Carol A. Clark

Hurford: What Other States Can Learn From New Mexico’s Bet On Literacy

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By DAVID P. HURFORD Ph.D.
Executive Director
Center for READing, Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas

For too long, New Mexico’s students – especially Native American, Hispanic and low-income kids – were denied foundational literacy skills that open doors to lifelong opportunity.

A sustained, science-based investment is starting to change that.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico education leaders have made literacy a statewide priority since her term began in 2019. Over the past six years, New Mexico has invested more than $250 million in literacy initiatives, Read More

Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth Announces He Will Not Run Again For Majority Leader And Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2028

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STATE SENATE News:

SANTA FE — Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) announced today that he will not run for the position of Senate Majority Floor Leader prior to the start of the 2027 Legislative Session, and will not seek a sixth term in the state Senate in 2028. Wirth will complete his current Senate term in full, continuing to represent his Santa Fe constituents and serve alongside his colleagues through 2028.

These decisions reflect a conviction Sen. Wirth has held throughout his tenure in public life: that the measure of good leadership is not how long one holds a position, Read More

‘Space Futures’ Summer Lab @ SFCC June 22–25

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STEM Lab News:

In a new partnership with Santa Fe Community College, curious minds ages 12-19 are invited to join an immersive “Space Futures” SciArt Summer Lab to collaborate with professional artists, technologists, scientists and philosophers to create original works that will be exhibited at the Los Alamos Science Festival in September and our exclusive World Space Week : New Mexico events in October.

Students will be mentored by exceptional STEMarts instructors from Los Alamos National Lab, NASA, UNM, and more to learn new tech tools and use AI for Good to imagine and help Read More

Community Invited To Transportation Board Meeting To Discuss Jersey Barrier Replacement At Ashley Pond Park

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COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Transportation Board has scheduled a special meeting to discuss the replacement options for the Jersey barriers currently in place at Ashley Pond Park. The meeting will focus on reviewing alternatives, considering public safety and aesthetic factors, and determining recommended next steps for County Council.

The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 22, in Municipal Building Council Chambers.

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you may join via Zoom using this link.

Members of the public may also participate in the discussion by Read More

Denish: New Mexico’s Free Childcare In The Spotlight

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By DIANE DENISH
Corner To Corner
diane@dianedenish.com

There is so much good news about Universal Free Child Care in New Mexico that I’m puzzled by the handful of people who seem determined to focus on why we can’t do it—whether through lawsuits or social media criticism.

Take Duke Rodriguez, unsuccessful Republican candidate for governor in the 2026 primary. Rodriguez recently filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s implementation of Universal Free Child Care, arguing it was rolled out before being fully codified by the Legislature. It seemed like an odd political strategy, particularly Read More

NNMC Student Dawniel Hayward Scores 2nd In Screenwriters Conference 2026 Pitch Competition

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Dawniel Hayward at the Screenwriters Conference 2026. Courtesy/NNMC

From left: Omar Paz Trujillo, 1st place winner of the Pitch Competition, 2nd place winner Dawniel
Hayward and DezBaa’, Northern alumna and adjunct faculty. Courtesy/NNMC

NNMC News:

ESPAÑOLA — Northern New Mexico College is proud to announce that film student Dawniel Hayward has won 2nd place in the Screenwriters Conference 2026 Pitch Competition on June 7, 2026. Hayward’s winning pitch earned a $350 cash prize and attracted the attention of a major film producer. The first-place winner, Omar Paz Trujillo, is also a filmmaker Read More

Living Treasures Of Los Alamos Announces 2026 Selection

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By CRAIG MARTIN
Los Alamos

The board of Living Treasures of Los Alamos is pleased to announce the selection of three new Living Treasures for 2026. The selection comes after reviewing more than 100 nomination letters submitted by community members.

Linda Daly, well-known for her years of dedicated service to the Los Alamos Family YMCA, was selected for her continued service to the community through leadership in the Kiwanis Clug, the Los Alamos Medical Center Advisory Board, and the Los Alamos Community Foundation.

John Ruminer will receive the honor for his important contributions to the Read More

Celebrate 6th Annual Pride On The Patio At Pig & Fig Tonight

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New patio, Heather & The Bad Breaks, and Pride flags. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

Public is invited to Pig & Fig’s annual celebration of love and support for the LGBTQ+ community from 6–8 p.m., this evening, Wednesday, June 17, on the Patio of Pig & Fig Cafe.

There will be music, drink specials, colorful food and live music on Pig & Fig’s new patio! Heather and the Bad Breaks will be on the stage to help celebrate an evening of love and pride at Pig & Fig.

Costumes encouraged, inclusiveness mandatory. Read More