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Why an Albuquerque Business Is Raising Money for Students Ahead of the New School Year

Gregg Morgan
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Why an Albuquerque Business Is Raising Money for Students Ahead of the New School Year

An Albuquerque establishment is stepping up to help children in need prepare for the new school year. Urban Rez Kitchen is raising money to provide 400 backpacks and school supplies. The effort aims to support families as they cope with back-to-school costs.

Urban Rez Kitchen owner Tyrone Arkie launched the fundraiser with Americans for Native Opportunity and the Native Leadership Collective. Together, they hope to equip hundreds of students with school materials before the 2026-2027 school year begins. 

Arkie said he grew up with siblings and understands how quickly school supply costs can add up. He added that, as a father of two, he now spends more than $100 on the basics alone. 

Arkie invited students and their families to attend the backpack drive and receive essential school supplies. The event will start at 9 a.m. on August 1 at Veterans Memorial in Louisiana, KOB 4 reported.

“When they come to the event, Aug. 1, they can get whatever they need, just like my kids. They need what they need,” Arkie said.

Urban Rez Kitchen can be found at the Rail Yards Market and Differential Brewing on Sundays. The group will also be at Summerfest and the Grants Pow-wow July 24.

Community Resource Fair

Meanwhile, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School is hosting its annual Community Resource Fair on July 25. The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Atrisco Heritage Family Center. It will bring together families, community organizations, and local partners to connect the participants with resources and services that support student success throughout the school year. 

Attendees can visit booths hosted by local organizations, learn about available services, and receive school supplies while they last. 

The Family Center is also seeking school supply donations to help meet the growing needs of the South Valley community. Over the past several years, the event has distributed over 500 school supply bags to local families. 

The Family Center is accepting donations until July 21. Donors can contribute backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, binders, crayons, glue sticks, scissors, tissues and other classroom essentials. 

Organizations interested in participating or donating school supplies can register through the Community Resource Fair registration form. They can contact the Atrisco Heritage Family Center at 505-243-1458 ext. 60168 or [email protected] for more information. 

“Love Island USA” Season 8 Unveils Winning Couple. Were They Your Favorites?

Gregg Morgan
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“Love Island USA” Season 8 Unveils Winning Couple. Were They Your Favorites?

A new couple has once again demonstrated that love can blossom even on an island. Fans of Peacock’s “Love Island USA” season eight experienced a journey filled with highs and lows, love and heartbreak. On Sunday night, July 12, they tuned in to see the show crown its winners as the season concluded.  

Viewer votes declared Bryce Dettloff and Trinity Tatum as the season’s winners. The couple won and shared the $100,000 grand prize. Aniya Harvey and Carl Schmidt finished as runners-up. Melanie Moreno and Sincere Rhea placed third, while Kayda Bosse and Zach Georgiou finished fourth.

Ahead of the finale, fans had four hours on Friday, July 10, to vote for their favorite couple among the final four. At the end of the nearly two-hour finale, host Ariana Madix announced the winning pair. She revealed that Trinity and Bryce had captured America’s heart and received the most viewer votes.

Bryce and Trinity were emotional and overjoyed after the announcement. “I feel like I’m in a dream right now. I’m walking up here, I’m like, ‘Is this… real?’” Bryce said. 

Trinity added, “I’m just so overwhelmed. I never would have expected in a million years I would be in this position right now.” 

The pair also declared their love for each other. “I’m just so grateful to be with you. Like, I do love you so much, and every day feels so special to you, and I can’t wait for life outside of this,” Bryce told Trinity. 

Trinity, emotional and crying, said “I’m just really glad I got to meet Bryce.”“You have won, as a couple, $100,000,” Ariana told the pair as she congratulated them on winning the season. 

How the Winning Couple’s Finale Date Unfolded

TODAY reported that each of the final four couples went on a romantic date during the finale. They then delivered their final speeches. This is a “Love Island USA” tradition in which Islanders formally state their intentions and plans for life outside the villa.

Bryce and Trinity shared an intimate and romantic dinner during their date.

“I wasn’t expecting to be leaving with a boyfriend,” Trinity said. She added that she “genuinely” feels like she can be herself around Bryce.

Bryce said family day had “sealed things” for them before telling Trinity, “I love you.”

Trinity told Bryce she loved him too and joked that she was waiting for him to say it back. The couple sealed the moment with a kiss and a toast.

Bryce and Trinity first coupled up during the Season 8 premiere on June 2. The couple initially had reservations about their age gap. Trinity is 22, while Bryce turned 30 inside the villa, but they quickly locked in on their coupling. In Episode 24, Bryce asked Trinity to be his girlfriend, and she accepted. 

Peacock announced Sunday that the “Love Island USA” reunion special will air on August 31 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET. Ariana and Andy Cohen will return to host the special. Additionally, Peacock renewed “Love Island: Beyond the Villa” for a third season, which will premiere in 2027. The streaming platform will reveal the cast later this year. 

100 Years of Neon: How Route 66 Fuels Albuquerque’s Modern Soul

Victoria Padilla
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Albuquerque celebrates its connection to historic Route 66 by inviting visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, local businesses, and cultural attractions along this legendary highway.

Tourism officials say the route remains one of Albuquerque’s most recognizable destinations, attracting travelers interested in history, architecture, dining and entertainment.

According to Visit Albuquerque, following Route 66 exposes visitors to classic motels, neon signage, restaurants, museums, and historic areas that showcase the city’s past. Travelers will also find public art, shopping districts, and entertainment venues that blend the unique aspects of the “Mother Road” with modern features.

Tourism officials noted that Route 66 plays an important role in the city’s tourism industry by bringing visitors to local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and cultural heritage sites. Many attractions along the route showcase Albuquerque’s legacy while creating unforgettable memories for families, history buffs, and travelers.

As Albuquerque prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, authorities encourage both residents and tourists to learn about the road’s history and its significance for the city’s urban development.

Travel and tourism officials believe that Route 66 is integral to Albuquerque’s identity. They assert that preserving the route’s rich history is essential for keeping the tourism industry robust and supporting local businesses.

Albuquerque continues to promote the highway as one of its signature attractions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the history, culture and hospitality that have defined the city for generations.

Red or Green? How New Mexico’s Iconic Chile Blends Centuries of Tradition

Victoria Padilla
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New Mexico continues to celebrate its iconic chile, a signature ingredient that has shaped the state’s culinary identity and attracted food lovers from around the world. Tourism officials say both red and green chiles remain central to the state’s cuisine, culture, and agricultural heritage.

Tourism representatives said the state’s chile industry supports local communities, farmers and businesses. Local traditional festivals also offer visitors an opportunity to participate in the celebrations.

According to state tourism officials, chile is one of New Mexico’s most important products, featured in both traditional and modern cuisines. Visitors can learn about chile preparation while tasting it in restaurants, local markets, festivals, and cafes.

The state’s famous crop has become more than a simple cooking ingredient. It represents New Mexico’s culture and symbolizes the blend of Native American, Hispanic, and modern traditions. Officials encourage visitors to enjoy both red and green varieties and to discover the dishes that made New Mexico chile famous nationwide.

Some restaurants serve a variety of dishes, including enchiladas, burritos, burgers and stews. Tourism leaders said these dishes offer an authentic experience of food shaped by Native American traditions.

Travel agencies suggest tourists visit farms, markets, and festivals to learn about the region’s agricultural heritage, while residents recommend exploring the state’s diverse traditions.

New Mexico’s iconic chile continues to unite agriculture, culture and tourism, offering visitors an authentic taste of the state’s rich culinary heritage.

Mini-Golf Destination Putts N Pints Set to Open Late July

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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Mini-Golf Destination Putts N Pints Set to Open Late July

Putts N Pints, Albuquerque’s newest outdoor miniature golf course and arcade, is targeted to open in late July, reviving the spot where the recreational landmark Putt-Putt once stood.

Putts N Pints is revamping the miniature golf course and arcade located on San Mateo. Although no official opening date has been announced, the business is targeting a late July opening. It is seeking to “preserve the charm and nostalgia of the existing miniature golf course” from Albuquerque’s Putt-Putt, which closed nearly a decade ago.

Putt-Putt Golf and Games, a franchise that opened in 1972, featured three themed miniature golf courses and an old fashioned arcade. Putt-Putt was known for its affordability, cleanliness, and welcoming atmosphere; it hosted various events, including birthdays and celebrations, and offered unlimited coupons to teachers, doctors, and dentists. For four and a half decades, Putt-Putt was a popular Albuquerque destination until it abruptly shut down in October 2017. The owner Pat Gordon declined to disclose details as to why the business was closed. It was one of only two outdoor miniature golf courses in Albuquerque. Over the years, many locals have hoped the landmark would reopen, with one man even starting a GoFundMe to bring the mini-golf course back to life.

Putts N Pints will retain many iconic aspects of Putt-Putt—including life-size animal statues and a retro style—while adding modern upgrades and virtual golfing systems. Like Putt-Putt, the new business will host a range of private and corporate events. Putts N Pints will also include a full bar menu, with beer from its sister company Brew Lab 101, a Rio Rancho beer and cider company. While this addition caters toward adults, Putts N Pints intends to carry over the welcoming environment for guests of all ages that was established by its predecessor.

As its grand opening draws near, Putts N Pints is hiring bartenders, servers, cooks, game attendants, managers and more. Applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes online.

For more information about Putts N Pints or to sign up for email updates about the business, visit puttsnpints.com.

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh is an Albuquerque-born journalist covering community news and events. They prioritize empathy, transparency, and a community-centered approach. They can be reached on Instagram at @brantonenews.

Here’s what you should know about Project Jupiter

Esmeralda Lozano
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In Septmeber 2025 it was approved by the Doña County board of commissions for a 165 billion dollar artificial intelligence data center that is currently being built in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The name of this billion-dollar company is known as Project Jupiter, the purpose of this project is to invest in cleaner energy, stronger infrastructure, and provide more jobs to residents and provide digital services and technologies people rely on every day.

As construction for Project Jupiter continues, tension about the project also continues to rise within communities. According to Sorce NM reports it is reported that the large data center would likely emit roughly 14 million greenhouse gases annually while also using 41 turbines per year to meet its energy demands. 

Project Jupiter, however, says New Mexico’s economy will benefit from its resources and strengthen its infrastructure; The company’s site measures that the facility will not use or affect New Mexico water intensive cooling systems and instead rely on technologies such as Bloom energy fuel cells. 

Despite assurances on the site, Project Jupiter lacks the one value a large company needs to gain full support from New Mexico: transparency. When asked about public records, Project Jupiter has yet to reveal those documents, forcing non-profit New Mexico watchdogs to go further into the investigation. 

New Mexico watchdogs requested records related to funding sources, water-use discussions, construction plans, emails, and other communications. However, all have been denied, forcing various organizations to file lawsuits against Project Jupiter and look into other organizations in favor of the project.

The lawsuit alleges violations in New Mexico’s open meeting acts, claiming the company has discussed matters of the movement in private. Public record document requests continue to be denied, ruling out that Project Jupiter lacks transparency and only raises more questions in the public. 

The public along with non-profit organazations should continue to challenge whether the project’s actions align with the environmental and community promises outlined on its official website. To learn more about Project Jupiter visit https://projectjupitertogether.com

Six Rescued in Dramatic High-Angle Rope Rescue After Off-Road Vehicle Plunges Into Deep Ravine

Ruben Reyes
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First responders rescued six individuals early Friday morning after an off-road vehicle plunged into a deep ravine, resulting in serious injuries for multiple occupants.

Rio Rancho Fire Rescue responded to the crash at approximately 2 a.m. near Southern Boulevard and 60th Street NW. Firefighters discovered the off-road vehicle at the bottom of a steep ravine.

One person successfully climbed out of the ravine on their own, officials stated. Crews from the Rio Grande Basin Rescue Team deployed technical rope rescue systems to safely extract the remaining five individuals during a high-angle operation.

Two patients were airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital by Classic Air Medical and CareFlight. Ground ambulances, assisted by Sandoval County Fire Rescue, transported the remaining injured individuals.

Microscopic Parasite Cyclospora Surges Online, But It’s Nothing New

Juan Oliveros
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Microscopic Parasite Cyclospora Surges Online, But It’s Nothing New

Health officials explain that Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, and the illness it causes, cyclosporiasis, have been around for years, even though recent outbreaks have brought new attention online.

“This is something we see every year, and some years are worse than others,” said Dr. Meghan Brett, an infectious diseases physician and epidemiologist at the University of New Mexico Hospital.

The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed three cases of the parasite in the state this year, and no one has been hospitalized. Later reports said the number of cases rose to nine. Outbreaks in other states have also brought more attention to Cyclospora, but Brett said there is no reason to panic.

“There is treatment,” she said, adding that prevention strategies are effective.

How Cyclospora Spreads

Cyclosporiasis usually happens from late spring to late summer. The main symptom is watery diarrhea, which can last for days or come back over several weeks. Brett said the parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces.

Bagged salads, herbs, and berries, which are hard to clean well, have been linked to past Cyclospora outbreaks. Sometimes, contaminated strawberries or lettuce shipped across the country cause these outbreaks. Other times, the problem is more local, according to Brett.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking into the current outbreak. Officials say they have not found a single source connecting cases in different states, but they are still working to find any clusters.

Brett said one challenge is the delayed onset of symptoms. Illness can appear one to two weeks after exposure, complicating efforts to identify contaminated food. Person-to-person transmission is unlikely.

Treatment and Prevention

Most people can manage Cyclospora infections at home by drinking fluids and resting. “If they have a day or two of diarrhea and they’re able to remain hydrated, they don’t need to seek care,” Brett said. “But if they have weak immune systems or their symptoms persist, then that’s the time to get more testing.”

People with weak immune systems can have serious problems like dehydration, weight loss, and damage to their intestines. Brett advised anyone with symptoms that last a long time to see a doctor. The condition requires laboratory testing, and treatment usually involves the antibiotic Bactrim. In some instances, symptoms may resolve without medication. Brett emphasized the importance of hydration, dietary fiber, and maintaining electrolyte balance for recovery.

“It’s really important that there’s support for public health in order to be able to figure out what’s leading to these infections,” she said.

Shooting Stars Plus Giant Buck Moon Over New Mexico as Delta Aquarids Peak Towards the End of July

Juan Oliveros
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Shooting Stars Plus Giant Buck Moon Over New Mexico as Delta Aquarids Peak Towards the End of July

New Mexicans are getting ready to look up — way up — for a celestial spectacle that includes shooting stars, a glowing full moon, and the state’s famously dark, star-filled skies as July comes to an end.

The Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower, popularly known as shooting stars, peaks around July 28-31, offering the chance to see meteors streak across the night sky as the Full Buck Moon rises on July 29. Although the bright moonlight might dim the display, New Mexico’s exceptional dark skies provide residents and visitors with a great view of this summer celestial spectacle.

The Delta Aquarids, which originate from debris left by comets, typically produce 10 to 20 meteors per hour at their peak, provided conditions are ideal. The radiant, or the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to come, is located near the constellation Aquarius. Skywatchers at southern New Mexico latitudes usually have a better view than those farther north, with some meteors leaving faint, glowing trails behind them.

This year, the nearly full Buck Moon — named for the season when deer grow new antlers — will cast a silvery light across the sky, making it harder to see fainter meteor streaks. Dedicated observers are encouraged to focus on the hours after midnight or just before dawn, when the brightest meteors may still be visible despite the moonlight. Additionally, a smaller meteor shower, the Alpha Capricornids, may produce a few extra flashes.

The full moon will rise on July 29, illuminating the high desert landscapes shortly after sunset. This dramatic light is perfect for photographers seeking that quintessential New Mexico moonrise over mesas or mountains.

Late July is the perfect time to witness the summer splendor of the Milky Way, particularly beyond the shower and moon. In areas with dark skies, the galactic core rises high overhead, creating a hazy river of billions of stars that can be seen with the naked eye, far away from city lights. New Mexico is home to several International Dark Sky Parks and sanctuaries, including Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the remote Cosmic Campground, where light pollution is minimal.

In summer, amateur astronomers from the Albuquerque Astronomical Society and park rangers at locations like Valles Caldera and Capulin Volcano often host star parties, providing telescopes and guidance for families and beginners.

Jon Spargo, an astronomy educator with the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club, highlights the Delta Aquarids in his monthly sky guides, emphasizing their significance in the state’s vibrant summer meteor season. He encourages the public to observe the meteor shower from dark locations, such as the Etscorn Observatory.

The Perseid meteor shower, typically the highlight of summer, will peak in early August, especially with dark skies this year. However, the Delta Aquarids provide a great opportunity for stargazing in the meantime. You don’t need any special equipment—just bring a blanket, some bug spray, find a dark spot, and be patient.

For those pursuing the perfect shot or a moment of awe, the message remains clear: Look up. The New Mexico sky is putting on a display of shooting stars, a Full Buck Moon, and more.

More Than 200 Campers Airlifted as Catastrophic Floods in Missouri Trigger Massive Rescue Effort

Juan Oliveros
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More Than 200 Campers Airlifted as Catastrophic Floods in Missouri Trigger Massive Rescue Effort

Catastrophic floods caused by heavy rainfall led to hundreds of rescues across southeastern Missouri on Friday. This included the helicopter evacuation of over 200 children and staff from a summer camp as rivers reached record levels.

The flooding, driven by over a foot of rain in less than 24 hours, swamped communities in Reynolds, Iron and Crawford counties, washed out roads, damaged buildings, and stranded residents, campers, and motorists. State and local authorities carried out dozens of water rescues, while search-and-rescue operations continued for one missing woman.

Campers airlifted to safety

Emergency responders rescued over 200 campers and counselors at Camp Taum Sauk near Lesterville after floodwaters washed away access roads, trapping them at the site.

Missouri Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters transported the campers to a nearby elementary school, where their families joined them. Camp officials later thanked emergency responders and the National Guard for safely evacuating everyone.

Emergency crews also responded to a building collapse at Bearcat Getaway Campground in Reynolds County.

Authorities initially launched a search for up to 17 people believed to have entered floodwaters after the collapse. By Friday evening, officials said they had rescued or accounted for everyone.

Earlier in the day, officials safely located five campers who had been missing at the campground. Rescuers pulled about 10 people from the roof of the Black River Lodge after rising water trapped them.

Dozens of water rescues

The Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office said emergency crews had carried out about 90 water rescues involving residents, campers and stranded motorists by Friday afternoon. Officials said no serious injuries had been reported.

In neighboring Iron County, first responders rescued two individuals from a flooded cabin using a boat and saved five others from the roof of a mobile home. Several highways remained closed due to floodwaters.

Search continues for missing woman

In Crawford County, search crews continued looking for a woman who was swept away after rapidly rising floodwaters breached a wall of her home.

Authorities suspended the search Friday night because of darkness and planned to resume operations Saturday morning. At least three other people in the county were rescued during operations involving ground crews, boats, and drones.

Rivers reach record levels

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency—the agency’s highest flood warning—for parts of Reynolds and Iron counties early Friday.

The Black River rose to a record 28.7 feet, inundating nearby communities and prompting swift-water rescues throughout the region.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency Friday, saying dangerous flooding had led to multiple swift-water rescues across the state. The declaration allows state agencies to coordinate personnel, equipment, and emergency resources to support local response efforts.

What caused the catastrophic floods?

Meteorologists said more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain fell in parts of southeastern Missouri between Thursday evening and Friday, with an area near Redmondville receiving about 12.25 inches.

The extraordinary rainfall overwhelmed rivers and streams, producing catastrophic flash flooding. Weather experts described the rainfall as exceptionally rare for the region.

Although the heaviest rain had ended by Friday afternoon, dangerous flooding continued across southeastern Missouri.

Forecasters warned that additional rainfall later on Friday and throughout the weekend could worsen flooding in parts of the Mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee valleys, extending into the central Appalachian region.

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