New Mexico Sun

Albuquerque – The Very Special Arts Garage (VSA) is receiving a new addition this week with the installation of a plant wall, or vertical garden. Plant walls are increasingly popular for their ability to beautify spaces, protect buildings, reduce urban heat effects, and diminish urban noise. This particular wall will cover the interior of an underused courtyard on the southeast side of the VSA Garage Downtown.

Albuquerque City Council passes amendment to Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Ordinance

The Albuquerque City Council has passed Council Bill No. O-24-22, now Enactment No. O-2024-016, which amends the ROA 1994, Chapter 14, Article 8, Part 4, known as the “Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Ordinance.” The bill was sponsored by Joaquín Baca and Renée Grout upon request.

UNM Hospital participates in region-wide emergency preparedness drill

Imagine a 5.6 magnitude earthquake occurs without warning in the Rio Grande Rift on the Sandia-Rincon fault. Violent shaking and heavy damage are recorded along the 30-mile stretch from Algodones to Kirtland Air Force Base. As a result, 60 percent of Albuquerque is without power, several major roads have collapsed, and hundreds, if not thousands, of people are injured.

Robert Nott appointed communications director for NMHealth

SANTA FE—Patrick Allen, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth), announced today that Robert Nott has been named Communications Director for the department. For the past 25 years, Nott has been a reporter for the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Council updates energy codes for commercial and residential buildings

On June 21, 2024, the council enacted Bill No. O-24-19 as Ordinance No. O-2024-015. Sponsored by Tammy Fiebelkorn, the ordinance amends the 2023 Uniform Administrative Code and Technical Codes to regulate energy conservation.

City council's resolution leads to groundbreaking fertility study

In November 2022, District 7 City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn sponsored Council resolution R-22-73 to prevent live animals from being used in scientific research. A year and a half later, the University of New Mexico (UNM) has released a study utilizing animal tissues provided by the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department.

Audio disruption impacts T-Mobile customers' calls to Santa Fe emergency center

The Santa Fe Regional Emergency Communications Center (SFRECC) is currently addressing an issue with incoming call audio on its non-emergency phone lines that appears to be affecting T-Mobile customers. The phone service provider, Lumen, has been investigating this issue since May 21, 2024.

UNM assistant professor awarded prestigious neuroscience honor

Mubarak Hussain Syed, an assistant professor of Biology at The University of New Mexico, is one of 10 neuroscientists selected by The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience board of directors to receive the 2024 McKnight Scholar Award.

Southwest Block Party offers community resources at Tower Pond Park

Families in Albuquerque are invited to a Summer of Nonviolence block party at Tower Pond Park on Saturday, June 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Organized by the City of Albuquerque’s and Albuquerque Community Safety’s School-Based Violence Intervention Program in collaboration with Bernalillo County, the event aims to provide a blend of support services and entertainment, ensuring a day filled with valuable resources and enjoyable activities for all attendees.

Emergency rental assistance payments delayed due to financial system transition

Doña Ana County is currently finalizing its fiscal year-end closing on June 30 and transitioning to a new financial management system. Consequently, payments for participants in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), including both applicants and landlords, will be delayed until July 12.

Professor Emerita Jane Slaughter remembered by friends and colleagues

Margaret Jane Slaughter, Professor Emerita at The University of New Mexico (UNM), passed away on June 4 at the age of 82. A prominent figure in the field of Women’s and Gender Studies, Slaughter was recognized for her scholarship on women in the Italian Resistance and her contributions to the Department of History at UNM.

Commissioner Greene moderates community meeting on Bishop’s Lodge Resort discharge permit

Santa Fe, NM - Justin Greene, Santa Fe County Commissioner for District 1, will moderate a community meeting on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Tesuque Volunteer Fire Station, located at 4 Senda de Fuego, Santa Fe, NM 87506. The meeting is organized in collaboration with Bishop's Lodge Resort to inform residents about the resort’s discharge permit for their package wastewater treatment plant.

Albuquerque's arts initiatives boost economy through strategic investments

The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture has released its Creative Economy & Arts Impact Summary, detailing achievements and initiatives that have significantly supported Albuquerque's creative economy and arts scene from 2018 to the present. By fostering a dynamic environment for artists, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs, the department has played an active role in the city's artistic expression and economic growth.

Engineering professor awarded for research on nuclear plant safety

Madura Pathirage, an assistant professor in the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM), has received the 2024 Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award.

APD collects donations for Ruidoso fire victims

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is collecting donations to support those impacted by the Ruidoso fires. The primary items needed are hygiene products, bedding, water, and sports drinks.

EPA awards UNM $6.2 million for national water system improvements