New Mexico Sun


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

The University of New Mexico’s Southwest Environmental Finance Center will receive $6.2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for training and technical assistance to small drinking water and wastewater systems serving mostly small communities throughout the United States and its territories.


NMSU Farmington field day showcases agricultural research

New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Farmington is consistently engaged in research and community outreach activities. The center will present several of these projects at its annual field day on June 27.


NMSU hosts interactive AI summer camp for local high school students

For the second consecutive summer, Las Cruces area high school students have had the opportunity to attend an interactive artificial intelligence summer camp at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Trenchant Analytics, based in Great Falls, Virginia, and NMSU's Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) partnered to design and deliver STEM Mavericks, a hands-on AI summer camp held from June 10-21.


NMSU regents cancel special meeting set for June 21

The New Mexico State University Board of Regents has canceled a special meeting originally scheduled for Friday, June 21. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 28. For a complete listing of upcoming Board of Regents meetings, please visit https://regents.nmsu.edu/regent-meetings/.


Doña Ana County aids Lincoln & Otero counties during wildfire evacuations

Doña Ana County, NM - Doña Ana County is extending support to Lincoln and Otero counties amid wildfires that have necessitated mandatory evacuations in the Village of Ruidoso and the Village of Mescalero.


New Mexico Department of Health issues air quality tips amid statewide wildfires

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is urging residents to consider air quality safety and wildfire preparation this week in response to wildfires in the state, particularly in Lincoln and Otero County areas, including the Village of Ruidoso and the lands of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.


Aliza Organick named director of UNM's Law & Indigenous Peoples Program

Aliza Organick, a professor at The University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Law, has been appointed director of the Law and Indigenous Peoples Program, effective June 1. Dean Camille Carey expressed confidence in Organick's leadership abilities, stating, "Professor Organick brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, leadership, and grace to the position. I have the utmost confidence that Professor Organick will do an amazing job leading this important program and ensuring its future success."


Albuquerque City Council approves charter amendments for 2024 election

The Albuquerque City Council has approved a series of amendment proposals to be presented to voters in the 2024 general election. The proposed Charter amendments aim to streamline city government hiring processes, add accountability to executive appointment procedures, and simplify city elections.


UNM-Taos student art exhibit debuts at Higher Education Department

The Department of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico-Taos and the New Mexico Higher Education Department will present the UNM-Taos Printmaking Exhibition, featuring 24 artists who have studied under Associate Professor Gary Cook. According to UNM-Taos, they are the first higher education institution to display student art and host a showing at the state department.


Albuquerque animal shelters offer free microchips ahead of Juneteenth holiday

The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) Eastside and Westside shelters will be open on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, for normal operations. The Lucky Paws Adoption Center, located at Coronado Center, 6600 Menaul NE, will also be open to the public.


Doña Ana County offers free sandbags ahead of monsoon season

In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, Doña Ana County reminds residents that free sandbags are available for pick-up. While the weather is currently hot and sunny, residents are encouraged to plan ahead to protect homes and property from potential flooding.