News from 2023
Bernalillo County secures $256,962 grant for Valle de Oro Urban Wildlife Refuge access
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 22, 2023
Bernalillo County has received a grant of $256,962 from the state's Outdoor Recreation Division to enhance access to the Valle de Oro Urban Wildlife Refuge. The funding is part of the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant initiative, specifically earmarked for "shovel-ready" conservation projects across the state.
Loss of MDC corrections officer in fatal car crash
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 22, 2023
Bernalillo County has announced the tragic death of a corrections officer, Joshua Munoz, in a single-car crash. The incident is currently under investigation by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.
NM Outdoor Recreation Division allocates $1.74M for outdoor infrastructure projects
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 22, 2023
The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has disclosed that its Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) is awarding outdoor trails and infrastructure funding to 12 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant initiative. The beneficiaries will collectively receive $1,746,310, with organizations securing an additional $2.53 million in matching funds for these initiatives.
New Voices • New Mexico screenwriting incubator marks second successful year
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 22, 2023
The New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) has declared the second annual New Voices • New Mexico screenwriting incubator program, a collaboration with Stowe Story Labs, a success. Initiated in 2022, this initiative offers budding screenwriters an exclusive opportunity to hone their skills under the guidance of industry veterans.
City of Santa Fe Finance Committee met Oct. 30
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 22, 2023
City of Santa Fe Finance Committee met Monday, Oct. 30
City of Santa Fe Film and Digital Media Commission met Dec. 5
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 22, 2023
City of Santa Fe Film and Digital Media Commission met Tuesday, Dec. 5
Education department names the 2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
The New Mexico Public Education Department has announced that Dr. Roy Basa is the recipient of the 2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year award. As a result, Dr. Basa will represent teachers from New Mexico at the national level for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year competition.
Two NM schools named 2023 ESEA Distinguished Schools
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
The New Mexico Public Education Department has announced that Pojoaque Intermediate School and Albuquerque School of Excellence have been awarded the distinguished titles of 2023 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools. The awards, conferred by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), will see the recognized schools receive a commemorative award package, feature prominently on the ESEA Network website, and be showcased in a special presentation at the National ESEA Conference.
Los Alamos highlights 10 milestones of community connection in 2023
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has released a list that underscores 10 significant community connection milestones accomplished in 2023. The laboratory, through its community partnerships, actively contributes to education, nonprofits, and economic development across the seven counties surrounding the facility. These include Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos.
UNM honors 2023 Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award recipients
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently held a ceremony in Ballroom B at the Student Union Building to honor the 2023 recipients of the Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award. The honorees, who received a cash prize and a commemorative plaque, were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the university.
Albuquerque names 2023-24 CityMaker
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
The city of Albuquerque's Department of Arts & Culture has announced the selection of Landis Pulido for the 2023-24 term of its CityMakers program. Over the next ten months, Pulido will engage both collaboratively and individually in projects with various departments, enhancing the intersection of art and civic development.
UNM researcher develops cholesterol-lowering vaccine
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
UNM Health Sciences has announced that researchers from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine have developed a vaccine with the potential to significantly reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol. The vaccine, as revealed in a recent study published in NPJ Vaccines, has demonstrated effectiveness comparable to costly PCSK9 inhibitors, thereby offering a more affordable option to combat cholesterol-related health risks.
Continuous Medicaid coverage for New Mexico children
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has received federal approval to extend continuous health insurance coverage to 92,842 children from birth to age six. This extension, set to take effect in January 2024, will eliminate the need for children in this age group to manually renew their Medicaid coverage. It also paves the way for an expansion of the Medicaid Home visiting program to include more providers.
City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Oct. 25
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 21, 2023
City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Wednesday, Oct. 25
City of Santa Fe Finance Committee met Dec. 4
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 21, 2023
City of Santa Fe Finance Committee met Monday, Dec. 4
Los Alamos employees raise $2.6 million in holiday giving campaign
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
Los Alamos National Laboratory has announced that its employees have donated $2.6 million to spread cheer in communities in Northern New Mexico and beyond this holiday season. The contributions to the Toy Drive will be used to purchase toys, which, along with donated toys, will be distributed to approximately 30 agencies and organizations supporting children and teens in need.
Los Alamos team works to safeguard seasonal streams
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
Los Alamos National Laboratory has revealed a team effort aimed at protecting streams around the Lab, especially intermittent and ephemeral waterways, from pollution. This initiative comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the Clean Water Act, which permits industries, farmers, homebuilders, among others, to discharge pollutants into such wetlands unless states have protective rules or institutions establish internal policies.
UNM chemical and biological engineering professor inducted into National Academy of Inventors
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 21, 2023
The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced that Sang M. Han, Chair and Regents’ Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has been elected into the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This prestigious accolade recognizes him as an NAI Fellow, marking the highest professional distinction awarded exclusively to inventors.
UNM College of Arts & Sciences invites proposals for new initiatives
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 20, 2023
The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced the commencement of a competitive application process for proposals to establish new initiatives in line with the University’s strategic plan. The initiatives include WeR1 College of Arts & Sciences, Advancing Inclusive Excellence, Leaders in Student Success, and a Staff Professional Development Program.
NMSU joins national effort to boost women of color in tech education and careers
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 20, 2023
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has recently declared its involvement in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's newly formed Action Collaborative on Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech. This joint initiative aims to provide evidence-based insights and recommendations to enhance the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women of color in the tech industry. It will follow the guidelines set out in the National Academies' report titled "Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech."