New Mexico Sun


April is Alcohol Awareness Month: New Mexico Takes Action to Address Alcohol Misuse

SANTA FE — In light of April being national Alcohol Awareness Month, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has approved $2 million to establish the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention (OAMP) within the New Mexico Department of Health. The OAMP is aimed at mitigating alcohol-related harms through coordinated prevention efforts across state agencies, promoting FDA-approved treatments for alcohol use disorder, and supporting communities in reducing excessive alcohol consumption.NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen emphasized the importance of addressing alcohol-related issues,...


City of Albuquerque Gears Up for Summer Youth Programs with Spring Into Summer Event

Albuquerque’s annual Spring into Summer event is set to return on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Barelas Community Center & Park. The event aims to celebrate the arrival of warm weather and assist families in getting ready for the upcoming summer season. According to Cristin Chavez-Smith, leader of One ABQ: YouthConnect, the event is a platform for the community to enjoy the weather while learning about various youth and family programs offered across the city. Chavez-Smith emphasized the importance of providing safe spaces for children to grow and play, ensuring that...


CPOA Board Notice of Possible Quorum at Citizen Police Academy Training

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding a possible quorum at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session scheduled for April 25, 2024. The training will take place at the Albuquerque Police Academy located at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.According to the advisory 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 was clarified that, "No board business...


UNM Research Examines Government Intervention and COVID-19 Impact in Bolivia

UNM Political Science Associate Professor and Chair Jami Nelson-Nuñez recently published a research paper in the journal Scientific Data, analyzing the impact of government interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on Bolivia. Nelson-Nuñez and her international team of researchers investigated the cause and effect of policies and politics in Bolivia through months of data.Regarding the study, Nelson-Nuñez highlighted the unique situation in Bolivia, stating, "Bolivia is a really interesting case because they have a system that's mainly decentralized...


Water Science Communication Fellowship lets undergraduates get feet wet in research

Undergraduate students at The University of New Mexico recently showcased their innovative projects as part of the 2024 UNM Undergraduate Water Science Communication Fellowship. This program, initiated by Anjali Mulchandani and Sydney Donohue Jobe in 2022, aims to engage undergraduates in research and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.The event, held under the UNM Grand Challenges focus area of sustainable water resources, was a part of the annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC). Students from various academic backgrounds presented their...


COEHS faculty member wins bilingual educator award

The New Mexico Association for Bilingual Education (NMABE) has named College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) Associate Professor Carlos LópezLeiva as its University Bilingual Education Professor of the Year.COEHS Dean Kristopher Goodrich praised LópezLeiva, stating, "Chair LópezLeiva is a wonderful colleague and leader of his program and department. I am not surprised by his receiving this honor as I know he has a strong vision for bilingual education for UNM and New Mexico. I’m glad that his work has been recognized by his academic peers.”According to NMABE,...


UNM Celebrates 2024 New Mexico Postdoctoral Research Symposium

The UNM Postdoc Association and Office for Postdoctoral Affairs are set to host the 2nd annual New Mexico Postdoctoral Research Symposium on April 26. The event will bring together postdoctoral scholars from across the state, showcasing their ongoing research efforts.According to the organizers, participants from national labs, academic institutions, and industry are expected to attend, continuing the tradition from the previous year. This symposium serves as a platform for individuals seeking new positions or opportunities for collaboration within the academic and...


County receives $2M for study to improve road travel during severe weather

Doña Ana County, NM - County Engineer Mo Moabed expressed his enthusiasm for the recent $2 million grant awarded to Doña Ana County by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The grant aims to enhance the County's roads and transportation systems to withstand weather-related events and improve travel conditions during inclement weather.Moabed highlighted that the grant will support the development of a roads master plan, focusing on creating better connectivity within the County. He emphasized, "The new system will identify existing roads and propose new...


City Seeks Input on Updated Food Service Ordinance

The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department is currently seeking feedback on the revised Food Service and Retail Ordinance (FSO). Stakeholders and interested individuals are encouraged to review the ordinance and accompanying rules document in order to provide their input.According to Dr. Mark DiMenna, the Environmental Health Department Deputy Director, "We want to make sure that people who feel like this impacts them have an opportunity to weigh in on the ordinance before it’s finalized." The department is working closely with food service providers to...


Biden Administration announces protections for Buffalo Tract from mining activities

Today, the Biden Administration announced a significant step in land protection by safeguarding over 4,200 acres of New Mexico's Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma.


New Mexico boards uphold clean car standards amid dealership challenges

The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) and the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board have upheld new clean car standards, rejecting a challenge by franchise dealerships.


Mayor Keller and First Lady Kistin Keller Recognize Albuquerque’s Outstanding Volunteers

Mayor Tim Keller, First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller, and the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board recently hosted the ninth annual Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition in Albuquerque. The event aimed to celebrate the exceptional efforts of individual volunteers and volunteer groups who have contributed significantly to the betterment of the community.Michele Montoya, Chair of the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board, expressed her admiration for the volunteers, stating, “I am honored to be a part of recognizing such outstanding volunteers in the Albuquerque. Their...


LCU Internship Program Offers Valuable Opportunities for Technology Students

Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) has announced its competitive Internship Program, which awards internships to students pursuing technology programs. According to LCU, the program leads to a career in various fields of operation within the organization.The LCU Internship Program provides a range of benefits to participants, including financial support for tuition and eligible fees, annual payments for educational costs, biweekly stipends, and opportunities for work experience. The program also offers full-time employment opportunities after graduation in technology-related...


City to Host Constructive Conversations about the Built Environment

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and City Councilors have announced a new initiative called "Constructive Conversations," aimed at fostering dialogue between residents and city leaders to shape the future of the built environment in Albuquerque. The series of community meetings seeks to bridge the gap between community aspirations and funding realities, with a focus on investments that enhance the city's infrastructure, placemaking, and quality of life.According to Mayor Keller, the meetings will feature nine sessions exploring planned development in each Council district...


New Signage to Find Your Way Around Lincoln Historic Site

Lincoln Historic Site in New Mexico has unveiled nine new building signs in an effort to help visitors navigate the historic town. The signs highlight the buildings and landmarks of the area, known for its rich history dating back to the 1870s and 1880s during the Lincoln County War.“These signs will greatly aid our guests in orienting them through the historic town of Lincoln. We are hopeful that they will encourage guests to learn more about the architectural history of the area and the people who made Lincoln a community,” said Dr. C. L. Kieffer Nail, New Mexico...


Undergraduates from The University of New Mexico Shine at American Nuclear Society Student Conference

Four undergraduates from The University of New Mexico Department of Nuclear Engineering showcased their talents and expertise at the 2024 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Student Conference, hosted at Penn State University. Lauren Bailey, Alexandra Martinez, Courtney Mace, and Michael Trombetta were recognized for their outstanding contributions at the event.Lauren Bailey, Alexandra Martinez, and Courtney Mace presented their capstone senior design project titled "Model Development of a Hydrogen Cooled Multi-Pin Particle Bed Reactor." Their hard work and dedication paid off...


Albuquerque City Council Introduces Bill to Enhance Green Stormwater Infrastructure

The Albuquerque City Council has introduced a new bill aimed at improving the city's stormwater infrastructure. The bill, identified as Council Bill O-26-6, includes amendments to the Complete Streets Ordinance of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque.Council Bill No. C/S O-24-6, also known as Enactment No. O-2024-008, is sponsored by Council members Fiebelkorn, Grount, and Rogers. The proposed ordinance focuses on enhancing green stormwater infrastructure within the city.The ordinance aims to amend Chapter 6, Article 5, Part 6, Section 5 of the Complete Streets...


Central Avenue Bridge Crossing Site Designated as City Landmark

"Today, the City Council is pleased to announce the introduction of Council Bill No. O-24-3, sponsored by Joaquin Baca and Klarissa J. Pena.""In a unanimous decision, the Council has passed Enactment No. O-2024-007, designating the Central Avenue Bridge crossing site as a city landmark.""The ordinance, titled ORDINANCE DESIGNATION OF THE CENTRAL AVENUE BRIDGE CROSSING SITE AS A CITY LANDMARK, marks a significant step towards preserving our city's rich history and heritage."


50 Summer Lifeguard Positions Still Available

The Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) is on the lookout for 50 enthusiastic individuals to fill summer lifeguard positions at its various pools by June 1, 2024. The department's Aquatics Division offers lifeguards the opportunity to learn essential lifesaving skills, effective communication, and leadership qualities. It also provides the chance for year-round work and flexible scheduling."Our associate director started with us as a lifeguard and worked her way up," shared PRD Director Dave Simon.Applicants for the lifeguard positions must possess a current American...


UNM Professor Empowers Community with Digital Media Literacy Expertise

Albuquerque, Apr 18 2024 - UNM political science professor, Jessica Feezell, has been actively engaging with the Albuquerque community to educate them on digital media literacy. Feezell's collaboration with Albuquerque Oasis, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational programs for learners of all ages, has allowed her to share her expertise beyond the confines of the university setting.In her interactions with members of Albuquerque Oasis, Feezell expressed her admiration for the diverse backgrounds and knowledge of the community members, stating, "The...