Employment
New Mexico’s August 2025 Unemployment Rate: 4.1 Percent
NMDWS News:
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) has announced that New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in August, down from 4.2 percent in July and down from 4.3 percent in the previous year.
The national unemployment rate in August was 4.3 percent, up from 4.2 percent in July and up from 4.2 percent in August 2024.
Total nonagricultural payroll employment grew by 12,100 jobs, or 1.4 percent, between August 2024 and August 2025. The majority of gains came from the private sector. The private sector was up 7,400 jobs, or 1.1 percent, while the Read More
Governor Announces Eileen Riordan Judicial Appointment
Judge Eileen P. Riordan
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced the appointment of Eileen Patricia Riordan as judge of the Fifth Judicial District Court, which serves Chaves, Eddy, and Lea counties.
The appointment takes effect Oct. 11, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Jane Shuler Gray.
Riordan previously served as a district judge for the Fifth Judicial District Court from January 2021 to December 2022. She currently works as an attorney with 575 Law Group, LLC in Carlsbad and served as Carlsbad City Attorney from Read More
Pajarito Law Group Opening Oct. 1 In Downtown Los Alamos
Pajarito Law Group members, from left, Counsel to the firm Phil Dabney, beloved office cat M&M, and Attorney/Owner of the firm Paul Geisik, in their new law office opening Oct. 1 at 1505 15th St., Suite C. Courtesy/PLG
By PHILIP DABNEY
Counsel To Pajarito Law Group
I am writing to share exciting news for the Los Alamos community. Effective Oct. 1, Pajarito Law Group will be launching its legal practice at 1505 15th St., Suite C. Paul Geisik and I will carry on the same legal practice we have engaged in through Philip J. Dabney, P.C. Paul will be leading the charge as the owner of Pajarito Law Group, Read More
Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Respond To DOI/USDA Secretarial Memos
GWF News:
In the past week, both the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture have issued memoranda aimed at improving how the federal government organizes and delivers wildfire response. Grassroots Wildland Firefighters welcomes this attention to the challenges our firefighters face and recognizes these memoranda as an important and historic first step forward.
We view these memoranda as progress, and as an opportunity to build momentum, but they do not yet go far enough. Grassroots Wildland Firefighters remain committed to working with federal leaders and Congress Read More
Adapt To Thrive: NMDWS Helping Your Business Evolve In A Changing Labor Market
NMDWS News:
Join the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, for a conversation on how we support employers in today’s shifting workforce landscape.
This webinar will introduce the divisions of NMDWS, highlight the difference between America’s Job Center New Mexico and the Department’s direct services, and showcase the tools available to help your business succeed. Learn how our employment services, office locations, and specialized programs can connect you with qualified talent, streamline hiring, and support your long-term growth.
Register Read More
Scenes From Special Retirement Event Honoring Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew At Fuller Lodge
Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone, center, Deputy Chief James Rodriguez, center, left, police command staff, officers, and other personnel gathered Thursday at Fuller Lodge to honor Cmdr. Preston Ballew, back row center, as he retires from a 26-year career in law enforcement. Many officials, including County Manager Anne Laurent, along with family members and friends, filled Fuller Lodge to celebrate with Cmdr. Ballew on his final day on the job. Cmdr. Ballew said he has a couple of hunting and fishing trips scheduled, adding that he and his wife Marisha love Los Alamos and intend to Read More
Chamber: Meet & Greet With CDD Director Elias Isaacson
Elias Isaacson
CHAMBER News:
The Los Alamos County Chamber of Commerce will host a special Meet & Greet event to introduce the community to new County Community Development Director Elias Isaacson.
The event is 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation Offices at 190 Central Park Square, behind the downtown post office.
This informal gathering will provide an excellent opportunity for local business owners and residents to meet Isaacson, learn about his vision for the future of Los Alamos, and ask questions.
“We are excited to welcome Eli to Read More
State Of New Mexico Seeks New Prescription Drug Vendors To Lower Costs For 168,000 Public Employees
NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA) has issued a request for proposals (RFPs) for pharmaceutical benefits management services that could lower prescription drug costs for more than 168,000 public employees and their families statewide, with proposals due Nov. 3.
“By joining with our IBAC partners, the State of New Mexico is leveraging its purchasing power to deliver pharmacy benefits that are transparent, affordable, and member-centered,” NMHCA Deputy Cabinet Secretary Alex Castillo Smith said. “Together, we are negotiating from a position of strength Read More
Reuben Murray Named CEO Of CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico
Reuben Murray
CHRISTUS News:
ALAMOGORDO — CHRISTUS Health announced today that Reuben Murray has been named chief executive officer of CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico after serving in the role as interim since spring.
Murray’s connection to Alamogordo is deeply personal. His father, an Air Force service member, was last stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, where the Murray family spent six years.
A proud graduate of Alamogordo High School (Alamo Tigers Class of 1981), Reuben has long considered this community a meaningful part of his journey. His wife Sharon (Class of 1980), was born in Alamogordo Read More