Politics

State Ethics Commission Announces Retirement Of Chair William F. Lang And Governor’s Appointment Of Retired Judge Celia Foy Castillo As New Chair

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 

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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

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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

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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