New Mexico Sun


New Mexico state Rep. Armstrong disagrees with education changes: ‘we know that a one-size-fits all approach is wrong for our students’

The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) has recently proposed several rule changes for public schools in the state, including one that could implement a five-day instructional week. This proposal has ignited controversy, with officials such as State Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-New Mexico), expressing their opposition, arguing that it fails to consider the diverse needs of the state's school districts.


Sarah Smith, New Mexico Freedoms Alliance: ‘Student behavior problems are also causing teacher burnout’

An open letter, representing the concerns of over 200 New Mexico teachers and school personnel, was recently drafted by Sarah Smith of the New Mexico Freedoms Alliance. Addressed to New Mexico Education Secretary Arsenio Romero, the letter highlights a multitude of issues that educators face daily, with a particular emphasis on the pervasive violence in New Mexico schools.


City of Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board met Nov. 14

City of Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board met Tuesday, Nov. 14


City of Santa Fe Public Library Board met Dec. 19

City of Santa Fe Public Library Board met Tuesday, Dec. 19


UNM College of Nursing receives $1.6m for scholarships

UNM Health Sciences has announced that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) will be donating a $1.6 million gift to support The University of New Mexico College of Nursing. This generous contribution will aid in supporting Accelerated 2nd Degree Bachelor of Science (ABSN) students, advanced practice Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, and facilitate the creation of an endowed faculty professorship within the college.


UNM professor granted research funding by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for intersectionality study

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced a $110,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The funding is intended for a yearlong study on how universities use intersectionality in data collection to understand complex inequalities in higher education and other policy areas. The research, co-led by Dr. Nancy López of UNM, Dr. Yasmiyn Irizarry from the University of Texas-Austin, and Dr. Edward Vargas from Arizona State University, seeks to examine the concurrent impact of race, gender, and class as categories of experience.


Bernalillo County receives $640,000 homeland security grant

Bernalillo County has been named the recipient of a $640,000 grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program. This competitive award is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and overseen by the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The funds will be utilized to bolster professional development training and aid in the maintenance and procurement of vital emergency response equipment.


MFA greenlights three service providers for ROC program

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has announced that its board of directors has approved three service providers for the Restoring Our Communities (ROC) program. Alongside this decision, the board also endorsed a modification to the ROC Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), allowing experienced service providers to undertake up to five projects concurrently. This announcement was made on January 8th.


UNM acknowledged for employee-friendly workplace and educational support

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has received platinum-level recognition from Family Friendly New Mexico for its workplace policies. This acknowledgment is complemented by UNM's attainment of the newly introduced Education Support Special Designation, a joint venture with the United Way of Central New Mexico.


Arrowhead center appoints NMSU alumnus as entrepreneur-in-residence

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced the appointment of its alumnus, Daniel J. Jones, as entrepreneur-in-residence at the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, which is located within NMSU's Arrowhead Center. Jones, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from NMSU in 2004, will leverage his expertise to bolster entrepreneurial initiatives within the university.


State Rep. Rehm files anti-crime bills: ‘Crime has been a major topic of frustration for many New Mexicans’

State Rep. Bill Rehm (R-N.M.) has initiated several bills aiming to curb crime in New Mexico. Rehm, a retired captain from the Bernalillo County sheriff's office, believes these bills would be advantageous for New Mexican citizens if enacted. Consequently, he penned a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), seeking her support.


City of Santa Fe Human Services Committee met Dec. 19

City of Santa Fe Human Services Committee met Tuesday, Dec. 19


City of Santa Fe Veterans Advisory Board met Dec. 19

City of Santa Fe Veterans Advisory Board met Tuesday, Dec. 19


UNM cancer center achieves milestone allogeneic transplant for blood cancers

UNM Health Sciences has announced that the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) has reached a significant milestone by completing the first allogeneic transplant in New Mexico for blood cancer patients. This comes after these patients recently concluded their crucial 90- to 100-day checkup, marking an important advancement in stem cell transplantation treatment.


UNM professor extends research in Native communities

UNM Health Sciences has recognized the significant role of Professor Lorenda Belone in the creation of the Family Listening Program (FLP) for Northern New Mexico families. The program, which has been active for over two decades, has empowered young people to establish connections with tribal elders.


City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Dec. 15

City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Friday, Dec. 15


City of Santa Fe City-County Advisory Council on Food Policy met Dec. 14

City of Santa Fe City-County Advisory Council on Food Policy met Thursday, Dec. 14


Sandia's achieves fiscal year 2023 economic impact of almost $4.8 billion

Sandia National Laboratories has reported a fiscal year 2023 economic impact totaling nearly $4.8 billion, marking an increase of $559 million from the previous year.


Albuquerque Gateway Center unveils first responder receiving area

The city of Albuquerque has announced that the University of New Mexico (UNM) Office of Community Health will manage the receiving area for first responders at the Gateway Center. This non-medical service, which operates 24/7, will provide a dedicated space for Albuquerque community safety and other first responders to bring individuals experiencing homelessness. The goal is to assist these individuals in connecting with social service options.


APD reports decrease in use of force despite increased arrests

The city of Albuquerque has reported that despite a rise in arrests, the use of force by officers from the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has declined. The APD, which is currently under a Court-Approved Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking to alter its officers' approach to using force during arrests.