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‘Oppenheimer’ fanfare likely to fuel record attendance at New Mexico’s Trinity atomic bomb test site

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‘Oppenheimer’ fanfare likely to fuel record attendance at New Mexico’s Trinity atomic bomb test site


WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (AP) — Thousands of visitors are expected to descend Saturday on the southern New Mexico site where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated, with officials preparing for a record turnout amid ongoing fanfare surrounding Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film, “ Oppenheimer.”

Trinity Site, a designated National Historic Landmark, is usually closed to the public because of its proximity to the impact zone for missiles fired at White Sands Missile Range. But twice a year, in April and October, the site opens to spectators.

This may be the first time gaining entry will be like getting a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

White Sands officials warned online that the wait to enter the gates could be as long as two hours. No more than 5,000 visitors are expected to make it within the window between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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Visitors also are being warned to come prepared as Trinity Site is in a remote area with limited Wi-Fi and no cell service or restrooms.

“Oppenheimer,” the retelling of the work of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the top-secret Manhattan Project during World War II, was a summer box office smash. Scientists and military officials established a secret city in Los Alamos during the 1940s and tested their work at the Trinity Site some 200 miles (322 kilometers) away.

Part of the film’s success was due to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon in which filmgoers made a double feature outing of the “Barbie” movie and “Oppenheimer.”

While the lore surrounding the atomic bomb has become pop culture fodder, it was part of a painful reality for residents who lived downwind of Trinity Site. The Tularosa Basin Downwinders plan to protest outside the gates to remind visitors about a side of history they say the movie failed to acknowledge.

The group says the U.S. government never warned residents about the testing. Radioactive ash contaminated soil and water. Rates of infant mortality, cancer and other illnesses increased. There are younger generations dealing with health issues now, advocates say.

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The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium has worked with the Union of Concerned Scientists and others for years to bring attention to the Manhattan Project’s impact. A new documentary by filmmaker Lois Lipman, “First We Bombed New Mexico,” made its world premiere Friday at the Santa Fe International Film Festival.

The notoriety from “Oppenheimer” has been embraced in Los Alamos, more than 200 miles (321 kilometers) north of the Tularosa Basin. About 200 locals, many of them Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, were extras in the film, and the city hosted an Oppenheimer Festival in July.





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New Mexico

City of Rio Rancho cuts ribbon on new solar farm

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City of Rio Rancho cuts ribbon on new solar farm


The City of Vision is making major moves with renewable energy. This comes after city leaders cut the ribbon on a solar farm project years in the making.

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The City of Vision is making major moves with renewable energy after city leaders cut the ribbon on a solar farm project years in the making.

“That is an incredible $850 million investment in the City of Rio Rancho. That is the portion of Rio Rancho that does go into Bernalillo County,” said Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull. 

Hull is talking about the new Atrisco Solar Facility near Double Eagle Airport. The one-of-a-kind 364-megawatt complex will supply electricity to PNM customers. 

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“This was 2,300 acres of property, the largest solar farm and battery solar facility of it’s type in the state of New Mexico, and one of the largest in the United States,” said Hull. 

Hull says this shows Rio Rancho is serious about renewable energy as a power source for homes and businesses. 

“In this particular case it takes a giant step forward because this particular solar farm will be able to generate enough energy to support 110,000 homes. That is double the amount of homes that are in Rio Rancho right now,” Hull said. 

The City of Rio Rancho worked with regional partners and investors to bring this solar farm to life. Six years later, the mayor says it was worth it to see the project through. 

“This speaks to the fact that we are here, we are open for business, and we’re trying to attract industries of all types to make sure we diversify our economy, and make sure there are opportunities for everybody,” said Hull. 

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Revenue from the solar facility will go toward Rio Rancho Public Schools.



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New Mexico

Duke, former New Mexico State RB Star Thomas makes next career move

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Duke, former New Mexico State RB Star Thomas makes next career move


Duke running back Star Thomas has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. He has at least one year of eligibility remaining.

Thomas began his college career playing at Coffeyville Community College. He then transferred to New Mexico State and played multiple seasons there before playing the 2024 season with Duke.

This post will be updated.



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New Mexico

Light rain and snow showers possible for parts of New Mexico

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Light rain and snow showers possible for parts of New Mexico


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – An upper level low pressure system is exiting eastward out of New Mexico and into Texas. 

A few low clouds and some areas of fog may linger in portions of northern and eastern New Mexico through the mid-morning, but clearing conditions will take hold before noon.

However, additional weaker weather disturbances will bring a few more light rain and snow showers again late Thursday into Friday, mainly over northern New Mexico.

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