New Mexico Sun


From Empty Lots to Happy Homes

Albuquerque – Today, the City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) and developer Sunlight Homes celebrated the opening of Ocotillo Ridge, a transformative housing development project that breathes new life into the community. The project is a significant step towards addressing the city’s housing crisis and providing safe living options for Albuquerque families.Ocotillo Ridge, a result of a public-private partnership between Sunlight Homes and MRA, has transformed a vacant lot into 20 multi-family townhomes, enhancing the vibrancy of the Highland Neighborhood. MRA...


Embracing cross-collaborative volunteerism: A successful staff Campus Cleanup Day

On the beautiful morning of Friday, April 26, UNM Staff gathered to participate in a Campus Cleanup Day event, organized by Institutional Support Services (ISS) and Facilities Management (FM), to mark the end of Earth Month. The initiative brought together 46 enthusiastic volunteers from various departments within the Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration umbrella.The event was spearheaded by Giovanna Archuleta, an administrative officer from the ISS Vice President’s office, who expressed her long-standing idea of promoting collaboration among departments:...


University of New Mexico Seeks Air Quality Construction Permit for Diesel Generator

The University of New Mexico (UNM) located at Economics Building #57, 1915 Roma Ave. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, is in the process of seeking an Air Quality Construction Permit for the installation of a diesel-fired emergency generator with an internal combustion engine.The applicant has specifically requested permission to install the backup generator, stating that its primary function will be to provide backup power to support operations in the event of a primary power interruption. The generator is expected to operate for 200 hours per year and will only be used...


Santa Fe County Adopts Health Action Plan for FY 24-26

Santa Fe, NM- On April 30, 2024, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners adopted the FY 2024-2029 Health Action Plan which guides the County in incorporating new health priorities for the County and community providers. The plan includes new programming and policymaking plans in the areas of health, behavioral health, and senior services, as well as increasing capacity to provide support during crises.According to HPPC Chair Steven Berkshire, "Santa Fe County has paved the way in establishing groundbreaking programs such as CONNECT and La Sala that now serve as...


APD Arrests Man on Top 10 Shoplifting Offenders List

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department Organized Crime Unit has charged Brian Robinson, 47, an offender on the Top 10 Shoplifting Offenders list. Detectives were able to connect and identify Robinson through video surveillance footage from the businesses. Robinson caused more than $100,000 in damage and theft. An arrest warrant for these cases was completed and he is being charged with the following offenses.Robinson is currently in the custody of Quay County, and they have been notified of the new felony charges and arrest warrant. APD’s Top 10 Shoplifting...


NMSU Golf Course to host free 2024 PGA HOPE program for veterans

Veterans and active-duty military in the Las Cruces and El Paso community have another opportunity to participate in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program this year at New Mexico State University’s Golf Course."The friendships that I have seen forged through the sessions we have been blessed to offer have been special to witness," said Jason White, director of the NMSU Golf Course and PGA member, emphasizing the community-building aspect of the program.The six-week curriculum, led by PGA professionals trained in adaptive and military cultural...


New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency Expands Reach with Two New Business Centers

The New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA) has recently opened two new Business Centers in Las Cruces and Las Vegas. These centers aim to provide support and resources to minority-owned businesses in the state.The Las Cruces Center received funding through a Congressional allocation of $200,000, with support from Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan. On the other hand, the Las Vegas Center began operations with a federal supplemental grant of $183,000, which required a funding match from the City of Albuquerque.Center Director Gabriela Marques...


Possible Quorum of Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board Expected at Citizen Police Academy Training

Albuquerque, NM - April 29, 2024A notice has been issued by the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board regarding a potential quorum at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session to be held on May 2, 2024, at the Albuquerque Police Academy. The board members may be present at the event, although no official business will be conducted during the training.The advisory states, "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...


NMSU Learning Games Lab Receives 2024 Intellectual Property Award

The Learning Games Lab team at New Mexico State University has been honored with the 2024 Intellectual Property Award presented by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and the Office of Research, Creativity, and Economic Development. During a ceremony held at the Bobby Lee Lawrence Wine Academy at Gerald Thomas Hall, the team was recognized for their outstanding work in developing intellectual property that brings societal, industrial, and commercial benefits.“Our team was surprised and honored to be recognized by Arrowhead with this award,” said Amy Smith Muise, Innovative Media...


2022 New Mexico Election Study Reveals Key Insights on Voting Patterns

The recently released New Mexico Election Study (NMES) for 2022 sheds light on the successful general election in the state, emphasizing strong security measures and voter access opportunities. The study, conducted by University of New Mexico (UNM) Professor Emeritus Lonna Atkeson, now Director of the LeRoy Collins Institute at Florida State University (FSU), along with UNM Political Science Professor Wendy Hansen, supported by New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, delves into the changes and advancements in election administration.Atkeson, one of the key...


Event planned for missing & murdered indigenous women on May 5

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) is organizing an event in collaboration with the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) on May 5, 2024.


State program uncovers xylazine in fentanyl samples

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has confirmed the presence of xylazine in three fentanyl samples tested through the state’s Adulterant Checking Program.Secretary Patrick Allen of NMHealth emphasized the seriousness of this discovery, stating, “The identification of xylazine puts us on notice that an already dangerous drug supply has gotten that much more deadly.”The Adulterant Checking Program, initiated in November 2023, allows individuals to have substances tested before use as part of the Harm Reduction Program. Joshua Swatek, NMHealth Hepatitis and...


City Celebrates the Alamosa Community with a Long-Awaited Art Installation

Today, leaders from the Department of Arts & Culture and City Councilor Klarissa Peña dedicated the newest sculpture in the Public Art Program’s collection, Stalking Her Prey, by artist Reynaldo “Sonny” Rivera. The sculpture, located at Alamosa Park, emerged from a call for New Mexico artists to create a large-scale artwork to serve as a landmark for the Alamosa community and celebrate the history and beauty of the area.  "Public art not only beautifies our city’s neighborhoods, it elevates the neighborhood environment, becoming a point of prestige for families who live...


Sandia National Laboratories Holds Small Business Forum

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is set to host a small business forum on May 2, aimed at fostering connections with local small businesses and sharing upcoming opportunities for collaboration. The event will feature nearly 40 booths, offering resources from Sandia, other Department of Energy labs, and partners such as the Small Business Administration and various chambers of commerce.According to Sandia, in 2023, the laboratory allocated $1.08 billion to subcontracts with small businesses, with over $481 million directed towards small businesses...


NMSU researchers join France, Japan to develop new Jupiter wind map

New Mexico State University researchers have collaborated with teams from France and Japan to develop a groundbreaking new map of the wind patterns on Jupiter. The study, published in the "Planetary Science Journal," marks a significant advancement in understanding the atmospheric dynamics of the gas giant planet.The research team, led by Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur (OCA, France), utilized Doppler spectroscopy to create the first comprehensive map of Jupiter's atmospheric circulation. Jason Jackiewicz, NMSU astronomy professor and department head, explained that while...


NMSU Student Nicole Johnson Awarded Prestigious Fellowship

New Mexico State University social work student Nicole Johnson has been awarded the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, a prestigious honor funded by the U.S. Department of State. Out of over 1,000 candidates nationwide, Johnson stood out for her dedication and potential in the field of Foreign Service.Johnson, who will graduate with honors in May, expressed her gratitude for the support she received at NMSU, stating, “I found a lot of support when I enrolled in NMSU and found so many opportunities through the government department.” As a first-generation...


UNM Receives Outstanding Public Owner Award from AGC NM

AGC New Mexico has announced that The University of New Mexico (UNM) has been recognized with the Outstanding Public Owner Industry Choice Award in the esteemed 2024 Best Buildings Awards. In a statement, AGC New Mexico congratulated UNM for this achievement, highlighting the university's dedication to excellence in various facets of its operations.The award specifically acknowledges UNM's exceptional performance as a public owner and commends the institution for its commitment to best practices in business operations, stakeholder interactions, and the delivery of...


APD detectives arrest suspect for murder, robbery of man found bound and asphyxiated

APD detectives have made a breakthrough in the case of the murder and robbery of Christopher Fallen, who was found bound and asphyxiated in his home near Carlisle Blvd. and Constitution Ave., N.E. Daniel Lee Hadders, 27, was arrested in connection with the crime, as reported by APD.According to the investigation, Fallen's body was discovered by his business partners on Feb. 6, showing signs of a violent death. Fallen, 48, was found with his head wrapped in tape, a belt around his neck, and his hands and shins bound with duct tape, leading to his death by asphyxiation....


Free screenings ahead for Better Speech & Hearing Month

UNM’s Speech & Hearing Sciences department is gearing up to host free screenings in honor of Better Speech & Hearing Month. The event, scheduled for Monday, May 6, will provide various screenings for individuals aged five and up, as well as preschoolers aged three to five years old.“This is an opportunity for New Mexicans to seek reassurance if, for example, they have concerns about their grandparents' hearing or their child’s speech or language development. ”It’s just another way that UNM makes New Mexico better,” shared Speech & Hearing Department Chair and Associate...


APD Chaplain Unit Expands Services Under Chief Harold Medina's Leadership

The Albuquerque Police Department’s Chaplain Unit is experiencing significant growth and expansion, offering crucial support and guidance to both department employees and community members in crisis. Chief Harold Medina highlighted the importance of the unit, stating, “Our Chaplains are there when people are experiencing some of the worst moments in their life.”Since its establishment in 1969 with eight volunteers, the Chaplain Unit has now expanded to 17 members, thanks to a successful recruitment drive in the fall of 2023. Unlike other units across the country, APD’s...