NEWS

Welcome to the June issue of The Highlight

by | Jun 1, 2026

In cities and states around the country, universal childcare programs are finally having their moment. That includes New Mexico, where 15 years of work culminated in a successful ballot initiative authorizing a massive, permanent funding increase for early childhood education. Since that win, however, the state has struggled to increase supply — and it’s still dealing with a childcare shortage. In this month’s Highlight cover story, Sara Mickelson reports for Vox on how the state is screwing up universal childcare, and the lessons it can learn from places that are getting it right. Also in this issue: The case for joining a club. Why “drive-thru” healthcare is booming. How generosity became cringe. And surprising good news for new college grads.


How to screw up universal childcare

By Sara Mickelson


New college grads are doing better than the vibes suggest

By Bryan Walsh


Americans don’t know how to fight AI. So they’re fighting data centers.

By Marina Bolotnikova

Coming June 2


How generosity became cringe

By Sara Herschander

Coming June 3


How Americans got hooked on “drive-thru” healthcare

By Dylan Scott

Coming June 4


To make friends, join a club. To join a club, find an activity fair.

By Allie Volpe

Coming June 5

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