Los Alamos County Administrative Offices To Close Monday Oct. 9 In Observance Of Indigenous People’s Day
COUNTY News:
This Monday, Oct. 9, Los Alamos County administrative offices will be closed in observance of Indigenous People’s Day. The county joins other states and local governments to recognize the rich culture and contributions of Native Americans in this area.
While the County’s administrative offices and Environmental Services Division will be closed and the Atomic City Transit fixed bus route services will not operate on Monday (note that Dial A Ride will operate), essential services, such as law enforcement, emergency response and public safety will continue as usual.
Additionally, Read More
New Mexico Governor Renews Executive Orders Around Gun Violence And Substance Misuse, DOH Updates Public Health Order
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham renewed executive orders on gun violence and substance misuse as the New Mexico Department of Health issued a revised public health order.
The new public health order includes an additional provision:
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- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety shall organize safe surrender events (also known as “gun buy-backs”) in the cities of Albuquerque, Española and Las Cruces within 30 days.
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“The fact of the matter is that New Mexicans are still being threatened, injured and killed by firearms. Just yesterday, two guns were found Read More
County Nuisance Code Implementation Review Task Force Meeting Scheduled For Today Has Been Canceled
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County has announced that the Nuisance Code Implementation Review Task Force (NCIRF) meeting scheduled for today has been canceled.
The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m., Nov. 3 at the County Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
The meeting is open to the public. Read More
Berghmans To Run For New Mexico State Senate Dist. 15
Political News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Heather Berghmans, who is a policy analyst, finance consultant and native New Mexican, has announced her campaign to run for New Mexico State Senate District 15 in Albuquerque.
She is running in the June 4, 2024 Democratic Primary, challenging Daniel Ivey-Soto, who has not announced whether he will run for reelection.
“I am running for State Senate because I believe public service is one of the most impactful ways to improve the lives of kids, women, and families. I’ve seen it firsthand—I’ve seen what leaders with integrity and strong values can accomplish,” Berghmans Read More
NMED Approves 10-Year Renewal Permit For WIPP
NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney
NMED News:
SANTA FE — On Oct. 4, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) signed a Final Order approving a Proposed Final Permit for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Hazardous Waste Facility 10-Year Renewal.
The Final Order comes after completion of nine months of public comment and will become effective Nov. 3, 2023.
“The new permit will benefit New Mexico and legacy waste clean-up from around the U.S. for years to come,” NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said.
The permit went through a thorough public engagement process. The original Read More
New Mexico OSI Operational Again After Cyber Incident
OSI News:
SANTA FE – Today, the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) announced they are operational again after a cyber incident took them offline last week.
OSI, which regulates the insurance industry for the state of New Mexico continues to investigate the incident with law enforcement, the State Department of Technology (DoIT) and third-party forensic experts.
The OSI website and phone systems remain down, however, constituents can call 505.470.9826 for assistance. Emails are now fully operational.
OSI will release more information as it becomes available. Read More
Governor Issues Statement On Firearms Found With Two Teenaged Boys At West Mesa High School In Albuquerque
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement following the discovery of two guns brought onto campus in separate instances by teenaged boys at West Mesa High School in Albuquerque.
“I am incredibly relieved that these weapons were safely recovered from these students. But we know that aside from the physical harm that guns can inflict, when firearms are brought on school campuses students feel scared, traumatized – and certainly unable to focus on learning. Gun violence – and the near-constant threat of gun violence – Read More
Wadt: Importance Of Supporting LAPS GO Bond
By BILL WADT
Los Alamos
It’s time again for Los Alamos voters to support the future health and vitality of our community through continued improvement of the physical environment in which our children and youth learn and grow.
A vote for the General Obligation Bond WILL NOT increase the current tax rate but WILL allow the Los Alamos Public Schools reach the goal of raising $30 million to complete construction at Piñon and Chamisa as well as important renovation and upgrades at all 5 other schools.
Rebuilding Piñon and Chamisa is possible because the State awarded LAPS $35 million, CONTINGENT on Read More
LACDC: Voting YES On LAPS Bond Will Bring $35 Million In State Funding To Los Alamos Public Schools
By The Board of Directors
Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation
The Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) are requesting approval of the General Obligation (GO) Bond in the amount of $30 million dollars. The Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC) Board of Directors and its Executive Director enthusiastically support the community approval of these funds for our school system. Education is the cornerstone of the success of our community and the ability of our community is directly connected to quality education.
By voting “yes” on this bond, you are not electing to Read More
New Mexico Office Of Broadband Access And Expansion Participates In National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
CONNECT New Mexico News:
SANTA FE – October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) is participating in this global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and online safety.
In an era of increasing digitalization, cybersecurity is paramount. The prevalence of online threats, data breaches, and cyber-attacks underscores the need for robust cybersecurity practices.
As part of Cybersecurity Month, OBAE is dedicated to educating individuals, businesses, and communities about the best Read More
Artificial Intelligence Wrote This Column … Is It Ethical?
Peter St. Cyr used AI to create this illustration. Courtesy/Peter St. Cyr
By PETER ST. CYR
For Pete’s Sake
© 2023 New Mexico News Services
For years, screenplays have featured computers diligently outsmarting their human programmers. What may have seemed like far-fetched science fiction before has become a potential threat today. Advanced computers have beaten world chess champions and in less than five decades, we have witnessed comic strip character Dick Tracy’s futuristic wrist radio become a reality with billions of people relying on their smart phones and watches.
For good or bad, Read More
Rep. Vasquez Urges Social Security Administration To Assist Seniors And Resolve Wait Times
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez
POLITICAL News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) has urged the Social Security Administration (SSA) to address mounting concerns about prolonged wait times for New Mexicans on the SSA’s 1-800 phone service line.
In a government shutdown, thousands of SSA workers will be furloughed, further extending the wait times for New Mexicans. Vasquez proactively called for immediate steps to resolve this issue that impacts constituents awaiting crucial benefits decisions.
“Waiting on hold can be frustrating, but when it comes to getting help with Social Security Read More
New Mexico State Auditor Calls On Governor Not To Rescind Executive Order 2013-006
New Mexico State Auditor Joseph M. Maestas
SANTA FE—New Mexico State Auditor Joseph M. Maestas announced that he is calling on Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to resist calls to rescind Executive Order 2013-006, which requires all grantees awarded capital outlay funding from the state to be up to date on their financial reporting required under the state’s Audit Act (NMSA 1978, Section 12-6-1, et seq.) before they can receive the grant funds.
The Executive Order requires the New Mexico Department of Finance Administration, an executive agency under the governor’s authority, to ensure that Read More
Leger Fernández Statement After Historical Vote To Oust Former Speaker McCarthy
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the following statement after Congress passed a historic vote to remove former Speaker McCarthy. Congresswoman Leger Fernández voted ‘yes’ for the motion to vacate the Speaker of the House of Representatives:
“Never before in history has a Speaker been removed. Never before have we seen such chaos, right wing extremism, and threat to our constitutional promise to create an America that includes prosperity for every one of us.
The next order of business is to elect a new Speaker. Read More
League Of Women Voters Candidate Forum In UNM-Los Alamos Lecture Hall 7-9 PM Thursday
LWV-LA News:
Meet the candidates for Los Alamos School Board and the UNM-LA Advisory Board at the League of Women Voters of Los Alamos (LWVLA) Candidate Forum 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in UNM-LA Lecture Hall Building 2.
Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Guy will explain the General Obligation Bond question. County Clerk Naomi Maestas will speak briefly about how this election will be conducted.
Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the County Municipal Building.
The LAPS School Board elections are divided into five voting districts, but only the three Townsite Read More
Pawlak: Candidate For The UNM-LA Advisory Board
By JOHN PAWLAK
Advisory Board Candidate
UNM-Los Alamos
UNM-LA provides a valuable service to our community, offering affordable quality education to everyone: certificate and associate degrees, High School equivalency, adult education programs, small business seminars, ESL, tutoring sessions, summer activities, and many other services that align with Los Alamos’ love of learning.
My wife and I have lived in White Rock for 19 years. Prior to moving here, I worked at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey as a manager of software development and network management groups in the Advanced Technology Read More
Heinrich, Luján, Torres Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Commemorate, Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Congressional News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to replace the official holiday recognized on the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The bill would also replace any mention of Columbus Day in all federal laws or regulations with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
More than a dozen states across the country have recognized this change, including New Mexico. In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to formally commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Read More
U.S. Dept. Of Education Officials Commend New Mexico’s Leading Work In Higher Education During State Visit
U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal and Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education Amy Lloyd visit Monday with President Charles Roessel of Diné College and President Elmer Guy at Navajo Technical University. Courtesy/NMHED
U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal and Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education Amy Lloyd meeting Monday with with Acting Higher Education Secretary Patricia Trujillo, President Becky Rowley, students and administrators at Santa Fe Community College. Read More
Scenes From Preparation And Certification Of Los Alamos County Voting Machines For 2023 Regular Local Election
Scene from preparation and certification of the voting machines to be used for the 2023 Regular Local Election. The preparation and certification took place this morning in the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Warehouse near the loading dock at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Clerk Naomi D. Maestas and Deputy Clerk Ubaldo Barela this morning in the Clerk’s Warehouse preparing voting machines to be used for the 2023 Regular Local Election. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Sign this morning points organizations, representatives, Read More
Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Bill To Rename Gallup VA Clinic Hiroshi ‘Hershey’ Miyamura Becomes Law
Hiroshi ‘Hershey’ Miyamura
Congressional News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) applauded President Biden’s signing of their legislation to rename the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Gallup as the Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura VA Clinic.
The name will honor the late Medal of Honor recipient and World War II and Korean War veteran Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura.
“I am pleased that President Biden has signed our bill to rename the VA Clinic in Read More
