New Mexico Sun


New Mexico legislative session focuses on public safety and LGBTQ rights

The 2024 legislative session in New Mexico commenced this week, marked by the usual formalities and anticipation among those eager to represent their communities. Organizations such as EQNM, Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Providers were present in significant numbers. Notably, Representative Cristina Parajon was welcomed as the first LGBTQ-identifying member of the Majority Caucus in the House.


Study reveals NMSU's billion-dollar economic impact

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has released the results of a study conducted by its Arrowhead Center and the Center for Border Economic Development (C-BED), which indicate a significant impact on the state's economy, amounting to billions of dollars. The study, titled "Economic Impact and Contribution of New Mexico State University, 2022," underscores the vital role that research expenditures play in bolstering the university's economic influence.


Manny Gonzales announces U.S. Senate run as Republican

Former Bernalillo County Sheriff, Manny Gonzales, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. After years of membership in the Democratic Party, Gonzales is now running for New Mexico's senate seat as a Republican.


NM museum unearths massive relative of Tyrannosaurus rex in western discovery

The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has revealed that researchers from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) have discovered the earliest known relative of Tyrannosaurus rex in North America. This newly unearthed dinosaur is more primitive than T. rex, yet it shares a similar impressive size.


Bernalillo County updates 2024 capital improvement program website

Bernalillo County has recently unveiled its revamped website, providing a detailed overview of the county's capital improvement program and capital outlay requests. The website includes background information and project summaries, serving as an exhaustive guide to all capital outlay requests scheduled for presentation in the 2024 legislative session.


Bernalillo County introduces ACE

Bernalillo County has announced the launch of ACE, an acronym for Assessor's Office Community Educator. This initiative is designed to address inquiries about the Bernalillo County Assessor's Office, its programs, forms, or general information. ACE aims to provide answers and assistance to anyone seeking information within the Bernalillo County community.


ECECD unveils FY25 budget to House Finance and Appropriations Committee

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) has disclosed its agency budget request for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) to the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. The Executive Budget Recommendation for ECECD is pegged at $800 million, reflecting the department's financial objectives for the upcoming fiscal year.


Mark Roper appointed as Acting Secretary of EDD

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced a reshuffling of key roles within the department. Mark Roper has been appointed as the Acting Cabinet Secretary, succeeding Jon Clark who will now assume the role of State Investment Officer with the New Mexico State Investment Council.


Bernalillo County secures extra opioid settlement funds

Bernalillo County has announced additional settlement funds obtained from litigation against pharmaceutical distributors implicated in the damages caused by the marketing and misuse of synthetic opioids. The Office of the Attorney General is tasked with managing the payments collected from these defendants, and has outlined plans for semi-annual distribution of these funds.


Bernalillo County approves  $1 million for new South Valley Pre-K

Bernalillo County recently announced that the Bernalillo County Commission has approved a $1 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The funds are earmarked for the development of a new early learning Pre-K facility in South Valley, with the commission's unanimous 4 to 0 vote securing this initiative's funding.


Los Alamos AI innovation generates images from nothing

Los Alamos National Laboratory has announced the development of an innovative artificial intelligence framework, "Blackout Diffusion," which is designed to generate images from nothing. The team at Los Alamos conducted comprehensive testing of Blackout Diffusion, evaluating its capabilities on a variety of standardized datasets.


NMSU appoints new dean of graduate school and associate provost for international affairs

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced the appointment of Ranjit Koodali as the forthcoming dean of the graduate school and associate provost for International Affairs. Koodali, who previously served as a tenured professor of chemistry at Western Kentucky University, is set to assume his new role at NMSU on Jan. 16.


UNM’s Anderson School of Management named new dean

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has appointed Alina Chircu as the next dean of the Anderson School of Management, according to an announcement by UNM Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway. Currently serving as a professor in the Computer Information Systems department at Bentley University, Chircu is set to assume her new role at UNM on April 8, 2024.


Bernalillo County outlines legislative priorities for 2024

Bernalillo County has announced that its Board of Commissioners will prioritize six key items for review during the upcoming legislative session. This move signifies the county's strategic focus on legislative matters.


NMDA to accept Healthy Soil Program grant applications

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has announced the commencement of the grant application process for the Healthy Soil Program. Both Eligible Entities and Individual Applicants are invited to submit their proposals.


NM Environment Department plans PFAS voluntary testing in clovis and cannon AFB

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has declared its intention to offer residents of Clovis, living near Cannon Air Force Base, as well as base personnel, the opportunity for free blood testing for specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products such as food packaging, nonstick cookware, and certain firefighting materials.


NM Environment Department unveils interactive uranium mine dashboard

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has announced the introduction of an interactive dashboard by its Office of Strategic Initiatives. The new tool simplifies research on uranium impacts and facilitates access to relevant government agencies. The dashboard, developed in collaboration with the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), is a response to recent legislation aimed at enhancing transparency on the reclamation status of former uranium mine and mill sites.


Bands of Enchantment to have season 3 premiere in Albuquerque

The city of Albuquerque recently disclosed that the KiMo Theatre will be the venue for the red carpet premiere of the third season of Bands of Enchantment Albuquerque Sessions. The premiere event will spotlight Albuquerque's own Prism B!tch.


UNM investigates AI's influence on education in new research

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has revealed that Professor Mary Rice from the College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) is conducting research into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education. As detailed in Computers in the Schools, her inquiries focus on how AI can support children with disabilities and level the educational playing field for all students, irrespective of their district's location or funding.


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.