Dear Editor,

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government applauds the decision by New Mexico First Judicial Court Judge Kathleen McGarry Ellenwood ruling the New Mexico Legislative Council Service violated the Inspection of Public Records Act by failing to fulfill a request from Ethics Watch for public records regarding the 2021 Junior Appropriations Act.

In the suit filed in December 2021, Ethics Watch requested spreadsheets containing the complete list of appropriations and the name of the House and Senate member submitting the appropriation for the 2021 Junior Appropriations bill (the bill that allocates an amount of funds to each legislator for them to direct to projects of...

Do you ever hear yourself use a word or phrase that makes you say, “I am becoming my parents?” It happens to me all the time.


The biggest example is when something surprising happens and I blurt out, “Golly!” It sounds like I’m from the black-and-white “Leave It to Beaver” days.


While “golly” is still hanging in there like a loose tooth, I’ve been collecting a list of words that no one uses anymore — but I think they should. Here are some defunct words I think we should make re-funct.


This first word is one that holds a special place in my heart, seeing as I do this action all the time. The word is “latibulate,” which means to hide in a warm corner to...

NTU rolls out first tribal college, university accredited Ph.D program

Having Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint become the first Tribal College or University to receive accreditation for a Ph.D. program is a significant historical moment for higher education in the United States, especially for the state of New Mexico. This achievement represents a major step forward for both NTU and for Indigenous peoples who have historically been excluded from higher education.

This historical occasion is particularly important for the state of New Mexico, which has a significant Indigenous population. The recognition of NTU’s Ph.D. program as a legitimate and respected academic program...

Stress is a common and natural response to challenging situations, and while some stress can be beneficial, chronic stress can have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that stress can contribute to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and even premature death. Stress can also have a negative impact on our mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

One way in which stress can impact our longevity is by contributing to the development of chronic diseases. Chronic stress can lead to a state of constant physiological arousal, which can cause damage to the body over time. This can contribute...