Opinion

McQuiston: Why ‘Full Coverage’ Often Isn’t What You Think It Is…

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963 

If you’ve ever told someone you have “full coverage”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common phrases in the insurance world—and one of the most misunderstood.

Most people assume it means they’re completely protected, no matter what happens. But here’s the truth: “full coverage” isn’t an official insurance term. It doesn’t mean everything is covered—it just means you have a combination of basic protections. And depending on what’s in that mix, there might be more gaps than you realize.

What “Full Coverage” Usually Read More

Fuselier: What’s In A Name?

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By ROBERT FUSELIER
Los Alamos

When we get down to the root of all the names we put on others, the labels that we use in a blind attempt to make our world easier to navigate, we arrive at two options: good or bad.

Good and bad is the basic premise of most of our actions. Good and bad is how our subconscious emotional systems work to keep us surviving: we are programmed to seek out that which helps us survive (good) and avoid that which harms us (bad). No great amount of wisdom is needed here; slugs and worms operate at the same level.

Fortunately, we have two things that can, and I emphasize “can”, allow us to function Read More

Gessing: New Mexico’s ‘Free’ Childcare An Attempt To Cover For Failures

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By PAUL GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation

Gov. Lujan Grisham recently announced a new plan for taxpayers to fund “free” childcare for all New Mexicans, regardless of income levels. The Gov. portrayed this as a big win for New Mexico families. What she hasn’t emphasized is that New Mexico has had taxpayer-funded “free” childcare in place since 2022. Until now that program has been limited to families with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty

According to federal poverty guidelines 400% of the poverty level allows a family of three to earn up to $106,600 annually and be eligible for the Read More

Appel: Legislators And Governor Should Fix New Mexico’s Road Crisis

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By PAUL APPEL
President
Asphalt Pavement Association of New Mexico
As often happens, a bill died in the last day of the 2025 session when time ran out and what died just might be our roads. But legislators and the governor have a chance to fix it, make our roads safer, and save thousands of jobs.
In average years, the legislators fund road construction and necessary road maintenance to the tune of $200 million. In this year’s session back earlier this year, there was only a $65 million allocation – for maintenance alone, leaving the state’s road construction and maintenance fund short by $135 million.
Read More

‘No Kings’ Protest 2.0 At Ashley Pond Park Oct. 18

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From Indivisible Los Alamos:

          • As President Trump expands his authoritarian powers, thousands of actions across the country will reinforce the message that “We don’t do kings in America”.

On Oct. 18, Los Alamos residents will join with millions of Americans across the country in a nationwide day of nonviolent protests at the second No Kings Day of Action.

A few months ago, on June 14, more than five million people across all 50 states joined No Kings in the largest single-day protest yet against President Trump’s authoritarianism. The Oct. 18 day of action is the next step in this growing movement, Read More

Op-Ed: The Shared Vision Of Jane Goodall And Pope Leo

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By TERRY HANSEN
Milwaukee, WI.

Conservationist Jane Goodall has passed away at age 91. As a United Nations Messenger of Peace, she urged: “You’re supposed to share the planet, and yet species are disappearing. Ecosystems are collapsing. That’s going to affect us.”

More recently, Pope Leo XIV implored: “We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures. Nor can we call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ without participating in his outlook on creation and his care for all that is fragile and wounded.”

Pope Leo and Goodall share deeply rooted values: reverence for life, Read More

Op-Ed: Conner Tharp UNM-LA Endorsement

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By Eric Vasquez
Executive Director
Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area

I had the privilege of working with Conner Tharp during her time at the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, where she showed tangible leadership in economic and workforce development.

Conner understands the unique needs of northern New Mexico and has a proven ability to create opportunities that strengthen our communities. Her vision and dedication will serve UNM–Los Alamos well, ensuring students are prepared for both higher education and the local workforce. I fully support her candidacy for the UNM–LA Read More

Life After 50: Crisis Of Leadership?

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By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos

I know about a few local … I’m going to say businesses, non-profits or organizations (B,N,O) … experiencing a crisis of leadership and I wanted to register some thoughts.

I say BNO because my goal is not to throw any singular entity under the bus, but struggle is afoot. I do hope people unite to engage in potential ways to solve issues in this community.

I’ll start with my philosophy about what makes a great leader. The first is that if the custodian urgently becomes ill and out sick for a few days and the leader is too good to clean the toilet, he/she is not a good leader. Read More

Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board’s Kevin Holsapple Expresses Concerns To County Council Ahead Of Tonight’s Consideration Of Multi-Year Tourism Marketing Agreement

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By KEVIN HOLSAPPLE
Member
Lodger Tax Advisory Board

Dear Councilors,

Here are comments and questions that I request that you address concerning agenda item AGR1163-25 on tonight’s agenda (multi-year tourism marketing agreement).

  1. As an LTAB member, I have had very limited exposure or opportunity to provide input into the agreement or selection of the contractor. This is contrary to my understanding of the advisory purpose of the LTAB as detailed in our work plan. If Lodger Tax funds are used to fund any part of the contract, please be aware that the LTAB has not reviewed the agreement nor had any
Read More