LAPS Foundation Announces Local Scholarship Applications Now Open For Graduating Seniors

LAPS Foundation News:
It’s time for graduating seniors to begin applying for local scholarships! Families, educators, and community members are encouraged to spread the word to students graduating this spring about the many scholarship opportunities available right here in our community.
Local organizations, families and individuals in the Los Alamos community offer a wide range of scholarships designed to support graduating seniors with diverse interests, backgrounds, and future plans. Scholarships are available Read More
RCAA To Host Four Community Listening Sessions On Lower Rio Chama Watershed Project
RCAA News:
The Lower Rio Chama Watershed Project, led by the Rio de Chama Acequia Association (RCAA), is an acequia- and community-led effort to improve watershed health and resilience in the lower Rio Chama region, from below Abiquiú Dam to El Guache.
Guided by community priorities, this effort aims to bring together acequias and neighbors from across the region to co-develop a shared plan and vision for a healthy watershed – from the uplands through the arroyos and down to the acequias along the Rio Chama. A key focus is on slowing and spreading destructive flood waters from arroyos to mitigate Read More
100+ Women Who Care Charitable Event Feb. 12 At UNM-LA

COMMUNITY News:
Volunteer organizers of the 100+ Women Who Care-Los Alamos quarterly philanthropic dinners have announced that their next event is 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Student Center, Building 2 on the UNM-LA Campus at 4000 University Drive.
Enterprise Bank & Trust is sponsoring this first-quarter charitable event.
The event is a call for local women (all are allowed; however, there is also a separate men’s quarterly event) to donate $100 to a local nonprofit organization. At the dinner, three local nonprofits that have applied and been randomly drawn present Read More
Head Slapping No Longer Allowed In High School Football
SPORTS News:
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In an ongoing focus on minimizing risk of injury in high school sports, the NFHS Football Rules Committee strengthened a rule related to illegal personal contact. Both revisions recommended by the committee were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The Football Rules Committee is composed of one member from each NFHS member state association that uses NFHS playing rules, along with representatives from the NFHS Coaches Association and NFHS Officials Association.
Previously, Rule 9-4-7 stated that defensive players could not use the Read More
UNM-LA Students Awarded New Mexico All-State Academic Team Scholarship

SANTA FE — UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) students Grace Johnson, Alegandra Pizano Mendez and Mateo Torres were awarded the New Mexico All-State Academic Team Scholarship Jan. 28 at the New Mexico State Capitol.
The recognition is presented to high-achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor, along with leadership and service Read More
New Student Drop Off Procedures At Piñon Elementary Starting Monday, Feb. 9

LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools is pleased to announce that the new parking lot and drop off area at Piñon Elementary School will open Monday, Feb. 9. This is the most recent development in the construction of the new school in White Rock.
The entrance to the school from Sherwood Blvd will now be for the buses and staff only. The bus loop will remain the same; however, the parking lot will be designated for staff only.
Families may drop off students using the entrance lane along Grand Canyon. Drivers are urged to watch for merging traffic coming from both directions on Grand Canyon and for students Read More
Attempt To Overhaul New Mexico’s Education Administration System Rapidly Fails
Bill Sponsor Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces
By ANDRÉ SALKIN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A yearslong effort to return public education oversight in New Mexico to an appointed state school board and superintendent, rather than a Cabinet secretary, saw a quick end this week.
The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday rejected Senate Joint Resolution 3, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Bill Soules of Las Cruces, by a vote of 6-2.
Soules billed the proposal as a way to bring stability to New Mexico’s education system “regardless of which party is in power,” following a high turnover of education secretaries Read More
New Mexico Students Address Natural Disasters Through STEM Innovation At Statewide Competition
NM STEM News:
The STEM Innovation Network, in collaboration with the LANL Foundation, is proud to announce the 7th annual New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge, a statewide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) competition that empowers high school students to work in teams to design innovative, STEM-based solutions to real-world challenges facing New Mexico.
The 2026 challenge question asks students to lead the state’s response to climate and disaster:
“As natural disasters continue to affect New Mexico (e.g., wildfires, floods, drought, heat waves, dust/windstorms, Read More
LAPS Encourages Eligible Students To Ride The Bus Feb. 11

LAPS News:
It’s that time again! Los Alamos Public Schools is encouraging all eligible students to ride the school bus to and/or from school on Wednesday, February 11 as part of “Ride the Bus” Day. This initiative not only helps the environment but also funds the LAPS Transportation Department. The goal is to have 1,000 riders.
Two days a year, the New Mexico Public Education Department has each school district tally student ridership for transportation funding: once in December, and again in February. The school district receives funding for school bus transportation based on the number of Read More
New Mexico Teacher Leaders Advocate At Capitol For Math, Attendance, Teacher Prep, School Funding Priorities
TEACH+ News:
SANTA FE — As New Mexico’s 30-day legislative session gains momentum, Teach Plus New Mexico Policy Fellows and alumni are at the Roundhouse today through Friday with a clear message: when students have strong math instruction, reliable attendance support, well-prepared teachers, and equitably funded schools, economic mobility becomes possible. Over three days, the teachers will meet with legislators to share both what they’re seeing with their students and concrete, research-driven policy recommendations.
“Our teachers are bringing more than their Read More
Toppers Fall To Pojoaque Elks 56-66
Lan Frazier makes a layup past the defense of Joziah Salazar for 2 of his 22 points for the game. Photo by John McHale/ladailyposttest.ortizaudio.net
SPORTS News:
The Toppers traveled to Pojoaque to play the Pojoaque Elks in a non-district game played the Ben Lujan gym Tuesday night. The Toppers had a strong first half and took a small lead into the locker room at the half, but the Elks took over the game in the second half and pulled ahead for the win 56-65.
Ben Brousseau ducks under the defense of Joshua Gonzales in the first quarter as he brings the ball down court. Photo by John McHale/ladailyposttest.ortizaudio.net Read More
SFCC Announces Opening Reception For ‘Visions From The Constructed Mind’ Feb. 26
Stairway to Heaven – acrylic gouache on canvas 60”x 30”. Courtesy photo
The Hours – acrylic gouache and micaceous iron oxide on 36” diameter canvas. Courtesy photo
SFCC News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College announces an opening reception for Visions from the Constructed Mind from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26 in the Dean’s Gallery in the Fine Arts Center, 6401 Richards Ave. 87508. The exhibition features the abstract art of Atma Bernardi, an alum of SFCC’s Fine Arts program. The reception is free. Refreshments will be served. The exhibition continues through Friday, March 27.
Director Read More
LAMS Alpha Hawks Team 7813 Wins Awards In Alamagordo
Alpha Hawks Robotics Team 7813 members from left, Brody Trujillo, Addie Weisse-Bernstein, Nicholas Testa, Andrew Gilbertson, Julian Delorey, Eric Xu and Brandon Keller pose with their robot during the First Technical Challenge (FTC) New Mexico Qualifying event at Alamagordo High School on Jan. 17. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
The Alpha Hawks Robotics Team 7813, consisting of Los Alamos Middle School students, was on the winning alliance at the First Technical Challenge (FTC) New Mexico Qualifying event at Alamagordo High School on Jan. 17. To prepare for the event, the team built a robot to Read More
DPU Seeks Future Leaders And Change Makers
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is inviting local high school students to enter an essay contest that could lead to: 1) a spot at a weeklong summer leadership camp, and 2) a $500 college scholarship. The contest is part of a program organized by Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), of which DPU is a member.
UAMPS will choose four students from its member communities to attend the Youth Rally, and each selected student will receive a $500 scholarship for college. Because DPU represents Los Alamos County in UAMPS, high school sophomores and juniors who Read More
Op-Ed: New Mexico Education Is Improving—Despite What the Rankings Say
By Sen. Bill Soules, D-Doña Ana
New Mexico District 37
For too long, the state of education in New Mexico has been judged by a single metric: proficiency. This metric is only a snapshot of literacy rates, and direct comparison of proficiency between states can be misleading. A new white paper on New Mexico student literacy demonstrates that our students are making real, measurable reading gains over time, often matching or exceeding national growth rates.
The white paper, commissioned by New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders and conducted by Evress analytics, uses Read More
On The Job In Los Alamos: UNM-LA Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw
On the job in Los Alamos is Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw, discussing the wide world of education during a visit to his office on the UNM-LA campus, at 4000 University Drive on Monday. Dr. Holtzclaw took over leadership of the college on July 18, 2022, following the retirement of former Chancellor Dr. Cindy Rooney. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailyposttest.ortizaudio.net Read More
Primary Care Conference Open To Health Care Professionals
HCA News:
The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) invites all primary care clinicians, clinic administrators, health system leaders, and Medicaid stakeholders to attend a one-day conference focused on advancing value-based care and strengthening primary care in New Mexico.
- What: Helping Primary Care Practices Succeed: PCPR VBP Program Winter Conference
- When: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton, 1000 Woodward Place, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Register Now Through Eventbrite: Helping Primary Care Practices Succeed: PCPR VBP Program Winter Conference
Los Alamos Students Take Action To Break Stigma Around Mental Health
KEY CLUB News:
Students at Los Alamos High School are taking meaningful action to address mental health challenges among their peers and promote open, stigma-free conversations.
Early this year, fundraising activities undertaken by Key Club members involved selling cotton candy at the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, showing their commitment towards supporting youth mental health projects. Unlike other fundraising activities where the amount is donated to Erika’ s Lighthouse or JJAB, Key Club members decided to involve themselves in efforts geared at ensuring a safe environment Read More
NMDOT Scam Alert: New Mexico Has No Toll Roads

NMDOT News:
SANTA FE —New Mexico has no toll roads, any message claiming you owe toll fees in our state is 100 percent fraudulent.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) officials emphasize that New Mexico does not operate any toll roads within state boundaries and will never request toll payments from residents or visitors.
Current scam details:
- Scammers are sending urgent messages claiming that “enforcement action” will begin after Feb. 4, 2026. These sophisticated scams attempt to steal personal and financial information by:
- Sending text messages or emails demanding
Fuselier: Loss And Grief For Seniors
By BOB FUSELIER
Los Alamos
We’ve all faced losses, whether the loss be a loved one, a career, a pet, a relationship, or way of life. As we age, we also face the loss of our health, abilities, and freedom to be independent. Eventually, we must all come to terms with the greatest loss we will ever face, our own death.
Unfortunately, we’re not always allowed to grieve our losses. The sense of separation, confusion, regret, guilt, constant sadness, and anger can be signs of ungrieved losses. We can’t avoid loss, but we can make sure we allow ourselves to go through the healing process of loss, what we know Read More