Legislation Passes Senate And House Committee That Would Provide $2.5 Million More Annually For New Mexico Acequia Infrastructure
By CORMAC DODD
The Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico lawmakers could increase the annual funding pool for acequia infrastructure as communities with the traditional ditch systems, particularly in the northern part of the state, continue to grapple with the impacts of flooding and wildfires.
Senate Bill 193 would raise the annual amount that goes into a state fund for community irrigation ditches to $5 million from $2.5 million, giving acequia organizations a wider pot of state money to tackle a backlog of repairs and construction.
The bill moved through the Senate on a vote of 28-10 Tuesday, Read More
Community Invited To Panel Discussion On ‘Health Care In Northern New Mexico: Changing Landscape’ At SALA
Obituary: Charles Alfred Anderson March 2, 1935 – Jan. 26, 2026
CHARLES ALFRED ANDERSON March 2, 1935 – Jan. 26, 2026
Charles Alfred Anderson, born March 2, 1935, in Brockway, Pennsylvania, to Carl Arthur and Lillian Anderson, passed away on January 26, after a life defined by academic curiosity and scholarship. The son of dairy farmers and grandson of Swedish immigrants, Charles—known to all as Chuck—was the first of the extended Anderson/Johnson clan to attend college.
With determination and academic talent, Chuck attended Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics. Read More
41st Annual Corrida De Los Locos 5-Mile Race March 7
SFStriders News:
The Santa Fe Striders are proud to announce the 41st Annual Corrida de Los Locos 5-mile race and free 1-mile kids fun run scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026. This year’s event is open to runners and walkers to participate in an event that offers scenic views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The 5-mile race will begin at 8 am at the Municipal Recreation Sports Complex – 205 Caja Del Rio Road. The course is out and back on the historic El Camino Real Trail. The 1-mile free kids fun run will start after the 5-mile race is over.
“We are incredibly excited for this year’s Read More
Home Country: Dear Billy
Home Country
By Slim Randles
I don’t mind Boots. He just curls up quietly against my belly and stays put. But sleeping with Desdemona can be a bit unnerving. She snores. Sometimes she gets little bad dreams and scratches me, too. But hey, I get to come in out of the cold and sleep with Aunt Ada’s cats on her sofa, and a guy can tolerate a certain amount of cat snoring for that.
I was glad when I heard Aunt Ada puttering in the kitchen because I knew it was time to get up. After she let me out, she fed me, and let me tell you … that kibble was just as good this morning as it was yesterday. And then she petted me, called Read More
Los Alamos County Council Celebrates How Teamwork, Compassion And Unity Saves Man’s Life
Los Alamos County Council gathers with Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) staff and residents Diane and Anthony Montoya, seated at center, to honor the Phoenix Award recipients during Tuesday’s work session. Back row from left, Deputy Fire Chief Tim Johnson, Firefighter Nicholas Lopez, Councilor David Reagor, Driver Engineer Michael Manzanares, Firefighter Jennifer Edmunds, Firefighter Paramedic Brian Thomas, Driver Engineer Paramedic Dustin Rogers, Council Chair Randall Ryti and EMS Division Chief Manuel Pacheco. Front row from left, Council Vice Chair Ryn Herrmann, Councilor Read More
Bill To Curb New Mexico License Plate Data Sharing Heads To Senate Floor
State Police Chief Troy Weisler
By CLARA BATES
The Santa Fe New Mexican
An effort to restrict out-of-state agencies from using license plate camera data in New Mexico to enforce things like immigration laws or other states’ abortion bans is moving forward.
The “Driver Privacy and Safety Act” passed the state Senate Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon with unanimous support, despite some misgivings from a pair of Republicans on the committee. It will head next to the Senate floor for a vote.
“If we don’t put basic guardrails on, this is a really dangerous tool,” Senate Majority Leader Read More
Los Alamos County’s Julie Williams-Hill To Retire Following 24 Years Of Service
Los Alamos County Public Information Officer Julie Williams-Hill in her office on Tuesday, is set to retire this Friday following 24 years of service to the County and community. Photo by Carol A. Clarkladailypost.com/
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Following 24 years of service, Los Alamos County Public Information Officer (PIO) Julie Williams-Hill will retire on Friday, Jan. 13.
“I am deeply thankful to Los Alamos County and the community for a rewarding 24-year career,” Williams-Hill told the Los Alamos Daily Post. “It has been a privilege to work in Read More
Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service Closing Its Doors But Other Options Are Available To Those In Need
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
The closure of Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service (LAVNS) on Feb. 20 after more than 50 years of service marks the end of a significant chapter in Los Alamos.
However, it is not the end of the story; there are still options available to those who utilized LAVNS’ services.
LAVNS Clinical Manager Susan Edwards noted that there are several home health care and hospice options available.
Home Health Agencies:
- La Vida Bella Home Health & Hospice
- Presbyterian Home Health
Hospice:
- Ambercare
- Red Willow
- Roadrunner Hospice
- Del Corazon
Locals Collaborate On Book Of Los Alamos Myths
COMMUNITY News:
A new book invites readers inside the unofficial history of one of America’s most secretive towns. Urban Myths of Los Alamos, by Mark David Albertson with illustrations and contributions by Petr Jandacek, collects the strange, humorous, and unsettling stories that have circulated for decades in the Atomic City.
Los Alamos is best known as the birthplace of the atomic bomb, but life inside a town built on secrecy produced something else as well: folklore. Ghosts in tunnels, monsters at cemeteries, vanished ducks, flying propane tanks, mysterious sirens, and even rumors of Read More
Thirteen Los Alamos County Elected Officials Endorse Katharine Clark For New Mexico Secretary Of State
Katharine Clark
Candidate for New Mexico Secretary of State
By KARYL ANN ARMBRUSTER
Los Alamos
Thirteen Los Alamos County elected officials announced their endorsement of Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark for New Mexico Secretary of State, citing her effectiveness as Santa Fe County Clerk.
Clark has led one of the most advanced election operations in the state. Santa Fe County consistently delivers high-turnout elections among New Mexico’s largest counties, demonstrating that voter participation, accessibility, and operational discipline can be strengthened simultaneously. Read More
Senate Panel Rejects Bid To Classify Nuclear As Renewable Energy In New Mexico
Members of the Senate Conservation Committee meet Saturday, Feb. 8, 2026, at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe to discuss a bill that would classify nuclear energy as renewable under the state’s renewable portfolio standard; the committee later voted Tuesday to reject the bill with a ‘Do Not Pass’ recommendation. Courtesy image
By MARLENE WILDEN
Los Alamos Daily Post
marlene@ladailypost.com
SANTA FE – A proposal to classify nuclear power as a form of renewable energy in New Mexico was effectively killed Tuesday in the Senate Conservation Committee, where lawmakers voted 5-4 on a do-not-pass motion Read More
SWAIA Announces 2026 Board Appointments
Leslie Wheelock
SWAIA News:
The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is pleased to announce the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors for 2026. The former Chair of the Board, Dawn Houle, and the former Treasurer of the Board, Tom Teagarden, have reached the end of their terms as Executive Committee Chair and Treasurer, respectively. Both Dawn and Tom will continue to play important roles supporting the organization’s continuing growth. SWAIA thanks both Dawn and Tom for their service, leadership, and dedication. Their commitment and contributions have played an important Read More
Legislative Roundup: 9 Days Left In Session
House Speaker Javier Martínez, right, marches with members of Somos Acción and other demonstrators along Paseo de Peralta while heading to the state Capitol on Jan. 26 during an Immigrant and Worker Day of Action rally.
The Santa Fe New Mexican
System out of order: New Mexico’s struggles with rising health care costs are a symptom of America’s private health care model, House Speaker Javier Martínez said Wednesday.
“I think this country’s original sin with regard to health care was 65 years ago when they decided to make health care for-profit,” the Albuquerque Read More
Public Meeting On Update To Proposed Mescalero Apache Tribe Land Exchange To Be Held Feb. 25
NMSLO News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO) and the Mescalero Apache Tribe will host a public meeting in the large banquet room at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces on Feb. 25, to share updated information and gather feedback from the local community regarding changes to the potential land exchange, Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard announced today.
Public Meeting Details:
- 6–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb.25, 2026
- New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
4100 Dripping Springs Road
Las Cruces, NM 88011 - ZOOM Option
Meeting ID: 895 2836 0038
Pets Of The Week: Margot And Maris
Margot is 25 pounds of beagle brilliance. She’s a true “nose-forward” dog who lives for a good sniff and would likely excel in scent work or nose games. When she’s not busy exploring the world one smell at a time, she’s happiest being close to her people-occupying laps, handing out kisses, and soaking up all the love. She may take a minute to clock the room, then promptly prances like she owns it. Dog-friendly, cat-tolerant (will attempt unsolicited face-washing), part-time meerkat, full-time cuddle conspirator.
Meet the newest class in our Paws in the Pen program Read More
House Unanimously Passes Legislation To Make Healthcare More Affordable For Educators
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Today, the New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to lower out-of-pocket health insurance costs for public school teachers and staff. House Bill 47 now heads to the Senate.
HB 47 increases public and charter schools’ required minimum contributions to their employees’ health insurance premiums. The bill would require districts to pay 80% of the total premium cost for all employees. Currently, districts pay 60-80% of the cost, depending on the individual’s income level, and most staff receive the lower end of the benefit.
The bill would bring Read More
OBAE Approves $6.7M In Grants For Public Wi-Fi
OBAE News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) today announced six grants to implement or expand public Wi-Fi service across New Mexico.
Two cities, two counties, a university, and an internet service provider received awards through OBAE’s Community Connect Grant Program, designed to expand free Wi-Fi in public places, such as plazas, parks, and municipal buildings.
“Public Wi-Fi is essential for providing accessibility and convenience in communities across New Mexico,” said Neala Krueger, OBAE state grants senior program manager. “It provides Read More
NMED Acts To Hold DOE Accountable For Legacy Waste
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department issued several actions today to hold the U.S. Department of Energy accountable for failing to prioritize the cleanup of Los Alamos National Laboratory’s “legacy waste” for disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.
The continued presence of a large volume of unremedied hazardous and radioactive waste demonstrates a longstanding lack of urgency by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and elevates the risk of waste storage failures at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
The term “legacy waste” describes mixed waste that dates Read More
Santa Fe National Forest Plans Blanco Prescribed Fire
Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
ESPAÑOLA — The Santa Fe National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations in the Española Ranger District as early as Feb. 18, 2026, pending all required approvals. The Blanco prescribed fire is a 718-acre broadcast burn located off Forest Road 144 west of Clara Peak and north of Santa Clara Pueblo. Fire managers will look for opportunities to implement this burn from February 18 to March 15, as weather conditions allow. A broadcast burn is when fire is applied across a defined area or boundary to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure Read More