Education & Equity: Albuquerque Public Schools says it hit its three-year reading goals for underserved first and second graders, but math still lags—reading proficiency rose to 34% (first grade) and 38.6% (second), while middle school math remains a weak spot. Community Funding: New Mexico’s new Government Results and Opportunity (GRO) program is sending more than $38 million to 230+ projects statewide, spanning behavioral health, senior meal sites, youth programs, housing help, public safety, victim services, legal aid, and Native language revitalization. Culture & Arts: The Center for Craft and Etsy launched a $10 million Craft Catalyst Initiative, with Santa Fe/Northern New Mexico named as one of the first craft hubs to receive support for local makers. Environment & Heritage: A federal proposal would remove a 10-mile buffer that protects Chaco Canyon from oil and gas drilling; a 14-day public comment period is underway as state and tribal leaders push back. Health & Community Service: Los Alamos National Laboratory beat Sandia in a blood drive competition, collecting 605 units total to help up to 1,815 patients. Local Life: Flood damage forced Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino to temporarily close its entrance and shut public operations, pending state Gaming Control Board approval. Public Safety & Policy: A new billing change could make pregnancy care pricier starting in January, as maternity services shift from bundled to more detailed fee-for-service coding. Politics & Civic Life: Rocky Mountain region National Park Service workers voted to unionize, with about 650 employees joining the National Treasury Employees Union. Arts & History: Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist Pat Oliphant died at 90 in Santa Fe, leaving behind decades of fearless editorial work.