Denish: When Is The Right Time To Ask The Hard Questions?
By DIANE DENISH
Corner To Corner
This is a heartbreaking column to write. But as the flood tragedies in Texas and New Mexico unfold, heartbreak is unavoidable. More families are reeling from the deaths of children, missing loved ones, and homes and lives destroyed.
As I watched the crisis in Texas, my mind went back to childhood memories — when my sister and a friend from another Hobbs family went off to Camp Mystic in the Hill Country. They were excited to go and returned glowing from the experience.
I also remembered peaceful summers in Ruidoso, walking on river rocks and spotting minnows in the Read More
Robinson: Red Tape & Indifference Slow Disaster Recovery
By SHERRY ROBINSON
All She Wrote
© 2025 New Mexico News Services
Exactly one day before the Rio Ruidoso swelled from 18 inches to 20 feet of death and destruction, Mayor Lynn Crawford told legislators that money they approved for disaster recovery is bottled up.
“The process is broke,” he said. “What you passed, we don’t have access to.”
The Village of Ruidoso is still rebuilding from last year’s fires and floods, reported Source New Mexico. Crawford told a July 7 meeting of the interim legislative Economic and Rural Development and Policy Committee that Ruidoso spent $16.8 million on repairs Read More
County Utilities Board To Meet In Council Chambers July 16
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities is scheduled to meet 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
View Agenda here.
The meeting is open to the public in person.
Members of the public may also participate remotely and provide public comment via Zoom.
Webinar Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85828927209
Webinar ID: 858 2892 7209
Phone one-tap:
+14086380968,,85828927209# US (San Jose)
+16694449171,,85828927209# US
Join via audio:
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 719 359 Read More
Citizens By Virtue Of The Treaty Of Guadalupe Hidalgo Celebrated In Author Event And Anthology Aug. 1
New Mexico History Museum:
University of New Mexico retired Distinguished Professor Dr. A. Gabriel Meléndez will discuss his new book “Citizens by Treaty”, which gathers works from Spanish-speaking people who became US citizens under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1.
What: In the book, “Citizens by Treaty: Texts by Hispanic New Mexicans, 1846–1925”, a selection of songs, poems, speeches, and journalism reflects the persistence of a vibrant culture in the face of upheaval and change. Dr. Meléndez will talk about his new book and the works produced by Spanish-speaking Read More
County Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board To Meet Noon Tuesday
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board is scheduled to meet at noon Tuesday in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.
Note: This meeting is in person and open to the public. However, for convenience,
the following Zoom meeting link and/or telephone call-in numbers may be used for
public viewing and participation:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85072848071
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 301 715 8592
or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099. Read More
Game & Fish: Public Comment On License Vendor Fees
NMDGF News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) is seeking public comment regarding potential changes to fees currently charged by hunting and fishing license vendors.
Currently, all license vendors, including the Department, charge a fee of $1 per license sold. The passage of Senate Bill 5 by the New Mexico State Legislature during its 2025 session enables license collectors to “collect and retain a vendor fee for each license or permit issued; provided that the fee shall be just and reasonable; as determined by regulation of the State Wildlife Commission”.
The Department Read More
Gessing: BBB Is Not The Tragedy Our Politicians Portray
By PAUL J. GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation
If you haven’t heard already, over the 4th of July weekend, President Trump signed the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) into law. Setting aside the merits and demerits of the legislation, you have to hand it to President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson for achieving the President’s goal of signing the bill by July 4.
Considering the complexity of the bill and the narrow majorities held by Republicans (with implacable opposition from Democrats), there was not much wiggle room for compromise or lost Republican votes. Needless to say, New Mexico’s Read More
Two Agenda Items Removed From July 15 Council Work Session To Be Re-added For Discussion Before Aug. 31
COUNTY News:
Two agenda items previously scheduled for the Tuesday, July 15 Los Alamos County Council work session have been removed due to scheduling conflicts and will be placed on an agenda soon. The items require no action and are expected to be discussed at a Council meeting before the end of August, with a specific date still to be determined.
The items include a presentation on the 20th Street mixed-use redevelopment project and a quarterly update on the Council’s Strategic Leadership Goals, specifically the goal of “Operational Excellence”.
20th Street mixed-use redevelopment project Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Seeks Help For Ruidoso Victims
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
- “Let’s help Ruidoso rebuild”.
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich met Friday with emergency managers and local leadership in Ruidoso.
“We’re all strategizing on the path forward, and how to best help the community as it rebuilds from the devastating floods this week,” Sen. Heinrich said. “I’m reaching out to ask for your support. Let’s all step up for our neighbors and lend a helping hand. If you’re able to make a monetary donation, you can do so right here. If you’re local, here’s a list of donation and distribution sites in the area.
“Thank you in advance for Read More
Los Alamos County Library Board Update For July 2025
Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Library Board’s July meeting featured a presentation by Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza on the planned outdoor classroom. The proposed design is a lightly developed, ADA-accessible outdoor space for the area between the Mesa Public Library and Betty Ehart Senior Center.
With a covered platform and built-in seating, it will help diversify the programs and events offered to the public by the Library and Senior Center, as well as provide opportunities for collaboration with other community organizations.
The design presented Read More
United Food And Commercial Workers Union Local 1564 Members Ratify New Contracts With Albertsons And Smith’s
UFCW News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1564 announced that members at Albertsons and Smith’s Food and Drug Stores voted by overwhelming majorities to ratify new contracts with both employers.
UFCW Local 1564 President Greg Frazier released the following statement:
“I’m proud of all UFCW 1564 members for ratifying this strong new contract. They held tough and stayed united throughout our negotiations with Albertsons and Smith’s. By using their voices and power, they won the wage increases and benefits that they deserve.
“Our hard-working members Read More
N.M. Delegation Welcomes Over $4.3 Million From FAA To Improve State’s Airports
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $4,384,758 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for upgrades at the Albuquerque International Sunport, Artesia Municipal Airport, and Socorro Municipal Airport.
These grants are funded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports.
“When we invest in New Mexico’s airports, we Read More
Luján, Crapo Take Bipartisan Action To Secure Clear Guidance For Claimants Following Recent Extension, Expansion Of RECA
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) urged the Trump administration to swiftly provide detailed guidance for claimants to access the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program following its expansion and extension by Congress. In letters to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Sens. Luján and Crapo highlight the urgent need to implement guidance quickly and efficiently regarding the expanded RECA program as the current extension of RECA expires in just over two years.
“After decades Read More
Successful Launch Of Automatic Voter Registration Sees Thousands Of New Mexico Voters Registered In First Week
STATE News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office, in coordination with the Taxation and Revenue Department’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), is proud to announce the successful implementation of automatic voter registration (AVR) at all MVD locations across the state. This landmark initiative went into effect on July 1, 2025, and is already helping thousands of eligible New Mexicans register to vote.
“This is a major step forward for voter access and election modernization in New Mexico,” Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said. “AVR makes voter registration faster, Read More
Los Alamos County Community Services Issues Call For Artists: Public Art Opportunity For Lion Sculpture
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos Art in Public Places Board (APPB) is seeking qualifications from artists for an exciting public art opportunity: a sculpture of an African male lion to be installed at the center of a newly designed area surrounded by the relocated Police Memorial Wall, just outside the main entrance of the Los Alamos Police Station. This sculpture will serve as a bold visual enhancement to the memorial site, but is not a memorial itself.
The project aims to complement the setting with a symbolically strong and durable artwork that contributes to the visual identity of the space. The Read More
Governor Secures Federal Resources For Ruidoso Disaster
From the Office of the Governor:
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- State works with federal partners for additional financial assistance
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SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico today received partial approval for a federal emergency declaration for flood-damaged communities, providing immediate federal personnel resources to support response and recovery efforts in Ruidoso while work continues to secure additional federal assistance.
“This federal declaration is a critical first step, but it’s not everything Ruidoso needs and deserves,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “We will continue working with the federal Read More
Award-Winning Oppenheimer Festival Returns To Los Alamos Aug. 16-31 … Explore Peace, Legacy & Hidden Stories Of The Atomic Age
SALA News:
The Oppenheimer Festival, recipient of New Mexico’s 2024 Top HAT Award for Best New Experience, returns for its third and most immersive year yet, transforming Los Alamos into a cinematic, cultural, and historical destination from Aug. 16-31.
With the 2025 theme “Peace, Legacy & Explore”, the festival invites locals and visitors to walk in the footsteps of J. Robert Oppenheimer, uncover hidden chapters of atomic history, and engage with the vibrant modern community that emerged from the once-secret “Hill”.
Highlights include:
- Daily free screenings of The Manhattan Series,
Stansbury Issues Statement On Tragic Floods In Ruidoso
STATE News:
RUIDOSO — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) issued the following statement today following catastrophic rains and flooding in Ruidoso that have claimed the lives of three people, with several missing, led to the displacement of multiple families, and destroyed many homes:
My heart is with the families who have lost loved ones, those still missing, and the entire Ruidoso community reeling from the devastating floods that have ripped through the community. We stand with the families and community in grieving the loss of three lives, including two children tragically lost in the floods, Read More
Haaland To Launch ‘Lift Up New Mexico’ Tour Focusing On Making New Mexico More Affordable
STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Saturday, July 12, Deb Haaland, former Secretary of the Interior and candidate for New Mexico governor, will officially begin her “Lift Up New Mexico Tour,” where she will meet voters in rural communities all across the state and focus on making life more affordable. This follows Haaland’s 19-stop launch tour, where she met thousands of New Mexicans in their hometowns and listened to their hopes for the state’s future.
“Every single New Mexican has a role to play in our future. It’s why I’ll campaign in every corner of this state so we can make life more affordable and build Read More
Housing: Let Your Voices Be Heard July 23
By DAVID HAMPTON
Chair
Transportation Board
Los Alamos County residents, are you impacted by the high cost of and general unavailability of housing, or the increased accidents, fatalities, and exhaust emissions from traffic commuting in and out? How about the difficulty receiving services because providers can’t find housing? Think teachers, medical professionals, nonprofits, police, fire, restaurants, retail, etc.
If so, you will be positively impacted by additional housing in Los Alamos County and have standing to testify about this impact at Planning and Zoning Commission hearings Read More
