Andy Nghiem News
Bernalillo County adopting launches proactive approach to address risks of fentanyl
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 23, 2023
On Aug. 21, Bernalillo County announced its observance of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day and is joining nationwide efforts to raise awareness about the hazards of synthetic opioids. As part of these efforts, the county has launched the Keep NM Alive website to provide educational information and access to live-saving resources.
Attorney General Torrez: 'This campaign is extremely important to me and my team as we are looking for information against these bad actors that will hopefully lead to an arrest and criminal charges'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 22, 2023
On Aug. 4, 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo announced a new public awareness campaign aimed at combating behavioral health treatment scams targeting vulnerable homeless populations in New Mexico. According to a press release by the New Mexico Human Services Department, the new "Don't Be Taken For a Ride" initiative promotes utilizing the 988 crisis lifeline to report suspicious activities.
Aug. 23 launch event scheduled for Aggie-Rita lime raspberry margaritas
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 21, 2023
On Aug. 17, New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced a launch event for "Aggie-Ritas" lime raspberry margaritas. According to an NMSU press release, the launch event will take place at Little Toad Creek’s downtown Las Cruces location, 119 N. Main St.
Comadre a Comadre receives $25,000 in grant funding for cancer community support program
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 21, 2023
On August 17, 2023, the University of New Mexico (UNM) announced that the organization Comadre a Comadre has been selected for a $25,000 grant for the upcoming year from the Prevent Cancer Foundation, according to a press release. The organization was one of only 12 recipients chosen to receive grant funding.
New hardware strategy introduces potential breakthrough for quantum computing field
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 21, 2023
On Aug. 15, Los Alamos National Laboratory announced that a new theoretical approach to quantum computing hardware avoids many of the complexities present in current quantum computers and could have transformative implications. According to a press release, the breakthrough is discussed in a paper titled "Topologically protected Grover’s oracle for the partition problem," recently published in the Physical Review A journal.
Educator Fellows Program shows promise in New Mexico schools
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 21, 2023
On Aug. 17, The New Mexico Public Education Department announced that the Educator Fellows Program has grown to roughly 500 participants this year compared to 380 last year, according to a press release. Managed by the Public Education Department, the Educator Fellows NM initiative offers support to both students and educators to reduce class sizes and cultivate future educators.
DOH Cabinet Secretary Allen appoints new department leaders
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 18, 2023
On Aug. 16, Patrick Allen, the Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health, announced Dawn Sanchez's promotion to the positions of acting deputy secretary and chief operating officer. Dr. Miranda Durham has also received a promotion to Chief Medical Officer, according to an Aug. 16 press release.
Bernalillo County Manager Baca: 'We know these results would not be possible without our hardworking customer service team'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 18, 2023
Bernalillo County officials said a recent customer engagement survey conducted at BernCo @ Alvarado Square yielded favorable responses from customers and visitors entering the county building at 415 Silver Ave SW. The survey was conducted through May and focused on various aspects of the visitor experience, a county press release said.
Interim director of SWMD: 'We can’t wait to see what they come up with to celebrate our volunteers and the spirit behind this event'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 14, the City of Albuquerque introduced an art competition organized by Keep Albuquerque Beautiful, a branch of the Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD), to design the official Junk Jog t-shirt. According to a press release from the city, the Junk Jog event involves jogging while collecting litter to enhance the Bosque's cleanliness.
RoadRUNNER Transit Director Bartholomew: 'Thanks to the great work of Transit staff and all of the City departments and sections that support RoadRUNNER Transit, the FTA triennial review was a great success'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 11, the city of Las Cruces announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has completed a triennial review of its Transit Program with no identified deficiencies. According to a press release from the city, during the review of RoadRUNNER Transit and Dial-A-Ride programs, the FTA conveyed its findings to the city, marking the first instance in over 21 years that RoadRUNNER Transit has undergone an FTA assessment without any noted deficiencies.
NMSU student and Miss New Mexico prepares run to 'make history and become the first woman from the Land of Enchantment to win the Miss America title'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 14, New Mexico State University (NMSU) revealed that student, Lianna Hartshorn, won the Miss New Mexico pageant and will participate in the upcoming Miss America competition. According to an NMSU press release, holding the title of Miss New Mexico, Lianna Hartshorn is dedicated to empowering children and women, with plans to extend her mission across the country.
Sen. Heinrich: 'New Mexico has always been at the forefront of scientific advancements'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 15, the University of New Mexico (UNM) announced that a researcher from its School of Engineering is leading a project among the 15 nationwide initiatives granted $11 million by the U.S. Department of Energy. According to a UNM press release, these endeavors, including the one led by UNM, will focus on pioneering research for high-performance science, harnessing emerging technologies such as advanced computing, extensive datasets, scientific machine learning, artificial intelligence, and innovative computing designs.
City of Albuquerque negotiates payments to Independent Monitoring Team for 'a reasonable amount based on the expected workload'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 12, the City of Albuquerque announced that it has successfully negotiated a 30% reduction in payments to the Independent Monitoring Team responsible for overseeing the Court Approved Settlement Agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and APD. According to a press release, the Monitoring Team's latest report indicated that APD achieved 92% operational compliance under the settlement agreement, highlighting the progress made in this regard.
Albuquerque PTAs recognized for work to create 'an environment where families feel welcomed, included and empowered to support their child’s success and where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 10, Albuquerque Public Schools announced that the Chaparral Elementary PTA has received national recognition for its dedicated efforts to foster strong family-school partnerships. According to a press release, the Chaparral Elementary PTA was one of three groups nationally chosen by the National PTA to receive the prestigious Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit, highlighting their exceptional commitment.
Prof. Windorff: 'It’s important to understand the electronic structure of metals so we can design more efficient catalysts for industrial processes'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 11, 2023, New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced that Cory Windorff, an assistant professor of inorganic chemistry at NMSU, has been named among 93 early-career scientists nationwide to be awarded cumulative research funding of $135 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), covering a diverse range of research subjects. According to a press release by NMSU, these grants are part of the 2023 Early Career Research Program and benefit recipients from 47 universities and 12 DOE national laboratories, including Windorff, who secured the grant through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
Fire Chief Jaramillo: 'Deputy Chief Sotelo and Deputy Chief Marrufo bring the experience, innovation, dedication, and commitment to AFR’s staff required to serve the department and the community in the roles of Human Resources, Logistics, and Finance'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 10, 2023, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo announced the promotion of two Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) members to the position of Deputy Chief, filling positions left vacant due to retirements. According to a press release, in their new roles, the deputy chiefs will work to improve the department's internal operations to continue delivering exceptional emergency services to the community.
Superintendent Chavez announces new principal of César Chávez Elementary School: 'Her leadership will further ensure high expectations for all students'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 8, Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez announced the appointment of Maeghan McCormick as principal of César Chávez Elementary School. According to a press release, McCormick, an English language coach in SFPS’ Language & Culture Department since 2019, has been appointed to leverage her proficiency in language acquisition to benefit César Chávez, a school where 58 percent of its students are English Language Learners (ELLs).
Mayor Keller: 'This type of public/private investment in revitalization is a great example of how, working together, we are continuing to bring the promise of Albuquerque to fruition'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 7, 2023, Mayor Tim Keller and other Albuquerque officials announced a partnership between the Department of Arts & Culture (DAC) and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA). According to a press release from the city, the Revamp Route 66: Sign Improvement Grant Program aims to invest $432,000 into a sign improvement project for Route 66 along Central Avenue in Albuquerque.
Sen. Heinrich: 'The scale of the opioid crisis demands that we tackle it with every available strategy'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 4, 2023, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández announced $1,524,625 in federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Santa Fe Recovery Center, Inc. According to a press release, this funding aims to address the opioid epidemic and substance abuse issues in local communities.
Parks and Recreation Director Simon: 'The field will provide years of benefits to the Albuquerque community and Metro area'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 4, 2023, the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) announced that Albuquerque's indoor turf field has been relocated to EXPO New Mexico. According to a press release by the city, the transfer marks the culmination of a COVID-era agreement between Albuquerque and the Rio Rancho Event Center.