Op-Ed: Thank You, Los Alamos
By KAREN WILLIAMS
Director of Development
UNM-Los Alamos
Since beginning fundraising efforts for UNM-LA in 2023, we’ve had wonderful responses and great results! This community is uniquely caring and aware, and we are very grateful that so many have been moved to include UNM-LA in their philanthropic budgets!
In 2023, we began campaigning in the community with individual donors, the Los Alamos Community Foundation, and local corporations (SMSI and N3B) and successfully established a $500,000 endowment fund for the long-term financial well-being of our campus.
Did you know that though Read More
Los Alamos Makers Launches Creative Workforce Development Program
3D-printed ice cream cone and Oreo cookie storage boxes, laser-cut wood carving and personalized laser-engraved cutting board are a few of the many fabricated products showcased by Los Alamos Makers at last year’s Science Fest. Courtesy photo
Los Alamos Makers News:
- Sponsored by New Mexico Creative Industries Division to strengthen creative industry clusters and diversify the state economy
Los Alamos Makers launched today, Feb. 23, its new Creative Workforce Development Program, a hands-on training initiative designed to expand economic opportunity within New Mexico’s creative Read More
Enterprise Bank & Trust Announces 2026 Enterprise University Spring Course Lineup
From Enterprise Bank & Trust:
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- Register for No-Cost Career Development Courses Starting Today
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Enterprise Bank & Trust has launched the spring semester of Enterprise University, its innovative and highly acclaimed series of virtual business courses designed to help professionals better their businesses and careers.
The live, interactive webinars are available at no cost, with the semester coursebook and registration available at enterprisebank.com/eu.
In Enterprise University’s more than 20-year history, business professionals have returned year after year to attend Read More
NM History Museum: Cultivating The Next Generation Of Historians At National History Day Youth Competition
New Mexico History Museum at 113 Lincoln Ave. in Santa Fe. Courtesy/NMHM
New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs News:
SANTA FE – Critical thinking, research, and creative expression will be spotlighted by students at the National History Day 2026 New Mexico Regionals contest on Wednesday, March 4, at the New Mexico History Museum.
This annual event, supported by the Historical Society of New Mexico, brings hundreds of students, teachers, and judges to the museum for a juried competition of student projects on a range of historical topics.
This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform Read More
Los Alamos County Expands Bulk Brush Collection Services Due To Wildfire Concerns
A local brush pile. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
In response to the dry and warm winter season and associated wildfire concerns, Los Alamos County is expanding curbside bulk brush collection services offered to residents during the weeks of Feb. 23, March 9, and March 23.
Please note the following guidelines and limitations, which help ensure that the curbside collection process runs smoothly and efficiently:
- Residents must sign up and schedule a bulk pickup by contacting Environmental Services by phone at 505.662.8163 or email at solidwaste@losalamonm.gov.
- A maximum of 15 bulk service
Los Alamos County Council To Hold Joint Special Session With School Board Thursday
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Council will meet jointly with the Los Alamos Public School Board at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at Chamisa Elementary School, 301 Meadow Lane in White Rock.
The purpose of this joint meeting is to discuss the North Mesa Housing Development Project.
The meeting is open to the public. Read More
Los Alamos Middle School Science Bowl Team Named National Science Bowl 2026 Regional Champions
Los Alamos Middle School Science Bowl team members, from left, Norah Whitton, Ilamuhil Sasikumar, Evan Cunningham, Bodie Holmes and Alex Hovey will be advancing to the National Finals as the New Mexico Regional Champions. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
A team from Los Alamos Middle School was named the National Science Bowl 2026 Regional Champions after winning first place at the regional middle school competition held recently at Albuquerque Academy. LAMS 8th graders Bodie Holmes, Alex Hovey, Evan Cunningham, Ilamuhil Sasikumar and Norah Whitton will advance to the National Finals held Read More
Los Alamos High School Finishes Top Of New Mexico Tennis Teams Competing In El Paso Tournament
Celebrating their victory as the top finisher of the New Mexico teams, back row from left, Los Alamos High School Tennis Coach Timur Khazratkulov with players Aditya Viswanathan, Adis Bock, Zachary Gibson, Olivia Hamilton, Julia Robel, Leah Gramer, Alea Kretz, Lucia Rudin, Vivian Haigh, Nailah Quartey, and Coaches Lindsay Gibson and Travis Gibson. Players in front row from left, Cullen McLean, Luke Gibson, Logan Swickley, Levi Gibson, Jaden Kim, Caris Hatler, Lorrin Fordham and Angelie Echave. Courtesy photo
SPORTS News:
The Los Alamos High School tennis team competed this past weekend Read More
McQuiston: Why ‘State Minimum’ Coverage Is Rarely Enough
By ALLEN MCQUISTONJemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
A lot of people buy car insurance the same way they buy a phone charger. They want it to work. They want it to be legal. And they don’t want to overpay.
That’s exactly why “state minimum” coverage exists. It’s the lowest amount of insurance you’re allowed to carry in your state and still drive legally.
But here’s the problem:
- State minimum coverage is designed to meet the law — not to protect your life.
- And those are two very different goals.
- What “state minimum” really means
- State minimum coverage is the bare minimum liability
Lady Toppers Defeat Taos Tigers 39-24
The Los Alamos High School Lady Hilltoppers hosted the Lady Tigers from Taos in a conference game Thursday night in Griffith Gymnasium. The teams were well-matched so the lead changed hands several times and resulted in a low-scoring game due to strong defense by both teams. The Toppers improved their shooting in the second half to and pulled away to win the contest 39-24. The hero of the game was Javaya Davison because she not only dominated the rebounds at both ends of the court, but she also scored 22 points, making her the high-scoring player of the game. The Toppers are standing at 12-11 in district Read More
Teach Plus New Mexico Applauds Passage Of Senate Bill 29 To Strengthen Math Education Statewide
TEACH PLUS News:
SANTA FE — Teach Plus New Mexico applauds the State Legislature for passing Senate Bill 29, a decisive step to strengthen math education across the state.
The bill bolsters teacher licensing requirements and updates how educators are trained in math—building on the same evidence-based approach that has already transformed literacy instruction across New Mexico.
“The passage of SB 29 shows what’s possible when legislators, teacher leaders, and partners work together to put students first,” said Teach Plus New Mexico Executive Director Hope Morales. “By strengthening Read More
Rio De Chama Acequia Association To Host Community Listening Session Saturday At Chamita Community Center
Members of the Rio de Chama Acequia Association (RCAA) spent Thursday afternoon at Hernandez Elementary School teaching second graders about Acequias. Rick Martinez, center, and RCAA Youth Leader Javier Vigil. is our youth leader and is following a model shared by the New Mexico Acequia Association.
RCAA Youth Leader Javier Vigil on Thursday afternoon at Hernandez Elementary School, teaching second graders about Acequias following a model shared by the New Mexico Acequia Association. Courtesy/RCAA
RCAA News:
The Lower Rio Chama Watershed Project, led by the Rio de Chama Acequia Association Read More
SFCC To Close Feb. 28-March 1 For HVAC Upgrade
SFCC News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), 6401 Richards Ave., will be closed Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1, due to ongoing HVAC upgrade work in the Main Building.
The college is scheduled to reopen and resume normal operations Monday, March 2, assuming work is completed as planned.
The Santa Fe Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road, will remain open and is not affected by this closure.
The weekend closure is necessary to complete critical infrastructure work. During this time, the Main Campus will not be accessible to regular traffic, and no classes, services, or campus Read More
McQuiston: Why Most People’s Headrests Are Set Wrong … And It Matters!
By ALLEN MCQUISTONJemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
- Whiplash
Santa Fe National Forest Announces Seasonal Hiring For Upcoming Recreation Season
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and is encouraging local residents to apply.
“Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations—keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming for visitors,” Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez said. “These positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience and the chance to support public lands close to home.
The Santa Fe National Forest is recruiting for a variety of roles, including:
- Series Grade: GS-0462-3
- Position: Forestry
Forest Service Announces $182M In Retroactive Secure Rural Schools Payments
USDA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Forest Service today announced it is issuing $182 million in retroactive Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments for 2024, delivering critical funding to eligible states and counties with National Forest System lands. These payments help sustain public schools, maintain local roads, strengthen wildfire preparedness, and support other essential services in rural communities.
“For many rural counties, SRS payments aren’t optional—they’re essential,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “The Forest Service’s annual payments provide reliable, Read More
Unlock The Universe With James Webb Space Telescope At PEEC Tonight
Ant Nebula (jpl-NASA). Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to journey across space and time in a special planetarium program, The James Webb Space Telescope Unlocked Universe, from 7–8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Admission is $6 per child, $8 per adult or $20 per family (new!).
This immersive show highlights the groundbreaking discoveries made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which has transformed our understanding of galaxies, planets, and the Read More
UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour® Coming To Los Alamos
COUNTY News:
UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour®, the nation’s number one ranked drunk and distracted driving awareness event, and first-and-only marijuana driving simulator is coming to Los Alamos.
The community is invited to participate from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the parking lot in Central Park Square off Main Street.
The Arrive Alive Tour® aims to empower drivers with the knowledge and tools needed to build lifelong safe driving habits by using a high-tech, state-of-the-art simulator that allows participants to drive while distracted, drunk, or drugged in a fully functioning Read More
Listen To The Stars: How Blind Astronomer ‘Hears’ The Cosmos At New Mexico Museum Of Space History Launch Pad Lecture March 2
NMDCA News:
ALAMOGORDO — The groundbreaking work of blind astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced will be brought into focus at the New Mexico Museum of Space History Launch Pad Lecture 9-10 a.m., Friday, March 6.
Museum Curator Brianna Buller will introduce visitors to Díaz-Merced’s methods, demonstrate how data can be translated into audio patterns, and highlight how these approaches open doors for researchers with diverse abilities while enriching how all scientists interpret information from space.
Drawing from her lived experience with disability, Díaz-Merced has created new ways of engaging 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