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Senator Heinrich Opposes Exclusive Land Transfer of Sandia Mountains to Pueblo of Sandia

Senator Heinrich Opposes Exclusive Land Transfer of Sandia Mountains to Pueblo of Sandia

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) has stated he will not support an exclusive title transfer of approximately 10,000 acres of the Sandia Mountains from U.S. Forest Service management into federal trust for the Pueblo of Sandia. Instead, Senator Heinrich intends to draft legislation that would establish shared management of the land while ensuring public access is preserved. This announcement comes amidst growing opposition from homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts, organized under the 'Sandias for All' coalition, who voiced concerns at a Bernalillo County Commission meeting. The coalition fears that an exclusive transfer could lead to the loss of federal protections and restrict road access to recreational areas on the western slopes of the Sandias. Sandoval County had previously voted unanimously in June to support the transfer, though Commissioner Katherine Bruch later clarified that the commission aimed to protect access, not endorse exclusive Pueblo ownership, and had not seen the transfer language pri...
Arizona Republic Arizona Republic
O'odham leaders visit springs, cultural sites at risk from border wall

O'odham leaders visit springs, cultural sites at risk from border wall

Tohono O'odham Chairman Verlon Jose joined other tribal leaders on a tour of sacred sites threatened by the border wall.
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Representative Leger Fernández Questions Interior Department's Chaco Canyon Protection Review

Representative Leger Fernández Questions Interior Department's Chaco Canyon Protection Review

Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, alongside Congressman Jared Huffman and 17 other House members, has formally questioned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum regarding a proposed rollback of protections around Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The lawmakers are seeking answers about a Trump administration proposal that could potentially reopen the area to oil, gas, and mining interests. Their concerns center on the adequacy of Tribal consultation, the public comment process, and the use of a limited environmental review for such a significant change. The group has requested responses from the Interior Department by August 28. This inquiry highlights ongoing scrutiny of environmental and cultural heritage protections, particularly those impacting Indigenous communities.
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Representatives Grijalva and Ruiz Call for Immediate Halt to Border Wall Construction on Tribal Lands

Representatives Grijalva and Ruiz Call for Immediate Halt to Border Wall Construction on Tribal Lands

Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva and Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25), joined by Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Juan Vargas (CA-52), have urged the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Interior (DOI) to immediately suspend construction of secondary border walls. Their call comes in response to concerns about the federal government's failure to meaningfully consult with Tribal Nations regarding projects that impact sacred sites, cultural resources, and ancestral homelands. The lawmakers specifically cited the destruction of the Las Playas Intaglio, a sacred cultural resource and significant Indigenous site, as an example of the irreparable damage being caused. They emphasize the urgent need for the federal government to respect Tribal sovereignty and protect irreplaceable places like Quitobaquito Springs, which are also at risk.
USA Today USA Today
New legal battle looms over Trump mail ballot rules

New legal battle looms over Trump mail ballot rules

States plan a new legal challenge to Trump administration rules on mail-in ballots after a Supreme Court ruling.
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Senator Gillibrand's Cyber Force Proposal Rejected by Senate Armed Services Committee

Senator Gillibrand's Cyber Force Proposal Rejected by Senate Armed Services Committee

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) proposed establishing a Cyber Force under the Department of the Army as part of the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act. However, the Senate Armed Services Committee rejected her amendment by a narrow vote of 14-13 in June. The proposal garnered support from nine Democrats and four Republicans, indicating a bipartisan, though not majority, interest in the concept. The Pentagon is currently weighing how to organize its cyber warfare capabilities, with a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report examining the pros and cons of a separate cyber service. The CRS report highlighted that a standalone service could improve specialization, recruiting, and command structures but also noted potential substantial costs and disruptions to existing military operations. The Commission on Cyber Force Generation had recommended a Cyber Force with approximately 20,000 active-duty uniformed personnel, 3,500 to 5,000 National Guard personnel, and an initial civilian workforce o...
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Coffman Engineers Establishes New Boise Office to Expand Regional Presence

Coffman Engineers Establishes New Boise Office to Expand Regional Presence

Coffman Engineers Establishes New Boise Office to Expand Regional Presence
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Wildfire Activity Remains High Across Western U.S. and Southwest Canada

Wildfire Activity Remains High Across Western U.S. and Southwest Canada

Wildfire activity across the western United States and southwestern Canada remains significant, with numerous large fires actively burning. According to weather.west (Source time: not specified), the fires are now more broadly distributed compared to earlier in the summer. Affected areas stretch from central California to southern British Columbia and extend eastward to Idaho and Montana. Despite reduced media coverage, the situation continues to pose challenges for firefighting efforts and air quality in the region.
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Representatives Steube and Boyle Propose HUSTLE Act for Student-Athlete Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Representatives Steube and Boyle Propose HUSTLE Act for Student-Athlete Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Representatives Steube and Boyle Propose HUSTLE Act for Student-Athlete Tax-Advantaged Accounts
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Glen Allen Project Hosts Special Needs Mixer Party in Pocatello, Fostering Community Connection

Glen Allen Project Hosts Special Needs Mixer Party in Pocatello, Fostering Community Connection

Glen Allen Project Hosts Special Needs Mixer Party in Pocatello, Fostering Community Connection
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Bunker Hill Mining and Silver47 Merge to Form Major U.S. Silver and Critical Minerals Producer

Bunker Hill Mining and Silver47 Merge to Form Major U.S. Silver and Critical Minerals Producer

Bunker Hill Mining and Silver47 Merge to Form Major U.S. Silver and Critical Minerals Producer
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Representative Greg Landsman Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Hemp-Derived Beverages

Representative Greg Landsman Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Hemp-Derived Beverages

Representative Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, has co-sponsored legislation aimed at regulating the hemp-derived beverage market. This proposed bill, introduced alongside Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the legal sale of low-dose hemp-derived drinks. The legislation is designed to mimic the existing regulatory structure for the alcoholic beverage industry. This initiative comes amidst ongoing discussions and challenges surrounding the regulation of hemp products, particularly those with intoxicating substances. Another bill, proposed by Representative Griffith and Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, would task the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with developing rules for setting limits on intoxicating substances in hemp-derived and CBD products within three years. If the FDA fails to complete this process, their bill would set default limits of 5 milligrams per serving and 30 milligrams per package, though Griffith acknowledges these numbers ar...