As Climate Threats Escalate, Rep. Leger Fernández Leads Charge To Weather-Proof America’s Energy Grid
U.S. CONGRESS News:
WASHINGTON D.C. — As wildfires rage, floods surge, and power grids strain under record-breaking heat, U.S. Reps. Leger Fernández (NM-03), Casten (IL-06), Castor (FL-11), and Ross (NC-02) introduced the Weather-Safe Energy Act of 2025. This landmark bill will equip utilities with the cutting-edge weather data, modeling, and support they need to withstand the growing threat of extreme weather. The bill addresses a critical need at a time when the nation’s energy infrastructure faces unprecedented threats from increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, Read More
New Mexico Invites Public To 12 Community Meetings Across State To Help Shape Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan
PED News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is inviting the public to participate in 12 regional community meetings across the state in August to help shape the Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan.
The Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan is New Mexico’s response to the court’s finding that the state failed to meet its constitutional obligation to provide a uniform and sufficient education, particularly for Native American students, English learners, students with disabilities, and students experiencing poverty.
The regional meetings are being hosted in collaboration with Read More
County: Community Q&A For Small Retail LEDA Initiative
COMMUNITY News:
Los Alamos County will host a question-and-answer session, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, in Council Chambers at 1000 Central Ave., to introduce and discuss its proposed Small Retail Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) initiative.
The event is open to local business owners and interested individuals. A hybrid option will be available for remote participation via Zoom.
Staff from the Community and Economic Development Department will lead the presentation and answer questions about the proposed Small Retail LEDA initiative before it is formally presented to the Los Alamos Read More
Vasquez Leads Bipartisan Border Bill To Combat Cartels’ Exploitation Of American Youth, Crack Down On Smugglers
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the No More Narcos Act and the Stop COYOTES Act, two critical bipartisan bills designed to address the continued threat of organized criminal activity in border communities. The legislation targets drug cartels and human traffickers who exploit vulnerable populations, particularly children, and strengthens law enforcement’s ability to respond through enhanced coordination and accountability.
“Representing 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from law Read More
Republican Party Of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela Responds To Attorney General Raul Torrez Lawsuit
By AMY BARELA
Chairwoman
Republican Party of New Mexico
The Republican Party of New Mexico stands with President Trump in his effort to end reckless federal spending that prioritizes radical agendas over the real needs of American children. President Trump has long warned that he will cut funding for programs that promote DEI indoctrination and that cater to illegal immigrants at the expense of our students and our communities. We support this measure because we believe it will help secure the long-term viability of education programs that put New Mexico children first.
While Attorney General Read More
Think New Mexico Welcomes 2025 Leadership Interns
Think New Mexico’s 2025 Leadership Intern cohort gathered for a lunch meeting July 8 at La Fonda in Santa Fe, from left, Health Policy Fellow Lauren Leland, Field Director Noah Apodaca, Board Secretary Liddie Martinez, Leadership Interns Camille Kruger and Jay Choate, Associate Director Kristina Fisher, and Leadership Interns Ella Hutchinson and Lynsey Pinto. Not pictured are Leadership Interns Ryn Delgado and Cole Washburn. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
SANTA FE — Think New Mexico is again welcoming college
New Mexico State Land Office Wins A Top Workplace Award For Third Consecutive Year
Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard
STATE News:
SANTA FE —The Albuquerque Journal has announced that the New Mexico State Land Office has won a Top Workplaces award, ranking 3rd among midsize organizations (with between 150-499 employees).
It marks the 3rd consecutive year the State Land Office has been named a Top Workplace, ranking 1st in 2023, and 2nd in 2024. In survey responses, employees consistently used words like “inclusive” and “supportive” to describe the agency.
The State Land Office won the Top Workplaces USA Award from USA Today in March 2025, for the 2nd consecutive year. Read More
Los Alamos County Clerk Collecting Supplies From Community For Ruidoso Flood Victims Through July 18
DPLAC News:
Los Alamos County Clerk Michael Redondo is collecting supplies needed by those impacted by the floods in Ruidoso.
Redondo will collect smaller amounts of items in his office on the 2nd floor of the Los Alamos County Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave. and larger amounts from the loading dock of that building.
Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, July 18.
Items Being Collected:
- Bottled water/drinks;
- Non-perishable food;
- Hygiene products (shampoo, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene, deodorant, etc.);
- New clothing, socks, undergarments, and shoes;
- Baby products
Video: Councilor Hand Discusses July 15 Work Session
Los Alamos County Councilor Melanee Hand discusses Tuesday’s work session. Video by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Read More
U.S. Rep. Vasquez Votes To Pass National Defense Bill, Delivering Military Strength, Wins On New Mexico Priorities
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 15, 2025, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) – a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) – voted in favor of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“It is vital that we ensure America’s armed forces have the training, equipment, and resources they need to carry out their missions,” Vasquez said. “This bipartisan bill includes my legislation to improve health care for our rural veterans, give our troops a pay raise, recognize New Mexico’s Downwinders, and add many additional provisions Read More
Pacific Fusion Of California Ponders Locating $1 Billion Research & Development Facility In Albuquerque
Image/Pacific Fusion Website
EDD News:
- The project would bring 200+ jobs and advance clean energy innovation.
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and Pacific Fusion announced today that the company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state to pursue the siting of a research and development facility in Albuquerque.
The company expects to make a final decision in late September 2025, contingent upon successful site selection and finalization of state incentives. The project will undergo environmental and planning reviews as part of the approval Read More
New Mexico Supreme Court Affirms Decision That Vacated Former Tax & Rev Secretary’s Embezzlement Convictions
NMSC News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico’s highest court ruled Tuesday that former state Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla’s convictions for embezzlement were properly vacated because she was charged too long after the alleged crimes occurred.
The New Mexico Supreme Court (NMSC) unanimously rejected arguments by prosecutors for the State of New Mexico who sought to reinstate Padilla’s convictions. The justices affirmed a decision of the Court of Appeals, which set aside her convictions on two second-degree felony counts of embezzlement.
In an opinion by Chief Justice David K. Thomson, Read More
J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee Donates $1,000 To Jemez Pueblo’s Towa Language Preservation Program
At a recent donation event, from left, Treasurer Galen Gisler of the J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee (JROMC) presents a check to Language Preservation Director and former governor of Jemez Pueblo Dominic Gachupin, together with JROMC member John Ruminer. Courtesy/JROMC
JROMC News:
The J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee (JROMC) has donated $1,000 to the Jemez Pueblo’s Towa Language Preservation Program, which features language immersion.
The JROMC is a local non-profit organization that honors J. Robert Oppenheimer’s legacy through thought-provoking public lectures Read More
Senate Republicans Respond To Harold Pope’s Campaign Announcement, Highlight Radical Record
NMSR News:
SANTA FE — Today, State Senator Harold Pope Jr. (D-Albuquerque) announced his 2026 candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. He is a Colorado native who only narrowly won re-election to Senate District. This is no surprise, as his work in the legislature has largely promoted progressive ideology. Despite holding radical views out of touch with most New Mexicans, he now thinks he deserves a promotion… New Mexico voters are smarter than this.
In response to the announcement, Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) has issued the following statement: “Harold Pope is Read More
Luján Statement Ahead Of 80th Anniversary Of Trinity Test
Courtesy photo
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test:
“Tomorrow marks 80 years since the Trinity Test — eight decades of pain, loss, and injustice for the victims still living with the fallout of nuclear testing and uranium mining.
“For over a decade, our Congressional Delegation has worked alongside courageous advocates to fight for justice. Thanks to this tireless work, Congress passed a historic expansion and extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, Read More
Rabbi Shlachter: Promoting Peace Requires More Than Open Dialogue—It Requires Discernment, Responsibility, And An Unwavering Rejection Of Hate In All Its Forms
By Rabbi Jack Shlachter
Los Alamos Jewish Center
I write today as a committed advocate of free speech and open dialogue. I fully support the rights of those who are organizing the upcoming Free Palestine Summer Series, which includes events scheduled at SALA and the Unitarian Church from now through September. Many of the individuals involved are sincerely dedicated to fostering peace in the Middle East—a goal that I, too, share, though I hold a markedly different perspective from that presented in the films and talks planned for this series. That difference, of course, is a legitimate subject Read More
Heinrich On $12.5 Million+ For New Mexico
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
Investments Heinrich championed fully fund SNAP & WIC, increase funding for the Southwest Border Commission, support Tribes & farmers, provide rental assistance, & more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has announced the bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Bill. With Committee approval of this bill, Heinrich secured support for more than $12.5 million for New Mexico, Read More
New Mexico State Land Office Smashes Records As It Auctions First Oil & Gas Leases At Newly-created 25% Royalty Rate Championed By Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard
STATE News:
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- July auction earns record $56M for public schools in New Mexico
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SANTA FE – For the first time, the New Mexico State Land Office has auctioned oil and gas leases at a 25% royalty rate after a new state law backed by Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard kicked in. The law, which became effective June 20, allows the State Land Office to offer its best parcels in the Permian Basin at the market rate.
Each month, the State Land Office holds a public auction for the right to develop certain oil and gas areas. Companies submit bids for leases, with the award going to the highest bidder. Read More
Op-Ed: A Few Words About Demand-Side Economics
By ALAN HALL
© 2025 New Mexico News Service
Allow me to introduce myself. I am an arrogant man. It is a particular type of arrogance; the arrogance of Margaret Thatcher, who famously scorned economic ideas that were contrary to her real-life experience. Now, unlike Dame Thatcher, I was not raised in an apartment over the family grocery. But I was raised in an apartment over the family motel and gift shop, and like Thatcher, I was immersed in the business from earliest memory. That puts me firmly in her camp.
One thing that I learned as a child was the overriding importance of “business”. Whenever one Read More
Video: Council Chair Cull Shares July 8 Meeting Highlights
Los Alamos County Council Chair Theresa Cull at the Los Alamos Daily Post news room last week, sharing highlights of the Tuesday, July 8, council meeting. Video by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Read More
