From Zoom to CLASSROOM

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department announced the state plan to return students safely to classes this fall.

Acknowledging that the pandemic is still with us, on June 23, Education Secretary Ryan Stewart spoke about what the future holds for the next school year.

“We’re not through this pandemic by a long shot, but as we learn to live safely in a COVID-positive world, this collective effort has flattened the curve to the point where we can engage in the process of reentering our school buildings,” he said.

In May, Stewart convened a re-entry task force including educators, parents, administrators, public health officials, and many...

When Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced plans for a Council for Racial Justice on June 4, one of the first people she named to the council was State Representative Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Bernalillo.

In a conversation with Stapleton June 16, she described the council as one made up of diverse individuals from around the state.

Stapleton told the Gallup Sun, “I would like to draw attention to issues that affect the living conditions of all New Mexicans, regardless of whether they are white, Asian, Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, immigrants.

“There are issues in our state right now that cause neglect to all individuals in our state,” she said.

She specified...

They predict a wave of homelessness without help

ALBUQUERQUE—In order to prevent a dramatic spike in homelessness as New Mexico navigates the COVID-19 crisis and its economic aftermath, social justice and housing organizations asked Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham this week to prioritize legislation creating a rent relief fund at the upcoming special session. Their letter also asks her to support a legislative moratorium on evictions and expanded protections for low-income homeowners.

“If we don’t get some help with rent soon, I don’t know what’s going to happen to me and my family,” said Allyssa Garcia, who lives in Albuquerque. “I’ve worked hard my whole life, but I...

The City of Gallup will host a fireworks display in honor of our country’s Independence Day on July 3 at around dusk.

Unlike previous years, there will be no live festivities such as vendors, musical entertainment, or other programs for the public in order to comply with the Governor’s Public Health Orders regarding mass gatherings.  In addition, the Sports Complex will not be open for the public to engage in any social activities leading up to the display of fireworks.

Spectators of the fireworks show that choose to park on city streets are reminded to remain in their vehicles at all times. The show is less than 30 minutes in length and the Gallup Police Departments will have...