The New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health [on June 15] issued a smoke advisory for areas of New Mexico that may be affected by smoke from fires currently burning in New Mexico and Arizona.

Smoke from the Dog Head Fire west of Estancia and the North Fire south of Magdalena is affecting air quality throughout central New Mexico. Hot, dry, and stagnant forecasted weather is expected to contribute to increased smoke concentrations especially in central New Mexico throughout the upcoming weekend.

“Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and aggravate chronic heart and lung problems,” Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher...

Queensrÿche guitarist ‘The Whip’ gets real with the Sun

New Mexico definitely gets its fare share of rocking concerts, and this reporter was privileged to see one of those recently.

The Scorpions & Queensrÿche Tour made its way down to the Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque on May 25, and I got to sit down and chat with Queensrÿche guitarist Michael Wilton (born Feb. 23, 1962), otherwise known as the “The Whip” for the speed of his fingers on the fretboard. Wilton, an American guitarist, co-founded Queensrÿche in 1982.

JC: Michael, how is it going brother? How has the tour been?

Michael: It’s going great! It’s a great pairing of bands; we’ve kinda built this...

In the 10th Annual Memorial Day Celebration, hosted by the Gallup McKinley Veterans Committee on May 30 this year, the crowds were larger at both the Hillcrest Cemetery and the County Courthouse, the parade was longer, and enthusiasm was at a much higher level than had been witnessed in the previous nine years.

Memorial Day is especially significant for veterans and families, even as it is also shared by civilians who commemorate the lives of family members and friends who have passed. There is enough empathy to go around.

The Veterans Committee was proud to show the spectators the two new pillars erected for additional veterans – one for WWII vets and one for those who served...