Los Alamos Daily Digest Thursday, July 16, 2026
Ty's Take
You don't have to read far down today's wire before the contrast hits you—a detective in Bernalillo County just got convicted for tipping off drug targets to the DEA, while up here on the Hill the state's handing out $1.2 million to grow quantum computing companies and our senators are talking energy workforce futures. It's the whole state in miniature, really: corruption and decay in one county, innovation and federal money flowing into another, and the rest of us trying to figure out which direction we're actually headed. The quantum sector money is good news, solid news, the kind of thing that keeps young people from leaving for the coast. But a cop working both sides of the drug war reminds you that even in a state full of smart people and world-class science, the old problems don't go away just because you ignore them.
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Los Alamos Daily Post
FBI: Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted Of Tipping Off DEA Targets
A Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office detective has been convicted of obstructing DEA investigations and lying to the FBI after a jury found him guilty on July 10. Paul Jessen Jr., 36, was accused of tipping off drug enforcement targets during federal investigations.
Kiwanis Club To Host Aluminum Can Collection Saturday
The Los Alamos Kiwanis Club will collect and purchase aluminum cans this Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church parking lot on Diamond Drive. Proceeds support environmental efforts and the club's community initiatives.
County: Public Invited To Attend Rate Hearings July 22
The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities is holding public hearings on July 22 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss proposed gas and water rate adjustments. Residents can attend in person at the Municipal Building Council Chambers or join the hybrid meeting remotely.
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Brian Schatz convened labor leaders this week to discuss the future of America's energy workforce. The roundtable focused on supporting workers in the changing energy sector.
New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has rejected a second request from Energy Transfer to run a natural gas pipeline through state lands for the Project Jupiter data center. The commissioner's denial came via letter on July 14.
LAHS Class Of 1976 To Host 50th Reunion Sept. 18-20
Los Alamos High School's Class of 1976 will celebrate its 50th reunion September 18-20 with activities including a golf tournament, walking tour, storytelling event, dinner and dance, and picnic brunch. Classmates are encouraged to attend the multi-day celebration.
The state has awarded $1.2 million to six companies through a competitive quantum technology grant program, with UbiQD in Los Alamos among the recipients. Each grant provides up to $200,000 to support early-stage quantum companies expanding operations in New Mexico.
Trinity On The Hill To Host Summer Yard Sale July 24-25
Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church is hosting its first Summer Yard Sale on July 24-25 from 8 a.m. to noon at 3900 Trinity Drive. All proceeds benefit the House of Hope ministry, which is building a home for a family in Juarez, Mexico.
New Mexico Forward Party Files Ballot Access Lawsuit
The New Mexico Forward Party filed a federal lawsuit on July 14 challenging state ballot access laws it claims are unconstitutional. The party argues that requiring candidates to submit individual petitions after party qualification is unique and unfair to voters seeking more choices.
Scenes Of Local SCA Event At Community Field Saturday
The Society for Creative Anachronism held an event at Community Field in Los Alamos on July 11, bringing together members and guests from the Kingdom of the Outlands. The local Shire of Bryngolau, serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba Counties, hosted the gathering of medieval reenactors.
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Los Alamos Reporter
Nick Boukas To Speak On Suicide And Overdoses At Aug. 6 Los Alamos Health Council Meeting
Nick Boukas, Director of the New Mexico Health Care Authority's Behavioral Health division, will speak at the Los Alamos County Health Council meeting on August 6 at noon. The discussion will focus on suicide and overdose prevention in the community.
Obituary: Jerrell ‘Jerry’ Fleming May 15, 1944 — July 7, 2026
Jerrell Paul Fleming, a longtime Los Alamos resident, passed away at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe on July 7 at age 82. Fleming was born in Anaconda, Montana in 1944 and had deep roots in the local community.
Kiwanis Club To Collect And Buy Aluminum Cans Saturday, July 18
The Los Alamos Kiwanis Club will collect and purchase aluminum cans on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church parking lot on Diamond Drive. Community members are encouraged to bring their recyclable cans to support the club's efforts.
County Invites Public To Attend Hybrid Hearings July 22 For Gas And Water Rate Increases
Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities customers are invited to public hearings on July 22 at 5:30 p.m. for proposed gas and water rate adjustments. The hybrid meeting will be held at the Municipal Building Council Chambers with remote participation available.
Los Alamos Police Department Report: July 8-14, 2026
The Los Alamos Police Department released its weekly activity report covering July 8-14, documenting incidents and calls for service during that period. The report provides information on law enforcement operations and criminal complaints filed in the community.
A Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office detective was convicted on July 10 of obstructing Drug Enforcement Administration investigations and making false statements to the FBI. The conviction came after a five-day trial in federal court.
A Santa Fe County jury has found Isaac Samson Apodaca guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the October 2022 death of Grace Jennings. The conviction came after a six-day trial with 16 witnesses presented by prosecutors.
Supreme Court Rules That Rio Rancho Police Lawfully Seized Man During 2020 Incident
The New Mexico Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that a Rio Rancho police officer had reasonable suspicion to detain a man during a 2020 residential incident. The decision clears the way for prosecutors to potentially use evidence from the lawful seizure.
Happening At SALA July 13-19, 2026
SALA is offering community entertainment this week including FIFA World Cup matches, Summer Wednesdays programming, independent and classic films, and free family events. The venue provides affordable movies and exciting sports action for all age groups.
LTE: Who Is Responsible For Ensuring We Get The Healthcare Services We Need?
A White Rock resident's opinion piece raises questions about healthcare accountability in Los Alamos, noting that community discussions often overlook the fundamental question of who is responsible for ensuring adequate local health services. The letter examines how different states approach...
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