Commentary: When a Non-Story Became News — Wright’s Escalation and the Role of the Press

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — What began as a minor cafeteria disruption at Alamogordo High School the week before Thanksgiving was not considered newsworthy by the AlamogordoTownNews.org editorial board. The incident, in which some students were delayed in receiving meals and others claimed they were unable to eat when popular food stations ran out, was addressed quickly by staff and explained to families in a letter.

The matter might have ended there. Journalist Chris Edwards made a brief personal remark on social media — “This did not happen when Judy Rabon was president” — but no formal news story was published.

It was APS School Board Member Shannan T. Wright who escalated the issue. By forwarding internal emails to Edwards’ non-media employer, Wright violated a cease-and-desist directive that had instructed APS officials to address Edwards only through his professional media contact at ChrisEdwards@KALHRadio.org. Wright’s use of a private server to conduct school board business further raises questions about transparency and ethics.

In effect, Wright’s actions transformed a non-story into a controversy. Instead of focusing on the operational hiccup already resolved by APS staff, the spotlight shifts to governance: the conduct of a sitting board member, the boundaries of ethical communication, and the responsibilities of public officials to respect directives and maintain transparency.

This episode also underscores the role of the press — and the unique position of 2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.org, NewMexicoConservativeNews.com, and KALHRadio.org. These platforms operate under the Southwestern Trails Cultural Heritage Association, a registered 501(c)(4) social-welfare nonprofit. Unlike traditional 501(c)(3) charities, a 501(c)(4) may engage in unlimited issue advocacy and limited candidate-related speech, provided such activity does not exceed 49.5% of its operations.

That distinction matters. As a press organization, the entity is committed to civic accountability, transparency, and community betterment. As a 501(c)(4), it is also empowered to challenge entrenched political structures and expose ethical lapses — even when those lapses involve sitting officials.

The numbers tell the story: across thousands of published pieces, 30% of coverage has focused on public schools, most highlighting student athletics, teacher successes, nutrition programs success. and positive outcomes. Only 2% has focused on school board activities, transparency, and accountability. Yet it is precisely in those rare moments — when governance and ethics collide — that the press fulfills its watchdog role.

The question now is not whether students ate lunch that day. Most did. The question is whether Alamogordo’s school board leadership is upholding the standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct expected of public servants. And whether the press, operating within its rights as a 501(c)(4), will continue to shine a light on those moments when power and responsibility fall out of balance- it will! 

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