New Mexico Sun News


City of Albuquerque adopts comprehensive Food Safety and Retail Ordinance for enhanced public health and safety

The Albuquerque City Council voted to adopt the updated Food Safety and Retail Ordinance (FSO), replacing existing food safety ordinances. Dr. Mark DiMenna stated, “This will help further our mission to ensure the highest level of food safety protection to our community.” Mayor Tim Keller added, “We’re ensuring that our families can focus on enjoying their meals safely and confidently.” City Councilor Brook Bassan noted, “Bringing our food code in line with state, county, and national standards is a significant step forward.” The new ordinance, effective August 1, 2024,...


Road repair scheduled for northern part of County

The Doña County Road Department will begin chip sealing roads in the northern part of the County from Monday, May 13 to Friday, May 31. The roads will stay open but traffic will be reduced to one lane. Motorists are advised to follow road signs and traffic control. District 5 county roads to be repaired include Knight Rd, Garfield, Fort McRae Rd, Radium Springs, and others. Chip seal is applied to protect the pavement and enhance safety.


Educational Leadership Program celebrates record graduates

UNM’s College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) is celebrating an extraordinary achievement with its Educational Leadership Program this May. The 2024 spring cohort has set a remarkable milestone, being one of the largest educational leadership groups in the country, boasting 25 different students achieving various accomplishments from UNM’s Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy (TEELP).Educational Leadership Program Associate Professor Shawn Secatero expressed his pride and admiration for the students, stating, "We are honored and extremely...


College of Education & Human Sciences commended in recent state-sponsored review

The College of Education & Human Sciences at the University of New Mexico has been commended in a recent state-sponsored review for its teacher preparation programs. The review, conducted by two Teacher Preparation Inspection evaluators (TPI-US) in support of the State of New Mexico’s literacy pilot program, highlighted the college's commitment to structured literacy and evidence-based practices.


More on Medical Assistants (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Health Care Workers Week is a chance to recognize health care teams who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of their fellow community members. A vivid reminder of their dedication happened during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when countless lives and careers were turned upside down, and health care workers’ demands were multiplied in unprecedented ways. It was during that time of uncertainty when UNM Health team member Valerie Miles was determined to press forward in her field, even if it meant shifting to a new role.


Recent UNM Graduate Makes Strides in Physical Education and Diversity

Martin Vasquez, a recent graduate from the University of New Mexico (UNM), is making strides in the field of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE). Vasquez, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy in PETE, is passionate about teaching and bringing diversity to the education sector.


Inspiring nursing student overcomes challenges to graduate and make a difference

"Ashley McMains is not only a nursing student; she's also a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of determination. Graduating from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Ashley's journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs alike, shaping her into an exceptional individual ready to make a profound impact in the health care field. Throughout her academic tenure, McMains’ commitment to excellence and service has been evident. Engaging in various leadership roles, such as serving as the Partnership Chair...


City of Albuquerque Receives $1.7 Million for Energy Efficiency Program Expansion

The City of Albuquerque’s Community Energy Efficiency (CEE) project has been awarded $1.7 million from The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to expand its energy efficiency improvement and retrofit work in our frontline communities. Through CEE, income-qualified homeowners in Albuquerque receive free energy audits and retrofit plans to create significant energy savings and increase safety and comfort for homeowners.


Albuquerque Museum Presents 'Focus on Youth

The Albuquerque Museum is currently showcasing "Focus on Youth," an annual juried exhibition featuring photographs and films created by high school students from the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). Running from now until June 2, the exhibition includes nearly 100 photographs and short films showcasing a variety of techniques such as silver print, digital, and special techniques in photography, art books, and digital film.


May is a time to celebrate New Mexico’s Nurses

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has officially recognized May as National Nurses Month, with a special emphasis on May 6-12 being National Nurses Week. In a statement, Patrick Allen, NMHealth Secretary, expressed his gratitude towards all nurses, especially those working for the department, saying, "The difference they make every day is incalculable."The theme for this year's Nurses Week is "Nurses Make the Difference," aiming to highlight the significant contributions and positive impact nurses have on communities. Heather Black, Chief Nurse for NMHealth’s...


Critical Approaches to Place focuses student research on community

New Mexico State University graduate student Esperanza Chairez Uriarte recently collaborated with community members in Las Cruces to create a zine titled “A New Zine Atlas of Las Cruces.” The zine, which explores the history and future of the area, was the result of a three-year curriculum funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.Chairez, who is pursuing a master’s degree in geography and environmental studies, emphasized the importance of community collaboration in the project. She explained, “The zine came together as a multi-vocal and creative exploration of...


City Councilor Ken Sanchez Honored with Community Pillar Unveiling

City Councilor Klarissa Peña, City Officials, and the Guardians of the Children Unveil the Ken Sanchez Community Pillar on Civic Plaza


NMSU Honors Public Health Heroes at Ninth Annual Awards Ceremony

New Mexico State University’s Department of Public Health Sciences recently held its ninth annual Public Health Heroes Awards ceremony to recognize individuals making significant contributions to public health. The event, led by Humaira Rahman, assistant professor of public health sciences, coincided with National Public Health Week in early April.One of the honorees, Candyce Luna, an alumna of NMSU and an integrated operational support team manager at Holloman Air Force Base, was awarded the Individual Award for her work in building military health with innovative...


County in New Mexico Seeks Applicants for CRRUA Board

Doña Ana County seeks applicants to serve on the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority Board which oversees CRRUA. The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners, BOCC will accept applications through June 5.


NMSU Agricultural Field Days Commence at Leyendecker Research Center on May 22

New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station is set to launch its annual field day season at the Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center on May 22. The event will offer attendees the opportunity to delve into various research areas, including long-term soil health, guayule crops, chile breeding for mechanization, and agrivoltaics to safeguard chile crops from curly top.John Idowu, NMSU Extension agronomy specialist, highlighted that scientists at the center will be on hand to address inquiries related to ongoing research. He mentioned, "Information and...


County in New Mexico Seeks Applicants for Animal Services Center Board

Doña Ana County seeks two applicants to serve on the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley Board and will accept applications through June 5. The Animal Services Center is governed by the ASCMV Board of Directors which will consist of eight members, four appointed by the County and four appointed by the City of Las Cruces. Four appointees will be elected officials, two from each entity. The other two board members will be members of the public who reside in Doña Ana County. The ASCMV Board meets at 9 a.m. on a Thursday, quarterly at the City of Las Cruces City Hall,...


UNM Spring Commencement to Feature U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland

The University of New Mexico is gearing up for its Spring Commencement ceremony scheduled for May 11, 2024. This year's commencement will see nearly 3,000 students graduating from various degree programs across different campuses. The event will take place at University Arena, The Pit, starting at 9 a.m.In a statement, it was emphasized that "Commencement is a time for celebration, recognition and reflection. It’s a tradition that marks the intersection of the past and the future." The ceremony will honor students receiving doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate...


Monica Etsitty-Dorame: A Tale of Tenacity and Achievement

Monica Etsitty-Dorame, an inspiring graduate, has defied odds and embraced challenges to achieve her dreams. With roots in Diné culture, Etsitty-Dorame embodies the saying, ‘T'áá hó'ájitéégóó, t'éiyá,’ emphasizing self-determination and hard work as key drivers of success.Having worked at Zimmerman Library for 35 years, Etsitty-Dorame's journey to earning a Doctorate in Philosophy in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences (OILS) is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Reflecting on her accomplishments, she acknowledges the importance of persistence,...


UNM Health Celebrates Health Care Workers Week

In a show of gratitude and appreciation, The University of New Mexico Health System is commemorating Health Care Workers Week from May 6 -12, 2024. The week is dedicated to honoring the tireless efforts and invaluable contributions of the healthcare professionals within the UNM Health System.Expressing his admiration for the diverse team at UNM Health, Doug Ziedonis, MD, MPH, EVP of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of UNM Health System, stated, “I am so humbled and honored to work with such a diverse group of learners, educators, providers, collaborators, researchers,...


UNM College of Nursing: Celebrating our Nurses

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing, in celebration of National Nurses Week, highlights the dedication and passion of nurses in various facets of the profession. Dean Carolyn Montoya emphasized the importance of recognizing nurses year-round, stating, “Nurses are foundational to health care in both New Mexico and beyond. It is vital that we support those dedicated to this field, whether they be active professionals, students, educators, retired, or a combination thereof.”Sharia Betsoi, a student in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at UNM...