Slippery Slope

Ratings tumble

Moody's Investor Services has downgraded New Mexico's bond rating once again, making it more expensive for the state to borrow money—which it does to the tune of billions of dollars to finance what are primarily capital improvements like new buildings or improved roads. It's the second downgrade in two years, and Moody's cited what is now more than $12 billion in unfunded liability for educator and public employee pensions. Lawmakers have only managed to chip away at that future debt. The state's Medicaid expansion, approved by Gov. Martinez, was also cited as a reason for the downgrade.

Pivot

How can you turn outrage into impact? It's a question that has bothered local immigration advocate and attorney Allegra Love. She's hosting an educational evening Wednesday on the history of the US policy of separating children from parents and what can be reasonably done about it. SFR's Aaron Cantú caught up with Love as she planned.

Santa Fe schools’ flub costs district $1 million

Incorrectly citing the educational degree attainment of its teachers over a four-year period cost Santa Fe Public Schools more than $1 million in state funding last year. The district apparently overstated the educational level of its instructors, resulting in a reduction through the state's funding formula for schools. The superintendent says the school district has gone without hiring teachers ($) to make up for its error.

State challenges Navajo water ruling

The Office of the State Engineer says a federal judge gave the federal government too much authority in determining how to settle a water rights dispute between the state of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. The Bill Richardson-era agreement settled an argument that some feared could have given the Navajo Nation much more water than the settlement—though that's still six times what Albuquerque is alotted annually, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Republican lawmakers recently asked the Supreme Court to invalidate the agreement because lawmakers didn't approve it.

Yo, Sly

As happens when people film big movies in New Mexico, stars get spotted. So it was that Sylvester Stallone and Michael B Jordan cruised through Deming the other day while filming Creed II. You've guessed that it's the sequel to Creed, which was generally well received and breathed new life into the Rocky franchise. Shooting has almost wrapped.

How’s your aspen?

In the forest above Santa Fe, not very well. Tent caterpillars have decimated the tree canopy in the huge groves of aspens below the ski area. In most cases, they don't kill the tree, just eat its leaves ($). The phenomenon has gone somewhat unnoticed with the forest closure this summer, but you can bet you'll notice the difference this fall.

The truth is way out there

For the first time since an alleged alien ship crashed there in 1947, the former Brazel Ranch will be open to the public for tours. Mack Brazel said he discovered the crash site and called authorities and, well, you know the story from there. The rancher sold the property in 1952 to the family that owns it now, though he continued to work at the ranch for a time. It's actually about 75 miles from Roswell, closer to the tiny town of Corona. Tours will start at $65 and leave from Roswell. The VIP experience (unknown what that includes) will cost you a cool $250.

TCB ⚡

Elvis once owned the 1962 Lockheed Jetstar plane that's been sitting on a runway in Roswell for decades and now sits on the auction block. The plane is red with a red and gold interior that features all the finest textures like velvet and shag carpeting. It's in rough shape, but nevertheless sold for $430,000 last time around. That's worthy of a karate kick, baby.
 
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