Public Safety

DEA Files Intent To Temporarily Place 7-OH And Three Related Substances Into Schedule I Of Controlled Substances Act To Protect Public Safety

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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

Daily Postcard: Bear Cub Sleeps Draped Over Tree Branch

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Daily Postcard: Apparently exhausted from a morning of exploring around Barranca Mesa on Saturday, a bear cub climbed a Ponderosa and fell sound asleep draped over a branch. Mama bear soon climbed up right below it. Photo by Jonathan Dowell, Ph.D. Follow Dowell on Instagram @SnowyEgretPhotography

Another view of a bear cub sleeping on the branch of a Ponderosa Saturday on Barranca Mesa. Photo by Jonathan Dowell, Ph.D. Follow Dowell on Instagram @SnowyEgretPhotography. Read More

Final McCauley Springs Fire Update: July 4, 2026

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Communities in the McCauley Springs Fire area express their gratitude to firefighters. Courtesy photo

USFS News:

Crews are nearing completion of suppression repair activities on the McCauley Springs Fire. Southwest Area Team 3 is preparing to transition command of the fire area back to a local organization. Resources will remain in place and available to respond to any new starts throughout the holiday.

This will be the last update from Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 3. Unless there is any significant change, there will not be another update until the fire is fully contained. Read More

New Mexico Small Businesses Challenge Sweeping Labeling Regulation

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NFIB News:

SANTA FE — NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) joined a coalition of business organizations in filing a lawsuit at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico challenging a new regulation from the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) requiring small business manufacturers to label products containing poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Although PFAS is a catchall term used to describe more than 14,000 substances with varying chemical properties, this sweeping mandate will apply to nearly all products with ingredients that fall under Read More

On The Job In Los Alamos: Snake Wrangler To The Rescue!

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On the job in Los Alamos is local snake wrangler Annette Hiteman on Monday safely capturing a young rattlesnake discovered near the pickleball courts on North Mesa. A certified venomous snake rescuer and relocator, Hiteman offers her services free of charge but gratuities are appreciated. To contact Hiteman, call 505.409.3734 or email tahiteman87544@gmail.com. Photo by Páya Pavlíková/ladailypost.com Read More

McCauley Springs Fire Update: July 3, 2026

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USFS News:

Acres: 712                                        

Containment: 63%                                     

Start Date: June 24, 2026

Location: Jemez Ranger District, east of Battleship Rock                   

Cause: Undetermined

Fuels: Timber, grass & understory, hardwood litter                                           

Personnel: 328                                                                 

Highlights: Crews continued suppression repair work in areas near the Sierra de los Pinos community yesterday, making good progress rehabilitating roads and campgrounds impacted during firefighting activities. Read More

NM State Parks Increasing Boating Under The Influence Patrols On Waterways During Fourth Of July Weekend

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NM State Parks Marine Enforcement Officer patrols Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta. Courtesy/NMSP

New Mexico State Parks News:

SANTA FE — As boating activity surges over the Fourth of July holiday, New Mexico State Parks will significantly increase on‑the‑water patrols on July 3–5 as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide effort to prevent boating under the influence (BUI) and enhance public safety on waterways. 

In partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, New Mexico State Parks officers will conduct targeted enforcement, Read More

Los Alamos County Remains In READY Status During Fire Season 

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COUNTY News:

          • Be safe and mindful of fire restrictions this holiday weekend

The Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) would like to remind residents that Los Alamos County remains in the READY stage of the Ready, Set, Go! wildfire preparedness program throughout fire season. Heading into the holiday weekend, citizens are reminded to be mindful of the current fire restrictions and be safe as they celebrate.

McCauley Springs Fire Update

OEM continues to monitor the McCauley Springs Fire. Recent progress has significantly reduced the immediate threat to Los Alamos County. 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

FBI: Woman Pleads Guilty To Assault With Dangerous Weapon

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Prewitt, N.M. woman pleaded guilty to stabbing a man during a dispute. According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2026, Naomi Martinez, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, kicked and stabbed John Doe in the face, head and neck with a kitchen knife, causing serious bodily harm.

Martinez pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement of Read More