Nation

Senators Introduce Bill To Establish Microlabs

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U. S. Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. and Cory Gardner, R-Colo., members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced S. 784, the Microlab Technology Commercialization Act, a bill to accelerate technology transfer by establishing off-campus microlabs that would serve as the “front-door” to national laboratories.

The microlabs would give academia, local government, businesses owners, and communities direct access to equipment, facilities, and personnel of national laboratories. 

“Scientists Read More

NNSA Releases Stockpile Stewardship & Mgmt. Plan

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NNSA Administrator (Ret.) Gen. Frank G. Klotz

NNSA News:

  • Annual Report Provides Insight into Vital National Security Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has released its Fiscal Year 2016 Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan (SSMP).

The FY16 SSMP documents NNSA’s 25-year strategic plan for accomplishing its core stockpile stewardship mission area of maintaining the safety, security and effectiveness of the nuclear stockpile without nuclear testing.  It also describes NNSA’s phased approach to maintaining Read More

DOE: Eleven Tribal Communities Receiving $6 Million To Accelerate Implementation Of Renewable Energy

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DOE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that 11 tribal communities will receive nearly $6 million to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies on tribal lands.
 
As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to partner with Tribal Nations, these projects provide Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages clean energy options that will reduce fossil fuel use and save money. With tribal renewable energy resources comprising approximately five percent of all U.S. renewable energy
Read More

Luján Announces Annual Congressional Art Competition

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján
 
Congressional News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District has announced details for this year’s Congressional Art Competition.
 
This annual competition allows members of Congress to display the talent and creativity of their high school constituents. The winning entry from each Congressional district will be displayed as part of an exhibit in the United States Capitol for one year. The winner will travel to Washington, D.C. for a reception honoring the national winners.
 
“The Congressional
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Citizen Science Bird Count Nets 84 Species

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Cooper’s Hawks. Photo by Corry Clinton
 
Downy Woodpecker. Photo by David Yeamans
 
Red-bellied Woodpecker. Photo by Robert Walker
 
By REBECCA SHANKLAND
PEEC

The Audubon Christmas bird count (CBC), famous among birders nation- and world-wide, took a leap forward in Los Alamos the weekend of March 8.

Sponsored by PEEC (Pajarito Environmental Education Center), 48 birders signed up with organizer Mouser Williams to run a “mock” bird count that could certify Los Alamos to participate in official winter bird counts in the future. Mouser called it a “tremendously successful Read More

IRS Has Options For Those Who Owe

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IRS News:

PHOENIX—The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that it’s easier than ever to pay their taxes electronically, and for those who can’t pay on time, quick and easy solutions are available.

This is the 10th and final in a series of 10 daily IRS tips called the Tax Time Guide. These tips are designed to help taxpayers navigate common tax issues as the April 15 deadline approaches.

Taxpayers who owe taxes can now choose among several quick and easy e-pay options, including the newest and easiest, IRS Direct Pay (https:////www.irs.gov/Payments/Direct-Pay).

Available options Read More

IRS Interest Rates Same For Second Quarter 2015

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IRS News:

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning April 1. 

The rates are:

  • 3 percent for overpayments or 2 percent in the case of a corporation;
  • 0.5percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000;
  • 3 percent for underpayments; and
  • 5 percent for large corporate underpayments.

Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage Read More

Is The FBI In Your Future?

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FBI News:

Looking for a life-changing career? Maybe you should join the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI is accepting application for Special Agent through March 31. For details on the Special Agent application, visit www.FBIjobs.gov.

All FBI employees must be U.S. citizens and consent to a complete FBI background investigation, drug test and polygraph. The FBI is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity and inclusion.

“The FBI needs talented and motivated Special Agents who are eager to serve their country and communities,” said Carol Read More

Report: Minority Families In New Mexico And Nation Falling Behind

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VFC News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE — A sharp racial/ethnic divide has emerged within the world of low-income working families, posing a critical equity and economic challenge to New Mexico and the nation, a new study concludes.
 
Hispanics and African-Americans, who will continue to emerge as a larger segment of the workforce, will remain under-prepared and underpaid unless lawmakers in New Mexico are willing to pursue policies that would improve conditions. 
 
The disturbing portrait of America’s low-income working families was sketched by the Working Poor
Read More

WIPP Begins Underground Decontamination Activities

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The spraying machine has three articulating spray arms that allow it to apply the water mist at various angles and heights. Courtesy/WIPP

Yellow brattice cloth is suspended from the ceiling in this disposal room. It is rolled down to prevent air flow to the room. Brattice cloth also will serve as a barrier to decontaminate floors. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

Activities are underway in WIPP’s underground facility to address the radioactive contamination that remains as a result of the February 14, 2014 event. Employees are using a modified piece of agricultural spraying equipment that allows Read More