Nation

Heinrich Calls For Full Funding Of PILT, SRS For Critical Local Government Services

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., joined a bipartisan coalition urging Senate leaders to fully fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) in any end-of-year legislation.

“Moving forward, we hope that we can work together to seek a long-term solution to provide a consistent and stable source of funding for the nation’s counties containing federal lands,” the lawmakers wrote to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. “As we approach the end Read More

Udall, Heinrich Announce More Than $400,000 For Navajo Distance Learning

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced $447,748 in funding for a distance learning initiative for the Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, N.M. 

This funding, made possible through the Department of Agriculture’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, is intended to counteract high unemployment and poverty in the Navajo community. Quality distance learning is an important tool, especially for the large Navajo Nation, where many students have to travel long distances in order to take classes on campus. Distance Read More

Valles Caldera Board Of Trustees Meets Dec. 4

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VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – The Valles Caldera Trust (Trust) Board of Trustees (Board) will conduct a public meeting 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 in Albuquerque.

The meeting is at the Hilton Garden Inn – Albuquerque Airport, 2601 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque.

 The agenda will include an update on recreation activities planned for the upcoming winter and summer seasons, the status of visitor use and recreation planning, proposed revisions to the Trust’s fee structure, and the development of a wildlife management policy for the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Public comments will be heard Read More

IRS Outlines Year-End Gifts To Charity Rules

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IRS News:

PHOENIX – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds individuals and businesses making year-end gifts to charity that several important tax law provisions have taken effect in recent years.

Some of the changes taxpayers should keep in mind include:

Rules for Charitable Contributions of Clothing and Household Items

Household items include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances and linens. Clothing and household items donated to charity generally must be in good used condition or better to be tax-deductible. A clothing or household item for which a taxpayer claims Read More

Thanksgiving During The Manhattan Project

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Thanksgiving feast preparation in the kitchen at Camp Hanford. Courtesy/AHF

A typical Manhattan Project era Thanksgiving meal. Courtesy/AHF

AHF News:

Manhattan Project workers around the country were usually not allowed to travel home for vacation – even for Thanksgiving.

Top scientists had important meetings on Thanksgiving, preventing them from spending the holiday with family. The communities banded together to celebrate Thanksgiving. New traditions were begun, new friends made, and a good meal was had by all. In these stories, Manhattan Project veterans and family members Read More

Udall Nominates Three Los Alamos Students To United States Service Academies

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. Tom Udall has announced 43 New Mexico students who have received his nomination to attend a United States service academy beginning in 2015, including three students from Los Alamos.

A congressional, vice-presidential, or service-connected nomination is required for admission to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students receiving Udall’s nomination completed a competitive application process, which included an interview with the senator’s

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Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan To Better Protect Military Families From Abusive Financial Practices

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. are supporting the Department of Defense’s (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. In a letter sent today to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the Senators expressed strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families.

“As our service members are asked to take Read More

Couple Follows Dream With Cross Country Trek

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Mike and Julie Pearson on the road. Mike Pearson joked that if any married couples need counseling, they should try a cross-country walk. You learn a lot about your spouse, he said. Courtesy photo
 
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
 
SANTA FE — Follow your dreams is a popular statement to make although it is not always practiced. Aspirations can get lost in day-to-day routines or ignored in order to fulfill other obligations. Sometimes the statement seems to be nothing more than fluff-an unrealistic piece of advice. Santa Fe resident Mike Pearson and his wife, Julie recently
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Udall Statement On DOD’s Chuck Hagel Stepping Down

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Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall issued the following statement after President Obama announced that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will step down: 
 
“Over the last year, we have seen the emergence of a brutal terrorist organization as well as other security threats that have required a targeted, strategic response, with little room for mistakes. As the commander in chief, President Obama needs to have a strong defense secretary who will handle these challenges with authority and clear leadership. I thank Secretary Hagel for
Read More

WalletHub Study: New Mexico Has Third Biggest Spenders

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STAFF REPORT

WalletHub, a leading personal finance social network has issued an in-depth analysis of 2014’s States with the Biggest Spenders and ranks New Mexico as number three.

On the heels of its recent report on the Best & Worst Retailers for Black Friday Deals, the group sought to identify the states where Americans are spending the most cash. They did so by examining 10 key metrics such as personal spending on various categories, the number of cars per household, and auto and credit card debt.  

Spending in New Mexico (1=Biggest; 25=Average)

  • 3rd in Personal Expenditure
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