Elizabeth Meek Selected New Principal At Chamisa Elementary School
Elizabeth Meek
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools announced that Elizabeth Meek has been selected as the new principal at Chamisa Elementary School. She will be taking over for Craig Washnok who is retiring at the end of the school year.
Meek has been the assistant principal at Chamisa Elementary for the past two years. Prior to coming to Chamisa, she worked as the LAPS assistant director of Student Services.
“I am excited to become the new principal,” she said. “I have enjoyed the last two years as the assistant principal of Chamisa and appreciate the spirit of community that is evident through Read More
Heinrich, Young, Rounds, Booker Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation To Expand AI Research Access

U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Founder and Co-Chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, and Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the CREATE AI Act, legislation to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) as shared national research infrastructure that provides AI researchers and students with greater access to the resources, data, and tools needed to develop safe and trustworthy AI.
“The CREATE AI Act will help us develop and deploy AI responsibly, Read More
Obituary: Margaret Summa Oct. 12, 1934 – April 27, 2026
MARGARET SUMMA Oct. 12, 1934 – April 27, 2026
On Monday, April 27, 2026, Dr. Margaret Mones Summa, beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 91 after a short but fierce battle with cancer.
Margaret was born on October 12, 1934 (Columbus Day) in Queens, New York, to German immigrant parents Luise and Johann Mones, the seventh of 9 siblings. She grew up in rural Long Island where she and her family raised chickens, goats, and rabbits. At the age of 16, she entered St. John’s University in New York, where she earned her B.S. in biology and chemistry in 1955; she also met her future Read More
Pets Of The Week: Gage And Olive
Gage the golden go-getter is soon to be ‘paw-roled’! This 1.5-year-old charmer is crate, potty and leash trained and cue-savvy thanks to the Paws in the Pen 8-week 24/7 training program at the Penitentiary of New Mexico. He’s playful, people loving, dog friendly, and bursting with love. Gage goes home neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and with six months of heartworm prevention plus follow-up training support is included—set up for success from day one. Smart, spirited, and seriously sweet—Gage is ready to go home and glow! Apply on the Española Humane website to meet Gage. Española Humane Read More
Obituary: James Bohanon June 14, 1941 – April 12, 2026
JAMES BOHANON June 14, 1941 – April 12, 2026
The greatest dad in the world has left us. James (Jim, Jimbo, Bobo) Bohanon passed away in Norman, Oklahoma on April 12, 2026.
Jim was born June 14, 1941 in Ventura, California to his mom, the marvelous Eva Mehringer. They moved to Perry, Oklahoma when he was in junior high, along with his little sister Shirley after his mom and her friend threw a dart at a map to determine where to open a business. He graduated from Perry High School where he loved sports and was a star basketball player for the Perry Maroons.
Jim received his Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Read More
Registration Open For Los Alamos Elks Lodge Annual Charity Golf Tournament June 12

Elks Lodge News:
Registration for the annual Los Alamos Elks Lodge #2083 Charity Golf Tournament is now open. This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, June 12 at the Los Alamos Golf Course. Golf will start at 9 a.m. followed by a luncheon and other festivities at the Elks Lodge, 1601 Trinity Drive.
Player registration is $130/player or $520/team and includes entry into golf scramble, greens fees, golf cart and lunch. To register, visit www.bpoe2083.org or click the QR code.
Proceeds will fund a local child’s wish through Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico, with any additional funds going Read More
Independent Government Watchdog Launches Investigation Into DOJ Handling Of Epstein Files
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to a request from U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and bipartisan Senators, the nonpartisan, independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) opened an investigation into the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) practices in redacting information from the public release of the Epstein Files.
“The American people deserve accountability, transparency, and a process they can trust. But under this Department of Justice, the Trump administration has failed to release the Epstein files as required by law. This audit is a necessary step toward transparency Read More
Take Action—Today Is National Fentanyl Awareness Day

DEA News:
National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Wednesday, April 29, is a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the need to prevent drug misuse. Even one counterfeit pill can contain a potentially deadly dose. Understanding fentanyl risks and having open conversations can help people you care about make safer choices.
Through the Fentanyl Free America initiative, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) encourages individuals, families, and communities to learn the dangers of fentanyl, share trusted resources, and promote prevention nationwide.
Fentanyl Free America highlights prevention Read More
Bregman Announces Bold Transformation Plan For CYFD, Vows To End Decades Of Systemic Failure

Gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman
Sam Bregman Campaign News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman has unveiled a comprehensive policy platform to transform the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD). Citing a history of instability, staggering staff turnover, and tragic outcomes for New Mexico’s most vulnerable children, Bregman’s plan moves beyond incremental shifts to propose a complete structural overhaul of the agency.
“CYFD was created in 1992 with good intentions, but we are not living in 1992 anymore,” Bregman said. “Today, the agency is overextended Read More
Hilltopper Track & Field Teams Approach Home Meet With Fine Performances At Harper Memorial Meet
Carlo Baca jumped a season best 38’10-3/4″ in the triple jump. Photo by Blake Wood
Ciara Colgan and Julia Neale in the 100 m hurdles. Photo by Blake Wood
By BLAKE WOOD
Assistant Coach
LAHS Track and Field
The Hilltopper Track & Field teams put together solid performances at the Richard Harper Memorial Meet at Albuquerque Academy on Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, as they approach the Larry Baca Memorial Meet next Saturday at Sullivan Field, and the District and State Championships the two weekends after that.
Harper is a highly competitive meet, with many of the big 5A schools Read More
Wildfire Alert: Sparks Fire Quay County
NMFD News:
Update: The Sparks Fire was discovered at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 near HWY 156 in Quay County. Resources are on scene and attempting direct engagement using a full suppression strategy. The active fire is running, spotting and wind-driven, moving west to east through grass and piñon-juniper fuels. The area is remote and cell service is not readily available. Structures are threatened, and additional resources are arriving to engage. Currently, the fire is estimated at 1,500 acres.
Acres: 1,500 estimated.
Containment: 0% contained.
Start Date / Time: 3.20 p.m., Read More
Art On Display, Plus Live Art Demonstration And Hands-On Workshop At White Rock Branch Library
Sarah Blumenshein Roses. Courtesy photo
COUNTY News:
White Rock Branch Library is hosting the Pastel Society of New Mexico’s art exhibit for libraries from April 28 to May 26, 2026. As a special event during this show, the PSNM’s award-winning artist, Sarah Blumenschein, will be at the branch library from 1–2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, for a live art demonstration and hands-on workshop.
The Pastel Society of New Mexico brings their show to the White Rock Branch Library after a previous successful visit to Los Alamos’ Mesa Public Library in November of 2025. The artists are sharing a second Read More
Los Alamos Women’s Golf Association To Host Season-Opener June 7

LAWGA News:
The Los Alamos Women’s Golf Association (LAWGA) will host the Association’s season-opener at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 7 at the Los Alamos Golf Course.
This event is open to all LAWGA Members.
Format: 9-hole Scramble
Fee: Each player pays her own green and cart fee
Prizes: Provided by the LAWGA
How To Enter: Send an email to Donna Jones at crookjonesd@gmail.com indicating your interest to participate
How To Join The Association: Please contact Donna Jones at crookjonesd@gmail.com for more information Read More
FBI: Authorities Complete Largest Racketeering Prosecution In District History Against Syndicato De Nuevo Mexico
Cash, drugs and firearms seized on September 1, 2022. Courtesy/FBI
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced today the conclusion of the federal prosecution of the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM) prison gang following the conclusion of recent sentencing hearings. Spanning over a decade, the investigation and subsequent litigation resulted in state and federal charges against 178 members and associates.
Originating in the New Mexico state prison system following the 1980 prison riot, SNM functioned as a violent racketeering Read More
Innovative Research At SHSU Leads To Two New Patents Advancing Agriculture And Forensic Science
SHSU News:
HUNTSVILLE, TX — Sam Houston State University continues to advance its reputation as a leader in applied research with two newly issued patents that merge cutting-edge technology, agricultural innovation and real-world problem solving. These achievements highlight the university’s commitment not only to scientific discovery, but also to developing tools that serve communities, industry partners and public agencies.
The first patent, led by Jorn (Chi-Chung) Yu in the Department of Forensic Science, introduces a groundbreaking method for determining whether a cannabis Read More
LAHS AP English Literature & Composition Students Visit Georgia O’Keeffe Museum To Study Tewa Art
Students from Catherine Puranananda’s AP English Literature and Composition class visited the Georgia O’Keeffe museum in Santa Fe, focusing on the current “Tewa Nangeh/Tewa Country” exhibition. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Students from Los Alamos High School’s AP English Literature and Composition class recently visited the Georgia O’Keeffe museum in Santa Fe where they had the opportunity to analyze contemporary Tewa art.
Following a comprehensive tour of the O’Keeffe galleries, which included a lecture about her life and the development of her artistic style, students focused on Read More
Sen. Luján Introduces Legislation To Boost Compensation For TSA Workers, Guarantee Pay During DHS Shutdown

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Workforce Assurance for Transportation and Critical Homeland Personnel Act (WATCH Personnel Act), legislation that would boost compensation for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers and guarantee pay for TSA workers during the current Republican Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. Congressional Republicans have needlessly kept DHS shutdown for over two months, refusing to pass a bipartisan bill that would fund the core agencies of DHS, while holding Read More
Last Chance To Register For Pinon Panthers Fun Run May 3
Higher Education Secretary Rodriguez Applauds Decision To Keep Tuition Steady At Four-Year Universities
NMHED News:
SANTA FE — Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez issued the following statement regarding tuition and fees at four-year universities in New Mexico:
“New Mexico’s university regents from four-year universities are correct to not raise tuition. I applaud them for holding the line. Given that the State of New Mexico under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham leadership made a historic investment into our statewide higher education system this past legislative session, with record funding dedicated to support college access and affordability, it is all the more important Read More
Native Plant Adaptations: Helping Them Thrive In Los Alamos With Marisa Thompson May 11
Photo by Marisa Thompson
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to a free hybrid presentation, “Native Plant Adaptations: Helping Them Thrive in Los Alamos,” from 6 to 7 p.m., MT Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium. Attendees may join in person or virtually.
New Mexico’s hot, dry, and unpredictable climate challenges plants to survive in remarkable ways. To help them thrive in our landscapes, Marisa Thompson will explore how New Mexico’s native plants adapt through structural, physiological, and seasonal changes. Read More