Los Alamos Daily Digest Monday, August 24, 2026
Ty's Take
The Frijoles Fire is at 45 percent containment as of Sunday, and that's progress worth noting on the plateau, but the news came with a hard reminder that fighting fire in these mountains costs more than sweat and equipment. A member of the fire support team died during the incident Sunday, and that loss sits different when you live in a place like this, where Cerro Grande and Las Conchas aren't just history lessons. Meanwhile, the state's unemployment rate sits at 4.8 percent, which tells you the Lab and its supporting economy are humming along, but it also tells you something else: folks around here are mostly working, which means they're mostly not on the fire lines. The people doing that work are coming from elsewhere, and sometimes they don't go home. That matters enough to say out loud.
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Los Alamos Daily Post
New Mexico Unemployment Rate: 4.8% In July 2026
New Mexico's unemployment rate held steady at 4.8 percent in July, up from 4.0 percent a year earlier, while the nation's rate dropped to 4.1 percent. The state added 6,700 nonagricultural jobs over the past year, with private sector gains offset by public sector losses.
Posts From The Road: Cabrillo National Monument And Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Cabrillo National Monument near San Diego, California honors the first European expedition to reach the U.S. west coast and features the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which guided ships into San Diego harbor from 1855 to 1891.
Obituary: Richard A. Wiley Jan. 20, 2026
Richard A. Wiley, a Los Alamos National Laboratory and IBM veteran who passed away January 20, 2026, at age 91, was remembered for his love of opera and science fiction. The California-born Air Force veteran enjoyed sharing musical experiences at Santa Fe Opera and cross-country travels with his...
Another Successful Los Alamos Backpack Drive For Albuquerque Refugee Community
Interfaith Los Alamos completed its eighth annual backpack drive for the Albuquerque refugee community, collecting over 45 backpacks filled with school supplies and 600 dollars in gift cards. Lutheran Family Services received the donations to support refugee students in the region.
New Mexico State Fair To Hold National Anthem Auditions
The 2026 New Mexico State Fair is seeking singers or small groups to perform the national anthem at PRCA events during the fair in Albuquerque. Selected performers will have the opportunity to sing before thousands of people inside Tingley Coliseum during one of seven rodeo events scheduled at the...
Frijoles Fire Sunday Update: 15,220 Acres, 45% Contained
The Frijoles Fire burning in the Pecos Wilderness east of Pojoaque and north of Santa Fe had consumed 15,220 acres with 45 percent containment as of Sunday. Rotak personnel at Los Alamos County Airport continued to service helicopters supporting firefighting efforts.
County Boards And Commissions: Called To Service
A Los Alamos County Council candidate discusses the importance of serving on county boards and commissions, citing the rewards of understanding local government and building relationships with staff and elected officials. Service opportunities extend to the UNM-LA Advisory Board, co-op boards, and...
Mountaineers Presents ‘The Wind Rivers – Off-Trail’ Aug. 25
The Los Alamos Mountaineers will present a talk on August 25 featuring photography and stories from the Wind Rivers in western Wyoming. Guest speaker Tanja Pietra will discuss off-trail mountaineering experiences in the region.
Fr. Glenn: What Holds The Future?
A local religious leader reflects on cultural and demographic changes facing the nation, noting recent debates over mosque construction in Albuquerque as part of broader discussions about religious and political shifts in America. The commentary raises questions about how society will adapt to...
Video: Councilor Melanee Hand Discusses Aug. 18 Work Session
Los Alamos County Councilor Melanee Hand discussed the details of the August 18 Council work session in a video briefing. The councilor provided an update on topics addressed during the Tuesday meeting.
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Los Alamos Reporter
The California Interagency Incident Management Team 8 announced the death of an incident support crew member on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a medical emergency while working on the Frijoles Fire. Emergency personnel responded immediately, though the patient could not be saved.
First Judicial District Judge Anastasia Martin ordered Tim Pacheco to spend the weekend in the Los Alamos County Detention Center after determining he had willfully violated his 24/7 house arrest condition. Pacheco was ordered to check in Friday at noon and remain until Monday at 9 a.m.
LTE: Los Alamos County Boards And Commissions – Called To Service
A Los Alamos County Council candidate outlines the value of serving on local boards and commissions, sharing his experience as a current member of four county boards. The candidate emphasizes the community impact and personal rewards that come from participation in local governance.
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