Latest News

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
Santa Fe County residents are being offered a safe ride option for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations through the "Take A Ride on Us" program. This initiative allows residents to opt for a safe ride instead of driving under the influence during the festivities where alcohol consumption is prevalent.Residents of Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe County can avail of this option from 10 am on March 15th to 2 am on March 18th by using the code ABQGREEN24 on the Uber app to receive a credit of up to $10 off two trips. The program, which is a collaboration between...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
The Albuquerque Police Department has recently bolstered its ranks by hiring nearly 100 Police Service Aides, with a new academy class of 27 individuals commencing their training this week. Chief Harold Medina expressed his enthusiasm for the new recruits, stating, "Police Service Aides serve a key role as they assist sworn officers and take on duties like traffic control and responses to minor vehicle crashes that frees up officers to respond to more urgent calls."Chief Medina welcomed the 47th Police Service Aide class, noting that historically, the department only had...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has introduced a new initiative called the S.H.O.T Program, which utilizes data from ShotSpotter technology to proactively address gun violence in the city. The pilot program, implemented in the Southeast neighborhood, has already shown promising results with a 47% decrease in gunshot detections.Mayor Tim Keller commended the innovative approach, stating, "APD is being innovative with ShotSpotter data and utilizing this technology in a way that no other department has attempted. We are leveraging investments in technology and working...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
SANTA FE – Brain Injury Awareness Month, recognized each March, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention and improve the quality of life for those impacted by TBI. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish are recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month by promoting prevention of childhood TBI, commonly known as concussions.Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMDOH, emphasized the importance of taking precautions to protect children against traumatic brain injury, stating,...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
Santa Fe, NM – After five years of rehabilitation work at the New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) Palace of the Governors, the Museum presents “History Homecoming: Past, Present, Palace” on Sunday, April 21, 2024, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This free community event celebrates the hard work in making this beloved landmark brighter than ever, and will include interactive experiences, cultural art performances, demonstrations, and new exhibits inside the Palace."The Palace of the Governors is a nationally significant landmark with complex associations as a structure, site, symbol and...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division has confirmed that two bobcats, one in Grant County and one in Sierra County, have tested positive for rabies. One of the bobcats attacked a man near his house in Grant County, who is now receiving shots to prevent rabies. In Sierra County, a dog was attacked by the second rabid bobcat. Fortunately, the dog was up to date on his rabies vaccine, and his condition will be monitored for 45 days.According to State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps, DVM, MPH, "State law requires all dogs and cats...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Santa Fe County Planning Division is currently looking for volunteers to join the County Open Lands, Trails and Parks Advisory Committee (COLTPAC). According to the announcement, the committee is in need of individuals who are passionate about conservation and eager to contribute their expertise in the stewardship of natural and cultural resources.As reported, the primary responsibilities of the committee include providing recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on various matters related to open space, trails, and parks. This includes recommending properties...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Santa Fe County's Planning Division is set to host planning committee meetings aimed at updating the La Cienega and La Cieneguilla (LCLC) Community Plan. The County's Sustainable Growth Management Plan will guide this update. "This is your opportunity to help guide land-use rules and regulations for the future of your community," said the announcement.The kickoff planning committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the La Cienega Community Center in Santa Fe, NM. Subsequent meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of each...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
The Engineering & Road Department of Doña Ana County has announced plans to apply a fog seal on several roads in Mesilla Park starting Thursday, Mar. 14 through Friday, Mar. 22. The affected roads include San Bonifacio Arc, San Leonardo Court, San Pascual Street, Sanctuary Avenue, Santa Lucia Arcade, and Santanova Arc.According to the statement released, a fog seal is "an application of a specially formulated asphalt emulsion, or thin liquid oil to seal narrow cracks, restore some flexibility to the pavement surface and help preserve its underlying structure."In light...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Nusenda Credit Union has officially finalized the acquisition of Western Heritage Bank, marking a significant milestone for both financial institutions. The acquisition was completed on March 12, 2024, following approval from the National Credit Union Administration.In a statement, Joe Christian, President/CEO of Nusenda, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "On behalf of our board of directors and entire team, I am pleased to welcome Western Heritage customers and employees to the Nusenda family!" Christian highlighted the alignment of values between...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed appreciation for the progress made during the recent 30-day legislative session but emphasized that there is still much work to be done. Mayor Keller stated, “As the largest city in the state, we serve and care for people from all around New Mexico, which is why we need the state to step up and take care of the critical parts of the criminal justice and behavioral health systems for which they are responsible. We’ll take the wins we got and invest in a better quality of life for our families, but we will not stop pushing for the help...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Sandoval County Clerk Anne Brady-Romero has issued a reminder to prospective candidates that the deadline for filing Declarations of Candidacy for the 2024 Primary Election is fast approaching. Candidates must submit their forms on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building in Bernalillo, NM.“To be on the ballot for the June 4, 2024 Primary Election, candidates must file on March 12, 2024,” emphasized Ms. Brady-Romero.Individuals interested in running for office in Sandoval County are encouraged to review the document...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
The City of Las Cruces has announced a significant initiative to update its Land Development Code through the Realize Las Cruces project. According to a statement from the city, the project aims to regulate the use and development of land within the City limits and surrounding areas in certain cases.The project has reached a milestone as the initial draft of the revised development code is now available for public review and comment. The city has set the initial comment period to run until April 5, 2024, providing residents and stakeholders with an opportunity to offer...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Albuquerque, NM – An international team of researchers, including a research associate from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS), has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery of a new species of carnivorous amphibian that roamed the Earth nearly 300 million years ago.Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, the Executive Director of NMMNHS, highlighted the significance of the finding, stating, “Not only does this discovery increase our understanding of life before the dinosaurs, but it also demonstrates the value of international collaboration in paleontology.” He further...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
New Mexico State University is gearing up to host an exciting and educational event titled “Physics Fun Day” on March 22. The event, organized by the Physics Graduate Student Organization (PGSO), aims to engage the public in hands-on physics experiments and demonstrations.“‘Physics Fun Day’ is the fusion of learning and laughter,” said Binisha Marahatta, president of PGSO. “Our physics fun day promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave attendees inspired and eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the things around us.”The event will feature various...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
ABQ BioPark's Rozie the Elephant is expecting a baby in late 2024, much to the delight of the staff and community. "We’re thrilled about Rozie’s pregnancy," expressed Amber Alink, curator of elephants and primates. "Everyone at the BioPark is looking forward to a new calf joining our family and continuing our commitment to conserving this endangered species."The 31-year-old Rozie, who was born at the BioPark, is part of a herd that includes her mother, Alice. The pregnancy has been progressing well, with Dr. Bradford noting, "The pregnancy thus far has been healthy," and...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) homicide detectives have charged a couple in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting of a man at his apartment in Southeast Albuquerque over the weekend.James Caleb Gonzales, 26, and Destiny Pacheco, 31, are facing multiple charges including murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit murder. The pair was arrested by New Mexico State Police at Villanueva State Park near Las Vegas following the incident.According to authorities, Gonzales and Pacheco went to the victim's apartment with the intention of robbing him. Gonzales,...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 11, 2024
The Albuquerque Museum has proudly announced the acquisition of an award-winning pink teeter-totter previously installed at the U.S./Mexico border wall. The teeter-totter, a symbol of connection among citizens of both nations and societal change, has found a new home in the museum's permanent collection exhibition, Common Ground, which celebrates the artistic and cultural achievements of the U.S. Southwest.Albuquerque Museum director, Andrew Connors, expressed the museum's enthusiasm, stating, "The Teeter-Totter shook the world with its installation along the U.S./Mexico...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 11, 2024
Construction of the Northeast and Southeast Connector Roads project in Santa Fe, NM is set to resume on March 18, 2024, following its winter suspension, as announced by Santa Fe County today."Construction will commence with road paving operations on the Northeast Connector east of Richards Ave. to existing Rabbit Road," stated the county announcement. Future phases of work will be disclosed as the project progresses.Despite the winter suspension from December 15, 2023, to March 18, 2024, some work continued, allowing for crucial drainage and concrete tasks to be...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 11, 2024
In conjunction with National 311 Day, the City of Albuquerque’s 311 Community Contact Center is launching an effort to get feedback on the service it provides to residents and visitors with its annual Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey, available online now through April 11, aims to gather valuable insights to shape and enhance the services offered by 311.Carrie Prothero, the 311 Division Manager, emphasized the importance of the survey, stating, "We use the survey to learn what we are doing right so we can continue to do it, and how we can improve to better serve...