By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
Albuquerque, you did it! Thanks to the support of the community and everyone who voted, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden has secured its spot on the list of Best Botanical Gardens. The prestigious recognition comes after previous acknowledgments from the Travel Channel, Trip Advisor, and other platforms that have lauded the garden as among the best in the nation.The news was met with excitement and gratitude from the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, with a spokesperson stating, "Albuquerque, you did it! Thanks to the support of the community and everyone who voted, we secured...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
The City of Albuquerque has announced a new funding opportunity aimed at creating affordable housing through the conversion of hotel and office buildings in and around the International District. Mayor Tim Keller expressed the city's commitment to affordable housing, stating, “We’re putting our money where our mouth is to make sure we’re creating housing for Albuquerque families.”The Request for Proposals (RFP) offers up to $4 million dollars to support housing projects that add affordable units in key Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas. District 6 Councilor Nichole Rodgers...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
A total of 38 major-party candidates have submitted their declarations to run for their respective offices for the 2024 Primary Election in Doña Ana County. The filing took place on Tuesday, March 12, at the Doña Ana County Government Center, as mandated by NM Stat 1-8-26.The candidates who filed included individuals running for non-federal, statewide, and countywide positions such as State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, Magistrate Court Judge, County Clerk, County Treasurer, and County Commissioner. Candidates running for Federal offices had filed...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
The New Mexico Colorectal Cancer Screening ECHO Program has been launched to raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening in the state. The program, a joint effort between the New Mexico Department of Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Program, UNM’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society (ACS), and Project ECHO, aims to train and mentor healthcare providers across New Mexico.Dr. Prajakta Adsul from the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center emphasized the need for collaboration with a health equity lens to increase screening rates, stating,...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
4th graders at Zia Elementary School were treated to an interactive field trip with the City of Albuquerque, hosted by Mayor Tim Keller at Civic Plaza on Thursday morning. The event aimed to provide students with a firsthand experience of how the city operates and the various departments within it.Representatives from Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Solid Waste Management, Sustainability, and the ABQ BioPark joined Mayor Keller to showcase their work and engage the students. The interactive sessions included demonstrations from three police cars,...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
Students from Albuquerque’s 21st Century Public Academy recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history at the Coronado Historic Site. The visit took place on March 14, 2024, where the students explored the beauty of the location and had the chance to visit Kuaua Pueblo, a structure built by the Tiwa People over 700 years ago.During their visit, the students engaged in various activities, including grinding corn, learning about traditional gardening methods, and touring the painted kiva. The experience provided them with a glimpse into the rich cultural...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, alongside Councilor Brook Bassan, signed O-24-1 into law today, aiming to enhance the safety and quality of life in neighborhoods by streamlining the process for demolishing unsafe structures. The ordinance focuses on removing unsafe commercial buildings, accessory structures, and dwellings unfit for human habitation.According to Mayor Keller, dilapidated buildings pose significant risks to communities, attracting criminal activities, causing issues for neighbors, and draining city resources. Keller emphasized the city's commitment to...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding a possible quorum at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session. According to the board, "A quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be in attendance at the Albuquerque Police Academy, 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, regarding the Citizen Police Academy."However, it has been clarified that "No Board business will be discussed at the Citizen Police Academy training on March 19, 2024." The training is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, starting...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
Albuquerque’s scenic West Mesa is set to become a hub for film and television production with the development of Mesa Film Studios (MFS) on City-owned property along Atrisco Vista Blvd. The first phase of the project, with an estimated capital investment of $57 million on a 60-acre site, is expected to create numerous job opportunities and have a significant economic impact.Mayor Tim Keller expressed gratitude for the partnerships that have facilitated the project, stating, “Film and TV production is happening in full force in Albuquerque... This major development on the...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
A recent study has shed light on the unique play dynamics within chimpanzee communities, particularly emphasizing the crucial role of mother chimpanzees in fostering their offspring's development. Conducted by researchers Kris Sabbi and Zarin Machanda, the study focused on the play behavior of wild chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda. The findings, published in Current Biology, reveal intriguing insights into the social interactions and nurturing behaviors of these primates.The study highlighted that while adult chimpanzees typically engage in play, the dynamics...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
The University Art Museum at New Mexico State University is gearing up to showcase the talent of its students in the upcoming Juried Student Show, which will feature more than 30 works from various student artists. This year's juror, El Paso-born artist Celia Álvarez Muñoz, carefully selected 32 works from 28 different NMSU students for the exhibition.Speaking about the selection process, Álvarez Muñoz expressed her pleasure in seeing a diverse range of thought-provoking statements translated into strong works of art in various mediums by NMSU students. She emphasized the...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
The City of Albuquerque unveiled its five-year financial forecast covering fiscal years 2024 through 2028, aiming to provide insight into future revenues and expenditures. This tool, created annually, projects a return to historical growth post-pandemic, considering factors like the phasing out of food and medical hold harmless payments. While a slight deficit is expected, the City plans to address it through strategic program reviews and adjustments.Chief Financial Officer Kevin Sourisseau emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating, "We will adapt to...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
In a recent development, the ABQ BioPark has welcomed Triton, a male Malayan tiger, to its Asia habitat. Triton, who will be turning four in May, arrived from his birthplace at Palm Beach Zoo in late February. The new resident is currently acclimating to his surroundings and will soon be introduced to Arya, a 10-year-old female tiger.Assistant Mammal Curator Casey provided insight into the distinguishing features of Triton and Arya, stating, "If you are wondering which tiger you are looking at as you explore Asia: Triton is larger and has a trident-shaped marking over his...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is gearing up to welcome the public to its fifth annual ACES Open House on Saturday, April 6. The event, set to take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the Las Cruces campus, promises a day filled with educational and interactive activities for attendees of all ages.“This is an opportunity for the Las Cruces and NMSU communities to catch a glimpse of the activities our students, faculty and staff engage in,” expressed College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores Galarza. “This event highlights...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The Santa Fe County Growth Management Department in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is currently seeking interested members of the general public from Commission District 5 to serve on the Planning Commission for the remainder of a current term beginning in April of 2024 and ending in January of 2025.Commission Members are responsible for attending monthly public hearings on the 3rd Thursday of every month. According to the announcement, Planning Commission members listen to County staff recommendations, project application presentations, and testimony from the public. The Planning...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
Doña Ana County, NM - The southern region of Doña Ana County welcomed the official opening of the new Fire Station 2 located at 3230 Anthony Drive in Anthony, NM. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, March 13, marked the presence of a hub for training and infrastructure for the southern part of Doña Ana County."This station represents a huge milestone for us, and especially the services we can provide for Doña Ana County," stated Fire Chief Shannon Cherry. "Over the next few weeks, the final touches will be added, with an expected full...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The University of New Mexico Hospital Lifeguard Team prioritizes patient safety through quarterly training simulations that prepare them for unexpected and high-pressure situations. Amy Armbruster, an RN, CCRN, CFRN, NRP, FPC, who serves as a flight nurse and educator for UNM Hospital Lifeguard, highlighted the unique nature of their training, stating, "No other team, no other nurse, medic or flight physician is going to get this training anywhere else."During a recent training session, Armbruster described a scenario as a "pediatric mass casualty event," where first...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
Doña Ana County is actively seeking residents to join the Planning and Zoning Commission, a vital board responsible for reviewing land-use and development matters. The commission currently has four seats available for interested individuals, and applications will be accepted until Friday, April 5th.According to the announcement, "Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday, April 5 for the four seats currently available on the commission." Successful applicants will serve on the commission for two-year staggered terms, as stated, "Planning and Zoning Commission...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The University of New Mexico has solidified its dedication to sustainability by becoming a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Anne Jakle, UNM's director of Sustainability, emphasized the university's commitment by stating, "UNM’s strong commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its 2040 Strategic Framework, specifically Goal 4, Sustainability."AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser expressed gratitude for UNM's partnership, stating, "AASHE counts on the support of progressive institutions like The...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences (CULLS) is set to benefit from a significant boost following a generous $1 million donation from Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman. The donation aims to establish two new endowments that will enhance academic and professional development opportunities within the college.Leo Lo, the dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am profoundly moved by the generosity of Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman. Their million-dollar donation marks a pivotal moment in the...
