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Want Your Child to Enjoy Reading? APS Releases “Story Time in the Park” Summer Schedule 

Gregg Morgan
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Want Your Child to Enjoy Reading? APS Releases “Story Time in the Park” Summer Schedule 

Parks as learning grounds? This summer, elementary children and families can have fun and learn together while enjoying the outdoors.

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is bringing books, stories, and engaging activities to local parks through its annual “Story Time in the Park” program. The initiative aims to help children grow into more confident young readers. 

The program offers free read-aloud sessions, complimentary books, and interactive activities in local parks. It empowers elementary-aged students to build essential literacy skills and expand their vocabulary. It also encourages children to develop a lifelong love for reading before they return to the classroom in the fall. Families will also receive ideas for hands-on activities that promote learning and quality time with their kids. 

The initiative is designed for elementary school-aged children, but it also welcomes all members of the family. It partners with the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County parks to bring reading activities to the community. These locations serve as summer lunch meal sites, creating a comprehensive support system for families. The free lunches are available to anyone 18 and younger.

Program Launch and Schedule

APS will hold a kickoff event for Story Time in the Park from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 7 at Isotopes Park. The district invites all families with children to attend and enjoy a day of books and snacks. 

The reading program runs from June 8 through July 17, with sessions taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The initiative offers reading activities Monday through Thursday and serves daily lunches Monday through Friday during the same time frame. There will be no program on June 19 to observe Juneteenth. The program will also be paused during the week of June 29–July 3. 

APS lists the 17 city and county parks hosting the reading program and providing free lunches on its Extended Learning website. 

Student Readers Take the Lead

APS has hired high school students, from freshmen to graduating seniors, to serve as the program’s official student readers. These students aged 14 to 18 will work as role models, with two readers assigned to each of the 17 participating parks. This opportunity gives students work-based learning experience.

“We want students to have fun books that engage them, but any kind of reading, especially read aloud, is important to students so that they start to love reading,” said Tammie Torres, Executive Director of Extended Learning. 

Student readers represent diverse backgrounds, including actors, thespians, student senate members, and jazz band musicians. They are undergoing training and background checks and will be clearly identifiable at the parks. 

The Flesh-Eating Fly at America’s Doorstep — and Why New Mexico’s New World Screwworm Website Could Be a Game-Changer

Juan Oliveros
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The Flesh-Eating Fly at America’s Doorstep — and Why New Mexico’s New World Screwworm Website Could Be a Game-Changer

Centralizing warnings, documentation tools, and emergency advisories in one website may help stop a New World screwworm (NWS) before it spreads north, New Mexico officials hope.

Ranchers in the American Southwest view the threat of this deadly livestock parasite as almost medieval: a parasitic fly that lays eggs in open wounds, its larvae then burrow into living flesh and invade tissue from within.

The parasite has long plagued livestock industries across the Americas, causing immense losses before eradication campaigns in the late 20th century. Now, as concerns spread further amid concerns of transmission into the United States, state officials are betting that information, delivered quickly and clearly, may be one of New Mexico’s most important lines of defense.

One-stop shop platform

This week, the state launched ScrewwormNM.org. It is a one-stop shop website that provides residents across the state with real-time information about New World screwworm infestations, including how to spot cases, protect animals and people, and document suspected outbreaks.

The site consolidates advisories from multiple agencies, including the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, the New Mexico Livestock Board, health officials, and wildlife authorities. It creates what state officials describe as a “single source of truth” if the parasite emerges in the state.

The move reflects increasing recognition among agricultural and public health officials: rapid communication can be as critical as medical intervention in mitigating outbreaks. Unlike ordinary pests, New World screwworm larvae infest open wounds and feed on living tissue, often causing catastrophic injuries in livestock and wildlife if left untreated. Pets are also vulnerable. And in rare instances, humans may become hosts.

Infestations can spread quickly. “Cases in animals can deteriorate rapidly if not addressed early,” said Dr. Samantha Holeck, the state veterinarian with the New Mexico Livestock Board. “Having guidance in one place supports faster diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and timely reporting, all key to limiting spread.”

Help prevent New World screwworm outbreak

Officials say the website is not only for ranchers and veterinarians. It is also for hunters, pet owners, and rural residents who may detect abnormal wounds in animals.

New Mexico Department of Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte said the initiative seeks to prevent panic while encouraging vigilance. “This website provides clear, accurate information in one place from the agencies leading the response,” Witte said. “Be alert, not alarmed — early detection and strong communication are vital to protecting animals and public health.”

The NWS website includes photographs and identification tools to help users identify infestations, reporting instructions, and emergency contact information for experts and state agencies. If New World screwworm is detected in New Mexico, officials said, the site will become the state’s primary platform for outbreak updates and response actions.

The site also complements the federal government’s national information portal, Screwworm.gov, which oversees countrywide messaging and response efforts.

The stakes are enormous, particularly for a state where ranching remains both an economic engine and a cultural identity. A screwworm outbreak could devastate livestock operations, disrupt trade, and cause significant environmental harm to wildlife populations.

But officials say preparedness starts with something simple. That is to make sure people know what they are looking at before it is too late.

With that in mind, the state’s New World screwworm website is not only a public information portal. It is also an attempt to establish an early-warning system driven not only by veterinarians and government agencies, but by ordinary people armed with timely information.

Taste of Las Cruces Showcases Local Cuisine and Community Spirit

Victoria Padilla
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Taste of Las Cruces Showcases Local Cuisine and Community Spirit

The annual Taste of Las Cruces festival will take place on June 10, 2026, at the Las Cruces Convention Center. The festival runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It highlights the city’s food scene and community spirit.

Why does this headline matter? Because the Taste of Las Cruces festival has been a part of Las Cruces for 16 years. This has been possible thanks to the Casa de Peregrinos and the Rotary Clubs of Las Cruces.

It continues to showcase the culture of food and is used to give back to the community.

For example, in prior years, visitors and residents have been able to taste food from local restaurants, chefs, and food vendors. They have offered samples of their best dishes.

This annual event allows everyone who comes to experience the wide variety of food in Las Cruces. All of this happens in one location, for one night.

One benefit of participating in this event is providing support to those conducting fundraisers for the Casa de Peregrinos Food Program. It also helps develop community relationships and supports local businesses. At the Taste of Las Cruces, attendees can sample a variety of cuisines. Moreover, they help alleviate hunger throughout Doña Ana County.

The article’s message shows that the Taste of Las Cruces remains a community tradition. It promotes culinary excellence through philanthropy and underscores its importance to Las Cruces.

In closing, the 2026 Taste of Las Cruces remains the premier culinary arts event in New Mexico. It showcases locally produced foods while benefiting the entire community. This is a great way to have fun and share your love and passion for food with those who are less fortunate.

Ruidoso Celebrates Music and Arts with Festivals, Concerts, and Creative Events

Victoria Padilla
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Ruidoso Celebrates Music and Arts with Festivals, Concerts, and Creative Events

With live concerts, art festivals, gallery exhibits, and cultural activities, Ruidoso’s artistic and musical communities provide a place for creativity and entertainment. This happens within this beautiful mountain community.

This statement demonstrates that Ruidoso’s cultural offerings help define the community as more than just a pretty place to stay. In addition, they also support local artists and foster a thriving arts community that attracts tourists.

There are many upcoming events for all who enjoy music, such as the Brewdoso Craft Beer & Wine Festival featuring live performances. Further, there is the Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival with over 100 artists. The Alto Artists’ Tour enables attendees to visit working studios and the homes of local artists.

Additionally, the variety of concerts offered in Ruidoso includes tribute bands (such as 4 Lads from Liverpool). It also includes local groups (such as the Ruidoso Sound Collective).

Events benefit communities by enhancing community life through tourism and by giving musicians/artists an opportunity to showcase their talent. Meanwhile, families have free summer movie series. In contrast, adults are able to explore fine art, live performances, and local wines, contributing to Ruidoso’s cultural economy.

The headline states that Ruidoso’s music and art scene is not only entertainment but also part of the foundation of its cultural identity. It integrates the charm of the mountains with a creative vibe.

Ruidoso continues to flourish as an artistic center of New Mexico. Events occur year-round, including festivals, concerts, and art tours. This gives visitors to Ruidoso an experience and combines both creative and mountain hospitality.

Light Art Space Showcases Contemporary Creativity in Silver City

Victoria Padilla
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Light Art Space Showcases Contemporary Creativity in Silver City

The Light Art Space, located within the Silver City government campus, hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programming focused on contemporary art. If you are interested in innovative galleries, Light Art Space Silver C is a must-visit destination in the region. In Silver City, Light Art Space serves as a hub for artistic innovation and community participation. In fact, Light Art Space Silver C exemplifies the integration of contemporary art and local engagement.

This headline is important because Light Art Space plays a significant role in the community as a cultural anchor. It supports local artists and gives residents and visitors access to a wide variety of art styles and experiences. Additionally, many initiatives revolve around the Silver City Light Art Space, enhancing the local cultural scene. Without a doubt, Light Art Space Silver C contributes greatly to these community-centered initiatives.

Silver City Clay Fest, held from June 15 to 21, is an ongoing series of festivals. In these festivals, artists, educators, and community members come together to celebrate ceramic art. Previous exhibitions have featured photography, mixed media, and installations addressing regional issues. Furthermore, they engage with broader art conversations, often in collaboration with Light Art Space Silver City. Moreover, Light Art Space Silver C remains at the forefront of innovative arts programming.

Light Art Space provides opportunities for artists to exhibit their work and offers skill-building workshops. It also provides a collaborative space for the public to engage with artists and their work. All of these efforts contribute to Silver City’s cultural environment. Furthermore, they stimulate tourism by featuring events at Light Art Space in Silver City.

As the article shows, Light Art Space is not only a gallery but also a progressive venue. It promotes artistic creativity and community involvement as vital parts of Silver City’s cultural identity. With its impact, Light Art Space Silver City continues to uplift local artists.

To sum up, Light Art Space is helping strengthen Silver City as a cultural destination by supporting a variety of artistic expressions and events, such as the Clay Festival. This effort ensures that contemporary art remains accessible, meaningful, and relevant within its community, particularly through Light Art Space Silver City programs. In summary, Light Art Space Silver C stands out as a leader in the region’s cultural landscape.

Thirsty Deserts, Salty Solution — New Mexico Launches $13M Mapping, Testing, and Treating Brackish Water Contracts

Juan Oliveros
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Thirsty Deserts, Salty Solution — New Mexico Launches $13M Mapping, Testing, and Treating Brackish Water Contracts

Rivers run thinner each year in the deserts of New Mexico, and wells sink deeper into dry ground. State officials are now looking to a lifeline buried far beneath the parched land: brackish water.

On Monday, New Mexico officials announced the awarding of $13 million in new contracts. The initiative aims to map, test, and treat brackish water — naturally salty water trapped deep beneath the earth. It is part of an ambitious program to prepare for a future shaped by worsening water scarcity.

The program reflects an increasing urgency inside New Mexico, where climate change, prolonged drought, and long years of groundwater overuse are reshaping the very question of how communities will survive in the years ahead.

Brackish water: NM’s most important resources

New Mexico’s scientists and water planners estimate that available freshwater supplies could decrease by as much as one-fourth in the coming years. To prepare for the worsening water crisis, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has placed the development of brackish water at the center of the state’s comprehensive 50-year water action plan.

Officials believe the underground water could become one of New Mexico’s most important resources, but the state has yet to tap into it. According to the state Environment Department, over 1 trillion gallons of brackish water may lie beneath the state.

“By advancing brackish water desalination, resource mapping, and real-world demonstration projects, we are building the technical foundation needed to unlock new water sources statewide,” Environment Secretary James Kenney said in a statement. “These investments move New Mexico closer to a future where every community has access to reliable, drought-resilient water supplies.”

The contracts announced on Monday represent the final portion of a $40 million fund approved by the Legislature in 2025. The lawmakers have added more allocations from the last two legislative sessions; they have now directed more than $75 million toward the Strategic Water Supply program.

Applications in manufacturing, dust suppression, and cement production are part of the funding support experiments that would use the salty water without expensive treatment. Other projects focus on desalination technologies, which could make the water suitable for farming or human consumption.

Two companies from Albuquerque received the largest awards. The state awarded $9.1 million to WSP to drill test wells, analyze, and map the extent of brackish water reserves across New Mexico. Officials say these activities will help determine which areas are most suitable for future extraction and desalination.

New water infrastructure

Another company, Indewater, got $3.7 million. The company will develop a mobile desalination unit for rural and tribal communities. New Mexico will eventually own the portable treatment plant, which is intended to help officials rapidly evaluate desalination’s potential as a drinking‑water supply in communities where groundwater is becoming increasingly salty. A smaller grant of over $270,000 went to Massachusetts-based Harmony, which will install a filtration system at Menefee Farms in Lake Arthur, providing drinkable water for livestock.

Officials frame the projects as not mere experiments. They are New Mexico’s attempts to build an entirely new water infrastructure before the worsening water crisis becomes catastrophic.

“These contracts give us the data, tools, and experience needed to make long-term, science-based decisions about New Mexico’s water future,” State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson said in a statement. “Understanding where and how we can responsibly develop brackish water resources is essential to easing pressure on our freshwater systems.”

What hangs in the balance will have its ramifications beyond New Mexico. Across the American Southwest, states are experiencing shrinking reservoirs, decreasing snowpack, and heightened competition over the Colorado River. Water managers are increasingly looking at desalination and alternative water supplies as critical tools amid a changing climate.

Difficult questions

But the promise of brackish water also comes with hard questions. Desalination remains energy-intensive and costly. Environmental advocates warn that large-scale extraction could create new ecological hazards if poorly managed. Rural communities and tribal communities, many of whom are already struggling with aging infrastructure and unsafe drinking water, could experience disparities in access to technology.

Despite that, New Mexico officials argue that the alternative is no longer sustainable, and the wait for freshwater systems to collapse further. The future of water in a state where drought is a permanent condition may now depend on learning how to drink what was once thought undrinkable.

Supreme Court Overruled a Murder Conviction

Ruben Reyes
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Supreme Court Overruled a Murder Conviction

The New Mexico Supreme Court annulled a murder conviction for a Valencia County man named Brandon Villalobos in a killing that occurred when he was a teenager

Villalobos’ second-degree and tampering with evidence convictions was nullified by the state Supreme Court.

The Justices unanimously concluded Villalobos was denied a right to a speedy trial, citing the nearly six years he spent in custody waiting for trial charges in his friend’s death.

The Time it Took to Arrive at this Verdict

Villalobos was only 15 years old when someone beat his friend, Alex Madrid, to death in 2014. Someone left Madrid’s body in an empty lot in Meadow Lake.

“Under the disturbing facts of this case, we hold that Defendant Brandon Villalobos – who has an intellectual disability and was fifteen years of age at the time of the underlying incident, his arrest, and the start of his extended pretrial incarceration – was deprived of his speedy trial rights,” the Court wrote in an opinion Justice Michael E. Vigil wrote.

It is really disturbing that a 15 years old is capable of the incident. However, the trial took six years for the conviction to happen.

Justice said it took three years to figure out Villalobos’ capacity to stand trial. They also pointed out his attorney’s punctuality and prosecution not “diligently monitoring” the case progress.

Justice explained that prosecutors have the responsibility to ensure that they carry out justice by moving the case forward in accordance with the Constitution.

“It is the responsibility of prosecutors, who represent the State of New Mexico, to ensure that justice is carried out by moving a case forward to trial in accordance with the Constitution,” justices explained.

The Justice also added that the State failed to meet the responsibility they carry, resulting in allowing a teenage defendant with intellectual disability to spend jail time for years.

“It is fair to say that the State failed to meet that responsibility here and, in doing so, allowed a teenage defendant with an intellectual disability to languish in jail for some three years and three months while his competency proceedings inched along at a glacial place.” Justice added.

What Really Happened?

The state Supreme Court sent the base back to the 13th Judicial District Court. They ordered the district court to set aside Villalobos’ conviction and dismiss the indictment that charged him with first-degree murder and tampering.

In December 2019, Villalobos attended the trial for the first time, but the judge declared a mistrial. On February 2022, a jury acquitted him of first-degree murder but convicted him of second-degree murder and tampering.

And in 2021, a judge sentenced Villalobos to 18 years in prison but credited him for seven-and-a-half years of time served, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.

Villalobos’ attorneys appealed the conviction.

The state Court of Appeals upheld the conviction in 2024, leading to the state high court’s decision on Monday.

Summer Fun At Isotopes v. Comets on Sunday

Olivia Woodard
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Summer Fun At Isotopes v. Comets on Sunday

Sunny weather and summer vibes brought the energy to the Albuquerque Isotopes game at Rio Grande Credit Union Field on Sunday. 

Albuquerque’s Isotopes took on the Oklahoma City Comets, and while the team didn’t quite beat the heat, the crowd certainly brought the enthusiasm. 

With an attendance count of 8,783, fans showed their support. The crowd roared for 3 home runs (made by players Adael Amador,  Chuckie Robinson, and Blaine Crim), and families and kids cheered for mid-inning fun, like the ENMU Simba Cam and the Circle K Hotdog Toss. 

Fans cheered and laughed during the heavily anticipated Chile Race, when Red Chile knocked Salsa out of the lead (and to the ground), crossing the finish line in first place. Red’s win brought the total points tally to 5 for Red, 4 for Green, 3 for Taco, and Salsa still in the lead with 11 wins. 

With a final score of 8-20, the Albuquerque Isotopes may not have taken it home, but they certainly gave fans a good time. 

Don’t miss the Isotopes 2026 Season: buy tickets for upcoming games at https://www.milb.com/albuquerque/tickets and go support the local team!

Families Can Get $120 Per Child This Summer — But Many Still Don’t Know SUN Bucks Exists

Juan Oliveros
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Families Can Get $120 Per Child This Summer — But Many Still Don’t Know SUN Bucks Exists

Thousands of families are once again confronting a familiar problem as summer vacation starts and school cafeterias remain closed across the state. These families ask: how to ensure food access outside the academic calendar. To help address the shortfall, New Mexico is expanding its involvement in the federal SUN Bucks program.

SUN Buck is a summer grocery benefit, giving eligible families with $120 per child to buy food while school is out. State officials say the program — also known nationally as Summer EBT — supports more than 270,000 students statewide this year. The initiative is funneling millions of dollars into households coping with rising grocery prices and inflation.

“Summer should be a time when children can rest and grow, not a season of hunger,” the state’s Health Care Authority said in announcing the program.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham wrote on her social media post: “Know a family who could use a little help this summer?

Most families, however, need not apply. Children who already qualify for the free or discounted student meal program are enrolled automatically. Automatic enrollment will also cover those who receive benefits through programs such as SNAP or TANF. Foster youth, homeless children, migrant students, and some Medicaid recipients may also qualify with no additional paperwork.

The state has also opened an online application portal for the 2025–2026 cycle for families who do not qualify for automatic enrolment to the program.

The subsidies come at a moment when food insecurity is having an ongoing impact on working households across New Mexico, especially in rural communities. Officials say most parents are still unaware that the benefit exists.

SUN Bucks specifically replaces the school meals children lose during summer break, unlike conventional welfare programs. The state released the money via electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. Recipients can use the cards to purchase groceries at authorized retailers.

State officials are encouraging schools, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations to help the information dissemination campaign before summer deepens. They also reminded families that unused benefits expire after 122 days.

The official SUN Bucks information page is available through the New Mexico Health Care Authority website. Families can submit their applications through YES New Mexico.

They Gathered in Candlelight for Juniper Blessing. In Santa Fe, Grief Became a Call to Remember.

Juan Oliveros
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They Gathered in Candlelight for Juniper Blessing. In Santa Fe, Grief Became a Call to Remember.

Hundreds of mourners stood shoulder to shoulder, rubbing elbows in the fading light at the historic Santa Fe Plaza, clutching lit candles, flowers, and scribbled notes for Juniper Blessing, a teenager whose life had barely begun.

They came to remember the death of Juniper Blessing — a 19-year-old New Mexican described by friends as brilliant, gentle, and impossibly kind. Juniper’s killing last week in Seattle has stunned a community, left searching for meaning amid loss.

“A grief no family should ever have to carry,” Michael Angelo D’Arrigo, president of the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance, told the crowd during a vigil on Monday evening.

The plaza is usually alive with tourists and music. But it fell quiet as mourners formed circles around flickering candles and blankets layered with flowers, including stems of Juniper’s favorite bloom. They carefully placed the letters beside each other, addressed to Juniper.

Recently, Blessing had moved to Seattle to study atmospheric science at the University of Washington. They also pursued minors in philosophy and music. Before leaving New Mexico, they spent four years studying at the New Mexico School for the Arts. Friends recalled them as an artist and scholar whose empathy seemed to touch nearly everyone they met.

“When you say someone was the kindest person you’ve ever known, people often say that after someone dies,” one friend, in a trembling voice, told the crowd. “But with Juniper, it’s something you truly mean.”

Police said Blessing was found dead last week inside the university’s laundry room. Investigators allege the killer stabbed them dozens of times. Since the incident, the killing has reverberated far beyond New Mexico. It has heightened anxiety in LGBTQ+ communities and students already facing fears about violence and intolerance.

“We gather as people of many faiths, many identities, many backgrounds and many understandings of the sacred,” D’Arrigo said. “Yet we are united in the simple truth that every human life possesses inherent dignity.”

For most people, the vigil is less about answers. It is more about holding one another through shock. Kevin Bowen, executive director of the alliance, urged mourners to allow grief to blossom into defiance stronger than despair. “We have to take trauma that comes from these emotions and realize that trauma, that grief, really comes from love,” Bowen said.

Some cried openly. Others sat in silence on the brick pathways of the plaza. Parents embraced their children. Friends stood shoulder to shoulder. A musician softly played a song nearby as dusk slowly settled over the city.

The crowd expressed anguish threaded with defiance. “Tonight we refuse to allow fear or cruelty to have the final word,” D’Arrigo said. “We stand here together to proclaim that Juniper’s life mattered.”

Authorities have detained a suspect, 31-year-old Chris Leyhee, who police say volunteered himself in. A judge set the bail at $10 million. Investigators said they have yet to establish a motive. And, at this stage, police rule out that the killing was a hate crime. Prosecutors plan to file formal charges before Leyhee’s court appearance on Tuesday.

But in Santa Fe, legal proceedings felt so remote amid the emotional reality unfolding beneath candlelight. “The key is we can’t forget,” Bowen told the crowd. Indeed, for one night in Santa Fe, a city Juniper Blessing once called home, to forget seemed impossible.

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