Politics

Op-Ed: Don’t Join The Flock

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By JIM RICKMAN
Los Alamos

Big Brother is relentlessly watching the citizens of little Los Alamos, but who is watching Big Brother?

Over the past months, a growing network of surveillance cameras have been mysteriously installed on lamp posts along Trinity and Diamond drives. These cameras ostensibly are automatic license plate readers, Flock cameras, or some cheaper knock off. Regardless of the brand, these systems are entirely self-contained, never blinking or running out of power—watching every coming and going every minute of every day.

Data about your travels, the configuration of Read More

Taylor Endorses Reelection Of Melanee Hand For County Council

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By TONI TAYLOR
Los Alamos

I enthusiastically support Melanee Hand to serve a second term on the Los Alamos County Council. I encourage Los Alamos citizens to vote for her in the upcoming election.

Melanee has been a positive force on the County Council, advocating for environmental sustainability and conservation, wildlife and animal welfare, recreational opportunities, and small businesses. She has facilitated communication between residents and the County and fostered collaboration with neighboring communities.

However, I want to focus on my personal interactions with Melanee Read More

Bill Led By Leger Fernández To Strengthen Public Safety In Indian Country Advances In Natural Resources Committee

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U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández

From the Office of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a hearing Thursday on the bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act, legislation led by U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) alongside representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) to strengthen public safety in Indian Country, improve coordination in missing persons investigations, and support the recruitment and retention of Bureau Read More

BLM Seeks Initial Input For November 2026 Sale Of Oil And Gas Leases In New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma And Texas

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BLM News:

SANTA FE — The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 53 oil and gas parcels totaling 13,453 acres that may be included in a November 2026 lease sale in Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The scoping period ends June 22, 2026.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts Read More

Legislative Education Study Committee To Meet May 27-29

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LESC News:

SANTA FE — The Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) will meet May 27-29 in Raton. The three-day meeting will convene lawmakers and state education officials to discuss ongoing public education initiatives and legislative priorities.

Day 1 – May 27, 2026

  • LESC will begin its May hearings with a community welcome from Superintendent Kristie Medina of Raton Municipal Schools. The committee will also hear presentations on artificial intelligence in public education and implications for New Mexico, a panel of local superintendents discussing current initiatives and priorities,
Read More

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Awards 2026 Memorial Scholarships To Three Students Demonstrating Excellence

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NMFLB News:

The New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau (NMFLB) has awarded its 2026 Memorial Scholarships to three outstanding New Mexico students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, agricultural involvement, and community service.

Recipients include Wyatt Curry of Roswell, Alison Poling of Des Moines, and Denny Turner of Texico.

Wyatt Curry of Roswell will graduate from Goddard High School in May 2026 while simultaneously earning an Associate’s Degree in University Studies from Eastern New Mexico University. He earned Dean’s List honors during Fall 2024, Read More

State Awards $92.9M To New Mexico Tribal Communities

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NMIFB News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board (NMIFB) has announced $92.9 million in awards to Nations, Pueblos and Tribes across New Mexico for transformational infrastructure projects.

This funding supports projects identified and prioritized by Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes, including critical water and wastewater systems, health care and wellness facilities, public safety infrastructure, educational facilities, roads, community centers, and government buildings.

These projects strengthen essential services, improve public health and safety, Read More

Canceled: May 27 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

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COUNTY News:

The application (ZCA-2026-0019) legally noticed for Text Amendment of the Los Alamos Development Code, Article V, has been postponed and will be re-noticed for June 24, 2026.

No other applications were submitted for consideration.

Therefore, the May 27, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is officially canceled. Read More

Pongratz: I’m Voting For Steve Lynne For County Council

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County Council candidate Steve Lynne, left, with former Councilor Morrie Pongratz. Courtesy photo

By MORRIE PONGRATZ 
Former Los Alamos County Councilor

There are some good candidates from both parties running for County Council. As an independent (DTS) voter, I plan to ask for a Democrat ballot and vote for Steve Lynne, the candidate I have known and worked with for decades.

I worked with Steve when I was on Council and when we were on the Charter Review Committee. As a former Chief Financial Officer and County Manager, Steve has served our county well and is the most knowledgeable of the candidates. Read More

Kiwanis Hears Inspirational Talk From LAHS Student Celia Pesiri On Time As Salaam Shalom U.S. Peace Ambassador

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Los Alamos High School student Celia Pesiri presents a talk on May 11 to the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos about her experience as a Salaam Shalom U.S. Peace Ambassador. Courtesy/Kiwanis

By KARIN CHURCH
Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos

On Monday, May 11, the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos was inspired by a presentation from Los Alamos High School student Celia Pesiri about her experience as a Salaam Shalom U.S. Peace Ambassador.

Tomorrow’s Women, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in Santa Fe in 2003 to bring young Israeli and Palestinian women together, offers New Mexico high school students the opportunity Read More