Thursday morning on Let’s Talk New Mexico, we get the latest on the South Fork and Salt fires forcing evacuations around Ruidoso in southeast New Mexico. Reports Wednesday show the fire growing to 21,000 acres with 1,400 structures burned. Are you trying to connect with friends and family there? Are you looking for ways to help?

Juneteenth, the holiday recognizing the release of the last enslaved people more than a year after the end of the Civil War, is coming up soon. Our communities commemorate the day with parades, conferences, and even yoga in the park. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss those celebrations and whether the holiday goes far enough to help heal the wounds of slavery. What will you do to recognize Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, the holiday recognizing the release of the last enslaved people more than a year after the end of the Civil War, is coming up soon. Our communities commemorate the day with parades, conferences, and even yoga in the park. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss those celebrations and whether the holiday goes far enough to help heal the wounds of slavery. What will you do to recognize Juneteenth?

New Mexico is among the most dangerous states for bicycling. Albuquerque, in particular, accounts for about half of those killed while biking in the state– and has ranked among the most dangerous cities in the US to ride a bicycle. Do you bike to work or peddle for miles on the weekends?

The 2024 primary elections are underway with early and absentee voting, but primary election day is Tuesday, June 4 and we’d like to hear from you. Why is voting in primary elections important to you? Do you sit out until general elections or only vote in presidential elections? What kinds of issues or candidates would get you more engaged?

On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we will talk about a unique, one-of-a-kind system meant to offset damage caused by elk and incentivize private land conservation and attempts to reform and properly fund state agencies. We’ll also dive head-first into how the state manages our game and fish.

The state Public Education Department recently mandated public schools to operate for 180 days – that’s a 5 day school week. Districts across the state are pushing back with a lawsuit citing lacking funding and transportation, especially in rural areas. Is the mandate overreaching, or, does it fulfill the state’s obligation to students?

This week on Let’s Talk New Mexico, have you had trouble finding medical care for your pet lately? You’re not alone. There’s a nationwide shortage of veterinarians, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile two-thirds of families now own pets. How do you see the need for more vets playing out in your community? Do you work in a veterinary practice?

Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court slashed protections of many waterways and wetlands. Their decision left water advocates and experts alarmed over the potential impact on New Mexico’s streams and rivers. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss a new report labeling the state’s rivers as particularly vulnerable.

New Mexico has a diverse population with almost 46,000 students participating in Bilingual programs. The goal is to ensure all students learn English as well as their native language and meet academic standards. However, a legislative report says schools may not be hitting those marks.