Stuff you need to know, 8.17.23

Today's intelligence: Spaceport America settles a former employee's discrimination lawsuit.

Today's intelligence: Spaceport America settles a former employee's discrimination lawsuit.

Today's intelligence: no cuts in Colorado water use predicted for 2024 and an update on the congressional redistricting lawsuit filed by the New Mexico Republican Party

I had meant to get this out in time for the Gila Native Plant Society plant sale but let us just use it as a reminder to use native plants in our landscapes wherever we can. Nature will help once you have started.

Today's intelligence: Why did New Mexico rank last in a new study of the U.S. states that offer the best quality of life?

Today's intelligence: The EPA is offering free technical assistance to communities like Truth or Consequences to help them address their water infrastructure problems.
The State Engineer’s Hearing of the protests against the mine’s application to move leased water rights to their wells for use at Copper Flat Mine has now finished its first week. It has yielded some surprises as well as some really excellent research.

Today's intelligence: good news for recreationists about the Rio Grande's continuing flow through Sierra County. Plus: Virgin Galactic FINALLY sends its first tourism passengers to the edge of space.

Research for a book about a man who spent time in many outdoor spaces means a lot of miles of travel, but every mile holds promise of new discoveries and insights into life. This story is about the beginning of an adventure I am still experiencing. Enjoy

Electric rates have gone up over the years, especially behind closed doors. Don't believe the city's claim it's been 22 years since rates went up.

Despite proactive Republican opposition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to run a grant program to incentivize sustainable growing practices that is expected to reach more than 60,000 farms, encompassing more than 25 million acres of working lands.

Who needs a monsoon season when you can have the sewer / water crew All. Year. Long.

I don't think the new city manager is going to attack or solve the infrastructure crises. I don't think she knows what good management is. Therefore more and more of citizens' labor-wages will go toward paying too much to fix long-neglected infrastructure.