VirtualTourist News:
Voting is now open at VirtualTourist for the favorite 8th wonder of the World and Bandelier National Monument is on the list of possiblities.
Voting is open June 3 through Sept. 30. Vote here. Read More
Nation
Udall: We Need a Functioning FEC to Reform our Campaign Finance System
U.S. SENATE News:WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. called for a functioning Federal Election Commission (FEC) to enforce federal campaign finance laws.
His remarks came during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Rules & Administration to consider President Obama’s nominees to serve on the FEC.
“As you know, I am a strong supporter of reforming our campaign finance system. I believe one important step is to have a functioning FEC, where all six seats are filled with commissioners in terms that haven’t expired. Regrettably, that hasn’t been the case for quite a while,”
Read More Los Alamos Resident Awarded 2013 Harvard Stem Cell Institute Internship
VA Seeks Feedback For Open Burn Pit Registry
Marine Lance Corporal Richard Carmichael disposes of trash at the burn pit on Forward Operating Base Zeebrudge in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. DOD photo
VA News:
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is asking veterans to help create its Open Burn Pit Registry for military service members, civilian personnel and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Udall coauthored the legislation to create the burn pit registry, which the Read More
Udall, Corker: End Use of Burn Pits in Afghanistan
A bulldozer dumps a load of trash into a burn pit just 300 yards from the runway at Bagram Airfield, January 2012. An Army memo from 2011 found the burn pit is associated with ‘long-term’ health effects on soldiers at Bagram. Courtesy/U.S. ArmyUS SENATE News:
Read More WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) announced they have sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel asking for immediate action to halt the use of open-air burn pits at two camp sites supporting Operating Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Their letter follows reports
Valles Caldera Trust Seeks Public Input
VCT News:
JEMEZ SPRINGS─The Valles Caldera Trust is asking for public input as the staff continues its efforts to establish a comprehensive strategy for future public access on the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
The trust is preparing a Transportation Recreation and Suitability Study (TRSS) to develop the permanent transportation and recreation infrastructure beyond the future visitor center. A critical piece of that study is to acquire public feedback on several topics related to transportation, recreation and infrastructure development.
“Ever since we began the public access Read More
NWS Program Offers Lightning Safety Information
NWS News:
Thunderstorms are a fact of life in New Mexico but the dangers of lightning have not received the recognition of the dangers of flooding associated with Monsoon Season.
Unfortunately, there have been at least two “close” calls related to lightning in Albuquerque and Santa Fe this month. Nationwide, there have been 11 lightning fatalities this year, including a 54-year-old male recently, who was walking near a reservoir in Navajo County in Arizona.
Two separate lightning strikes in Colorado July 18 caused serious injuries. In Fort Collins, Colo., nine Read More
Udall Advances Two Bills Supporting NM Small Businesses
Sen. Tom Udall, D-NM hosts New Mexico Chamber leaders at a meeting on economic development on Capitol Hill. Courtesy photo
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-NM, Friday announced two bills to help New Mexico small businesses grow in the tough economy and continue to create jobs.
The bills, the Helping Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act and the Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act, are the result of Udall’s conversations with small business owners across New Mexico about ways the federal government can streamline contracting and reduce unnecessary red Read More
Veteran Journalist Helen Thomas Dead at 92
HELEN THOMAS July 20, 2013
Legendary Washington reporter Helen Thomas died Saturday at the age of 92 following a long illness, the Gridiron Club and Foundation reports.
Thomas covered the White House for 49 years, reporting on every U.S. president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama,
The trailblazer broke many barriers for female journalists during her nearly five decades on the White House beat for United Press International and Hearst newspapers.
Thomas established a number of firsts for women journalists including becoming the first woman officer in the White House Correspondents Association. Read More
Luján Addresses Cost of Inaction on Climate Change
CONGRESSIONAL News:
WASHTINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District and a member of the Safe Climate Caucus spoke on the House floor Thursday about the increasing costs of climate change and the need to take action.
The Safe Climate Caucus is a group of Democratic members who are highlighting the need for action on climate change through daily floor speeches and other activities. Click here to watch Luján’s speech.
“Mr. Speaker, as fires across the West grow more intense and super storms in the United States do more damage, it is clear that the cost of inaction on Read More