New Mexico
Heart of New Mexico: Johnny James
His videos are not always safe for work, and many are not safe for a TV news broadcast. His connection with New Mexicans is undeniable. Johnny James has struck gold in the internet age of online attention.
His videos are not always safe for work, and many are not safe for a TV news broadcast. His connection with New Mexicans is undeniable. Johnny James has struck gold in the internet age of online attention.
“I’m on the road enough, so I realize how people don’t understand our gente and our culture,” James said. “Well, if they don’t understand it, then let’s just show them all the way.”
James first plan was to become a rapper. He said he hustled to sell albums, travelled the country, and while hip hop is still his passion, he’s found a new voice with humor.
Describing himself as part conqueror, part conquered, in relation to his connections to his Hispanic and Native American cultures. Describing his affinity for New Mexican cuisine, or his relatable experiences at Albuquerque gas stations.
Most of the time while trying to make you laugh.
“It just cracked off,” James said of the fast internet success.
His connection to New Mexicans, he said, extends beyond Albuquerque. He grew up in the small town of San Fidel, Grants, and the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos is where he spent much of his childhood.
In the shadow of Ray’s Bar, named after his grandfather, Johnny was molded into who is today by his mom and dad.
He said his family of five lived in a two-bedroom trailer “until the bottom fell out underneath us.” The closeness of family shaped him as much as addiction.
“My dad was probably the highest functioning addict I’ve ever met in my entire life,” James said.
He recalled the first time trying to help bring someone back from an overdose when he was 6 years old. The opioid crisis had a grip on his family.
“I’ll be 100% transparent. I’m an addict, too, right?” James said. “I was able to be self-aware enough to know when I was so close to, like, I’ve looked over that edge a whole bunch of times, bro.”
James said he’s like, “Neo in the Matrix,” with how many bullets he’s dodged. His openness about his former occupation as a drug dealer leads you to wonder if he meant that figuratively.
“Even though my dad did do what my dad did, he was there. I had a dad,” James said. “You know, how many people – or how many of my friends – that didn’t have a dad?”
James said even though his dad thought his plan of becoming a famous Hispanic rapper was, “bonkers,” he supported him. Supported him until he died of a heroin overdose in 2017.
“It was really hard on my mom. It was hard on all of us because we’re so close,” James said.
Hard lessons he carries with him as he said he’s trying to be the best father to his four sons. Now his internet fame is a noticed in real life.
On the one street through San Fidel, to Old Route 66, people stop James everywhere. He stops and considers himself grateful for the attention.
“If I lead from the front and I lead by example again, I’m one man. I’m not going to save the world,” James said. “But if I could change a little bit, if I could change a couple of people, then it was worth it.”
He’s hoping to use his reach to uplift New Mexicans and throw his support behind people and causes that could make a difference. James helped raise over $78,000 for Ruidoso Wildfire relief. He still wants to reach his goal of $100,000.
His values seem to resonate through the cell phones that have elevated his status across the state.
Was it all a happy accident? Depends on who you ask.
“I always say it accidentally fell in my lap. But people say it might not have been an accident,” James said. “I’ll let them decide.”
New Mexico
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Seniors at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center say broken air conditioning has left the gym above 80 degrees during peak summer heat.
Angi Gonzales Carver said she goes to the center almost every day and now worries the heat could cancel classes for seniors, adults and kids.
The city said three HVAC roof units at the center need replacement. The city said those units are 20 years old and crews have put in one portable cooler and two fans for now.
“I have a temperature measure, and it was 88 and that was without people,” said Angi Gonzales Carver.
Carver says the center recently posted a warning sign saying staff will cancel classes and activities if the gym gets hotter than 78 degrees.
“A lot of them have to sit down and they’re they’re fanning themselves,” said Carver.
The city considers all multigenerational centers cooling centers, including Manzano Mesa. The city says it plans to add two more portable units next week while it works to restore the air conditioning.
“I mean, we, as seniors, we deserve better,” said Carver.
The City’s statement
A city spokesperson gave the following statement regarding the HVAC situation:
“The City is carrying out a planned replacement of the three HVAC roof units at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, which are 20 years old. Portable cooling units support the gym and two additional portable units will be installed next week. All other areas of the facility remain fully air-conditioned and operational.”
Acres: 7,769 acres
Start Date: June 9, 2026
Location: 18 miles southeast of Quemado, NM
Personnel: 169
Containment: 100%
Cause: Lightning
Summary: Containment lines are holding, and much of the repair work is completed on the Bear Fire. The Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the fire back to the Gila National Forest and a Type 4 Incident Commander on Wednesday morning. Firefighters will continue to patrol and secure the perimeter while repair is completed.
Remarking on the success of firefighters on the Bear Fire, Incident Commander Marcus Cornwell said, “The support from the State of New Mexico Forestry Division, local landowners, and the Village of Quemado were instrumental in helping suppress the fire. Providing firefighters access to private land and use of Quemado High School proved pivotal.”
This will be the last daily update provided by the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team. Any future updates for the Bear Fire will come from the Gila National Forest.
Weather: Today’s high temperature will be in the mid 80s. Moisture moving in from the south will improve relative humidity and drop temperatures slightly. The forecast shows daily chances of thunderstorms through Friday.
Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place through this evening. If you fly, we can’t! The Gila National Forest enacted an Area Closure Order for the Bear Fire.
Evacuations: Catron County Emergency Management lifted SET status for residences within zones 2, 3 and 4 on Thursday, June 18th. For more information about the change in evacuation status, visit Catron County Emergency Management.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible in and around surrounding communities. Air quality will vary based on fire activity, weather, and wind patterns. Residents should reduce prolonged outdoor activity when smoke is present and check the Air Quality Index before recreating or working outdoors. Sensitive groups should take extra precautions to limit smoke exposure. For real-time smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov.
Fire Restrictions: The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to long term severe drought in the Gila region, increased tree mortality across the forest, and forecasted hotter, drier weather conditions. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions limit campfires on forest land to designated recreation sites and campgrounds with constructed metal fire rings. Open burning is also prohibited in the unincorporated area of Catron County and in Catron County Fire District 30.
Public Information: 2026.bear@firenet.gov
Incident Information:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/nmgnf-bear-fire
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