Nation

Traversing The Mexican Border With Morgan Smith Jan. 22

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Morgan Smith

SFWAF News:

For decades the US has attracted migrants from around the world, but especially numerous are those who have crossed, or attempted to cross, the southern border from Mexico.

US immigration policies have fluctuated but as migration increased, laws and their enforcement have tightened making it more difficult for asylum seekers and economic migrants to immigrate to the US through Mexico. Who are these migrants? Where do they come from? Why? Has the migrant flow been stemmed by the Trump administration policies? What are the implications in the US and elsewhere? How does Read More

OSM Invites Public Comment On Environmental Impact Statement For No Name Area Permit, Navajo Mine

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A dragline exposes coal at the Navajo Mine complex, Navajo Nation, Farmington, New Mexico. Courtesy/Navajo Transitional Energy Company

OSM News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thursday, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) announced it will initiate a public scoping period and prepare a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for a permit for the No Name area within the existing Navajo Mine Lease 14-20-603-2505. Comments and information received during the scoping period will inform the scope and alternatives to be analyzed in the draft EIS. Comments are due by Feb. Read More

Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures $3.7M In Federal Funding To Protect New Mexico’s Children, Improve Road Safety

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STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he had secured federal grants totaling $3.7 million from the Department of Justice for the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Department of Transportation to improve road safety in Albuquerque, Ramah, and Truth or Consequences.

“Communities across New Mexico deserve peace of mind. These grants will have a real impact on our citizens’ safety,” Vasquez said. “I’m working to keep our children safe both on the web and on our roads.”

Specifically, the federal investments Rep. Vasquez Read More

Luján Delivers Nearly $982 Million For Vital New Mexico Projects In Senate-Passed Appropriations Bills

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U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced nearly $982 million in federal funding secured for New Mexico in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Energy and Water Development; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bills.

In the appropriations bills now headed to the President’s desk, Luján successfully secured $981,926,000 for 29 critical New Mexico projects. 

  • In the FY26 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, Luján secured $951,248,000 for New Mexico
Read More

County Offices To Close Jan. 19 In Observance Of MLK Day

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COUNTY News:

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Los Alamos County government offices and services will join other federal, state, and local governments and close on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

The County’s administrative offices, Atomic City Transit service, and the Environmental Services division are closed on Monday.

In addition, the following facilities will close or have modified hours:

  • White Rock and Mesa libraries – Open 1 p.m. To 5 p.m.
  • Aquatic Center – Open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Los Alamos County Ice Rink – Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Golf Course and Golf Shop – Closed

Utilities will be closed Read More

FBI: Former U.S. Navy SEAL Convicted Of Transporting Explosives Purchased In New Mexico To Throw At Law Enforcement During Protests

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Former U.S. Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg wearing a t-shirt bearing the word ‘AMALEK,’ a term meaning ‘destroyer of Jews’ at the travel center near Lordsburg on June 12, 2025. Courtesy/FBI

Former U.S. Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg, right, at the travel center near Lordsburg on June 12, 2025. Courtesy/FBI

FBI News:

  • Evidence Reflected Violent Extremist Beliefs and Deep Hostility Toward the U.S. Government

ALBUQUERQUE – After a five-day jury trial and approximately three hours of deliberation, a federal jury convicted Gregory Vandenberg, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, of intending to use explosives Read More

New Mexico Senate Republican Leader Reacts To ICE ‘Banning’ Proposals Expected In Upcoming 30-Day Legislative Session

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Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer

From New Mexico Senate Republican Leadership Office:

SANTA FE – Recently, Democrat Leadership in the New Mexico House of Representatives and Senate have signaled their intentions to introduce – and pass – legislation that would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from contracting with local governments.

Specifically, this legislation would terminate contracts for ICE detention facilities operating in New Mexico. Currently, our state has three federal detention facilities that contract with ICE and employ hundreds of New Mexicans. Read More

Luján Announces Nominations To U.S. Service Academies

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) announced student nominations from New Mexico to enter the United States Service Academies.

“New Mexico has a proud tradition of service across every branch of our military, and I’m honored to nominate some of our state’s best and brightest to our United States Service Academies,” Sen. Luján said. “These young leaders have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, character, and a deep sense of duty. Each student has demonstrated a commitment to serving our state and country, and I know they will continue to Read More

Tribute To Former LAHS Teacher Mary Lou Williams: Senator Hayne Was Right About States’ Rights In 1830

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By JOCK MILLS
Former LAHS Student
Portland Oregon

When I look back on the 20 years of my formal education, one high school teacher – Mary Louise Williams – stands out in shaping my life. Although I certainly didn’t call her by her first name, “Mary Lou” was a force to behold in E-wing where she presided over many activities and taught social studies. In 1971, I was in her sophomore American history class.

It was not so much the subject – it was the energy she created. She didn’t just spark my interest in politics and public policy – she ignited a flame in me that launched a career that took me to Washington, Read More

Moody’s Upgrades New Mexico To One Of Nation’s Highest Bond Rated States

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Finance Cabinet Secretary Wayne Propst

From the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration:

SANTA FE — In clear affirmation of New Mexico’s fiscal discipline and leadership, Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the state’s issuer rating to Aa1 from Aa2, placing New Mexico among the top-tier rated states in the country.

“This upgrade is the result of years of smart, disciplined budgeting and strategic investments that benefit every New Mexican,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.

Moody’s cited New Mexico’s disciplined fiscal management and well-established governance practices, noting Read More