News from November 2023


Green energy subsidies criticized as New Mexico tries to 'support an industry that has been unable to support itself'

Amidst the surge in energy production in New Mexico, attention has turned towards the green energy sector. Particularly, two green energy companies have received significant subsidies from the New Mexico government, prompting retired small business owner Ramona Goolsby to question the appropriateness of such allocations.


Albuquerque City Council District 6 deserves better than half-baked candidates we can’t trust

I am a pro-union, life-long New Mexican Democrat. I have lived in the University Heights, South San Pedro, and like many District 6 neighbors, including my little brother, the Cinnamon Tree Apartments. I am a transgender LGBTQ activist. I am writing this with a signed and sealed ballot for my friend Jeff Hoehn in the absentee voting box. If you live between I-25, Gibson, Lomas, and Eubank, or in the Mesa Del Sol development, I urge you to vote in the 12/12 Runoff. Voter apathy is not the answer. Voter apathy is the status quo.


Questions rise over Nichole Rogers’ candidacy: ‘District 6 is entitled to a City Councilor who is ethical’

It was recently revealed that Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque City Council candidate for District 6, failed to file required documents for her nonprofit to the IRS and certain New Mexico state agencies. As a result of these findings, her campaign has drawn criticism from various parties, including Albuquerque attorney Pete Dinelli.


City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met Oct. 4

City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met Wednesday, Oct. 4


City of Santa Fe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee met Nov. 9

City of Santa Fe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee met Thursday, Nov. 9


NeoVolta expands to New Mexico

NeoVolta, a home solar power storage provider, announced its increased expansion in New Mexico through a six-figure agreement. This deal involves installing NeoVolta NV14 batteries in newly constructed homes throughout the state. The company's foray into New Mexico forms part of its broader expansion strategy across the United States.


Schwazze reports Q3 2023 financials

Schwazze released its financial and operational performance for Q3. During the third quarter of 2023, total revenue saw an 8% rise, reaching $46.7 million, compared to $43.2 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. This report provides an insight into the company's growth and challenges during this period.


New Mexico Cancer Council Native American Workgroup earns national recognition

The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) announced that the Native American Workgroup (NAWG) of the New Mexico Cancer Council has recently been granted the 2023 Carol Friedman Excellence Award. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) bestowed this award, recognizing outstanding leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to the cause of comprehensive cancer control, and it is presented annually. This award serves as an acknowledgment of NAWG's significant contributions in mitigating cancer occurrences among Native American communities in New Mexico.


New Mexico organizations collaborate on diabetes prevention

The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) announced a collaborative initiative with Presbyterian Healthcare Services (Presbyterian) and The University of New Mexico’s Project ECHO for projects and programs to enhance access to diabetes prevention and management resources. This joint effort, funded by a 5-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is dedicated to promoting health equity among priority populations with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition. These organizations aim to target areas in New Mexico where diabetes prevalence is high.


ABQ BioPark's new DNA lab speeds up elephant virus testing

The city of Albuquerque announced the initiation of construction for a cutting-edge DNA testing lab at ABQ BioPark, designed to offer early detection of a common yet frequently fatal elephant virus. This on-site lab will utilize PCR (polymerase chain reaction) DNA testing, enabling the rapid identification of an active EEHV infection and the specific virus type in an elephant's blood within a few hours. The endeavor aims at drastically improving both response time and treatment accuracy in these life-threatening situations.


NMSU team introduces virtual lab for middle schoolers to build insect collections

New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced the development of the Virtual Insect Collection Lab by a team from New Mexico State University, tailored for middle school students and educators. The project has been funded through the Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants program, a part of United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.


City of Albuquerque Intergovernmental Legislative Relations Committee met Nov. 8

City of Albuquerque Intergovernmental Legislative Relations Committee met Wednesday, Nov. 8


City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Nov. 8

City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Wednesday, Nov. 8


MFA meeting highlights statewide outreach and project tours

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) announced it has conducted its monthly board of directors meeting at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces. During this event, MFA and the city highlighted statewide outreach efforts and offered impactful tours of various projects. The meeting took place on November 15, showcasing a blend of influential presentations, commendations and project visits.


Albuquerque leader Bob White recognized in 'ABQ Stories of Us' tribute

The city of Albuquerque announced councilors have voted to rename the Open Space Trust Fund, honoring Robert M. "Bob" White for his service and commitment to the community. The renaming took place as part of the city's "ABQ Stories of Us" tribute project where the Parks and Recreation Department introduced new signs at the Elena Gallegos Open Space, designating a group shelter and outdoor amphitheater in recognition of White's contributions.


Albuquerque unveils 2023 Climate Action Implementation Report

The city of Albuquerque recently declared the publication of its second Climate Action Plan Implementation Report (CAP-IR). Released annually, each report details the progress made in a variety of strategies throughout the fiscal year, encompassing sustainable structures, renewable energy, eco-friendly transportation, recycling and waste management, economic development, and communities and resources focused on climate awareness. This initiative represents Albuquerque's continuous commitment to combating climate change.


Los Alamos scientist names APS Fellow

Los Alamos National Laboratory announced that Christopher Ticknor, a physicist working in the Theoretical division at Los Alamos, has been named a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). The APS Fellowship Program honors society members who have made significant contributions to the field of physics through original research and publication or have applied physics to science and technology in innovative ways. This recognition for Ticknor came about due to his significant achievements and contributions within the realm of physics.


UNM continues 'La Estrella' tradition

The University of New Mexico (UNM) announced that The National Institute of Flamenco (NIF) will be presenting the traditional 'La Estrella' tradition. In "La Estrella: A Flamenco Journey of the Kings’ Quest," a production dramatizes the Three Wise Men's journey to the manger. This exciting event will take place at NM’s Rodey Theatre from December 15 to 17.


NASA grant awarded to UNM grad student for astrophysics research

The University of New Mexico (UNM) announced that Dominic Oddo, a graduate student in the University of New Mexico Department of Physics and Astronomy, received the NASA FINESST grant to support his research until the completion of his Ph.D. Over the next three years, Oddo will leverage data from the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission to investigate the prevalence of circumbinary planets (CBPs) in the galaxy. The announcement came on Thursday after an intense selection process.


NMSU Heritage Wool Project showcases artisanal wall hangings

New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced the second product line of NMSU’s New Mexico Heritage Wool Project, featuring a limited number of artisanal wall hangings woven with wool from sheep raised by NMSU students. These unique pieces are now available for purchase, marking a collaborative effort aimed at raising awareness of New Mexico's sheep heritage and wool industry. The project underlines the significant contribution of academia in promoting traditional practices and local economies.