Public Safety

McQuiston: Northern New Mexico 2026 Fire Season Outlook

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
If you’ve felt like winter never really showed up this year, you re not imagining it—and that’s exactly why fire officials are paying close attention right now.
A Season Starting Earlier Than Usual
In New Mexico, fire season typically runs from March through June, with the most dangerous window landing in April and May before the monsoon arrives. 
This year, though, conditions are lining up for a season that started early and could run hotter than normal.
Across the Four Corners region, fire danger is already showing up 
Read More

State Police Investigates OIS Involving U.S. Marshals Service

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NMSP News: 

DEMING – On April 23, 2026, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) were involved in an officer involved shooting incident while attempting to apprehend fugitives who were wanted on various child sex crimes. The fugitives, identified as Joseph McDowell (44), and Cassondra Sauber (42) were wanted on nationwide extradition warrants.

McDowell was wanted on the following: Read More

Consumer Drones Are Keeping Firefighters Grounded

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While unauthorized drones in restricted airspace can halt firefighting air operations, the Forest Service is increasingly incorporating uncrewed aerial systems in wildfire operations. From 2019 to 2025 the Forest Service has increased drone flights by 2,483% on active incidents. Forest Service photo by Dirk Giles

USFS News:

Drones, also referred to as uncrewed aerial systems or UAS, have been increasingly complicating airspace around wildfires since the first consumer models came to market in 2013.

These mechanical critters of the sky are a nuisance to wildland firefighting when they Read More

Texas Woman Sentenced For Fentanyl Distribution In Southern New Mexico

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Texas woman has been sentenced for her role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl into southern New Mexico.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between Jan. 24, 2024, and Feb. 7, 2025, Mayra Mendivil, 37, participated in a drug trafficking organization operating between Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and southern New Mexico. During the investigation, Mendivil coordinated and completed multiple controlled sales of fentanyl to an undercover agent.

Specifically, on Jan. 24, 2024, Mendivil sold approximately Read More

FBI: Albuquerque Man Charged With Aiming Laser At Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter And Striking Cockpit Over A Dozen Times

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Still image from the recording from inside the helicopter at the time of the drone strike. If convicted, Jorge Pinon Armendariz faces up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Courtesy/FBI

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man is facing federal charges after allegedly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and striking the cockpit over a dozen times.

According to public court documents, on Oct. 7, 2025, Jorge Pinon Armendariz, 47, directed a green laser at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Metro 1 helicopter while it was assisting Read More

NMED Issues Draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Permit

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NMED News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department today proposed revisions to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant hazardous waste operating permit, strengthening enforcement of federal cleanup obligations for legacy waste stored at federal facilities across the country.

The proposed permit modifications codify commitments the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) made in its 2023 settlement agreement with New Mexico. Under that agreement, DOE committed to prioritizing disposal of legacy waste in a new underground disposal unit at the Waste Isolation Pilot Read More

Law Day 2026: The Rule Of Law And The Ongoing Pursuit Of The American Dream

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Judge Elizabeth Allen

By Judge Elizabeth Allen
Los Alamos Municipal Court
and
Judge Catherine Taylor
Los Alamos Magistrate Court

Law Day 2026: The Rule Of Law And The Ongoing Pursuit Of The American Dream

Each year on May 1, Law Day invites us to reflect not only on the ideals of our legal system, but also on the work still left to do. This year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” reminds us that the promise of freedom, opportunity, and equal justice has meaning only when the law is applied fairly and consistently to everyone.

Judge Catherine Taylor

We know that many people look at the world Read More

Trinity On The Hill To Hold Annual Fiesta On The Hill Fundraiser & Celebration For House Of Hope Ministry May 2

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Members of the House of Hope ministry help a family in Juarez, Mexico, build a house. Courtesy/TOTH

Members of the House of Hope ministry help a family in Juarez, Mexico, build a house. Courtesy/TOTH

Members of the House of Hope ministry help a family in Juarez, Mexico, build a house. Courtesy/TOTH

From Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church:

Come join Trinity on the Hill for our annual Fiesta on the Hill, 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. This is a fundraiser and celebration for the church’s House of Hope ministry, an ongoing ministry since 2005.

Highlights of the event will include a taco dinner, silent Read More

FBI, Sandia Tribal Police Continues To Seek Information And Offer Reward In Sandia Casino Robbery

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FBI News:

The FBI and Sandia Police Department continue seeking the public’s assistance to identify the individual responsible for a robbery at the Sandia Resort & Casino Friday, July 1, 2022.

The FBI is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the unknown suspect responsible for the casino robbery.

At approximately 9:15 p.m., July 1, 2022, an unknown individual entered the casino at the high-limit room, approached a cashier, and asked to speak with a supervisor. The suspect stated he had a gun and demanded money from the cashier. The suspect Read More

New Mexico Residents Can Get Free Legal Answers During Ask-A-Lawyer Call-In Program May 2

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SBNW News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The State Bar of New Mexico Young Lawyers Division will be hosting its annual Ask-a-Lawyer Call-In Program on Saturday, May 2 telephonically from 9 a.m. to noon (MT). During the program, New Mexico residents can get their legal questions answered for free or receive a referral by calling 1.800.876.6227 and speaking with an attorney or State Bar of New Mexico representative.

Legal topics and areas of practice may include employment law, divorce, child support, landlord/tenant issues, personal injury, estate planning, real estate and much more. If you or someone you Read More