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Inspired By Creating Community Through Youth Advocacy

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CASA First’s Grace Korthuis and a child play with blocks. Courtesy/CASA First

By GRACE KORTHUIS
CASA First

As a 24-year-old living in Northern New Mexico, it can be difficult to create community. Working at the nonprofit CASA First, I’m inspired by the compassionate community I’m now part of. It includes my colleagues who uplift vulnerable children, and volunteers who inspire me with their care and steadfastness. I feel especially connected to the families and kids whom I get to see grow and heal over time.

Working within the child welfare system is often devastating, especially here in New

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McQuiston: How Insurance Companies Actually Determine Auto Rates

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
Most people assume a car insurance quote is simple: plug in a few details, get a price.
In reality, that number is the result of thousands of data points, probability models, and assumptions layered on top of one another. 
Understanding how quotes are actually produced makes one thing clear: two people with nearly identical cars can receive very different prices—and it has less to do with the car than most people think.
Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes.
 
1: You’re Placed Into a Risk Pool (Not Priced Individually)
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New Mexico Wild Issues Statement On Proposal To Allow Selling Off National Parks

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New Mexico Wild News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has introduced an amendment to the Interior appropriations bill that would pave the way for the Trump administration to sell off national parks to the highest bidder. 

The Interior appropriations bill, as currently written, would prevent the Interior department from disposing of national park units—a provision introduced in response to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s suggestion that the Park Service does not need many smaller sites currently owned by all Americans. Read More

Dickman: Responding To Concerns About North Mesa Park Master Plan

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By KYLE DICKMAN 
Los Alamos 

I have great respect for Georgia Strickfaden’s long record of stewardship of our community’s trails and open spaces. Her recent editorial reflects the kind of care and vigilance that has helped preserve the character of Los Alamos for decades. At the same time, several points she raises about the North Mesa Park Master Plan deserve clarification so residents can make informed judgments.

First, the plan does not remove the existing paved walking paths. In fact, it calls for improving and maintaining existing trails, and extending walking space on the park’s western

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SFNF Issues Pile Burn Update

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Ignitions on Tesuque piles in the Española Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

Recent winter weather created favorable conditions to implement pile burns across the forest. Santa Fe National Forest fire managers will continue hazardous fuels reduction work throughout the winter as weather conditions allow, pending all required approvals.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels.

The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, Read More

Seasonal Road Closures On Santa Fe National Forest

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SFNF News:

          • Use caution while driving on forest roads in the winter

SANTA FE — Due to winter weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will close some forest roads susceptible to damage to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Seasonal road closures generally occur between December and May because of winter weather and hazardous road conditions. The closures prohibit the use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, on restricted roads when gates are closed, locked or posted with a closure sign.

Current and Read More

Los Alamos Public Schools Hosts Ribbon Skirt & Shirt Workshop For Native American Heritage Month

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More than 45 students and families attended the first LAPS Ribbon Skirt & Shirt Workshop last month in the Speech Theater at Los Alamos High School. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Over 45 students participated in the first Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Ribbon Skirt & Shirt Workshop held last month in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

Students created their own unique and personalized ribbon skirt or ribbon shirt.

Students watch as ribbon pieces for a shirt are sewn together during the first Ribbon Skirt & Shirt Workshop hosted by Los Alamos Public Schools in celebration Read More

Luján Applauds Committee Passage Of Legislation To Provide Greater Cooperation Between Federal Government And Land Grant Communities

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From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the passage of the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

This legislation will provide greater cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities.

There are 27 community land grant-mercedes recognized as political subdivisions under New Mexico law.

“I’m proud that my legislation to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and land grant Read More

State Republican Lawmakers Request Governor Authorize Consideration Of Meaningful Juvenile Justice Reform Bill During 2026 Legislative Session, Issue Task Force Report

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NM Senate Republicans News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Co-Chairs Sen. Crystal Brantley and Rep. Nicole Chavez of the Juvenile Justice Legislative Task Force sent a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday requesting the consideration of meaningful juvenile justice reform legislation, based on the findings and recommendations of the task force, heading into the 2026 Regular Session.

The upcoming 30-day budget session requires a specific message from the Governor should potential legislation not specifically address state finances.

The contents found in the report are a result of Read More