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Instead of Care, Police Say She Stole: Woman Charged in $5,883 Elder Fraud Case

Ruben Reyes
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Instead of Care, Police Say She Stole: Woman Charged in $5,883 Elder Fraud Case

Police say a woman hired to care for a bedridden Albuquerque man stole nearly $6,000 from him.

Albuquerque police said 27-year-old Gloria Flores faces fraud charges after investigators established she used the man’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases amounting to $5,883. Authorities said the charges included payments to GEICO, Discount Tire and Albertsons.

The alleged theft only emerged after the victim’s landlord went through the mail and noticed Flores was no longer working at the man’s apartment, the victim’s daughter, Sally Linhart, said. “She’d been using the credit card and the statements had been coming in the mail, so she was intercepting those,” Linhart said.

Linhart lives in Oklahoma, which is about eight hours away. She claimed Flores later admitted in text messages that she had taken the money.

“I’m going to give you this opportunity. Just admit what you’ve done, pay us back, and it’ll be a lesson learned for you,” Linhart said she told Flores. But Flores refused, she said.

Linhart said her father had fallen victim to fraud in the past. About three or four years ago, another caregiver stole money from him but agreed to repay the amount over the course of a year. “I contacted the girl, and I said, ‘I know what you’ve done,’ and she said, ‘Please do not call the police. Please do not press charges. I will pay you back,’” Linhart said. “And she did.”

Officials with New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services said elder abuse can take many forms. New cases of fraud continue to victimize the elderly, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation saying elder fraud scams cost the state $55 million in 2025.

Why June’s ‘Strawberry Moon’ Isn’t Actually Red — And Best Spots to Watch It Rise

Juan Oliveros
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Why June’s ‘Strawberry Moon’ Isn’t Actually Red — And Best Spots to Watch It Rise

New Mexico’s dark skies will dazzle with a celestial show as the Strawberry Moon — the first full moon of astronomical summer — reaches its peak illumination.

The moon will be completely lit around 5:56 p.m. MDT on June 29, offering prime viewing as it rises in the southeast near sunset, weather permitting.

Despite the name, the moon won’t be strawberry-red. The moniker comes from North American Indigenous traditions, particularly Algonquin tribes in the Northeast, marking the short season when wild strawberries ripened and were ready for harvest. According to the Almanac, other nations, including the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota, had similar seasonal cues in the June skies.

Different cultures connected the full Moon to the berries ripening on their land.

The Creek in the southeastern United States named it the “Blackberry Moon.” The Shawnee of Ohio and Pennsylvania called it the “Raspberry Moon.” The Haida of Alaska use “Berries Ripen Moon.” Each name signals a local harvest when the Moon turns full; the berry is ready. Europeans called the same moon the Rose Moon, Hot Moon, or Mead Moon. They linked it to midsummer blooms, heat, and honey harvests.

The name reflects a time of abundance, making lunar cycles as practical markers for gathering berries and other early summer bounty before colonial almanacs popularized the term.

New Mexico’s high-elevation arid land, dry climate, and minimal light pollution make it one of the perfect places in the country to experience the event. Several International Dark Sky Association sites offer exceptional viewing:

  • Capulin Volcano National Monument is a Gold-Tier Dark Sky Park in northeastern New Mexico. It regularly hosts public star parties with telescopes and ranger talks, especially during the summer.
  • Cosmic Campground is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the U.S., near Alma. It delivers Bortle Class 1 darkness with 360-degree views and telescope pads.
  • Clayton Lake State Park is another Gold-Tier site, offering monthly events and its own observatory telescope.
  • Valles Caldera National Preserve and Chaco Culture National Historical Park combine dazzling night skies with cultural and geological significance. The site sometimes features astronomy programs linked to ancestral Puebloan observations.

Astronomy enthusiasts suggest heading to wide horizons far from Albuquerque and Santa Fe for the best moonrise photos. Apps like Stellarium or timeanddate.com can locate exact local rise times. The moon’s low position on the eastern horizon at dusk can create dramatic silhouettes against New Mexico’s mesas and volcanoes, offering rare opportunities for both photographers and families.

Perseid meteors are still weeks away; Strawberry Moon offers an accessible entry to summer skywatching in a state popular for its celestial heritage. Clear skies and a blanket are what skywatchers need.

Donors Commit $1.5M to Honor Departing UNM President Garnett Stokes

Juan Oliveros
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Donors Commit $1.5M to Honor Departing UNM President Garnett Stokes

The University of New Mexico (UNM) campus community is marking the departure of President Garnett S. Stokes, who is set to conclude her tenure later this month, not with farewells alone but with lasting tributes. Two new philanthropic initiatives will honor Stokes and her husband, Dr. Jeffrey Younggren, by extending their legacy in higher education and behavioral sciences across New Mexico.

Three longtime donors have pledged a combined $1.5 million to name the entrance lobby of the future Velarde Center for Philanthropy as the Garnett S. Stokes Philanthropy Hall, creating an enduring tribute to the university’s 23rd president and her years of leadership. The naming of the entrance lobby in her name recognizes Stokes’ efforts to advance student success, research, community engagement, and access to higher education, while leading UNM through years of challenge and growth.

UNM President Stokes Recognized

The initiative emerged from the discussions among UNM Foundation officials and current and past members of its board, who wanted to recognize Stokes’ contributions to the university and the state of New Mexico in a lasting way.

The Velarde Center for Philanthropy is currently under construction. It will serve as a center for alumni engagement, charitable giving, and university connections. At the same time, faculty and colleagues in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences’ Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences created the Garnett Stokes and Jeffrey Younggren Endowment to honor Younggren’s career and contributions to the field.

‘Profound Impact’

The endowment has already surpassed the threshold required to become permanent. It will provide fellowship support for students and trainees in forensic behavioral sciences for years to come. “What is especially meaningful about these tributes is that they emerged from people who wanted to express their appreciation for President Stokes and Dr. Younggren,” said Deidre Sandvick, senior vice president for development. “They’ve each had a profound impact on The University of New Mexico and on the people who know them.”

The tributes recognize not only their accomplishments but also the relationships they nurtured throughout the university community. University leaders said the endowment ensures that their legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service will continue to benefit students, faculty, and academic programs for generations.

Individuals who wish to honor Stokes and Younggren may contribute through June 30 to either the Garnett S. Stokes Philanthropy Hall through the UNM Foundation Center for Philanthropy Building Fund or the Garnett Stokes and Jeffrey Younggren Endowment in the Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences.

July’s Hamilton Experience Brought to Albuquerque by NDI and Musical Theatre Southwest

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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July’s Hamilton Experience Brought to Albuquerque by NDI and Musical Theatre Southwest

This July, NDI New Mexico is partnering with Musical Theatre Southwest to create “The Room Where It Happens” Hamilton Experience at the Hiland Theatre in honor of the 250th anniversary of United States independence.

A non-profit since 1994, Albuquerque’s NDI New Mexico has offered dance and performance training to children ages 3-8 and adults. “The Room Where It Happens” Experience celebrates the hit Broadway musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton and will consist of several masterclasses and workshops with original cast member Betsy Struxness, along with a free community screening of the Broadway musical’s pro-shot.

All events are being offered to dancers of all experience levels ages 14 and older; children under 16 will need an accompanying adult. Children under 14 years old can still participate in this event by enrolling in the Musical Theatre Summer Camp as Betsy Struxness will be guiding similar workshops for those enrolled in this summer camp.

Schedule of Events

Sing Your 16 Workshop

The first of three Hamilton Experience workshops will be on Thursday, June 2 from 5:15 – 7:30 p.m. Sing Your 16 is a musical theatre audition workshop that focuses on polishing and clarifying audition material. The workshop costs $25, and participants must register online, are encouraged to bring a binder with sheet music, and should plan to arrive early. 

Hamilton Beginner/Intermediate Choreography Workshop

The second workshop is on Friday, June 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This class will teach actual choreography from Hamilton in a beginner friendly environment. Beginner and intermediate dancers are encouraged to register online for this $25 workshop and bring comfortable movement clothing (including jazz shoes, if available).

Hamilton Intermediate/Advanced Choreography Workshop

The last workshop, on Friday, June 3rd from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. will tackle the most challenging dance combinations from Hamilton choreography. In this $25 course, participants must register online and are required to bring jazz shoes.

Meet and Greet with Betsy Struxness

On Friday, July 3, there will be a meet and greet from 4:15 to 5 p.m. with guest artist Betsy Struxness, who is a graduate of The Julliard School in New York City, and was an ensemble member in the original cast of Hamilton, among other prominent Broadway roles. Those interested in attending must register on the NDI New Mexico website.

Hamilton Screening

The final part of “The Room Where It Happens” Experience will be on Friday, July 3 at 5:15 p.m., immediately following Friday’s meet and greet. This event will be a free showing of the professional recording of the Hamilton original Broadway cast performance. This community event is free and open to the public.

Albuquerque Celebrates 2-0 USA World Cup Win Against Australia

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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Albuquerque Celebrates 2-0 USA World Cup Win Against Australia

The United States’ 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle was among the most gripping matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far. This game marks the United States team’s second win in this year’s World Cup, ensuring their advancement to the knockout round.

This year, Albuquerque communities have many options for watching World Cup games in a group setting. Besides the many local bars and breweries showing games, the Civic Plaza in Downtown Albuquerque is hosting daily watch parties for all games in this year’s World Cup. Additionally, the City of Albuquerque is partnering with New Mexico United to present watch parties at many parks around town; all CABQ events are free and offer food trucks. The USA versus Australia game watch-party was at the Mariposa Basin Park.

The first half of the United States versus Australia game offered a tight competition. In the 11th minute, pressure from United States’ Folarin Balogun forced Australia’s Cameron Burgess into an own goal. In the 43rd minute, the United States’ youngest player Alex Freeman scored a close goal that was first contested as offside until VAR technology confirmed it. Though Australia struggled to maintain possession, both teams put up a rigorous fight. Australia’s goalie recorded a save at the 51st minute mark, followed by multiple other key saves.

Though no goals were scored in the second half, audiences were met with increased tension between the teams that were largely friendly to each other in the first half. As the game progressed, the match became increasingly physical, with several hard challenges leading to yellow cards and several stoppages for injuries.

In the end, the United States won 2-0, guaranteeing the team’s progression to the knockout round. It also puts the United States in a strong position to win Group D and be the second group win after Mexico sealed their victory in Group A with their win against South Korea. The next World Cup game featuring the United States will be against Türkiye, taking place on Thursday, June 25.

From $3.7B to $1B: New Mexico Scales Back Its Demands in High‑Stakes Meta Trial

Juan Oliveros
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From $3.7B to $1B: New Mexico Scales Back Its Demands in High‑Stakes Meta Trial

New Mexico has reduced its financial demands against Meta Platforms Inc. The state scaled down its proposed penalties from $3.7 billion to just under $1 billion in a lawsuit that claims the social media giant contributed to the state’s youth mental health crisis.

In a 277-page court filing, the New Mexico Department of Justice said the reduced figure more accurately reflects its estimate of social media’s role in New Mexico’s mental health harms.

The filing also seeks broad changes to Meta’s operations, such as stronger age-verification measures, safer recommendation algorithms, and the removal of the “infinite scroll” feature. Entrepreneur Aza Raskin, inventor of infinite scroll, has since turned against his creation. He alleged that Meta’s apps were deliberately made addictive for children.

Still pending before a judge in Santa Fe, the case has emerged as a key battleground in the wider push to hold tech companies responsible for the mental health effects of social media on young users.

Meta has asked the court to dismiss the proposed remedies or further reduce any penalties. In its previous filings, the social media giant warned that hefty penalties and overly burdensome requirements could force it to suspend access for New Mexico’s millions of users to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The Justice Department claims that algorithmic feeds, ‘likes,’ and endless scrolling deliberately boost engagement and exploit children’s cognitive vulnerabilities. Meta disputes those claims, adding that excessive penalties could establish legal precedents with wide-ranging consequences for the internet industry.

The court will decide not only the size of any penalty against Meta. It will also determine how much authority states have to impose changes on social media platforms.

Spending the Summer Break Wisely: Students Learn About Veterinary Science, Agriculture 

Gregg Morgan
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Spending the Summer Break Wisely: Students Learn About Veterinary Science, Agriculture 

Summer break doesn’t halt learning. Many students spend the time gaining insights, preparing for the next academic stage, and joining programs that introduce them to new fields and career paths.

Students aged 13 to 17 took part in a two-day Agriculture Youth Enrichment Program on June 16 to 17, 2026. The Navajo Technical University (NTU) Veterinary Technology Program hosted the initiative at the NTU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Crownpoint. NTU offered the program free of charge.

Applicants had to submit an application form, a two-page essay, and one letter of reference. The program provided students with a rare opportunity to explore careers in agriculture and veterinary science. It also allowed them to gain hands-on experience in a veterinary learning environment.

Dr. Joel O. Alibi, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, led the program. Krystal Louis, Kimberlynnibah Yazzie, Kelvina Lee, Mary Ben, and Dr. Joseph Bahe served as facilitators. Each instructor conducted classroom lectures and laboratory sessions throughout the event.

Program Activities and Outcomes

The program introduced students to veterinary technology education, according to NTU. It also exposed them to a wide range of career opportunities in agriculture and veterinary science.

Alibi voiced his excitement about the students’ progress throughout the two-day program. He also noted their retention of what they learned as they transitioned from classroom instruction to hands-on laboratory activities. 

The lectures covered introductory veterinary concepts, animal health management, artificial insemination (AI), and animal production. Students analyzed blood and fecal samples during laboratory sessions to assess animal health, cell and hormone levels, parasites, and nutrition. They gained valuable practical experience and reinforced concepts discussed during lectures through these activities.

On the last day of the program, students learned how to perform a horse examination. The lesson began in a classroom setting and then moved to a live horse demonstration. Louis guided students through the examination process and supervised each participant as they practiced examination techniques.

At the end of the program, Alibi presented students with certificates of completion. He also encouraged them to continue pursuing their interests in veterinary science and agriculture. He expressed his gratitude to all students who participated in the program. He likewise shared his enthusiasm for expanding the Agriculture Youth Enrichment Program in the coming years.

Judge Allows Federal Government to Deposit Funds, Take Possession of Church Land for Border Wall Project

Victoria Padilla
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Judge Allows Federal Government to Deposit Funds, Take Possession of Church Land for Border Wall Project

A federal judge has allowed the U.S. government to proceed with acquiring a portion of land owned by the Catholic Church in southern New Mexico for a border wall project. The decision permits officials to deposit compensation funds with the court while litigation continues.

The Diocese of Las Cruces owns the land, which is located near the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal officials identified the property as part of a planned border wall project in the region.

Under the ruling, the government may deposit compensation funds with the court and gain possession of the property before the legal dispute is resolved. Future proceedings will assess the amount payable to the church.

Church leaders have raised concerns about the proposed land acquisition, saying the site holds spiritual and historical value for the local community. They have also sought to preserve access to the area while the case is ongoing.

Federal officials said the project is part of ongoing initiatives to complete border infrastructure in designated areas. The acquisition, they claimed, follows laws governing the use of eminent domain for public purposes.

Legal experts in New Mexico said the case could take months or longer to resolve as the court resolves issues such as fair market value and the property’s intended use. The court has to rely on expert appraisals and assessments to determine compensation.

The judge’s decision permitting the federal government to deposit funds provides a basis for officials and church leaders to continue discussions as the case proceeds.

I-25 is Shutting Down for 5 Nights. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Ruben Reyes
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I-25 is Shutting Down for 5 Nights. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Transportation officials announced the closure of I‑25 for five nights beginning in late June as workers demolish the existing Montgomery Boulevard bridge over the interstate. Crews will begin demolition as early as June 28 and finish the work in five nights. During the project, they will shut down the Montgomery Boulevard on‑ and off‑ramps at I‑25.

Each night, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., motorists traveling on I-25 will use the Pan American Frontage Road at the Montgomery exits as an alternate route. Drivers will traverse Montgomery Boulevard and return to I-25 using the on-ramps.

Crews will shut down Montgomery Boulevard, Culture Drive, and the northbound Pan American Frontage Road during the overnight work. East-side traffic will be rerouted via Comanche Road, Carlisle Boulevard, and Jefferson Street. Traffic managers will redirect west‑side traffic through Culture Drive and Edith Boulevard.

Transportation officials warned motorists to prepare for heavy traffic and extended travel times. They urged drivers to plan and follow posted traffic-control measures.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has created a website dedicated to the project, where motorists can monitor construction progress and get updates. Officials urged travelers to check the site before heading out and plan alternative routes when necessary.

Trump Border Wall Clash: Judge Authorizes Federal Deposit to Buy Church Land

Juan Oliveros
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Trump Border Wall Clash: Judge Authorizes Federal Deposit to Buy Church Land

A federal judge has allowed the government to deposit $183,071 into the court registry as it seeks to acquire 14.259 acres owned by the Catholic Church at the base of Mount Cristo Rey. The land would be used for fencing, surveillance cameras, and security lighting for the planned U.S.-Mexico border wall.

But Church leaders disputed the ruling. They insist it is not only about compensation, arguing Mount Cristo Rey is not merely property. It is sacred.

Pilgrims have climbed Mount Cristo Rey in prayer, tracing their path on steep stairs below the towering limestone statue of Jesus Christ overlooking New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. Catholics from Las Cruces, El Paso, and Ciudad Juárez consider the mountain to be a place where borders seem to vanish. To the Trump administration, however, the land surrounding the sacred mountain has become a strategic location for border wall.

That clash of meanings became the center of a legal fight between the federal government and the Diocese of Las Cruces. “The erection of a border wall through or along this holy site could irreparably damage its religious and cultural sanctity, obstruct pilgrimage routes, and transfer sacred space into a symbol of division,” the Diocese said in court filings.

Catholics regard the mountain as a special place in the spiritual life of the borderlands. The church acquired the land from New Mexico and built the first cross there in 1933. Six years later, the church erected the current monument. Every year, particularly during Holy Week, thousands of Catholics make the steep ascent in acts of devotion.

The Diocese argues that taking the land violates its First Amendment rights. It will also threaten a site that becomes a symbol of unity across national boundaries.

But federal officials disagree. They say access to Mount Cristo Rey will remain open as long as visitors enter from the American side. Court documents show no direct obstruction of the main pathway to the summit. One road, however, appears to be designated for access to border facilities.

In a June 15 order, Chief U.S. District Judge Kenneth J. Gonzales rejected the contention that the court had no discretion over the deposit request. He concluded that depositing the money in the court registry would still allow the Church to pursue the case. “Defendants may raise any defenses and objections to the condemnation in their answer to the complaint,” Gonzales wrote.

Gonzales ruled that the $183,071 will remain in an interest-bearing account until the court issues further notice.

Both sides are to present further arguments during a hearing scheduled for July 23. A larger question, however, still awaits resolution. Can one of the Southwest’s most cherished sacred mountains coexist with a border wall? For many of the pilgrims who climb Mount Cristo Rey every year, the case is about more than land; it is about what the mountain, where the towering statue of Christ stands, represents.

Editor’s Note: This article is an update of the previous story. Click here for the previous story.

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