Op-Ed: New Mexico Education Is Improving—Despite What the Rankings Say
By Sen. Bill Soules, D-Doña Ana
New Mexico District 37
For too long, the state of education in New Mexico has been judged by a single metric: proficiency. This metric is only a snapshot of literacy rates, and direct comparison of proficiency between states can be misleading. A new white paper on New Mexico student literacy demonstrates that our students are making real, measurable reading gains over time, often matching or exceeding national growth rates.
The white paper, commissioned by New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders and conducted by Evress analytics, uses Read More
Barbershop Quartet Singing Valentines Available From Lads And Lasses Of Enchantment
Odd Man Out. Lisa Rothrock, David Daniel, Matt Michnovicz and Dick Heaton are one of several quartets ready to sing for your valentine next week. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen
LALOE News:
Los Alamos Lasses and Lads of Enchantment songster Joe D’Anna believes the best part of delivering singing valentines is, “the reaction of the receiver.”
D’Anna is one of three quartets that will be out to deliver the gift of song on Friday and Saturday to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. The groups will provide an opportunity to receive a very special and incredibly novel gift.
The LALOE is a small non-profit organization, Read More
A Year Of Impact: DEA Recognizes Success In Combatting Drug Cartels And Saving Lives
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — 2025 was a year of historic achievements for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration highlighted by significant drug seizures, the capture of high-profile targets, and the confirmation of DEA Administrator Terrance C. Cole.
Appointed by President Donald Trump on Feb. 11, 2025, and sworn in on July 23, 2025, Administrator Cole became only the third Senate-confirmed DEA Special Agent to lead the agency. Administrator Cole is a career law enforcement officer who spent 22 years with DEA fighting the drug cartels and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. Read More
Los Alamos Ambassador Program Manager Presents Training At County’s Tourism Debrief Jan. 30
Jennifer Armstrong, who manages the Los Alamos Ambassador Program, presents at Los Alamos County’s Tourism Debrief on Jan. 30, 2026. The free training, which operates through Discover Los Alamos, offers communication and customer-service skills as well as information about our community. To learn more about the program or to schedule a training session, please contact Jennifer at ambassador@losalamos.org. Read More
Dekker: Senate Bill 177 Is A Blueprint For New Mexico’s Economic Future
By DALE DEKKER
Founding Principal & Brand Ambassador
Dekker
For decades, New Mexico has talked about economic diversification. Senate Bill 177, sponsored by Sen. George Munoz is what it looks like when we finally decide to do it.
This legislation is not a collection of disconnected appropriations. It is a strategic investment plan – one that recognizes where the global economy is heading and positions New Mexico to compete, lead, and win in that future. At its core, SB 177 acknowledges a simple truth: states that invest intentionally in innovation, talent, and infrastructure will Read More
On The Job In Los Alamos: UNM-LA Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw
On the job in Los Alamos is Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw, discussing the wide world of education during a visit to his office on the UNM-LA campus, at 4000 University Drive on Monday. Dr. Holtzclaw took over leadership of the college on July 18, 2022, following the retirement of former Chancellor Dr. Cindy Rooney. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Immaculate Heart Of Mary To Host Lenten Friday Fish Fry Dinners Beginning Feb. 20 Through March 27, 2026
IHM News:
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church will again host its annual Lenten Friday Fish Fry Dinners beginning on Feb. 20.
These delicious dinners are open to the entire community.
Details:
- 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20, 27
- Karen McLaughlin Parish Hall, 3700 Canyon Road
- Fried Fish Fillets, French Fries, Coleslaw, and Rice
- Full Adult (3 fillets) $15, Lite Adult (2) $13, Small (1) $10
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich Plate – Free for children 10 and under ($10 for older customers)
For more than 20 years, Los Alamos residents have come together during Lent to share an evening Read More
Historical Society Presents ‘If These Walls Could Talk Part 2: Buildings Behind The Fence’ Feb. 10
LAHS News:
The Los Alamos Historical Society is pleased to invite you to the next lecture in the 2025–2026 Lecture Series, If These Walls Could Talk Part 2: Buildings Behind the Fence, presented in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory and Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
This illustrated talk will explore lesser-known structures associated with the Manhattan Project and their fascinating roles in Los Alamos history.
Join LAHS for this engaging evening of history and discussion from 7–9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Pajarito Room at Fuller Lodge. Read More
Gov. Appoints Kyle Harwood To State Game Commission
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Kyle Harwood to the State Game Commission to serve the remainder of retiring District 4 Commissioner Sharon Hickey’s term.
Harwood, an attorney, is an expert on land and water law, and on regulation and policy issues throughout New Mexico. He currently serves on the Legal Specialization Commission of the State Bar of New Mexico.
Harwood is also a member of the Governor’s Water Ambassadors Taskforce and served on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Water Taskforce from 2003 to 2010.
Harwood holds a Juris Doctor from the Read More
Deb Haaland Rallies In Support Of Land Grant, Acequia Funding At Roundhouse’s Annual Acequia Day
Deb Haaland shows support for Land Grant and Acequia infrastructure at the Roundhouse. Courtesy photo
Deb Haaland Campaign:
SANTA FE — Deb Haaland, candidate for New Mexico governor, rallied in support for Land Grand and Acequia infrastructure funding alongside land grant and acequia community leaders at the Roundhouse. At the event, Haaland announced her support for House Bill 21, the Land Grant-Merced Acequia Infrastructure Act, currently under consideration in the legislature.
Deb Haaland has long been a proponent of the traditional land and water management systems which are Read More
Primary Care Conference Open To Health Care Professionals
HCA News:
The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) invites all primary care clinicians, clinic administrators, health system leaders, and Medicaid stakeholders to attend a one-day conference focused on advancing value-based care and strengthening primary care in New Mexico.
- What: Helping Primary Care Practices Succeed: PCPR VBP Program Winter Conference
- When: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton, 1000 Woodward Place, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Register Now Through Eventbrite: Helping Primary Care Practices Succeed: PCPR VBP Program Winter Conference
Moon Illuminates Night Sky Above White Rock
The Moon illuminates the sky on Sunday evening above White Rock. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Medical Community Opposes HB 213 Citing Patient Safety, Surgical Standards, And Proper Oversight
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Local medical students, ophthalmology residents, and doctors provided public comments cautioning policymakers that eye surgery is complex, high-risk medical care that requires physician-led training, supervision, and oversight to protect patient safety. Despite references in committee to a stakeholder compromise, no consensus exists among physicians or professional organizations regarding the expansion of laser eye surgery authority in HB 213.
HB 213 was rolled by the House Health and Human Services Committee and will be heard by the committee on Wednesday Read More
State Launches NM CreativeCon 6-Event Series To Boost Creative Economy
NMEDD News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico is investing in its creative economy with a new statewide event series, NM CreativeCon, offering business workshops and networking opportunities to creative professionals across the state.
Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division, NM CreativeCon will bring together creative entrepreneurs and community leaders for a series of full-day events through education, networking, and hands-on learning. Beginning in March 2026, the NM CreativeCon lineup includes five regional events, culminating in a statewide Read More
Duplicate Bridge In Los Alamos: January 28, 2026
BRIDGE News:
The Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club is hosting a rare team game on Wednesday, Feb. 4. It appears that at least 7 teams will be participating, including two from Santa Fe. Following the holiday break, attendance has been good.
Adam Wadlinger and Randy Baker were both open and flight B winners on Monday. Jerry Fleming and Neill Goltz were flight A winners on Wednesday. Bev and Martin Cooper were high in flight B.
Board 19: South is the dealer and E/W are vulnerable.
Here’s a very interesting hand with the West player in the spotlight. South is the dealer and passes. West has an Read More
‘Leftover From A Bygone Era’ … McQueen Proposes New Mexico Legislature Changes
By MARGARET O’HARA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Another year, another effort by Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, to change how the New Mexico Legislature does business.
Sponsored by McQueen, House Joint Resolution 6 proposes amending the state constitution to consolidate the Legislature’s alternating 30- and 60-day sessions into annual 45-day sessions.
The measure also would allow all legislation to be considered in every session, rather than limiting 30-day sessions to budget-related bills or matters that secure approval from the governor.
A similar resolution, also proposed by McQueen, Read More
County Transportation Board To Meet Feb. 5
COUNTY News:C’YA Hosts CommUNITY Asset Awards: Jennifer Best Receives Spirit Of The West Award
C’YA stands with Jennifer Best, the Spirit of the West winner by unanimous decision on Saturday. Best embodies community spirit, a sense of giving and dedication while homeschooling and volunteering in many organizations. Left to Right: Bernadette Lauritzen C’YA Executive Director, Board Member Gabe Vigil, Jennifer Robinson Best, Board members Jeremy Herrera and Kate Stoddard with special thanks to volunteer Amanda Stoddard (not pictured). Photo by Chad Lauritzen
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
Champions of Youth Ambitions
Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) held the Read More
Los Alamos Students Take Action To Break Stigma Around Mental Health
KEY CLUB News:
Students at Los Alamos High School are taking meaningful action to address mental health challenges among their peers and promote open, stigma-free conversations.
Early this year, fundraising activities undertaken by Key Club members involved selling cotton candy at the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, showing their commitment towards supporting youth mental health projects. Unlike other fundraising activities where the amount is donated to Erika’ s Lighthouse or JJAB, Key Club members decided to involve themselves in efforts geared at ensuring a safe environment Read More
Daily Postcard: Full Moon Rising Over Sangre De Christos
Daily Postcard: Sunday night’s moon coming up over the Sangre de Cristo Mountain taken from Pajarito Acres. Photo by Nancy Bartlit Read More
