With a myriad of sources for information, it’s hard to know where to go these days. For armed conflict, it’s hard to beat The Institute for the Study of War, found at understandingwar.org. Much has happened in the last 4-6 weeks in the Russia – Ukraine war. Most breathtaking was Ukraine’s deep penetration into Russian […]
Opinion & Analysis
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News, Opinion & Analysis
What’s happening at the VA, anyway?
In an age where we are used to getting information with a few keystrokes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been something of a cipher. I have been eligible for VA care since 1999. I have largely avoided it for the reason noted above and others. Navigating the VA is so labyrinthine that entire […]
Posted inOpinion & Analysis, Pueblos
A Historic Investment in the Heart of Albuquerque
Tammy Fiebelkorn, Renée Grout, and Joaquín Baca are City Councilors in the City of Albuquerque This year, for the first time in Albuquerque’s history, the City has funded three full-time positions in the Open Space program for the Rio Grande bosque – dedicated staff whose sole responsibility is caring for this special area. As the […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News, Opinion & Analysis
Non-alternative facts
I don’t often get into the weeds of making news, but I think the craft is worth examining. I’ll share it from my side of the equation – the providing of information. News comes from information. That is, actual events that have happened in real time, real statistics and figures, you know, facts. People like […]
Posted inNew Mexico Statewide News, Opinion & Analysis
Op-ed: Public broadcasting funding cuts would be ‘catastrophic’ in New Mexico
For the cost of one cup of coffee per person, per year—that’s about $1.60—American taxpayers have generously and continuously supported public television and radio for communities across the nation. In New Mexico, this investment in public broadcasting allows 12 radio stations and 3 television stations to provide critical educational services, vital public safety partnerships, and […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News, Opinion & Analysis
If you must hold committee hearings at 1 am, what’s wrong with your bill?
This week, the administration’s budget-and-more bill passed the House by a single vote. After the Memorial Day recess, it will be heard by the Senate via the budget reconciliation process, meaning it can pass with a simple majority. It’s no secret that the federal budget process is broken. Case in point: this budget bill, with […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News, Opinion & Analysis
Peaking in the Permian?
We are all too aware of New Mexico’s dependence on the oil and gas industry. I’m not the only one noting that our economy is not diversified enough or that our state budget is scarily dependent on it. We talk of the cliff we are driving toward. That cliff is alarmingly close. West Texas Intermediate […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Opinion & Analysis
The elements of a major trade deal
Thursday, an announcement was made from the Oval Office, featuring British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on speakerphone, lauding the first “very large” trade deal reached since tariffs were enacted last month. As I write this 24 hours later, the key building blocks of a White House trade deal have been revealed. From the document posted […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Opinion & Analysis
A spiritual approach to dealing with the stress of living in crazy times
Submitted by Brian C. Taylor “These are crazy times,” many say, “so polarized, conflicted and disturbing. How do I not sink into fury, frustration, or despair?” There is plenty of practical advice to be had: limit your exposure to social media and political news; learn how to dialogue respectfully with someone with whom you disagree; […]
Posted inOpinion & Analysis
Reel Gems: Overlooked films currently streaming: Sunshine Cleaning (2008)
By Douglas Wood Rated R Currently streaming on Prime, Hulu, Apple TV+, YouTube and Peacock Sunshine Cleaning is the deceptively cheery title of the 2008 dramedy about biohazard waste removal. It’s also the name of the crime scene clean-up business started by Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams, Doubt, Arrival) and her younger sister, Norah (Emily Blunt, […]