Chris Clark

LAHS NJROTC Takes 3rd Overall At 2026 Regionals

Los Alamos High School NJROTC cadets celebrate their accomplishments earlier this month at the Regional competition in Sahuarita, Ariz. Courtesy/LAPS

Cadets at attention for inspection. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Thirty-two cadets representing the Los Alamos High School NJROTC program competed against six other schools in the Regional contest in Sahuarita, Ariz., earlier this month, earning third place overall. They earned their spot by placing first at the regional qualifiers (Area 20) meet in November.

The competition included an academic test, which was completed before the meet, Read More

Two Mexican Nationals Removed To U.S. To Face Federal Drug Trafficking Charges In New Mexico

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Two Mexican nationals were removed to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges in New Mexico.

Daniel Alfred Blanco-Joo, 39, made his initial appearance today in New Mexico after being removed from Mexico on a five-count indictment charging him with conspiracy, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of an analogue of fentanyl, and international money laundering conspiracy.

David Eliezer Seas-Centeno, 43, made his initial appearance today in New Mexico after being removed from Mexico on a charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Federal Read More

‘Light To Online Learning’: Funding Crisis Prompts Focus On Virtual Education

Third Grader Titus Van Wyk attends a virtual math class at the New Mexico Destinations Career Academy from his family’s kitchen table on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. Virtual schools have been a flashpoint this legislative session, as legislators debate tightening regulation for the first time in nearly two decades. Jim Weber/The New Mexican

By ANDRÉ SALKIN
The Santa Fe New Mexican

GLORIETA — The van Wyk kids’ virtual avatars scuttled across a wintry digital landscape, weaving among those of nearly 100 other cyber students from around the state—some shown in virtual wheelchairs—during Read More

Upcoming Animal Adoption Events: Find Your Four-Legged Valentine

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
Champions of Youth Ambitions

Do you still need a resolution for 2026? The fun and furry friends at Santa Fe Animal Shelter would love to see you. Plus, they couldn’t do it without you.

“As we step into 2026, we’re incredibly grateful for the community members who continue to show up for animals in so many meaningful ways. That collective care inspires us to keep finding new opportunities to connect beyond Santa Fe,” said Lex Gowans, Associated Director of Marketing and Communications. “For those looking to support animals our wish lists and donations Read More

Bill Banning Local Government ICE Detention Deals Heads To Governor

State Sen. Jim Townsend, left, talks with House Republicans John Block and Stefani Lord before a contentious Senate debate Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at the state Capitol on a bill that would ban local governments from entering contracts to operate federal immigration detention centers. Townsend said it would leave roughly 1,000 people without employment. The Senate passed the measure, sending it to the governor. Photo by Jim Weber/The New Mexican

By CLARA BATES
The Santa Fe New Mexican

​Local governments in New Mexico will be banned from contracting with the federal government to operate immigration Read More

NMSP Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting In Artesia

NMSP News:

ARTESIA — Jan. 21, 2026, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested by the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force to investigate an officer-involved shooting (OIS) involving one of their detectives.

Investigations Bureau agents learned earlier that day, the United States Marshals Service requested assistance from the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, in apprehending Aaron Cane Vasquez (27). Vasquez was wanted on a no-bond probation violation warrant with nationwide extradition. Vasquez was also identified as a person of interest in Read More

Pets Of The Week: Hot Pocket And Simon

Hot Pocket began life on the coldest edge of heartbreak—found alone in a frozen barn, barely hanging on. For a time, we didn’t know if he would survive. Our medical team warmed him gently, refused to give up, and Hot Pocket chose to stay. Once he thawed, his name—and his spirit—became obvious. He went from ice-cold to piping hot, revealing a perfectly toasted little lovebug who lives for cuddles and play. This handsome marbled kitten makes biscuits on everything—your lap, the air, maybe even imaginary friends—kneading the world with pure joy. Hot Pocket is warm, wonderful, and ready for his forever Read More

Heinrich Introduces Legislation To Redirect ICE Funding To Help New Mexico Law Enforcement Keep Communities Safe

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joined 5 Senate Democrats to introduce the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, legislation that will redirect almost $75 billion from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and send it instead to local law enforcement to help keep communities safe in New Mexico and nationwide.

“New Mexicans deserve to be safe in their communities. And there’s a lot of ways we can deliver on that by solving real crimes and holding violent criminals accountable. That’s the work our local law enforcement Read More

State Broadband Projects To Connect 4,000 Rural Student Households And Other Locations In New Mexico

STATE News:

LOS LUNAS — State leaders gathered in Los Lunas Monday to celebrate six broadband projects that will connect more than 4,000 homes, businesses and other locations in Valencia and Socorro counties.

The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE), Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, Sen. Angel Charley, Resound Networks, and state and local officials marked the milestone at Valencia High School after OBAE awarded Resound Networks $12.8 million through six state grants. Those broadband projects will connect 4,093 homes, businesses, farms and community anchor institutions. Read More