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
Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures $3.7M In Federal Funding To Protect New Mexico’s Children, Improve Road Safety
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he had secured federal grants totaling $3.7 million from the Department of Justice for the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Department of Transportation to improve road safety in Albuquerque, Ramah, and Truth or Consequences.
“Communities across New Mexico deserve peace of mind. These grants will have a real impact on our citizens’ safety,” Vasquez said. “I’m working to keep our children safe both on the web and on our roads.”
Specifically, the federal investments Rep. Vasquez Read More
Luján Delivers Nearly $982 Million For Vital New Mexico Projects In Senate-Passed Appropriations Bills
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced nearly $982 million in federal funding secured for New Mexico in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Energy and Water Development; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bills.
In the appropriations bills now headed to the President’s desk, Luján successfully secured $981,926,000 for 29 critical New Mexico projects.
- In the FY26 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, Luján secured $951,248,000 for New Mexico
County Offices To Close Jan. 19 In Observance Of MLK Day
COUNTY News:
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Los Alamos County government offices and services will join other federal, state, and local governments and close on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
The County’s administrative offices, Atomic City Transit service, and the Environmental Services division are closed on Monday.
In addition, the following facilities will close or have modified hours:
- White Rock and Mesa libraries – Open 1 p.m. To 5 p.m.
- Aquatic Center – Open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Los Alamos County Ice Rink – Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Golf Course and Golf Shop – Closed
Utilities will be closed Read More
Council Extends Low-Income Property Tax Rebate Program
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council adopted an ordinance in January 2025, to extend the Low-Income Taxpayer Property Tax Rebate Program for the next four taxable years (2025-2028).
Authorized under Section 7-2-14.3 of the New Mexico Statutes, the program provides eligible low-income property owners in participating communities with a rebate on their New Mexico Personal Income Tax, offsetting a percentage of their property tax payment, not to exceed $350.
Eligible taxpayers can claim the rebate when filing their 2025 personal income tax returns. To qualify for the rebate, taxpayers Read More
FBI: Former U.S. Navy SEAL Convicted Of Transporting Explosives Purchased In New Mexico To Throw At Law Enforcement During Protests
Former U.S. Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg wearing a t-shirt bearing the word ‘AMALEK,’ a term meaning ‘destroyer of Jews’ at the travel center near Lordsburg on June 12, 2025. Courtesy/FBI
Former U.S. Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg, right, at the travel center near Lordsburg on June 12, 2025. Courtesy/FBI
FBI News:
- Evidence Reflected Violent Extremist Beliefs and Deep Hostility Toward the U.S. Government
ALBUQUERQUE – After a five-day jury trial and approximately three hours of deliberation, a federal jury convicted Gregory Vandenberg, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, of intending to use explosives Read More
New Mexico Senate Republican Leader Reacts To ICE ‘Banning’ Proposals Expected In Upcoming 30-Day Legislative Session
Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer
From New Mexico Senate Republican Leadership Office:
SANTA FE – Recently, Democrat Leadership in the New Mexico House of Representatives and Senate have signaled their intentions to introduce – and pass – legislation that would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from contracting with local governments.
Specifically, this legislation would terminate contracts for ICE detention facilities operating in New Mexico. Currently, our state has three federal detention facilities that contract with ICE and employ hundreds of New Mexicans. Read More
Rep. Joseph Sanchez Introduces Legislation To Tackle New Mexico’s Chronic Shortage Of Health Care Providers
Rep. Joseph Sanchez
New Mexico House of Representatives News:
SANTA FE – Dist. 40 Rep. Joseph Sanchez, D-Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel & Taos, has introduced legislation to tackle New Mexico’s chronic shortage of health care providers.
The Medical Recruitment Provider Trust Bill would ensure that every New Mexican has access to medical care through either a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Many New Mexico residents struggle to access basic health care because of a shortage of doctors, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and midwives, especially Read More
Los Alamos County Council Discusses North Mesa Recreation Plan & MRA At Tuesday’s Work Session
Rendering depicting the area included in the North Mesa Recreation Plan. Courtesy/LAC
The main features included in the North Mesa Recreation Plan. Courtesy/LAC
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
There are big plans to enhance the recreation amenities on North Mesa; the big question is does Los Alamos County have the time and money to implement them.
During Tuesday’s work session, Los Alamos County Council heard from Sites Southwest consultants Bob Oberdofer and Karina Rodgers regarding the North Mesa Recreation Plan.
The council took no action but Chair Read More
Luján Announces Nominations To U.S. Service Academies
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) announced student nominations from New Mexico to enter the United States Service Academies.
“New Mexico has a proud tradition of service across every branch of our military, and I’m honored to nominate some of our state’s best and brightest to our United States Service Academies,” Sen. Luján said. “These young leaders have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, character, and a deep sense of duty. Each student has demonstrated a commitment to serving our state and country, and I know they will continue to Read More
Tribute To Former LAHS Teacher Mary Lou Williams: Senator Hayne Was Right About States’ Rights In 1830
By JOCK MILLS
Former LAHS Student
Portland Oregon
When I look back on the 20 years of my formal education, one high school teacher – Mary Louise Williams – stands out in shaping my life. Although I certainly didn’t call her by her first name, “Mary Lou” was a force to behold in E-wing where she presided over many activities and taught social studies. In 1971, I was in her sophomore American history class.
It was not so much the subject – it was the energy she created. She didn’t just spark my interest in politics and public policy – she ignited a flame in me that launched a career that took me to Washington, Read More
NMDWS To Mail UI Claimant 1099 Forms By Jan. 31
New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Courtesy/NMDWS
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will mail all IRS 1099-G forms by Jan. 31 to individuals who received unemployment insurance benefits in 2025.
The 1099-G tax form reports the total amount of benefits paid to recipients during the year. Unemployment insurance benefits are taxable income and must be included in a 2025 tax filing.
The department urges claimants to view and verify their mailing address by logging into the Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System (https://www.jobs.state.nm.us Read More
Gubernatorial Candidate Bregman On Legislative Session
Sam Bregman
By SAM BREGMAN
Gubernatorial Candidate
New Mexico
As the Governor and Legislature prepare for New Mexico’s annual legislative session, their two priorities should be clear: protecting New Mexicans from the consequences of the Trump Administration’s policies and safeguarding the health, education, and public safety of every child and family in our state.
The Governor and Legislature took important action by passing emergency funding to address federal healthcare cuts enacted by Trump and the GOP. They also passed free universal child care, easing financial pressure on thousands
Moody’s Upgrades New Mexico To One Of Nation’s Highest Bond Rated States
Finance Cabinet Secretary Wayne Propst
From the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration:
SANTA FE — In clear affirmation of New Mexico’s fiscal discipline and leadership, Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the state’s issuer rating to Aa1 from Aa2, placing New Mexico among the top-tier rated states in the country.
“This upgrade is the result of years of smart, disciplined budgeting and strategic investments that benefit every New Mexican,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.
Moody’s cited New Mexico’s disciplined fiscal management and well-established governance practices, noting Read More
Judge Allen Swears In UNM-LA Advisory Board Members
Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen after she swore in newly elected University of New Mexico-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) Advisory Board members from left, David Hampton, Conner Tharp and Andrew Wright on Monday evening at the college. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen swears in newly elected UNM-LA Advisory Board member David Hampton Monday evening at the college. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen swears in newly elected UNM-LA Advisory Board member Andrew Wright Monday evening at the college. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Read More
Leaders To Convene In Washington For ‘State Of America’s Counties Summit Jan. 14
NACo News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Council of County Association Executives (NCCAE) will host a policy summit Jan. 14 on the state of America’s counties. The summit will include a state of the counties address from NACo President and Wise County, Texas Judge J.D. Clark, as well as exploration of new data on county leadership and a series of policy panel discussions.
The data review will include key takeaways from a recent NACo member survey, in cluding identifying top issues for counties and breaking down geographic patterns. Read More
Gabe Vasquez Takes Action To Stop Cartel Drone Threats At U.S.-Mexico Border
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez
DCCC News:
As a first-generation Mexican American who was raised on both sides of the border and now represents 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, Congressman Gabe Vasquez is leading the way for commonsense action on border security and immigration reform.
To better address the safety of border communities, Vasquez is demanding urgent federal coordination from the Departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration to counter cartels’ use of drones to surveil law enforcement, coordinate smuggling operations, and threaten Read More
Luján, Cortez Masto, Grassley, Push To Protect Americans’ Personal Information From China, Other Foreign Adversaries
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced the Internet Application Integrity and Disclosure (App ID) Act to help protect Americans online. This legislation would require operators of websites and mobile applications to disclose if their applications have been developed, are controlled, or store data within adversarial countries, such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
“The internet plays an essential role in our daily lives, and with its rapid growth comes a responsibility Read More
Denish: Resolution Of Hope
By DIANE D. DENISH
Corner To Corner
diane@dianedenish.com
Happy New Year! After a brief respite, I’m back at my keyboard and looking forward to sharing more thoughts, ideas, and facts with you in 2026. I hope you also had the chance to recharge, reflect, and think about the year ahead—to push the reset button.
Speaking of reset buttons, isn’t that one of the reasons we make New Year’s resolutions? Most of us are familiar with the usual list. After a holiday season that often involves a little too much eating and indulgence, many people see the New Year as a chance to set short- and long- term goals. Millions Read More
Route 66 Centennial Passport Spotlights Businesses In Ten New Mexico MainStreet Districts
EDD News:
SANTA FE — Ten New Mexico MainStreet districts along the iconic Route 66 highway invite travelers to visit local businesses and collect stickers as part of the Route 66 Centennial Passport program.
Throughout 2026, visitors can collect all ten stickers in their passport rack card from Gallup to Tucumcari as a memorable keepsake during the historic Centennial celebration.
“New Mexico’s iconic stretch of Route 66 is home to many welcoming small businesses,” said Cabinet Secretary Rob Black of the New Mexico Economic Development Department. “We invite all travelers, international Read More
