Politics

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

NMDWS To Mail UI Claimant 1099 Forms By Jan. 31

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New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Courtesy/NMDWS

NMDWS News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will mail all IRS 1099-G forms by Jan. 31 to individuals who received unemployment insurance benefits in 2025.

The 1099-G tax form reports the total amount of benefits paid to recipients during the year. Unemployment insurance benefits are taxable income and must be included in a 2025 tax filing. 

The department urges claimants to view and verify their mailing address by logging into the Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System (https://www.jobs.state.nm.us Read More

Gubernatorial Candidate Bregman On Legislative Session

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Sam Bregman

By SAM BREGMAN
Gubernatorial Candidate
New Mexico

As the Governor and Legislature prepare for New Mexico’s annual legislative session, their two priorities should be clear: protecting New Mexicans from the consequences of the Trump Administration’s policies and safeguarding the health, education, and public safety of every child and family in our state.

The Governor and Legislature took important action by passing emergency funding to address federal healthcare cuts enacted by Trump and the GOP. They also passed free universal child care, easing financial pressure on thousands

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

Judge Allen Swears In UNM-LA Advisory Board Members

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Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen after she swore in newly elected University of New Mexico-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) Advisory Board members from left, David Hampton, Conner Tharp and Andrew Wright on Monday evening at the college. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen swears in newly elected UNM-LA Advisory Board member David Hampton Monday evening at the college. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen swears in newly elected UNM-LA Advisory Board member Andrew Wright Monday evening at the college. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Read More

Leaders To Convene In Washington For ‘State Of America’s Counties Summit Jan. 14

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NACo News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Council of County Association Executives (NCCAE) will host a policy summit Jan. 14 on the state of America’s counties. The summit will include a state of the counties address from NACo President and Wise County, Texas Judge J.D. Clark, as well as exploration of new data on county leadership and a series of policy panel discussions. 

The data review will include key takeaways from a recent NACo member survey, in cluding identifying top issues for counties and breaking down geographic patterns. Read More

Gabe Vasquez Takes Action To Stop Cartel Drone Threats At U.S.-Mexico Border

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U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez

DCCC News:

As a first-generation Mexican American who was raised on both sides of the border and now represents 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, Congressman Gabe Vasquez is leading the way for commonsense action on border security and immigration reform.

To better address the safety of border communities, Vasquez is demanding urgent federal coordination from the Departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration to counter cartels’ use of drones to surveil law enforcement, coordinate smuggling operations, and threaten Read More

Luján, Cortez Masto, Grassley, Push To Protect Americans’ Personal Information From China, Other Foreign Adversaries

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced the Internet Application Integrity and Disclosure (App ID) Act to help protect Americans online. This legislation would require operators of websites and mobile applications to disclose if their applications have been developed, are controlled, or store data within adversarial countries, such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

“The internet plays an essential role in our daily lives, and with its rapid growth comes a responsibility Read More

Denish: Resolution Of Hope

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By DIANE D. DENISH
Corner To Corner
diane@dianedenish.com

Happy New Year! After a brief respite, I’m back at my keyboard and looking forward to sharing more thoughts, ideas, and facts with you in 2026. I hope you also had the chance to recharge, reflect, and think about the year ahead—to push the reset button.

Speaking of reset buttons, isn’t that one of the reasons we make New Year’s resolutions? Most of us are familiar with the usual list. After a holiday season that often involves a little too much eating and indulgence, many people see the New Year as a chance to set short- and long- term goals. Millions Read More

Route 66 Centennial Passport Spotlights Businesses In Ten New Mexico MainStreet Districts

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EDD News:

SANTA FE — Ten New Mexico MainStreet districts along the iconic Route 66 highway invite travelers to visit local businesses and collect stickers as part of the Route 66 Centennial Passport program.

Throughout 2026, visitors can collect all ten stickers in their passport rack card from Gallup to Tucumcari as a memorable keepsake during the historic Centennial celebration.

“New Mexico’s iconic stretch of Route 66 is home to many welcoming small businesses,” said Cabinet Secretary Rob Black of the New Mexico Economic Development Department. “We invite all travelers, international Read More