Los Alamos Daily Digest Saturday, July 11, 2026
Ty's Take
Walter Bettinger, who lived through most of the atomic age in Los Alamos, passed last week at ninety-three—a reminder that this town's founding generation, the ones who came to the Hill when it was still secret and strange, are leaving us. The news cycles through the usual summer safety warnings and lab-adjacent politics, but what sticks is that we're losing the people who actually remember what this place was before it became a scientific institution, before the housing squeeze, before every newcomer came with a CV. The Faith & Science Forum happening at Trinity on the Hill feels about right for a town like this—PhDs genuinely wrestling with God and the multiverse on a July evening—but those conversations matter most when you've still got the old-timers around to remind you what the questions used to cost.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach Los Alamos Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Los Alamos Daily Post
The Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum will screen a video titled "God and the Multiverse" featuring Drs. Loren and Deborah Haarsma on July 15 at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, with a light meal served at 6 p.m. and the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. A live question-and-answer session...
Highlights From 2026 Leadership Los Alamos Graduation
Leadership Los Alamos celebrated the graduation of its 2025-26 cohort this spring and is preparing to welcome a new class of students beginning in September. The program highlighted the accomplishments and leadership development of this year's graduating class during an event at Pajarito Mountain...
Obituary: Walter Joseph Bettinger Nov. 9, 1932 – July 3, 2026
Walter Joseph Bettinger, a longtime Los Alamos-area resident and Korean War veteran who served as a Marine aircraft mechanic, passed away July 3 at age 93 in Henderson, Nevada. Bettinger was born in Golden, Colorado and was known for his strong patriotism and service to his country.
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and two bipartisan colleagues are pressing the Department of Justice to explain its failure to meet a deadline for implementing research provisions of the HALT Fentanyl Act. The legislation, which permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs,...
Supreme Court Rejects Challenge To Disciplinary Process In Removing A Judge From The Bench
New Mexico's Supreme Court unanimously rejected a constitutional challenge to the state's process for investigating and disciplining judges, upholding the removal of McKinley County Magistrate Judge Brent Detsoi from the bench. The court found that Detsoi committed willful misconduct in office and...
DEA: Join Walk For Lives Saturday
The Drug Enforcement Administration and United Against Fentanyl are organizing Walk For Lives events across the country on July 12 to raise awareness about the fentanyl crisis, which remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-44. Community members are urged to participate in local...
New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver criticized President Trump's dismissal of all members of the bipartisan United States Election Assistance Commission, calling it a dismantling of an independent body dedicated to supporting secure elections. Toulouse Oliver expressed concern...
Hilltopper Football Camp July 13-14: Register On Site Free!
Youth football players are invited to register on-site for free at the Hilltopper Football Camp on July 13-14. The camp provides young athletes an opportunity to develop their skills in a structured, community-focused environment.
State Awards 19th Tribal Community Broadband Grant
San Ildefonso Pueblo has received a $100,000 state grant to develop broadband planning and management strategies for its community. The award from New Mexico's Office of Broadband Access and Expansion marks the 19th tribal community broadband planning grant distributed this year.
County: Summer Means More Travel … More Accidents
Los Alamos County is reminding drivers that summer travel increases accident risk on local roads. The county urges residents to stay alert, follow speed limits, and obey traffic laws to keep the community safe during the busy season.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach Los Alamos Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Los Alamos Reporter
New Mexico State Police have arrested two men in connection with a shooting and kidnapping investigation that began early morning July 9 in Rio Arriba County. The kidnapping victim, Jeanette Salazar, remains missing as authorities continue their investigation.
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church is hosting a week-long day camp from August 3-7 for children entering pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Youth entering sixth grade are welcome to participate as junior counselors during the faith-filled camp experience.
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center is offering a free guided butterfly walk led by ecologist Simone Lord on July 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at Pajarito Ski Hill. The community outing gives participants a chance to observe and learn about local pollinators.
The Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum will present a video "God and the Multiverse" by Drs. Loren and Deborah Haarsma on July 15 at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church. The screening will be followed by a live question-and-answer session with the Haarsmas.
Practice Your Wuthering Skills!
Community members are invited to attend optional practice sessions to prepare for "The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever," happening in three weeks. The fun event focuses on participation rather than perfection, with attendees learning the traditional wuthering dance.
Bestselling author and 2024 National Book Award winner Jason De León will give an author talk at the Los Alamos Public Library on July 25 from 2-4 p.m. at the Historic Fuller Lodge. De León's appearance follows his well-received presentation at this year's Santa Fe literary events.
County To Host Free Do-It-Yourself Workshop For Homeowners Saturday Morning July 18
Los Alamos County is hosting a free Do-It-Yourself workshop for homeowners on July 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station 3 in White Rock. County building and planning staff will be available to discuss home improvement projects, permits, and hiring contractors.
Friday Night’s Concert July 10 At Ashley Pond Park Features ‘The Dead Beat Club’
The Dead Beat Club, a Santa Fe-based tribute band known for performing retro B-52s covers with signature beehive hairdos and kitschy costumes, will perform Friday night at Ashley Pond Park. The concert features the band's energetic recreation of the quirky pop sounds from the 1970s and 80s.
Rural News Wire is a daily local news digest for Los Alamos and rural America. We aggregate and curate, original reporting belongs to the sources linked above. Support local journalism by visiting their sites.
Subscribe free to get this digest in your inbox every morning.