New Mexico Sun


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...


Finding a path to a health care career

The eighth annual University of New Mexico Health Professions Symposium (HPS) 2024 recently concluded, offering a plethora of workshops for students interested in pursuing health care professions. The event saw a record-breaking attendance of 750 individuals, with a diverse range of workshops covering various health care fields.The symposium was opened by Garnett Stokes, president of UNM, Douglas Ziedonis, executive vice president of UNM Health Sciences Center, and Eve Espey, professor and chair of UNM Health Sciences Department of Ob/Gyn and Family Planning Fellowship...


Notice of Possible Quorum 04-30-2024 Citizen Police Academy

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding a possible quorum on April 30, 2024, at the Citizen Police Academy in Albuquerque, NM.According to the 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." The advisory board clarifies that "No board business will be discussed at the Citizen Police Academy training on April 30, 2024." The training session is scheduled to commence at 6:00 p.m. on...


UNM Professor Mala Htun Elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences

A University of New Mexico professor, Mala Htun, has been elected as a member of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, joining a prestigious group that includes historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and modern-day leaders like Madeleine K. Albright. Htun expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating, “I am honored and delighted to be elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. It’s a thrill for me to earn this recognition. I’m excited to have the opportunity to engage with the Academy’s community of scientists, artists, and public intellectuals.”The...


Sandoval County Clerk's office updates website and plans voter accuracy event

The Sandoval County Clerk's Office has launched an updated website aimed at enhancing the accessibility of information to the public. The office, in a statement on April 26, 2024, invited the public to interact with the new platform and provide feedback for further improvements.


Santa Fe County Urges Residents to Participate in Broadband Survey for Improved Infrastructure

Santa Fe, NM- The Santa Fe County Economic Development Division, in collaboration with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division and the County’s Broadband Working Group, is urging all residents to take part in a broadband survey aimed at enhancing infrastructure and ensuring reliable access to high-speed internet for all County residents.In a statement, the Santa Fe County Economic Development Division expressed their commitment to understanding the community's internet needs, stating, "We aim to understand the speed and reliability of existing connections to...


NMSU Criminal Justice Department Partners with Tulsa Police Department

The Department of Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University has announced a partnership with the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) for a student internship program. The collaboration aims to provide students with hands-on law enforcement experience while they complete the final 15 credit hours required for their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.Marija Dimitrijevic, a criminal justice professor and coordinator of the partnership, emphasized the benefits of the program, stating, “Being in the criminal justice program and working for the agency gives students the...


Planting for the Future

The Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) celebrated National Arbor Day 2024 at Civic Plaza with a tree planting and giveaway as part of the “Let’s Plant Albuquerque” campaign. The City aims to plant at least 100,000 trees by 2030."The trees we plant today will flourish and be enjoyed by our community for generations," said Mayor Tim Keller. "As we continue the revitalization of our Downtown, trees enhance our shared spaces, providing beauty, shade, and fresh air, creating a greener city for our families."PRD’s Forestry Division planted eight new trees at Civic Plaza,...