There are double doors in, like you are badged in, you are badged through, you are signed in, you are checked out, you are signed out and checked in. They do actually have a lot of security measures,” Beck said. 

“Now that being said, if this took place on a playground outside and the the kid absconded over a multi 10 foot wall, I don’t know how you prevent that. But I think someone should be asking if it’s happened once, it’s going to happen again,” she added. 

She said children running away while in CYFD custody pose a bigger concern. From the beginning of April through the end of June, the department reported 56 children as runaways.

Beck said she worries that a 13-year-old in a behavioral health crisis has spent two days sleeping on Albuquerque’s streets.

The Britney Alert from state police said Carrasco was wearing a brown shirt and blue scrubs. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 911 or contact UNM police.

Update As Of August 18, 2026: Missing Boy Found

Authorities confirmed that police found the 13-year-old boy, who ran from a psychiatric center Tuesday, on Saturday. Officials issued a Brittany Alert for him a day before officers found him. 

Albuquerque police officers located him near Central Avenue and Virginia Street while responding to a call for service.

Now, questions remain about why authorities did not issue the alert on the same day he went missing. At around 2 p.m. Tuesday, the boy climbed over a fence at the University of New Mexico Children’s Psychiatric Center. 

The lead agency in the search, UNM Police, said officers immediately began looking for him. A spokesperson said UNMH initially did not provide officers enough information about the boy’s mental condition to trigger a Brittany Alert.

That information came Friday after the Children, Youth and Families Department called. The department gave enough information to request the alert.

Brittany Alerts require authorities to establish that a missing person has a developmental disability. 

Concerns Raised Over Alert Delay

Former state Sen. Jacob Candelaria, who created the alert, questioned why it took so long to issue it.

“What more information did they need, it seems pretty clear from the moment UNMPD became aware of this young man going missing, that he was on a psychiatric hold,” Candelaria said.

Candelaria said he worries UNMPD may have hesitated too much to request the alert.

“Certainly, the law gives law enforcement agencies a significant amount of discretion, of when to trigger this alert, this particular case though, gives voice to some concerns I had even back then about the law, about whether or not there was too much discretion and too much delay built into 

the system that would undermine its effectiveness,” he said.

Authorities Explain Their Response

UNMPD said it alerted the Albuquerque Police Department less than an hour into the search Tuesday to be on the lookout. Police also entered his information into the National Crime Information Center and contacted the New Mexico Missing Persons Clearinghouse.

Source learned this was the second time the boy escaped from UNMH the previous week. He also escaped from a separate building in April, UNMPD and APD quickly found him.

CYFD officials said they learned the boy was missing more than an hour after he ran away. A spokesperson said the agency contacted UNMPD and APD that day. They first reached out to New Mexico State Police on Wednesday.

The boy is now staying at a secure facility under CYFD custody.

Source asked UNMPD whether it was reviewing the case. 

“As part of our commitment to accountability and continuous improvement, we routinely review significant incidents and our response to them. Any review will focus on ensuring our actions were consistent with department policy, training, and applicable law,” a spokesperson responded.

Brant.One will continue updating this article as more information becomes available, helping readers stay informed about the latest developments.

Human Remains Found in Arizona Desert Are Not Linked to Nancy Guthrie Case, Pima County Sheriff’s Department Says

Juan Oliveros
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Human Remains Found in Arizona Desert Are Not Linked to Nancy Guthrie Case, Pima County Sheriff’s Department Says

Authorities said the human remains found in a remote desert outside Tucson were not connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as the high-profile search for Today host Savannah Guthrie’s mother continues.

The remains were found near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard on Sunday, August 17. Investigators immediately ruled out any connection to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother.

In a post on X, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said there was “no indication they are connected to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.”

Authorities theorized the remains seemed to have been at the site for a longer period of time. They believed the remains may have been in the location even before the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

On Monday, the spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department, Angelica Carillo, said there is no additional information on the case.

The discovery happens as the investigation into Guthrie’s case enters its seventh month. 

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at her home in the neighborhood of Catalina Foothills north of Tucson. Her disappearance has remained a mystery. Previously, the disappearance was considered by authorities investigating the case to be a kidnapping.

A ransom note was released by the Sheriff’s Department in July, believed to be connected to the abduction. The note claimed that Guthrie had died.

Guthrie’s whereabouts are still unknown. No one has been held responsible for her disappearance.

Upon its discovery, the unidentified human remains in the Arizona desert could naturally raise fears that investigators had found a grim answer to Nancy Guthrie’s case.

Authorities are investigating the remains separately while the search for the missing mother continues.

Pentagon UFO Hunter Who Claims He Saw Alien Craft and ‘Non-Human Beings’ to Reveal 80-Year Government Cover-Up

Juan Oliveros
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Pentagon UFO Hunter Who Claims He Saw Alien Craft and ‘Non-Human Beings’ to Reveal 80-Year Government Cover-Up

He spent years inside the Pentagon, working behind walls of classification. Now, with his upcoming memoir, this former defense official will lay bare his claims of an 80-year government cover‑up about the existence of non-human intelligent life.

Jay Stratton, the former director of the Pentagon’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) Task Force, appeared in the documentary The Age of Disclosure, where he claimed he saw with his own eyes “non-human craft and non-human beings.”

He will go further in his upcoming book, Out of the Shadows: Revealing the Truth About Non-Human Intelligent Life.

HarperCollins says the book will describe Stratton’s extraordinary discovery of what he believes is an 80-year cover-up surrounding the alleged existence of non-human intelligent life. It will also detail his battle with officials who he alleges wanted to keep the information under wraps.

His work in the Pentagon involved investigating unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), and he claimed to have encountered evidence that changed his understanding of humanity’s place in the universe.

Powerful “gatekeepers” concealed information not only from the American public, but also from Congress and even US presidents, Stratton alleges.

Stratton is not a conspiracy theorist. He spent many years working inside the U.S. national security establishment, serving as the first director of the Pentagon’s UAP Task Force. His civilian position was equivalent to a two-star general, making him among the U.S. senior officials in America’s intelligence and defense apparatus. He resigned from government service in 2022.

His interest in the phenomenon heightened after mysterious objects were detected near U.S. military and nuclear facilities. The investigation, however, came at a considerable personal cost.

The publisher says the former Pentagon official’s experiences included encounters that “profoundly altered his understanding of humanity’s place in the universe.“ These encounters allegedly took a toll on him and his family.

His claims come as UFOs,  referred to by the government as UAPs, have moved recently into the political and national-security arena. Previously dismissed as science fiction or speculation, unexplained objects are now the subject of military investigations, congressional hearings, and the release of previously classified material.

Trump issued the directive on February 26, ordering federal agencies to begin unboxing evidence related to UAPs and alleged non-human beings.

Stratton hinted that his involvement with the subject is not yet over. He is reportedly collaborating with the White House, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Defense to obtain classified material that he hopes to eventually make public.

Without hard evidence, the memoir will remain a set of allegations about extraterrestrial life.

Even before the book hit the shelves, Hollywood had already expressed interest. Dan Farah, director and producer of The Age of Disclosure, has already secured the television and film rights to Stratton’s memoir.

HarperCollins will publish the memoir on October 13.

Native Artists’ Prized Artwork Stolen at Santa Fe Indian Market, With Some Pieces Worth Thousands and Taking More Than 30 Hours to Create

Gregg Morgan
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Native Artists’ Prized Artwork Stolen at Santa Fe Indian Market, With Some Pieces Worth Thousands and Taking More Than 30 Hours to Create

The 104th Santa Fe Indian Market over the weekend gave nearly 1,000 Native artists another chance to showcase their craft. Thousands of visitors flocked to the area to discover unique pieces, giving creators an opportunity to benefit from the crowds. However, two artists experienced a different story.

The two said thieves stole artwork and pieces that took considerable time to create. They said the stolen items held significant monetary and cultural value.

Garrett Etsitty traveled from Denver to Santa Fe for the market. He won a first-place ribbon over the weekend but said the recognition quickly turned into a loss.

“I went to an auction committee and donated the piece. When I came back around, like 11, my vehicle was broken into,” Etsitty said via KOB 4. “I had a lot of merchandise stolen, like bandanas, original pretty much like two feet by three feet, along with some art cards that were unreleased.”

Etsitty said thieves stole some originals worth thousands. He said creating some of the pieces can take more than 30 hours.

“Took all the hard work and time frame, like, effort to really put into these pieces. To have that out of my possession, it kind of broke my heart as an artist just to know our time and what we do to create these pieces,” Etsitty said. He added his art supports him and his son.

Another Artist Reports Stolen Work

Tracy Tohannie said someone also stole his artwork during the weekend. He said he left the pieces inside his booth overnight after he was told security would monitor the area.

“I went to look for my small paintings and I couldn’t find them. I was like, hey, they took my small pieces, too. So all together, there’s like eight or nine pieces,” Tohannie said. “I was told there’s security throughout the night that check the booth, go through around all night. So I kind of put my faith in that.”

Tohannie reported the theft to police and estimated his losses between $800 to $900.

“I kind of feel violated,” he said. “They’re kind of personal to me. As artists, we spend a lot of time creating and we spend a lot of time traveling after shows and we spend a lot of money on lodging, food, gas, all that.”

Both artists hope their experiences will raise awareness about protecting artists and their work at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Santa Fe police said they continue to investigate both cases. 

What Is The Santa Fe Indian Market?

The Santa Fe Indian Market, now in its 104th year. This year, the market ran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Santa Fe Plaza. Visitors shopped for jewelry, pottery, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and other original artwork directly from the artists. 

The market also offered live performances, food vendors, cultural demonstrations, and family programming. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts organized the event. 

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