Public Safety

U.S. Department Of Energy: Savannah River Site Has Achieved Major Milestone In Radioactive Waste Processing

Salt Waste Processing Facility, left, and Defense Waste Processing Facility at Savannah River Site. Courtesy/EM

EM News:

AIKEN, S.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) announced the successful completion of major optimizations across the Savannah River Site’s (SRS) liquid waste treatment system, dramatically accelerating the processing rate of radioactive tank waste and supporting America’s energy and national security goals.

Recent facility optimizations at both the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) and Defense Waste Processing Read More

FBI: Texas Man Pleads Guilty To COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Scheme In New Mexico

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Texas man pleaded guilty to federal charges after admitting he fraudulently filed unemployment insurance claims in New Mexico using stolen identities to obtain federally funded COVID-19 relief benefits.

According to court documents, from July 2020 through February 2021, Marc Long, 46, devised and carried out a scheme to defraud the United States and financial institutions by submitting fraudulent unemployment insurance claims funded by federal COVID 19 relief programs. While residing in Texas, Long used the names and personally identifiable information Read More

Interfaith Coalition On Homelessness Announces Creation Of New Fund To Support Local Efforts In Española Valley

ICOH News:

The Interfaith Coalition on Homelessness (ICOH) announces a new tax-deductible fund, which will financially support local efforts to address homelessness in Española.

Just created by the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, the “Española Valley Homelessness Fund” supports a long-term mission of the church. The fund’s stated purpose is to “reduce homelessness in the Española Valley, and to address in impactful ways the many factors that contribute to that problem.”

ICOH is an all-volunteer organization with participants from 14 local congregations.

Donations to the new fund will Read More

Governor Awards $20 Million To Expand Rural Primary Care

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Thirty-two rural health care organizations will share $20 million in Rural Health Care Delivery Fund awards to expand primary care services across New Mexico.

The fiscal year 2026 awards support projects that strengthen local health care capacity and improve access to coordinated, person-centered care in underserved areas—from tribal communities in Cibola County to frontier clinics in Catron County.

“We created this fund because rural health care providers were struggling to keep their doors open, let alone expand,” Lujan Grisham said. “These awards will help Read More

The Experience & Story Of LAPD Cpl. Joseph Robinson

Cpl. Joseph Robinson with students in LAHS Teacher Lori Thompson’s Sports Lit class. Courtesy/LAPS

By Emmitt Tibbitts
Los Alamos High School
Sports Lit Class Student

As part of my Sports Literature class, my group and I walked to the courthouse and interviewed Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) Cpl. Joseph Robinson. Fittingly, we found out that one of his favorite things about being a police officer is getting to interact with the public.

Before becoming a police officer (right out of high school), Robinson worked as a mechanic for some time. Later, he moved to Los Angeles for about six years Read More

NMDOT Shares Holiday Travel Safety Reminders

NMDOT News:

MILAN — As holiday travel ramps up, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) urges motorists to take steps to ensure safe and uninterrupted trips.

Buckling up, exercising patience and using extra caution during heavy traffic or winter weather can help reduce crashes and delays.

Before departing, drivers should inspect their vehicles, including tires, fluids, lights, brakes and batteries, to help prevent breakdowns. Motorists are also encouraged to carry emergency supplies such as a first-aid kit, medications, blankets, snacks and water in case of unexpected Read More

New Mexico’s 988 Lifeline Open 24/7 During Holiday Season

New Mexico Health Care Authority News:

  • Mental health support is always available

SANTA FE — The 988 New Mexico Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available around the clock throughout the holiday season, offering free support for mental health, emotional, and substance use crises. 

“During the holidays, many people are carrying more than usual, and no one should have to go through that alone,” said Kari Armijo, secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “If you need someone to listen, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to connect you with trained counselors and Read More

Voting Rights Groups File Motion To Protect Privacy

CCNM News:

          • Lawsuit challenges DOJ demand for sensitive voter data

SANTA FE — Common Cause New Mexico (CCNM) and two individual New Mexico voters joined the ACLU National Voting Rights Project and the ACLU of New Mexico in filing a motion to intervene in United States of America v. Toulouse Oliver to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from obtaining New Mexico voters’ personal data.

In July, the DOJ asked New Mexico to turn over voters’ full names, dates of birth, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers—highly sensitive data that is protected under state Read More

New Mexico Environment Dept. & ENMRD Release State Climate Action Plan Charting Path To Net-Zero Emissions

Environment Secretary James Kenney

NMED News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico has released its Climate Action Plan, a landmark report outlining the state’s progress toward meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals and the pathway to achieving them.

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (ENMRD) developed the plan over the past year in collaboration with state agencies, local governments, Tribal nations, residents, community organizations, industry, and subject matter experts.

The plan serves as a roadmap to meet New Mexico’s climate Read More

Elizabeth Allen’s Judging Journey

Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen with students in LAHS Teacher Lori Thompson’s Sports Lit class. Courtesy/LAPS

By Blake King and Logan Swickley
Los Alamos High School
Sports Lit Students

Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen has been one of the leading judges for Los Alamos County since 2018. Before she became Municipal Judge, she attended the Pepperdine School of Law in Malibu, Calif., during which, she attained her law degree. She spent 7-8 years as a prosecuting attorney, a defense attorney and a sole practitioner.

Throughout her career, Allen has served in a variety of roles in the justice system, Read More