A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into an abatement fund, plus $375 million in civil penalties, after a jury found the company violated state law by contributing to a youth mental health crisis. The funds will support treatment, prevention, and screening. The court also mandated product changes, including age-verification tools and usage limits. Meta plans to appeal. The case is part of broader U.S. litigation against social media platforms over child safety.
On August 12, 2026, U.S. Border Patrol arrested an unidentified Canadian truck driver in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for hauling freight between Deming and Los Lunas in violation of federal cabotage laws. The driver admitted to the unauthorized domestic movement and now faces prosecution and deportation. The arrest signals an expansion of cabotage enforcement beyond Mexican drivers, amid criticism that such protectionist policies exacerbate the U.S. truck driver shortage while the government recruits veterans through the Freedom Haulers Initiative.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing them of stonewalling the state's criminal investigation into sex trafficking and abuse at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch. The state seeks unredacted federal files, citing over 13,000 references to the ranch in Epstein documents. The DOJ has allegedly ignored multiple requests, delaying justice for survivors. The ranch, near Santa Fe, was sold in 2023.
The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to make South Carolina the first presidential primary state for the 2028 election cycle, scheduling its primary for January 22. The decision marks a significant shift from past schedules, prioritizing a state with a large Black voting bloc amid concerns over Supreme Court restrictions on the Voting Rights Act. South Carolina edged out Nevada, partly due to concerns about Nevada's ability to process election results quickly. The early calendar also includes Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. Michigan replaced Iowa as the Midwest's early state, a notable departure from decades of tradition. The vote became tense when New Mexico was scheduled before Michigan, breaking a regional representation plan. The full DNC will vote on the proposed calendar in August. The new order elevates the South and Southwest while weakening Northeast and Midwest voices, significantly shaping the 2028 nomination race.
The article reports a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services in Texas, prompting a recall of nearly 1.6 million shell eggs sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis, causing symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, and fever. This follows a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce affecting over 12,000 people across 41 states, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE for cutting monitoring and response programs that previously prevented such outbreaks, raising concerns about food safety.
Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million shell eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella enteritidis contamination, the FDA announced. The eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The recall comes amid a series of food safety crises, including a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce that has affected over 12,000 people across 41 states, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE program for cutting monitoring and response programs that previously prevented such outbreaks, raising concerns about the government's ability to handle food safety issues.
The article reports a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, which recalled nearly 1.6 million shell eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella enteritidis contamination. The eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. This follows a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce that affected at least 41 states with over 12,000 possible cases, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE for cutting monitoring programs and CDC response teams, linking these cuts to the recent food safety crises.
Four U.S. states—California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey—are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties from Meta, alleging Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict young users and that the company misled the public about platform safety. The figure nearly equals Meta’s market cap. A trial is set for August 2026 in Oakland, with 29 states also pursuing federal claims. Meta denies wrongdoing, calling the demand unprecedented and unsupported. The case is part of broader litigation, including a recent $375 million verdict against Meta in New Mexico.
The U.S. Capitol Police issued an intelligence assessment on May 20, 2026, warning of a potential drone attack on the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, a month before the FBI arrested eight suspects in a plot involving weaponized drones and sniper rifles. The plot was uncovered after a mother reported her 19-year-old son to police for suspicious firearms purchases and online communications. The Trump administration has used the plot to justify a $600 million White House expansion featuring a drone port and sniper nests, though critics note that traditional police work—not expensive defenses—foiled the attack. The article also notes that during the 2026 World Cup, the FBI seized over 700 civilian drones for violating no-fly zones, and the SAFER Skies Act tightened restrictions on drone flights near sporting events.
As of 2026, Walmart employs 2.1 million people globally (1.6 million in the US), making it the world's largest private employer. The retailer's aggressive adoption of AI since the late 2010s has boosted productivity, enabled 30-minute delivery, and pushed its valuation above $1 trillion, leading to its inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 index in January 2026. However, these advancements have come with human costs: in May 2026, Walmart laid off or relocated about 1,000 corporate workers. Employees report AI-fueled initiatives creating 'impossible deadlines' and raising safety concerns. In June 2026, Walmart investors overwhelmingly rejected a shareholder proposal (only 4.95% support) that would have required reporting on AI's impact on workforce well-being, concluding that existing disclosures are sufficient. The workforce has slightly declined from 2.3 million in 2015.
Oracle stock fell about 3.5% to a fresh 52-week low near $122 after New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard rejected, for the second time, a natural gas pipeline needed to power Oracle's 'Project Jupiter' data center. The 2.5-gigawatt campus in Doña Ana County is part of the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure initiative with OpenAI. The commissioner cited environmental risks, including over 10 million tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions and water strain in an arid region. The denial threatens to delay power availability at the site from 2027 to 2029, potentially adding billions in costs. The move amplified investor concerns about Oracle's heavy spending on AI capacity and its ability to compete with cloud hyperscalers.
Oracle stock fell about 3.5% to a fresh 52-week low near $122 after New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard rejected, for the second time, a natural gas pipeline needed to power Oracle's 'Project Jupiter' data center. The 2.5-gigawatt facility is part of the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure initiative with OpenAI. The commissioner cited environmental concerns, including over 10 million tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions and water usage in an arid region. The denial threatens to delay the project's power timeline from 2027 to 2029, potentially adding billions in costs. The stock drop reflects broader investor anxiety about Oracle's massive AI spending and how it will finance capacity expansion.
A WalletHub study ranked US state public school systems using 32 metrics across quality (80% of score) and safety (20% of score). Massachusetts leads the ranking, while New Mexico ranks last. The study evaluated factors including graduation rates, standardized test scores, pupil-teacher ratios, drug use, bullying, school shootings, and disciplinary incidents. Data sources included the US Census Bureau, Department of Education, and CDC. The article provides a detailed state-by-state breakdown from worst (New Mexico) to best, highlighting specific weaknesses such as low test scores in New Mexico, high dropout rates in Alaska, and high bullying incidence in West Virginia. The analysis covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The New Republic article contrasts Donald Trump's past advocacy for competitive bidding as a real estate developer with his administration's widespread use of no-bid contracts. It notes Trump's 2011 book praised competitive bidding for sharpening contractor performance, but his business history included ignoring invoices and facing at least 60 contractor lawsuits. The article argues that competitive bidding is crucial for government contracting to prevent moral hazard, with 97% of federal contracts typically awarded through open bids. It then lists several no-bid contracts under Trump: $1.7 million and $14.7 million Interior Department contracts for the National Mall's Reflecting Pool, a $1.6 billion Customs and Border Protection contract for border wall construction in New Mexico, and a $4.2 million-per-month ICE contract to CoreCivic for immigrant detention in Kansas, later expanded to $60 million annually. The piece concludes that Trump lacks the patience and honesty for competitive bidding, labeling him 'America's No-Bid President.'
This comprehensive guide explains the concept of mineral rights in the United States, focusing on oil and gas. It details how land ownership is split into surface and mineral estates, with severance common in states like Texas and Oklahoma. The article outlines three common paths to ownership: inheritance, direct purchase, and retained ownership. It warns against scams such as lowball mail offers and fraudulent deeds, and provides guidance on valuation, tax advantages under 2026 estate tax rules, and key lease terms like bonus, royalty, and Pugh clause. The guide emphasizes that owning surface land does not guarantee mineral rights and advises consulting an attorney or title company to verify ownership.
This article from Yahoo Finance provides a comprehensive guide to mineral rights in the United States, explaining the distinction between surface and mineral estates, how severance works, and the legal dominance of mineral rights in oil-producing states like Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. It outlines common paths to ownership (inheritance, purchase, retained rights), the leasing process, valuation factors, and potential scams targeting uninformed owners. The guide emphasizes that surface ownership does not guarantee mineral ownership and advises consulting attorneys or title companies to verify rights. It is intended for individuals who inherited mineral rights, received unsolicited offers, or are buying land.
This article from Yahoo Finance provides a comprehensive guide to mineral rights in the United States, explaining the distinction between surface and mineral estates, the concept of severance, and how ownership typically arises through inheritance, purchase, or retention. It highlights that mineral rights are often separated from surface rights, especially in oil-rich states like Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, and that the mineral estate is legally dominant, granting access for extraction. The guide also warns about common scams and the importance of title searches to verify ownership. It serves as a reference for those who have inherited rights, received unsolicited offers, or are buying land.
Cody Cole, a 25-year-old electrical field superintendent in Arizona, chose to enter the trades after high school instead of attending college. Starting at $15 an hour in 2019, he now earns over $40 an hour as a superintendent with 45 direct reports. His employer, Corbins, funded a four-year apprenticeship through the Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA), which included classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Cole graduated as salutatorian in 2024. He attributes much of his career growth and job security to the AI-driven boom in data center construction, which has created high demand for skilled tradespeople. His income allows his wife to be a stay-at-home mom for their three children. Cole mentors younger workers and sees endless opportunities in the field, not just for electricians but also for roles in accounting, financing, and planning related to data center projects.
This article from Yahoo Finance analyzes the best U.S. states for retirees seeking to minimize state taxes on retirement income. It highlights that 41 states do not tax Social Security income, 37 do not tax most military retirement pay, 16 exempt pension income, and 9 have no income tax (including Washington, which taxes only high earners' capital gains). The article profiles seven states offering significant tax breaks: Arkansas (exempts up to $6,000 in pension/IRA income, no Social Security or military tax), Illinois (exempts pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, Social Security, and military pay), Iowa (no tax on pension/annuity/IRA income for those over 55, flat 3.8% tax rate as of 2025, eliminated inheritance tax), Mississippi (exempts retirement plan distributions, pensions, annuities, Social Security, and military pay), and New Hampshire (partial profile). The piece provides practical guidance for retirees evaluating state tax burdens on various income sources including Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and military retirement pay.
The article examines the paradoxical safety record of the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest and most heavily defended reconnaissance aircraft ever built. While no enemy missile or fighter ever shot one down, 12 of the 32 airframes built (37%) were destroyed in accidents, primarily due to the extreme challenges of sustained Mach 3 flight. The single fatality in the program's history occurred on January 25, 1966, when a test flight at Mach 3.18 and 78,000 feet suffered an inlet unstart, causing the aircraft to disintegrate. Pilot Bill Weaver was torn from the wreckage unconscious, his pressure suit and automatic parachute saving his life without him ever pulling the ejection handle. Reconnaissance systems officer Jim Zwayer died in the breakup. The article frames the losses not as a design failure but as the cost of operating at the edge of physics, with the fleet accumulating over 53,000 flight hours, including 11,675 at Mach 3 or above.
The article analyzes the SR-71 Blackbird's paradoxical safety record: while no enemy missile or fighter ever downed the aircraft over decades of reconnaissance missions, 12 of the 32 Blackbirds built (37%) were destroyed in accidents. The only fatality occurred on January 25, 1966, when a test flight at Mach 3.18 and 78,000 feet suffered an inlet unstart, causing the aircraft to disintegrate. Pilot Bill Weaver survived without pulling his ejection handle—he was torn from the cockpit unconscious, his pressure suit inflated automatically, and his parachute deployed at 15,000 feet. Reconnaissance systems specialist Jim Zwayer died from a broken neck during the breakup. The article attributes most losses to the extreme physics of Mach 3 flight, including unstarts, drag chute failures, and in-flight explosions, with the majority occurring in the program's first six years.
The article from 24/7 Wall St. predicts Oracle (ORCL) stock could surge 60% to $198.72 within 12 months, despite a 35% year-to-date decline. Two key bullish drivers are highlighted: multi-cloud database revenue growing 531% year-over-year, with Oracle now live in 33 Microsoft, 14 Google, and 22 AWS regions; and $75 billion of Oracle's $638 billion remaining performance obligations (RPO) tied to customer-supplied GPUs, reducing capex burden. The article notes a fundamental dislocation between Oracle's strong business growth and its depressed stock price. Bearish risks include negative free cash flow of $23.69 billion, heavy capex of $55.66 billion, and S&P's downgrade of Oracle to BBB- (one notch above junk). The article compares Oracle favorably to Microsoft (P/E 29 vs Oracle's 16 forward P/E) and Salesforce, suggesting the stock is undervalued.
Shell has launched a new mobile app and rewards platform called Wise Rewards at its Timewise convenience stores in Texas and New Mexico. The program, announced on July 15, 2026, offers fuel discounts of up to 30 cents per gallon on the first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on everyday purchases, with additional savings for in-store spending. Members can also access clubs, car wash savings, and personalized promotions. The app, developed with Rovertown, will soon integrate with Mosaic car wash software and includes an employee hub. The launch comes as gas prices rise, with AAA reporting average prices of $3.48 in Texas and $4 in New Mexico. Timewise operates over 200 convenience stores across the two states.
Journalist Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez reports that Jeffrey Epstein frantically attempted to incorporate his 7,600-acre Zorro Ranch in New Mexico as a private municipality with its own governance and law enforcement jurisdiction prior to his 2019 indictment. Epstein consulted Gerald Barton, a lawyer and former golf resort developer, to circumvent state laws requiring one resident per acre and 200 qualified electors. Barton suggested moving people into mobile homes without their knowledge of the true intent, similar to a workaround he used in Oklahoma. However, Barton ultimately advised against the plan due to the high risk of public scrutiny and investigative journalism during the growing hysteria surrounding Epstein. The report also highlights allegations that the ranch was used to surveil U.S. nuclear weapons labs using compromised software and may be linked to Epstein's eugenics plans and alleged burials. Investigations into the property were reportedly halted by the Department of Justice under the Trump administration. The ranch is currently owned by Donald Trump ally Don Huffines.
This article previews the May 17, 2026, annual "By Design" edition of CBS News Sunday Morning, hosted by Jane Pauley. The broadcast explores various facets of design through four distinct segments. The cover story investigates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a potential solution to the housing crisis, particularly in wildfire-affected areas of the West, highlighting practical and legal challenges. A history segment features a tour of Ardrossan, a Gilded Age-era Georgian estate on Philadelphia's Main Line. The architecture section examines the resurgence of adobe construction, blending ancient mud-brick techniques with modern innovations like 3D printing, featuring stories from New Mexico and global museums. Finally, a fashion segment profiles the Finnish company Marimekko, renowned for its bold graphics in fabrics and home furnishings. The article provides broadcast times and links to further resources for each topic, serving as a comprehensive guide to the upcoming episode's content on architectural innovation, historical preservation, and industrial design.
A dangerous conspiracy theory claiming that the word "hanta" means "scam" or "fraud" in Hebrew slang is spreading rapidly across major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. This false narrative implies that hantavirus outbreaks are fabricated by Jewish entities or the Israeli government. In reality, hantavirus is a well-documented illness identified in 1978, named after the Hantaan River in Korea. Linguists confirm the claim is baseless, likely stemming from a confusion with similar-looking Hebrew slang terms. Despite the clear misinformation and antisemitic undertones, tech platforms have been slow to act, with many posts gaining millions of views through algorithmic amplification and AI-generated search summaries. The article highlights how coded hateful content exploits platform loopholes, with influencers using disclaimers to mask antisemitic intent while spreading harmful falsehoods about public health crises.
New Mexico is experiencing a significant financial windfall due to surging oil prices driven by the ongoing conflict with Iran and bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz. For every $1 increase in the price of a barrel, the state gains approximately $59 million in revenue, leading to an estimated $850 million surge in annual income. This influx funds progressive social services, including free universal child care, school meals, and health insurance. However, the situation creates political discomfort for Democratic leaders who oppose the war and aim to reduce fossil fuel reliance. Gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman propose different ways to utilize the funds, such as expanding tax credits or providing direct payments to residents. The state manages these revenues through trust accounts designed to lessen long-term dependence on oil while supporting Medicaid and education. This scenario highlights the complex intersection of geopolitical conflict, energy economics, and domestic social policy in a state deeply tied to the Permian Basin's oil production.
NBA fans experienced widespread confusion after reports emerged that LeBron James had broken the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) men’s javelin throw record. The viral story stemmed from a name coincidence involving a different athlete: a sophomore javelin thrower at New Mexico Junior College who shares the same name as the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. This athlete, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, achieved a throw of 77.91 meters in New Mexico, surpassing the previous record of 76.29 meters set by Markim Felix in 2018. While the athletic achievement was significant within track and field circles, the shared identity with one of basketball’s most famous players caused the story to transcend its niche audience. Social media users reacted with humor, joking about the Lakers star’s versatility and the longevity of his career, which now spans long enough for younger athletes to share his name while he remains active. The incident highlights how digital misinformation or simple name overlaps can create viral moments across different sports communities, momentarily blurring the lines between college track achievements and professional basketball news.
This article highlights new visual records of the Trinity test, the world's first atomic explosion, which occurred on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico. Based on Emily Seyl’s book "Trinity: An Illustrated History of the World’s First Atomic Test," the piece details the extensive photographic effort undertaken by the Manhattan Project to document the detonation of "the Gadget." Photographer Berlyn Brixner, stationed in the North 10,000 bunker, operated Mitchell movie cameras that captured crucial footage used by Los Alamos scientists for initial measurements of nuclear effects. The text describes the physical mechanics of the implosion-type plutonium bomb and the resulting fireball. Although only 11 out of 52 deployed cameras produced usable images due to the extreme conditions, the strategic arrangement of devices at varied distances and angles allowed for a detailed scientific analysis of the blast's behavior. These restored images provide a vivid historical record of the moment humanity entered the nuclear age, offering intricate details of the energy release and debris formation that were invisible to the naked eye.
Virgin Galactic confirmed on May 14 that it remains on track technically and financially to commence commercial flights of its next-generation suborbital spaceplane by the end of the year. During its first-quarter earnings call, executives reported that the first SpaceShip vehicle has moved to testing at its Phoenix facility, with rollout expected by August. Flight testing is scheduled for the third quarter, leading to space flights in the fourth quarter. The company has informed its 650 existing customers that their flights will occur between 2027 and early 2028. Financially, Virgin Galactic reported a $65 million net loss but holds $251 million in cash, deemed sufficient to reach commercial service. The company recently sold 50 tickets at $750,000 each, citing strong global interest from individuals and organizations. To support increased flight cadence, Virgin is establishing a hybrid rocket motor assembly line in Phoenix, expected to be completed in the fourth quarter. This strategic move aims to transition staff from vehicle assembly to motor production seamlessly, ensuring operational efficiency as the company exits its pre-revenue phase.
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A New Mexico court issued a major ruling against Meta, ordering the company to pay a total of $942 million in penalties and abatement funds and mandating product changes. The decision follows a jury finding that Meta violated state law by contributing to a youth mental health crisis. Meta has stated it plans to appeal.
The judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into an abatement fund for youth mental health treatment, prevention, and screening.
Meta was also ordered to pay $375 million in civil penalties.
The court mandated product changes, including age-verification tools and usage limits.
Meta plans to appeal the ruling.
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