State Auditor: Shedding Light On Opioid Settlement Funds … A Path To Transparency And Accountability
By JOSEPH MAESTAS
New Mexico State Auditor
More than a billion dollars from opioid lawsuit settlements are heading to New Mexico coffers, with some monies already hitting state and local government bank accounts. These funds represent a golden opportunity to mitigate the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic—but making sure the money is spent the way it is intended is critical to ensuring that this opportunity and money aren’t wasted.
Opioids have taken a heavy toll on our State, claiming the lives of hundreds, shattering families and exacting long-term economic and social damage on Read More
Morales: New Mexico Can Do This Without A Hurricane
Hope Morales with her son Javyn at his graduation. Courtesy/Steve Notz
By HOPE MORALES
Executive Director
Teach Plus New Mexico
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans coalesced around a new educational system that focused on improved outcomes for students. The system started with vision and commitment.
According to former Louisiana State Superintendent of Education John White, “The state had to be in the game and conversations about schools.”
Louisiana worked with a targeted sense of urgency and did what was right for kids. The state has years of data that prove their Read More
McQuiston: Traveling? Are You Covered By Insurance?
By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos since 1963
My wife and I recently took a trip to Italy, one that we have been dreaming about for a while. I thought I would use that trip to discuss traveling and property and liability insurance.
Here’s what you’ll need to know to determine whether you’ll be covered while you’re on vacation—whether traveling domestically or in a foreign country.
Your Insurance: What You’ve Already Got Going for You
Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might already cover you for losses like theft while you’re traveling. If so, you might Read More
Amateur Naturalist: A Glowing Summer Solstice
By ROBERT DRYJA
Los Alamos
“Summer Solstice” is the name given to the longest day of the year. The sunlight created during this day can do so much. This is particularly apparent when the sun has just risen in the early morning. Sun light now comes almost horizontally rather than vertically from the sky above.
In addition, plants have just completed their spring time growth and their leaves are in perfect condition. The horizontal sunlight passes through leaves and they glow in different ways.
Leaves can be said to be conducting photosynthesis in this sunlight. However, they also have become a form Read More
Stradling: The Science Of Family-enabled Society
By GARY STRADLING
Los Alamos
In our Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum we have the opportunity to examine the interface of science and religion across a broad range of topics (come listen to our LAF&S Summer Lecture Series![i]). I find it particularly exciting to think scientifically about the practical impact of religion on society.
Our Western society is in flux, experiencing rapid change in traditional practices and values[ii] that have served human society for millennia. Many advanced industrial societies are experiencing a dramatic reduction in birth rates,[iii] with some dropping Read More
Weekly Fishing Report: June 28, 2023
By GEORGE MORSE
Sports And Outdoors
Los Alamos Daily Post
Anglers who have been patiently waiting for spring runoff tosubside will soon be rewarded. Streamflows across Northern New Mexico are dropping rapidly. The Chama River above El Vado Lake is already at a level (less than 400 cubic-feet-per-second) where the fishing is good and the expectation of hooking a big fish is high. The Pecos River is running at near normal for this time of year and weekly reports of big trout being caught are coming in.
The Rio Grande is still running a little high but is approaching normal. Give it a try if you are skilled Read More
Gessing: Kids Count Report … A Wake-Up Call
By PAUL J. GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation
Once again New Mexico is at the very bottom of a list. Kids Count 2023 is compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation with distribution and media handled by New Mexico Voices for Children.
While it is not the report Rio Grande Foundation would compile, the 16 variables considered in do highlight issues regarding the well-being of New Mexico children. Sadly, like so many similar reports, the results are not good for our state. What is unique is the positive spin being applied by Voices for Children.
As Voices for Children’s Amber Wallin recently wrote Read More
