Ringside Seat: Saints & Sinners At The Statehouse
By MILAN SIMONICH
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The great Damon Runyon said he preferred writing about losers because they were more entertaining than winners.
His premise doesn’t hold up in modern-day New Mexico.
Two big losers from the state’s 30-day legislative session are Democratic Sens. Peter Wirth of Santa Fe and Joe Cervantes of Las Cruces. They are lawyers who represent plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases.
Both senators should have excused themselves from every debate and all votes on a bill to cap punitive damages that juries can award in malpractice cases.
Cervantes introduced a Read More
Artists Sought For 2026 Dog Jog Logo Contest
Scene from a previous dog jog with some runners sporting the winning design. Courtesy/FOSCA
FOSCA News:
Tails are wagging all over Los Alamos in anticipation of the 2026 Los Alamos Dog Jog, to be held Saturday, April 25.
The Dog Jog is an annual fundraiser for the Friends of Shelter and Companion Animals (FOSCA), an all-volunteer organization that uses this money to provide funding for spay/neuter programs and veterinary care for ill and injured dogs and cats whose owners cannot afford expensive care for their beloved pets.
The Dog Jog Committee is calling on all creative young artists to put Read More
New Mexico Secretary Of State Highlights Passage Of Critical Election Bills In 2026 Legislative Session
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver
STATE News:
The 2026 New Mexico legislative session saw the passage of multiple bills that fortify the existing accessibility, stability and security of New Mexico’s elections.
“New Mexico currently ranks first in the nation for election administration, and I commend the legislature on helping ensure we remain at the top of that list. With the passage of SJR 1, eligible voters will have the opportunity in November to eliminate discriminatory provisions in our Constitution that date back to when women could only vote in school elections Read More
Los Alamos County Council Recognizes Finance And Procurement Divisions For Excellence In Fiscal Stewardship
Members of the Los Alamos County Financial and Procurement teams with Council members and the County manager during the Feb. 17 regular council meeting. Front row from left, Councilor Melanee Hand, County Manager Anne Laurent, Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Beatrice Odezulu, Budget Manager Erika Thomas, CFO Melissa Dadzie, ASD Director Helen Perraglio, Management Analyst Nicholle Cordova, and Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Annalisa Miranda. Back row from left, Councilor David Reagor, Councilor Rynn Herrmann, Chair Randal Ryti, Senior Financial Budget Analyst Tara Mariano, Read More
Bill To Ensure New Mexico Students Receive High-Quality Research-based Literacy Instruction Heads To Governor
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE — A bill that would ensure New Mexico students receive high-quality, research-based literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading has cleared both chambers of the legislature, and the governor plans to sign it into law.
The New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 37—the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act—last night following the Senate’s unanimous vote in favor of the bill Jan. 29.
“SB 37 builds on my administration’s long-term strategy to give every New Mexico child a solid foundation for educational Read More
Frank Kuzminski, Son Of Jozef And Barbara Kuzminski Of White Rock Promoted To Colonel In United States Army
Frank Kuzminski, left, son of Jozef and Barbara Kuzminski of White Rock, New Mexico, was promoted to Colonel in the United States Army during a ceremony at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. Colonel Kuzminski graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2004. He has served in various operational and strategic assignments during his career. He currently serves on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in the Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5). Courtesy photo Read More
Los Alamos Golf Course Pro Shop Closed Until Further Notice Due To HVAC Work
COUNTY News:
Due to HVAC work at the Los Alamos County Golf Course clubhouse, the Pro Shop will be closed until further notice.
The community can still reach staff by calling the Pro Shop phone number 505.662.8139. Read More
Community Invited To Explore New Mexico’s World‑Class Night Skies At Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium
The Milky Way Galaxy is seen over the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array west of Socorro, N.M. Photo by NRAO/AUI/NSF/Jeff Hellerman
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to celebrate the rich astronomical heritage of our state in a special planetarium program, Astronomy in New Mexico, 7-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium.
Blessed with dark skies, sweeping landscapes, and a long tradition of scientific discovery, New Mexico is home to some of the most important astronomical observatories in the world. From major Read More
New Mexico Legislature Approves SB101 To Make Hospital Funding Program Permanent; Bill Heads To Governor
NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Legislature gave unanimous approval Tuesday to Senate Bill 101, legislation that would permanently extend a state program supporting hospitals that serve Medicaid patients across New Mexico.
SB 101 passed with unanimous bipartisan support, clearing the Senate 31–0 and the House 57–0.
The bill repeals the sunset clause in the Health Care Delivery and Access Act and ensures continued financial support for eligible hospitals that care for Medicaid members.
“Making this program permanent helps ensure hospitals across New Mexico have the stability Read More
LAHS NJROTC Takes 3rd Overall At 2026 Regionals
Los Alamos High School NJROTC cadets celebrate their accomplishments earlier this month at the Regional competition in Sahuarita, Ariz. Courtesy/LAPS
Cadets at attention for inspection. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Thirty-two cadets representing the Los Alamos High School NJROTC program competed against six other schools in the Regional contest in Sahuarita, Ariz., earlier this month, earning third place overall. They earned their spot by placing first at the regional qualifiers (Area 20) meet in November.
The competition included an academic test, which was completed before the meet, Read More
Los Alamos High School Student Semih Zeytun Named BigFuture Ambassador For 2026 Spring Cohort
Semih Zeytun
LAPS News:
Los Alamos High School freshman Semih Zeytun has been selected as a BigFuture Ambassador by the College Board for the 2026 spring cohort. The BigFuture Ambassador program is a community of high school students who volunteer to support their peers in planning for life after graduation.
As a BigFuture Ambassador, Semih will spread the word about college and career planning and steps students can take now with bigfuture.org, a free College Board platform offering tools and guidance for exploring careers, researching colleges, and planning for financial aid. More than Read More
Clouds And Snow Blanket Sangre De Cristos
Early morning view from White Rock of clouds and snow blanketing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Local Democratic Party To Meet March 2
DPLAC News:
The Democratic Party of Los Alamos County (DPLAC) will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, with the business portion of the meeting beginning around 7 p.m. at the White Rock Branch Library, 10 Sherwood Blvd.
For a Zoom option to attend the meeting, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81654127593, Meeting ID: 816 5412 7593.
Planned agenda items:
- Candidate introductions, 3 minutes each;
- Executive team updates (Chair, Vice Chair, Ward Chairs);
- Local candidate recruiting; and
- Results of the 2026 ward meetings.
Upcoming events:
- 2026 DPNM pre-primary convention, March 7, 12-4
Two Mexican Nationals Removed To U.S. To Face Federal Drug Trafficking Charges In New Mexico
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Two Mexican nationals were removed to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges in New Mexico.
Daniel Alfred Blanco-Joo, 39, made his initial appearance today in New Mexico after being removed from Mexico on a five-count indictment charging him with conspiracy, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of an analogue of fentanyl, and international money laundering conspiracy.
David Eliezer Seas-Centeno, 43, made his initial appearance today in New Mexico after being removed from Mexico on a charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Federal Read More
Duplicate Bridge In Los Alamos: Feb. 4, 2026
BRIDGE News:
The Feb. 4 team game was a great success. There were 7 teams in play, including two teams from Santa Fe. Local players Sig Lodwig, Jerry Morzinski, Jerry Fleming and Cliff Rudy were the overall winners.
The two games on February 9 and 11 are Sectional Tournament at Clubs (STaC) games. Martin Cooper and Jerry Fleming were overall winners on February 2. Bob and Laurie Walker were high in flight B.
Here’s another competitive hand. Both sides should get into the auction. When the high cards are reasonably evenly divided between the two pairs, it makes for in interesting challenge!
Board Read More
‘Light To Online Learning’: Funding Crisis Prompts Focus On Virtual Education
Third Grader Titus Van Wyk attends a virtual math class at the New Mexico Destinations Career Academy from his family’s kitchen table on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. Virtual schools have been a flashpoint this legislative session, as legislators debate tightening regulation for the first time in nearly two decades. Jim Weber/The New Mexican
By ANDRÉ SALKIN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
GLORIETA — The van Wyk kids’ virtual avatars scuttled across a wintry digital landscape, weaving among those of nearly 100 other cyber students from around the state—some shown in virtual wheelchairs—during Read More
House Dems Pass Critical Healthcare Bills, Including Medical Malpractice Reform
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Feb. 14, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed three important bills to improve access to high quality, affordable healthcare statewide. All three bills are part of the House Democrats’ comprehensive healthcare agenda for this session and each now heads to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 99, which makes targeted changes to New Mexico’s medical malpractice laws to improve the climate for doctors and providers while protecting patient safety, passed the House floor by a vote of 66-3.
“New Mexico’s doctor shortage leads to longer wait times and delayed Read More
LA Hockey Association Hosts Fundraiser Event Feb. 26
PAUL PETERSON
Organizer, LAHA board member
The Los Alamos Hockey Association is proud to announce the inaugural Los Alamos Winter Rock Festival, taking place at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26 at Duane Smith Auditorium.
This exciting community event will bring together live music, local vendors, and hockey fans in support of the Los Alamos youth hockey program. Doors open early at 6 p.m. for the vendor fair. More than a dozen vendors will be on site offering local crafts, hockey-themed merchandise, and exclusive festival apparel. Doors for the show open at 6:00 p.m.
The evening’s concert will Read More
Community Invited To Memorial Service For JoAnn Johnson On Saturday Feb. 28 At Fuller Lodge
JoAnn Johnson Dec. 10, 1931 – Jan. 1, 2026Community Turns Out For C’YA’s Valentines For Vets Event
Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen
Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
C’YA Executive Director
Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) had a stellar turnout for our Valentines for Vets program. The beautiful pieces of handmade love were from the following:
Chamisa Elementary, 4-H Club, Homeschoolers, Los Alamos & White Rock Youth Activity Centers, Barranca Elementary, Los Alamos Teen Center, Los Alamos Middle School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mountain Elementary, K-Kids and Dragonfly Day Care.
The 2026 nominees from the Community Asset Awards also made cards Read More