New Mexico Sun Report News


Walker: 'Field school helps students decide if this field is for them'

New Mexico State University (NMSU) students engaged in the Archaeological Field School, a comprehensive 6-week and 6-credit summer field research program offered by NMSU's anthropology department and supported by the College of Arts and Sciences. This educational initiative took the students to Cottonwood Spring Pueblo, providing them with practical experience and valuable insights into the realm of archaeology according to a July 18 press release by NMSU.


Sen. Luján: 'I’m introducing bipartisan legislation that allows the Secretary of Agriculture to remove costs share requirements and ensure local communities are not left to fend for themselves during their recovery'

On July 18, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced the Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act. The proposed legislation seeks to empower the Secretary of Agriculture to waive all cost-share requirements for U.S. forest landowners and managers affected by wildland fires.


Gutzler: 'Our hope is that studies like ours can help inform policymakers about their best options in this contentious discussion'

On July 19, the University of New Mexico (UNM) announced a study conducted by David Gutzler, professor in the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, and UNM students, in collaboration with other regional universities led by the University of Texas-El Paso. The study investigated the potential impacts of different intervention scenarios on agricultural water supplies in the Rio Grande Valley downstream of Elephant Butte Reservoir.


Sen. Luján: 'I’m proud to welcome over $9 million in federal grants to help modernize infrastructure at six airports across New Mexico'

On July 19, a group of NM lawmakers announced $9.32 million in funding to address various infrastructure requirements at six airports. The investment will be utilized for runway repairs, the construction of equipment buildings, and other essential improvements in airports across New Mexico according to a July 19 press release.


Sen. Heinrich: 'This expanded coverage will ensure Medicare beneficiaries receive a diagnosis sooner and enable early treatment'

On July 19, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich, Edward J. Markey, and Shelley Moore Capito commended the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for responding positively to their call to increase coverage for amyloid PET scans. The decision will provide enhanced access to amyloid PET scans for patients of Alzheimer's disease, benefiting diagnosis and treatment options in the country.


Heinrich, Luján: 'Xochitl Torres Small is a respected leader and dedicated public servant, and her confirmation marks a proud day for New Mexico'

On July 11, 2023, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued a statement expressing their support for the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They described her as a respected leader and dedicated public servant, and her confirmation was hailed as a proud moment for the state of New Mexico according to a press release by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján.


Luján: 'Consumers deserve the ability to make informed decisions online without wading through confusing pages of legal jargon'

U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and U.S. Representative Lori Trahan (MA-03) have reintroduced the TLDR Act on July 11, 2023. This legislation seeks to require commercial websites and mobile apps to provide a simplified, readable, and easily accessible summary of their terms-of-service agreements according to a press release.


Heinrich: 'Renaming the VA Clinic in Gallup is one important way we can continue to honor Hershey Miyamura’s courageous actions'

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján celebrated the unanimous vote in the Senate approving their legislation to rename the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Gallup, New Mexico, as the Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura VA Clinic.


Heinrich: 'I’m proud to join this bipartisan legislation to make sure our nation’s heroes can access the companionship and therapeutic support of service dogs'

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich collaborated with Senators Thom Tillis, Richard Blumenthal and Kevin Cramer to introduce the bipartisan Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act on June 29, 2023.


Luján: 'Now it’s time to build on that momentum and continue our movement for justice and compensation for New Mexico’s downwinders and uranium workers'

U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján and Mike Crapo, along with U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández and James Moylan, have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at bolstering the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).


Luján, Schiff, Klobuchar: 'Deceptive ads created by generative AI can similarly allow candidates to fraudulently misrepresent themselves, disrupting the democratic processes that serve our country'

On July 13, 2023, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar co-wrote a joint letter urging the Federal Election Commission to reconsider its decision on AI-generated campaign advertisements.


Luján: 'New Mexico has a proud legacy of service and it’s our duty to honor and commemorate our veterans and their families'

On July 13, 2023, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich introduced the New Mexico Veteran Burial Dignity and Honor Act, a legislation aimed at honoring and commemorating U.S. veterans with dignity and respect.


Chief commercial officer of Solar project: 'Important part of New Mexico’s transition to state of the art, cost-effective renewable energy'

D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments closed with lenders and launched construction on its San Juan 1 solar energy project, the company announced on July 11.


Lilley: 'CLSA recognizes that neurodiverse individuals are at risk of being misunderstood'

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) recently introduced a new program called the Career and Life Skills Academy (CLSA), which has a focus on assisting neurodiverse individuals in identifying and pursuing life aspirations. Neurodiverse individuals ar people with developmental disabilities, according to a report by the Las Cruces Bulletin on July 6.


CNM President Harzler: 'We look forward to educating and training thousands and thousands of future skilled trades workers right here on this site'

About 200 people gathered at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) for a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday marking the beginning construction of a new trades facility. According to a release by CNM on June 29, the new facility will be about 61,500 square feet in size.


Cottrell Propst: 'Today we’re pursuing the maximum penalties EMNRD is allowed to assess by law'

Ameredev, a Texas-based oil and gas company operating in the Permian Basin, has been fined over $40 million by New Mexico State agencies for alleged violations of air quality regulations. EMNRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst emphasized that they are pursuing the maximum penalties allowed by law in this case according to NM Political Report.


Gov. Lujan Grisham: 'This funding empowers New Mexico to continue to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for our residents'

On Jun 26, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the state will receive more than $675 million in federal assistance to expand broadband access. The governor highlighted the significance of the funding stating that it enables New Mexico to address the digital divide and promote equitable opportunities for its residents.


Devasthali: 'I am confident the efforts of this entire committee will lead to the selection of an outstanding new president for NMSU'

On July 14, 2023, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents presented an update on the ongoing search for their next leader, confirming that the selected candidate would serve as the university's president, not a chancellor.


Sen. Campos: 'While our communities continue the daily struggle to recover and rebuild after the devastating Calf Canyon and Hermit’s Peak Fire, the aid from Senate Bill 6 is proving to be an essential funding source as we await federal reimbursement'

On June 28, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the approval of $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties. The allocated funds will go towards the repair and replacement of public infrastructure that sustained damage during the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.


Medina: 'This 5% raise with another 4% next year sends a strong message that we support our officers. They deserve all the support we can give them'

On July 14, the City of Albuquerque announced a 5% pay increase for APD officers, which will be followed by an additional 4% raise the following year. APD Chief Harold Medina expressed his support for this initiative, stating that the raises send a powerful message demonstrating the city's support for its officers.