Video: Chair Ryti Discusses Tuesday Council Meeting
Los Alamos County Council Chair Randall Ryti discusses Tuesday’s council meeting during visit to Los Alamos Daily Post newsroom. Video by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Read More
DEA Files Intent To Temporarily Place 7-OH And Three Related Substances Into Schedule I Of Controlled Substances Act To Protect Public Safety
DEA Administrator Terrance Cole
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration filed its intent July 1 to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitagynine (7-OH) and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Prior to DEA issuing this notice, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed synthetic 7-OH, and the three related substances have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Two Notices of Intent (NOI) were sent to the Federal Register on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. One NOI addresses 7-OH above a specified Read More
Sen. Crystal Brantley Elected Chair Of New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus
Sen. Crystal Brantley
NMHR News:
SANTA FE — Members of the New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus have voted to elect Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) to serve as Caucus Chair, replacing Sen. David Gallegos (R-Eunice) who just became the Republican nominee to serve as New Mexico’s next Lieutenant Governor.
By stepping down as caucus chair, Sen. Gallegos will be better able to balance his legislative duties with the demands of his statewide campaign. The caucus appreciates Sen. Gallegos’s contributions while serving as Caucus Chair and is pleased he will continue serving the people Read More
County Council Proclaims July Park And Recreation Month
County Councilor David Reagor, center, presents a proclamation on behalf of the Council designating July ‘Park and Recreation Month’ in Los Alamos County to, from left, County Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza, Senior Management Analyst Linda Lindstrom, Recreation Superintendent Katherine Hudspeth, Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker, Assistant Parks Superintendent Emmanuel Abetya and Senior Management Analyst Chelsea Ashcraft during Tuesday’s County Council meeting. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council proclaimed July “Park and Recreation Read More
Happy Independence Day 2026 Celebrating 250 Years!
Fireworks explode in the sky celebrating a previous Fourth of July event. Fireworks are banned this year due to dry conditions throughout the area. Courtesy/Farmer’s Almanac
From The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
Editor’s Note: Today the United States is officially celebrating its semiquincentennial—marking exactly 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This once-in-a-generation milestone spans a year-long nationwide celebration highlighting the nation’s history, cultural contributions, and future.
On the Fourth of July, the United States observes Read More
County Parks & Rec Board To Meet Thursday July 9
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Parks and Recreation Board is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 9, in the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.
This meeting is open to the public in person and on Zoom.
The following link and/or telephone call in numbers may be used for public viewing and participation:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84296000599
Phone one-tap:
- +17193594580,,84296000599# US
- +12532050468,,84296000599# US
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
- This section of the agenda is reserved for comments from the public on items that are
not otherwise included in this
Unemployment Insurance Operations Center Closed Today
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — All New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions’ offices, including the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center, will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
The Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System (www.jobs.dws.nm.gov) is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer Service Agents in the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center will be available when business hours resume at 8 a.m., Monday, July 6.
The business hours of the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Read More
State Lawmakers To Introduce Data Center Moratorium In Upcoming Legislative Session
NM HOUSE News:
LAS CRUCES — July 2, State Reps. Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Mesilla), Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque) and Sen. Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces) announced plans to introduce legislation establishing a statewide moratorium on large-scale data center development in New Mexico.
The proposed moratorium, to be introduced in the 2027 legislative session, would prohibit new large-scale data center projects in New Mexico, while the state develops a framework for evaluating water use, energy demand and emissions, ratepayer impact, and community benefits Read More
Senator Tobiassen: Women’s Sports Are For Women
State Senator Nicole Tobiassen
NMSR News:
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — State Senator Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque) today celebrated the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling upholding state laws that keep transgender athletes out of women’s and girls’ sports, calling the decision “a long overdue win for fairness and for every girl who just wants a fair shot.”
The Court ruled unanimously that state laws in Idaho and West Virginia protecting women’s sports do not violate federal civil rights law. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that states may reserve women’s and girls’ sports for biological females. More Read More
Los Alamos County Honors 250th Anniversary Of The Signing Of The Declaration Of Independence With Special Proclamation
Los Alamos County Council Vice Chair Ryn Herrmann, left, presents a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence to Linda Carol Alt, regent of the Valle Grande Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, during Tuesday’s County Council meeting. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
COUNTY News:
During its regular meeting Tuesday, Los Alamos County Council honored the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a proclamation.
Council Vice Chair Ryn Herrmann read the proclamation: Read More
State Ethics Commission Announces Retirement Of Chair William F. Lang And Governor’s Appointment Of Retired Judge Celia Foy Castillo As New Chair
Honorable Celia Foy Castillo (Ret.)
Newly Appointed Chair
New Mexico State Ethics Commission
SEC News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico State Ethics Commission has announced the retirement of the Honorable William F. Lang (Ret.) as Chair of the Commission and the appointment of the Honorable Celia Foy Castillo (Ret.) as the Commission’s new Chair.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Judge Foy Castillo to serve as Chair effective July 1, 2026, following the completion of Judge Lang’s term on June 30. Judge Foy Castillo may serve a four-year term as Chair, ending on June 30, 2030.
Judge Lang served Read More
Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus Supports America The Beautiful Act, Funding America’s Best Idea On Country’s 250th Birthday
Public Lands Caucus News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major bipartisan push for conservation and outdoor access, U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06)—the co-chairs of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus—were joined by 14 members of the Caucus to support the America the Beautiful Act on the eve of America’s 250th.
The bipartisan bill reauthorizes the Legacy Restoration Fund, investing $1.9 billion over the next five years in our national parks, forests, and public lands across America. This funding will speed up deferred Read More
Los Alamos County Council Learns About Efforts To Increase Local Housing
Clockwise from left, the proposed Coyote Mesa apartment complex on DP Road, Thunderbird and Aspen Studio Apartments on 9th Street and the proposed project on 20th Street that would be apartments and commercial spaces. Courtesy/LAC
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County has firmly made the claim that housing is essential to have a strong economy and a thriving community. Its message is clear: build it and the people will come. As a result, County Council learned about the local government’s efforts to increase housing options during its work session Read More
LANL 2026 Summer Physics Camp Celebrates 10 Years Of Student Curiosity And Creativity
A Music House: Student Aryl L. Villa of Silver City demonstrates the electronic grand piano in her Santa Fe Opera House model to LANL Director Thom Mason and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich. Photo by David Moore/LANL
Robotic Hand Meet Your Creator: A robotic hand was created and decorated by 8th grader Hina Sherhata, of Hilo, HI with floral motifs inspired by the legends and volcanic landscapes of the Big Island. Photo by Mark MacInnes/ladailypost.com
Group Shot: Students, mentors, and invited guests celebrate the conclusion of the 10th Annual Summer Physics Camp in Santa Fe. Photo by David Moore/ Read More
U.S. Forest Service Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Rule To Modernize Directives System
Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz
USFS News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is inviting public comment on a proposed rule to modernize its directives system—the agency’s internal documentation that guides how employees carry out their work. The proposal would redefine the agency’s manual and handbooks to reduce procedural burdens, encourage innovation and return decision-making authority to employees closest to the land.
“Today, the Forest Service maintains more than 900 chapters of national guidance and thousands of additional regional and unit-level supplements,” Read More
RPLA Announces July 2026 Events
By LISA SHIN
Chair
Republican Party of Los Alamos
Dear Friends:
A big thanks to all who contributed and helped to make our Silent Auction Fundraiser Dinner a success!
Please mark your calendars for the following events:
- July 4th barbecue, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rover Park in White Rock. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.
- July 8, “Coffee with our Council Candidates”, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fiori e Sale. This is an opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns with Eric Stromberg and Jason Chappel. Invite your friends and neighbors!
At this past Tuesday’s County Council meeting, I applauded Read More
State Awards $24.5 Million Under Behavioral Health Reform Law To Help Communities Move From Planning To Action
Health Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo
NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico approved the first round of funding under the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, known as SB3, awarding approximately $24.5 million to expand mental health, substance use disorder treatment and crisis services across all 13 behavioral health regions.
“This funding is about helping communities move from planning to action,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “Regions have identified what their communities need most, and these investments will help expand services Read More
Secretary Of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver Responds To Federal Court Decisions Blocking Provisions Of Executive Orders On Elections
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver
SOS News:
SANTA FE — Last week, two separate federal judges struck down key provisions of President Trump’s executive orders regarding elections after New Mexico and more than 20 other states challenged the administration’s legal authority to use the orders to make sweeping changes to the country’s democratic process.
“These decisions affirm that states have the constitutional authority to administer elections in this country and that authority cannot be simply undone on a whim by any sitting president through an executive order,” said Secretary Read More
Los Alamos County Seeks Community Input On Proposed Plastic Bag Ordinance Under Consideration By Environmental Sustainability Board
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County is seeking community input on a proposed Single-Use Plastic Carryout Bag Ordinance currently under consideration by the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB).
Community members can submit their input in person at the July 16 ESB meeting, or via email. The ordinance is intended to reduce litter, decrease waste sent for disposal, encourage reusable alternatives, and support broader sustainability efforts within the community.
On April 7, 2026, Los Alamos County Council directed the ESB to evaluate plastic bag regulations implemented in other communities Read More
Republican Party Of New Mexico Releases Statement On RNC Election Integrity Case Going To U.S. Supreme Court
RPNM News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) case defending Arizona’s proof of citizenship requirement and the fundamental principle that only American citizens should vote in American elections. Please see RPNM’s statement below:
“We are grateful to the RNC for being a leader on this critical election integrity issue,” said Interim Chair & duly elected 1st Vice Chair, Mike Nelson. “Ensuring that only American citizens can vote in American elections should be the most common-sense issue in our country, Read More
