The Line opinion panel discusses the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, tied mostly to the rapid spread of the Delta variant. The group also explores the ongoing challenges of increasing the state’s vaccination rate. Even though New Mexico is doing better than many states, the overwhelmingly majority of new cases are among the unvaccinated. Timing is also crucial in this equation, as students across the state head back to the classroom.

The group also weighs in on the latest shake-up in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Administration. Children, Youth and Families Department Secretary Brian Blalock announced his resignation this week under a cloud of controversy and in the face of a whistleblower lawsuit. The Governor announced she is replacing Blalock with newly retired Supreme Court Justice Barbara Vigil. But, the questions remain about the longstanding challenges and mixed results for the embattled CYFD.

Plus, the potential for a major financial crisis in New Mexico. The state’s moratorium on evictions is still in place, but that hasn’t stopped some landlords from filing thousands of notices during the pandemic. And, this week marked the end of the moratorium on utility shut offs for New Mexicans behind on payments. There is COVID relief available for people facing difficult financial decisions, but very little of those funds have been tapped so far and time is running out or the state risks losing those federal dollars.

We also talked to Environmental Correspondent Laura Paskus this week on Facebook Live. She broke down the nitty-gritty of that new IPCC report and what the new science says about the risks to New Mexico. She also discusses how we can all get involved in turning the tide without feeling overwhelmed.