New Mexico Sun


Councilors fund initiative providing shelters for outdoor dogs

ALBUQUERQUE – Shelter is as important for animals as it is for humans. Albuquerque City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn (District 7) and Dan Champine (District 8) teamed up with the Albuquerque Woodworkers Association and the City Animal Welfare Department (AWD) to ensure more dogs in the community have shelter. Many companion animal guardians are not aware that dogs who live outdoors must be provided with a doghouse under local laws. Others cannot afford to purchase a doghouse or lack the skill to build one of appropriate size. The AWD’s Community Doghouse Program aims to...


Construction begins on Central Crossing Bridge improvements

Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the Central Crossing Bridge in Albuquerque. Demolition has commenced on the existing pedestrian undercrossing to prepare for the construction of two ramps, one on each side of the pass, aimed at providing a safe and accessible at-grade crossing on the upper railway portion. This infrastructure improvement is intended to enhance safety and foster community connectivity between neighborhoods.


Albuquerque issues $22.5M in revenue bonds for city improvements

On May 22, 2024, the City of Albuquerque announced the publication of Council Bill No. O-24-10, sponsored by Klarissa J. Peña by request. The bill authorizes the issuance and sale of Gross Receipts Tax Improvement Revenue Bonds in one or more series, with an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $22,500,000.


Council Bill No. O-24-5 amends human rights ordinance

On May 22, 2024, the Council Bill No. O-24-5 was published under Enactment No. O-2024-010. The bill is sponsored by Tammy Fiebelkorn, Nichole Rogers, and Joaquín Baca by request.


New Mexico expands medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is expanding its services to assist those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). Starting this week, over 30 public health offices will offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use, available both in person and via telehealth. This expansion, in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Services Division at the Health Care Authority, aims to increase access to MAT services statewide.


Advocate highlights importance of infant mental health during awareness month

A graduate from The University of New Mexico is now leading public health advocacy across the nation, focusing on the mental health of infants and children. She attributes her career inspiration to her time at UNM.


Albuquerque updates food service regulations with new ordinance

On May 22, 2024, Council Bill No. O-24-15 was officially enacted as Ordinance No. O-2024-012. Sponsored by Brook Bassan, the ordinance repeals Chapter 9, Article 6 of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque (R.O.A.) from 1994, which pertained to food and beverages ordinances. In its place, it establishes a new framework known as the Food Service and Retail Ordinance.


Senate Candidate Domenici on cartels: 'In Albuquerque alone, narcotic offenses increased 116% between 2022 and 2023'

Nella Domenici, a U.S. Senate Candidate in New Mexico, has voiced her concerns about the rising drug trade in America, particularly in Albuquerque. She stated that cartels are profiting off their drug trade while killing Americans. In Albuquerque, narcotic offenses have spiked by 116% between 2022 and 2023. Domenici shared these remarks with the New Mexico Sun on May 21.


UNM Anderson wins first stage of 2024 SBA growth accelerator fund

The UNM Anderson School of Management, represented by faculty member Robert DelCampo and partner John Chavez from New Mexico Startup Factory, has secured a victory in Stage One of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund competition.


City Council announces new bill amending election and petition regulations

On May 22, 2024, the publication of Council Bill No. O-24-16 was announced. The bill, also known as Enactment No. O-2024-013, is sponsored by Joaquin Baca.


Albuquerque climbs national parks ranking with significant improvements

The City of Albuquerque's park system now ranks 15th in the nation, according to the 2024 ParkScore Index. Albuquerque advanced eight spots from its 2023 ranking and has climbed 22 positions over the past four years among America's 100 largest cities. The ParkScore Index, issued annually by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), evaluates parks based on 14 measures across five categories: Acreage, Access, Investment, Amenities, and Equity.


Bernalillo County 4-H .22 Competition Pistol Team takes first place at state championships

The Bernalillo County 4-H .22 Competition Pistol Team clinched first place at the New Mexico 4-H Shooting Sports Championships, marking their second consecutive year of triumph.


NMSU faculty aid national climate change research initiative

Two New Mexico State University researchers in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences were part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, led by Colorado State University, who contributed to the National Climate Change Roadmap. This collaborative document is designed to serve as a framework for future investments in climate-science research.


Equality New Mexico addresses controversy over House District 18 election messaging

Equality New Mexico (EQNM) has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding its recent messaging related to the 2024 election for House District 18. The organization has received feedback from individuals who have expressed concerns about EQNM's stance, particularly regarding text messages sent out that contrasted candidates running for the district.


NMSU’s student information systems chapter wins national recognition

A student organization at New Mexico State University dedicated to promoting the study, application, and advancement of information systems has earned two national awards.


Albuquerque breaks ground on new northwest multigenerational center

The City of Albuquerque held a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new multigenerational center in northwest Albuquerque, near Cibola Loop and Cuba Rd NW. The center aims to provide access to city services and programs for residents of all ages, including youth, seniors, and families. It is the first of several planned amenities at the site.


Semaglutide overdoses prompt warnings from poison control centers

Ozempic and Wegovy have gained significant popularity for their weight loss benefits. However, Poison Control Centers nationwide are raising concerns over an increasing trend of semaglutide overdoses and improper use.


City seeks foster parents for special-needs pets

The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is seeking foster parents to provide temporary homes for special-needs pets. In 2023, AWD admitted 3,257 kittens and 2,136 puppies into the shelter. The department anticipates an even higher number during the 2024 kitten season.


Mother-son duo lead separate departments at UNM School of Medicine

Within The University of New Mexico Health and Health Sciences community, there are thousands of people with diverse personal reasons for entering health care. For two UNM leaders, their journey into medicine began as mother and son.


Possible quorum of oversight board at Citizen Police Academy on May 23

A quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be present at the Albuquerque Police Academy on May 23, 2024. The gathering is in relation to the Citizen Police Academy and will take place at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.