Nation

New Information Provided About Possible Contributor to WIPP Radiological Event

by

The May 15 entry into Panel 7, Room 7 produced this photo of a waste container, left, with its lid unsealed and apparent heat discoloration. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

The Department of Energy issued the following statement Friday regarding new information generated during the May 15 entry into WIPP:

Since the Feb. 14 radiological release, the Department and its Waste Isolation Pilot Plant have been working deliberately to safely determine the cause of the release. The team that entered the underground facility yesterday was able to get additional visual evidence that shows a damaged waste Read More

New Data Tool Shows New Mexico Among Top in Science & Engineering Categories

by

HSNW News:

Homeland Security News Wire (HSNW) reports that a newly updated, online, interactive state data tool allows policymakers, educators and other users to discern trends in education, science and research in each of the 50 states and New Mexico is among the top three.

The three states with the highest scores in the number of science and engineering bachelor’s degrees awarded, share of a state’s workforce employed in science and engineering occupations, and the amount of R&D performed, as a share of a state’s gross domestic product (GDP), are Vermont, Virginia and New Mexico. Read More

Udall Opposes FCC’s Proposed Internet ‘Fast Lane’

by

U.S. SENATE News:

 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement expressing concern about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote Thursday for net neutrality rules that include a “fast lane” or “toll lane” to charge companies for faster delivery of content: 

 

“Today’s vote by the FCC is very disappointing. As the commissioners move forward to make a final rule, I’m calling on them to protect free expression, Read More

Los Alamos Police Hold Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony This Morning at the Justice Center

by

LAPD Officers from left, Daniel Roberts, David Boe and Paige Early at this morning’s Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony outside the Justice Center. Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone at this morning’s Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony honoring the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A crowd begins to gather at the Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony this morning outside the Justice Center. Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost.com

Police Det. Daniel Roberts, left, and Cpl. David Boe prepare to raise the American Read More

WIPP Personnel Upgrading Safety Programs

by

WIPP News:

While attention is focused on determining the cause of the February radiological release, WIPP personnel are also upgrading WIPP safety programs and addressing issues identified by federal accident investigators following the fire and radiological event.

Experts from across the DOE complex and nuclear industry are on-site to evaluate and help improve WIPP safety, emergency management and radiological programs.

A corrective action plan for the salt haul truck fire is in development and improvements to emergency response plans are being implemented. WIPP Operations personnel Read More

Dr. Steven Croley Confirmed as DOE General Counsel

by

Dr. Steven Croley. Courtesy/wikipedia

DOE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Steven Croley was confirmed by the Senate Monday as the Department of Energy’s General Counsel.

“Dr. Croley brings to the Department leadership team both extensive experience representing the interests of the United States and wide-ranging interests in energy and environmental issues,” Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said. “I thank the Senate for approving his nomination, and I look forward to his advice and counsel. I also thank Anne Harkavy for serving as Acting General Counsel in his stead. Her leadership Read More

Latest Underground Entry Reveals More Information About Event

by

Photo from a townhall slide show presentation of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

Workers entered the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) underground facility again Saturday to further investigate Room 7 of Panel 7, the suspected scene for the Feb. 14 radiological event.

Using a portable camera on an extender, workers were able to take pictures over the top of stacked waste containers. The photographs showed evidence of melted plastic and rubber on 55-gallon drums and standard waste boxes, indicating the production of heat likely occurred in the room. Photos are Read More

Happy Mother’s Day!

by

A Northern Pacific Railway postcard for Mother’s Day 1916. Courtesy/wikipedia
 
Staff Report
 
Happy Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in spring. It complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Father’s Day and Siblings Day.

The celebration of Mother’s Day began in the United States in the early 20th century; it is not related to the many celebrations Read More

Bandelier Inviting Public to Help Build Monument Foundation Document May 13

by

Entrance to Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/NPS

BANDELIER News:

The staff at Bandelier National Monument is inviting everyone interested in the monument’s future to attend one or both of two public meetings Tuesday, May 13 to help with preparing a Foundation Document. 

This is the first step in considering the monument’s future planning and study needs.

The first meeting is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mesa Public Library, 2400 Central Ave. in Los Alamos, upstairs in meeting room 1.

The second is 6–7 p.m. in White Rock at the White Rock Town Hall, 139 Longview Dr.

These meetings will be Read More