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Restaurant Owner’s Kindness Helped Catch the Man Accused of the Break-in and Stealing Cash, Alcohol—and Nearly $1,000 in Shrimp

Ruben Reyes
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During a break-in at El Sinaloense, more than $1,000 in cash, alcohol, and nearly $1,000 worth of shrimp were stolen, according to the restaurant’s owner.

Leo Hernandez said he received a phone call June 17 informing him that someone had broken into the restaurant.

Security camera footage shows the suspect searching for a large rock before using it to smash a window and gain entry, Hernandez said. “He just smashed it. He picked up a big rock and just threw it in there,” Hernandez said. “You could see him on the cameras that he’s going around looking for a big rock, and he just smashed.”

Hernandez said his ties to the community helped identify the suspect. Over the past six years, he said, he has built relationships with people in the neighborhood. After sharing images of the suspect captured on surveillance cameras and comparing them with previous booking photos, Hernandez and others began asking around the area.

Community members identified the suspect as 44-year-old Fabian Soto. Hernandez expressed his disappointment that someone would target his business, despite his efforts to support the neighborhood by providing food and drinks to those in need. Nevertheless, he emphasized that this experience will not diminish his commitment to helping others.

“It’s just you see them and feel bad for them, and if you could help them with like a burrito or a soda or something, we’ll give it to them,” Hernandez said. “That’s how that helped me out to find out who it was that broke in.”

Hernandez credited the community for helping identify the suspect so quickly, saying the relationships he has built over the years played a key role in solving the case.

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens Nearly 3,000 — Is Your Salad Safe This Summer?

Juan Oliveros
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Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens Nearly 3,000 — Is Your Salad Safe This Summer?

Health officials are investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak, a parasitic intestinal illness that has sickened nearly 3,000 people across the U.S. this season, with dozens hospitalized. The uptick, caused mainly by contaminated fresh produce, highlights the seasonal vulnerabilities in the nation’s food supply during peak summer months.

As of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 843 confirmed dAs of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 843 confirmed domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1. Additionally, the CDC stated that there are over 1,500 more cases currently under investigation. The actual number of cyclosporiasis cases is likely higher than reported, as some individuals recover without seeking medical care and thus are not tested for Cyclospora, according to the CDC.

An NBC News tally of state data puts the broader figure at around 2,912 reported or confirmed cases across more than 30 states. Health officials say 86 people with available information have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

Michigan has become a hotspot, reporting over 1,000 cases—significantly higher than its usual annual total of around 50. Other states experiencing notable increases include New York, which has reported hundreds of cases, as well as Ohio, Illinois, and Texas. The clusters seem to be linked to fresh produce, although federal investigators have not yet identified a single common source. Several potential clusters associated with restaurants, grocery items, and events are currently under investigation.

In New Mexico, the number of cases climbed from three to nine this year. Health officials said the state is not experiencing a localized outbreak. New Mexico usually reports around eight cases annually. Officials urged residents to practice good food safety habits rather than panic.

‘Explosive’ Symptoms and a Stubborn Parasite

The microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis causes cyclosporiasis. It spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces. The parasite takes several days to weeks to become infectious after being passed in stool, making person-to-person transmission uncommon. Authorities have mostly traced outbreaks to imported or domestic fresh produce such as cilantro, basil, lettuce, raspberries and snow peas that may have been irrigated or washed with contaminated water.

Fresh farm produce has often been connected to outbreaks. Cyclospora parasites can cling to fruits, vegetables, and herbs, making them hard to wash away.

Dianna Blau, acting chief of the CDC’s Parasitic Disease Branch, said investigating the cyclosporiasis outbreak is difficult because symptoms may take a week or longer to appear. “In an average year, there’s a small proportion of cases that actually get traced back to one particular food item,” she said.

Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, often described as explosive, stomach cramps, bloating, excessive gas, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever. These typically appear about a week after ingestion. In some cases, the illness continues for weeks or months without treatment, leading to dehydration and weight loss. Healthy individuals usually recover with supportive care and, in more severe cases, antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Challenges in Tracking and Prevention

This year’s outbreak arrives amid changes in federal surveillance. The Department of Health and Human Services has reduced required surveillance to two pathogens: Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). It made reporting illnesses caused by Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia optional. The changes could have complicated a full national picture even as states like Michigan continue aggressive monitoring.

Investigators face hurdles because produce is widely distributed across state lines, and the parasite’s incubation period can obscure ties between cases. Past outbreaks have been connected to specific farms or suppliers. But pinpointing them often takes weeks. Some chains, including Taco Bell, have removed certain produce items like lettuce, cilantro, guacamole, and onions from menus and have taken precautionary steps.

CDC public health experts recommend thorough washing of all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. However, this procedure does not always eliminate the risk. They also advised avoiding unpasteurized juices or untreated water. Cooking produce kills the parasite. Travelers to areas with poor sanitation could face a heightened risk.

A Recurring Seasonal Threat

Cyclosporiasis cases typically rise from May through August as warmer weather and fresh produce consumption increase. The U.S. reported about 2,700 cases last year. This season’s numbers are already matching or surpassing that pace in several states.

Federal and state officials continue to coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on traceback efforts. Doctors are being urged to test patients with prolonged diarrhea, particularly those who recently ate raw produce.

Up to $80K in Student Loan Relief? New Mexico Gives Veterinarians More Time to Apply

Gregg Morgan
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Up to $80K in Student Loan Relief? New Mexico Gives Veterinarians More Time to Apply

The New Mexico Higher Education Department has extended the application deadline for its Veterinary Loan Repayment Program, giving eligible applicants an additional month to submit their materials.

The new deadline is Aug. 1, extending the previous July 1 deadline.

Department spokesperson Auriella Ortiz said the extension intends to increase awareness of the program and encourage more eligible veterinarians to apply. “Because food animal veterinarians play a critical role in supporting New Mexico’s agricultural communities, we want to ensure eligible applicants have sufficient time to learn about the opportunity and submit a complete application,” Ortiz said.

The program provides student loan repayment assistance to veterinarians who practice in high-need rural, frontier, and tribal communities across New Mexico. Eligible participants may receive up to $80,000 in loan repayment assistance.

Recipients must commit to providing veterinary services for at least four years in rural New Mexico, focusing on food-producing livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry.

The Higher Education Department administers the program to help address the state’s ongoing shortage of food animal veterinarians, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.

Since its launch, the initiative has awarded loan repayment assistance to eight veterinarians, helping broaden access to veterinary care in underserved areas while supporting New Mexico’s agricultural economy.

Under the program, participants receive $15,000 annually during each of their first two years of service and may receive up to $25,000 annually during each of the following two years, for a maximum award of $80,000.

Interested individuals must submit applications through the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s website by Aug. 1.

Santa Fe Named America’s Best City Again, Dethrones Charleston for Second Straight Year

Juan Oliveros
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Santa Fe Named America’s Best City Again, Dethrones Charleston for Second Straight Year

Readers of Travel + Leisure named Santa Fe—the enclave of adobe walls, art galleries and chile-spiked cuisine—the best city in the United States for the second consecutive year.

In the magazine’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, released this week, Santa Fe earned the top domestic spot with a reader score of 88.85, narrowly edging out Charleston, S.C., which slipped to second place after a remarkable 12-year run at No. 1 that ended only last year. Savannah, Ga., New Orleans, and Chicago completed the top five.

The results, based on a survey of more than 200,000 readers, highlight a shift in American travel tastes toward destinations that blend cultural depth, natural drama and year-round accessibility. Santa Fe, perched at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, delivers these qualities in abundance.

Santa Fe has more than 300 days of sunshine annually. It offers a rare versatility: family-oriented skiing in winter and a vibrant outdoor scene in summer. Readers praised Santa Fe’s food culture, rooted in New Mexican traditions, and its massive concentration of museums and galleries, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. One repeat visitor told the magazine that “every trip exceeds the last, with so many new things to discover,” calling Santa Fe “a true gem of a place in America.”

Santa Fe’s back-to-back victory marks a notable evolution. Charleston’s cobblestone streets, Lowcountry cuisine and historic charm made it the consensus favorite for over a decade. Its dethroning in 2025 and second-place finish this year with a score of 87.30 suggest travelers prefer something distinct. Santa Fe embodies those distinct qualities: the spare beauty of the Southwest, historic Indigenous and Spanish influences, and a walkable downtown with more than 250 galleries and shops.

“Travelers today have many options for where to spend their vacation time, so to be singled out as the top city destination in the entire country is an extraordinary achievement,” Randy Randall, TOURISM Santa Fe Executive Director, said in 2025 when the city first claimed the top spot, dethroning Charleston. “This honor is indeed gratifying and recognizes not only the uniqueness of The City Different but also underscores the diligent and hard work of our hospitality partners, who welcome and care for our visitors on a daily basis.”

The award comes as Santa Fe builds momentum. New nonstop flights, boutique hotel openings and events linked to Route 66’s centennial are drawing fresh attention. The city also ranked 19th among the world’s best cities—behind global heavyweights but ahead of many larger U.S. metropolises, including New York, which placed eighth domestically.

Critics of such reader-driven lists often chide their subjectivity. But the sustained enthusiasm for Santa Fe points to broader trends among travelers. People are seeking authenticity over spectacle and destinations where art, landscape and food connect inseparably.

Amid competing destinations, Santa Fe showcases the enchantment of its sun-drenched plaza, green-chile stew, and gallery stroll all at once. The crown, at least, remains firmly in the high desert for two consecutive years.

New LGBTQ+ Bar to Open in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill as Owners Cite Demand for More Queer Spaces

Ruben Reyes
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Owners will open a new LGBTQ+ bar in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill next weekend, saying growing demand for queer gathering spaces inspired the project.

Owners Lucas Romero and Luke Rogers said Albuquerque currently has two gay bars and one gay nightclub — fewer than the city once had and fewer than many metropolitan areas of similar size.

“We put a lot of love and effort into this space and put a lot of love and effort into the community,” Romero said. “When you bring those two things together, I think we have something really special for Albuquerque.”

The idea for the bar stems from community gatherings the pair began organizing after the COVID-19 pandemic. “Coming out of COVID, we realized that there was an opportunity or a need for people in the queer community to have a space,” Rogers said. “So we hosted this mixer. We called it Friends of Dorothy.”

The quarterly mixers, held at different bars throughout Albuquerque, eventually attracted nearly 400 attendees, convincing the owners of a bigger demand for a permanent LGBTQ+ venue. “We were like, ‘Well, hold on. Is this our proof of concept for possibly a gay bar?'” Romero said.

The couple found a former Albuquerque Distilling location on Central Avenue early last year. They transformed the place into a bar and lounge and also leased the neighboring suite to create a dance floor and event space.

Romero and Rogers said the project has generated interest beyond New Mexico through its online presence. But their main focus remains serving the local community. “To many of us in the gay community, having a gay bar or a strong queer culture is really important,” Rogers said.

The venue will hold a soft opening this weekend to test equipment and prepare staff before it officially opens to the public next weekend.

Rio Rancho Man Charged After Allegedly Forcing Teens to Fight at Gunpoint

Ruben Reyes
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A Rio Rancho man is facing multiple felony charges after police allege he held four teenagers, including his son, at gunpoint and let them fight following a dispute among the youths.

David Hill is facing three counts of child abuse and three counts of aggravated assault, according to the Rio Rancho Police Department.

Investigators said the incident stemmed from a falling out among four teenagers who had been friends.”Basically four friends, they were friends. They had a little bit of fallout,” two of the teens’ parents said. “One kid started talking to the other kids in a derogatory manner.”

Police say Hill detained the teens against their will while armed with a firearm and ordered them to fight.

Rio Rancho police released a body camera footage, where Hill acknowledged having a firearm but denied pointing it at the teenagers. “I tried to have them — I said empty your pockets. Yes, I did have a firearm as a legal firearm owner. Did I point it at them? Never. Not once,” Hill said.

Hill said he displayed the firearm because he believed someone had threatened his son. “I think a lot of this is overkill. I understand that I had a firearm out. Again, my child was sent threats with a firearm on their phone,” he said.

The parents of the other teens criticized Hill’s response. They say he should have contacted law enforcement instead of confronting the youths himself. “The individual could have called law enforcement and told them kids were here to fight,” the parents said. “Instead, he took this into his own hands, held our kids hostage and made them victims of a crime.”

The parents said they are seeking accountability and expressed concern that the incident has shaken their sense of safety in the community. “We don’t do that here in this community. It’s a very safe community,” they said. “People come here to get away from that kind of stuff and have that peace of mind. With him out roaming around, we don’t have that peace of mind right now, and we hope justice is served.”

The charges against Hill remain pending. It was not immediately clear whether he has entered a plea or retained legal counsel.

Wally Funk, Who Waited 60 Years to Reach Space at Age 82, Dies at 87

Juan Oliveros
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Wally Funk, Who Waited 60 Years to Reach Space at Age 82, Dies at 87

Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator who endured the dashed hopes of the Mercury 13 program in the 1960s only to fulfill her dream of spaceflight nearly six decades later as the oldest woman to travel into space, died on Wednesday at her home in Grapevine, Texas. She was 87.

The City of Grapevine, a Dallas suburb where she lived in recent years, announced her death. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, officials said.

“Wally Funk’s unwavering determination proves that dreams have no expiration date,” said Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O’Dell. “Her courage, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire young people—especially girls—to pursue careers in science, aviation, and space exploration. Grapevine is honored to call Wally Funk one of our own.”

Wally Funk Breaks Barriers

Mary Wallace “Wally” Funk was born Feb. 1, 1939, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She spent part of her childhood in Taos. From an early age, flight captivated her imagination. At age 8, she jumped off her parents’ roof wearing a Superman cape in an attempt to fly. She took her first formal flying lesson at 9, earned her pilot’s license at 17 and went on to log more than 19,600 flight hours while training about 3,000 pilots.

Funk, a New Mexico native whose family operated five-and-dime stores, went to Stephens College in Missouri and Oklahoma State University. She recovered from a serious skiing accident in her teens that doctors feared might leave her unable to walk, using flying as a therapy and a passion. By her early 20s, she broke barriers as the first female civilian flight instructor at a U.S. military base, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Famous Chapter

Her most notable chapter began in 1961, when, at 21 — younger than the typical age range — she volunteered for a privately funded “Women in Space” program led by physician William Randolph Lovelace II. The initiative, which had no official NASA backing, put qualified female pilots through the same rigorous physical and psychological tests as the Mercury 7 astronauts. Funk passed along with other 13 women.

Dubbed the Mercury 13, a name popularized later, they outperformed many male counterparts on certain assessments. Funk excelled in several areas, even surpassing John Glenn in some tests. But NASA abruptly canceled the program, and the federal space agency continued to bar women from the astronaut corps for years. The Mercury 13 never flew. Funk became the last surviving member of the group — and the only one to eventually reach space.

Funk, undeterred, built a distinguished career as the first female inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration and the first woman air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board. She remained a tireless advocate for women in aviation and space, never giving up her astronaut aspirations.

That persistence paid off on July 20, 2021. At 82, Funk flew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket on its first crewed suborbital mission, alongside Jeff Bezos, his brother Mark and 18-year-old Oliver Daemen. The roughly 10-minute flight made her the oldest woman — and, at the time, the oldest person — to travel to space, a record later broken by William Shatner.

‘Trailblazer’

“Wally is a trailblazer,” Bezos said at the time, praising her joy and fearlessness. More than just a trailblazer, Funk considered the brief journey into space past the Kármán line as the culmination of a lifetime of determination. “I’ve been waiting 60 years,” she remarked. “I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time.”

Funk spent her later years in Texas, where she continued speaking to audiences about perseverance and breaking barriers. Multiple tributes poured in after her death from NASA, Blue Origin and aviation organizations, highlighting her life as an inspiration to generations of pilots and aspiring astronauts.

Her extended family and a vast network of former students and admirers survived Funk. Funeral arrangements were pending.

Funk’s career spanned from the early jet age to the dawn of commercial spaceflight. She embodied a simple credo: Never stop reaching higher. Her life marked a bridge between the gender barriers of the dawn of the Space Age and the more inclusive era of private space travel — a reminder that some dreams, no matter how long deferred, are worth chasing.

Why Albuquerque Is Doubling Down on Inclusive Tourism, Welcoming LGBTQ+ Travelers

Victoria Padilla
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Albuquerque is reinforcing the message that everyone is welcome, expanding initiatives to position itself as an inclusive destination for travelers seeking culture, outdoor recreation and a sense of community.

Tourism officials say the city’s emphasis on diversity and hospitality has become a key part of its marketing strategy, highlighting Albuquerque as a place where visitors of all backgrounds can experience New Mexico’s history, arts and traditions.

The city, according to Visit Albuquerque, offers a wide range of restaurants, hotels, shops, entertainment venues and community organizations that welcome diverse visitors. Travelers can also roam around its museums, public art, historic neighborhoods and cultural districts, showcasing the city’s multicultural heritage.

The tourism agency also highlights Albuquerque’s support for LGBTQ+ travelers through year-round community events, festivals and local businesses that foster an inclusive atmosphere. Officials say those features complement the city’s broader goal of ensuring all visitors feel welcome.

Community leaders say the message of inclusion benefits both residents and the local economy by encouraging tourism and supporting small businesses. They say visitors, feeling accepted and at home are more likely to extend their stays, return for future trips and recommend Albuquerque to others.

Along with its cultural attractions, Albuquerque continues to promote outdoor adventures, historic landmarks and community celebrations as part of a tourism strategy centered on welcoming travelers from around the world.

Experience the World’s Balloon Capital in Full Color as Albuquerque Takes Flight

Victoria Padilla
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Albuquerque continues to celebrate its world-renowned ballooning culture, offering visitors year-round opportunities to experience one of the city’s most iconic traditions.

Tourism officials say favorable weather, open landscapes and a strong aviation community have made Albuquerque one of the world’s premier destinations for hot air ballooning.

According to Visit Albuquerque, the city’s ballooning history spans decades and has grown into an internationally recognized attraction. Visitors can take balloon rides, explore museums, watch launches and learn about the science and history behind the colorful aircraft.

Ballooning is a major driver of tourism, officials said. Its annual events attract thousands of visitors and boost local businesses. Residents and tourists alike enjoy sweeping views of New Mexico’s natural beauty from the air.

Not only is ballooning a recreation, but it also has an educational component. Aviation exhibitions and programs highlight the technological, historical and cultural aspects of ballooning, fostering appreciation for the city’s aviation heritage.

Community leaders say ballooning has become a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s identity, preserving history while strengthening tourism and the regional economy.

Officials advise visitors to plan ahead for ballooning events or rides, noting that activities depend on weather conditions. Checking schedules and flight availability is recommended.

Albuquerque continues to promote ballooning as one of New Mexico’s signature attractions, offering unforgettable experiences while honoring its long-standing aviation tradition.

Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant To Boost Literacy Among Children Under Age Five 

Gregg Morgan
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Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant To Boost Literacy Among Children Under Age Five 

Early literacy plays a critical role in children’s brain development before age five. It builds vocabulary, self-expression, and reading comprehension, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning and reading success. 

Strengthening early literacy, the Public Education Department and Early Childhood Education and Care Department implement the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant. The initiative improves pre-literacy skills among children under age five and helps more students meet the state’s language and literacy standards. It also equips families and educators with high-quality instructional materials, training on their use, and essential classroom literacy resources.

Children from birth to age three benefit from the grant through:

  • Early Head Start programs
  • Family Infant Toddler programs
  • Home Visiting programs
  • Licensed Child Care providers

Meanwhile, children ages three to five benefit through:

  • NM PreK programs
  • Head Start programs
  • 619 Special Education Classrooms
  • Licensed Child Care providers

Eligible programs and providers must submit their applications by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2026. Applicants can access the application through this link. Those who already submitted an application do not need to apply again.

Grant Materials and Resources

Approved birth-to-age-three programs will receive Just Right Reader Board Books to share with the families they serve. The research-based books nurture language development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness among babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Approved programs serving children ages three to five will receive a comprehensive literacy support package including:

  • Just Right Reader Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs™ for each child in your program
  • Heggerty phonological and phonemic awareness materials and professional development sessions
  • Strive for Five Conversations, a tool to increase vocabulary, reasoning, and comprehension by engaging children in responsive conversations
  • Scholastic Cozy Corner materials that support oral language, literacy, and social-emotional skills

The program will deliver all materials in Fall 2026.

Early literacy cultivates self-confidence, encourages independence, and supports personal growth. It prepares children to navigate the world, make informed decisions, and contribute actively to society. 

Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a leading researcher who works with schools around the world, said, “It’s so, so, so important that we help every child or as many children as we can, which we do know is almost every child, become a skillful reader.”

Early Education Gains Momentum in New Mexico

Enrollment of 3- and 4-year-olds in New Mexico early education continues to grow. This progress reflects the state’s commitment to supporting young learners as they begin their academic journey. A recent report highlights efforts to expand access to early education for more families. 

New Mexico ranks seventh in the nation for preschool access among 3-year-olds, according to a new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research dubbed “State of Preschool 2025 Yearbook.” The report also ranks the state 11th nationwide for access among 4-year-olds.

New Mexico ranked fifth nationally in state spending per child. The state exceeded the national average and outspent many larger and wealthier states. 

Efforts to Boost Early Childhood Education

Meanwhile, the state has set a goal to ensure children receive the support they need. To strengthen those efforts, the Higher Education Department has allocated millions of dollars to establish projects in select schools and improve childcare facilities.

The department announced $10 million in new investments to expand child care infrastructure on five college and university campuses statewide. The funding is intended to bolster support for students, families, and campus communities.

The grants will help to create and expand childcare facilities serving students, families, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities, HED said. 

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