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Chamisa Elementary School Principal Craig Washnok Retires

Principal Craig Washnok and the coalition of Cheetahs at Chamisa Elementary School. Courtesy photo

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos

Any educator worth their weight in salt deserves an article about their contributions to our children. A view at the end of that journey is especially meaningful when it has molded a portion of America’s future for 31 years. You see, salt was once the thing that allowed a civilization to expand for preservation. A good educator can expand a mind to further their own preservation or mold a mind, which could in turn mold the future itself.

On May 27, Chamisa Elementary Read More

Intersection Upgrade Project To Begin In Ranchos De Taos

NMDOT News:

TAOS — The intersection of N.M. 68 and N.M. 240 will be receiving multiple upgrades in a project set to begin on June 15.

The project will include the replacement of the existing traffic signals, and overhead lighting. Other upgrades also include the installation of pedestrian rapid flashing beacons, pedestrian crossing warning flashers, new sidewalks with ADA ramps, new curbs and gutters, roadway rehabilitation within the intersection, and new signing and striping.  These improvements are designed to increase safety for both pedestrians and motorists traveling through Read More

Heinrich Leads Letter Urging Secretary Wright To Reverse Course On Guidance For Home Energy Rebate Program

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, led ten Senate Democrats in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright opposing DOE’s new High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) program guidance.

The home energy rebate program is based on Heinrich’s Zero-Emission Homes Act, which he authored in 2021 and fought for the inclusion of in the Inflation Reduction Act. The program, as Heinrich intended, would help families with the upfront costs of high-efficiency Read More

Stephen M. Bush Memorial Shooting Range Closed For Repairs, Maintenance June 11 & 12

NMDGF News:

Clayton —The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will close the Stephen M. Bush Memorial Shooting Range in Clayton, NM, at sunrise on June 11, and will reopen at sunrise June 13. The range will be closed to allow contractors to perform repairs and maintenance safely.

Public access to the range will be completely restricted on these days.

Other closures may occur as needed for repairs. Please refer to the range open or closed sign when entering the property. The public can also inquire with Cody Johnston, shooting program coordinator, at 505.412.7785 about range status.

The Department Read More

Advanced Manufacturing Expansion Coming To Farmington

Durango Machining Innovations’ new construction in Farmington. Courtesy/EDNM

EDNM News:

FARMINGTON — Colorado-based manufacturer Durango Machining Innovations (DMI) is expanding into Farmington, creating 22 high-wage jobs and supporting the growth of advanced manufacturing in the Four Corners region.

DMI secured a 16-acre property just north of Farmington last July to support the expansion. The project is backed by $250,000 in funding through the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA), the state’s primary economic development incentive program, and is projected Read More

New Mexico Medicaid Adds Streamlined Process To Validate Provider Credentials

NMHCA News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Medicaid providers can now credential with all four of the state’s managed care organizations through a single platform, eliminating duplicative applications and accelerating how quickly providers can begin serving Medicaid members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare now use the CertifyOS platform to streamline and accelerate provider credentialing.

“We heard providers loud and clear that credentialing with each health plan was burdensome and time consuming,” said Alanna Read More

Rep. Gabe Vasquez Introduces Careworker Visa Act To Address Worker Shortage, Bring Down Costs

U.S. HOUSE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 9, 2026, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Careworker Visa Act to address the nation’s growing shortage of childcare providers, eldercare workers, and in-home caregivers and bring down care costs by creating a new legal visa pathway for qualified careworkers. 

This legislation recognizes a simple reality: America needs more caregivers to bring down rising costs, and our immigration system should reflect that.

Read More

Rep. Catherine Cullen: Public Office Should Not Be A Taxpayer-Funded Side Hustle

STATE News:

RIO RANCHO – Rep. Catherine Cullen (R- Rio Rancho) is calling for transparency and accountability following reports that Sandoval County Assessor Linda Gallegos is collecting two taxpayer-funded government salaries while continuing to serve in elected office.

A recent investigative report raised serious concerns about whether Sandoval County taxpayers are receiving the full-time leadership and attention they elected their assessor to provide.

“Public office is a public trust,” Rep. Catherine Cullen said. “New Mexicans are working harder than ever to support their families, Read More

Festival Flamenco Albuquerque 39 Returns To NHCC June 20

NMDCA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — In collaboration with the National Institute of Flamenco, Festival Flamenco Alburquerque returns to the National Hispanic Cultural Center stage this month with a dynamic lineup of breathtaking artists and groundbreaking performances.

“Throughout the Center’s history, Festival Flamenco has been an outstanding series on the Performing Arts calendar and we’re thrilled to work alongside the National Institute of Flamenco as New Mexico transforms into one of the epicenters of flamenco in the United States,” said National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) Read More

Supreme Court Clarifies Scope Of State’s Malpractice Law

NMSC News:

SANTA FE — The state Supreme Court ruled today that New Mexico’s medical malpractice law applies to Lovelace Health System for vicarious liability claims seeking to hold it responsible for the alleged malpractice of nurse employees in caring for a woman who died after surgery.

The Court unanimously concluded that Lovelace was entitled to the benefits of the Medical Malpractice Act for vicarious liability claims based on malpractice under the MMA because it was a qualified health care provider (QHP) under the statute. The MMA includes a cap on certain types of damages. 

“We hold that Read More