News from 2023
OPINION: Patients of a Lesser God or Victims of an Unjust Bureaucracy?
By Yolanda "Yoli" R. Diaz | Dec 20, 2023
Did you know that if you are a Doña Ana County (DAC) resident without health insurance coverage, and are diagnosed with cancer, you will be denied an appointment and ultimately denied life-saving cancer treatment at Memorial Medical Cancer Center (MMC)? Most folks I ask answer, shockingly, “No!” Yet the residents who have experienced this devastating denial can substantiate this as their reality.
City of Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board met Oct. 24
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 20, 2023
City of Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board met Tuesday, Oct. 24
City of Albuquerque City Council met Dec. 4
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 20, 2023
City of Albuquerque City Council met Monday, Dec. 4
NMDCA appoints new executive director of Office of Archaeological Studies
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 19, 2023
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) has announced the appointment of Dr. John Taylor-Montoya as the executive director of the Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS). In his new role, Dr. Taylor-Montoya will be responsible for providing strategic and ethical leadership, guidance, fiscal oversight, and overall supervision to OAS.
New member joins ALTSD Policy Advisory Committee
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 19, 2023
The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) has announced the appointment of Laura Hopkins to the ALTSD Policy Advisory Committee (PAC). In her new role, Hopkins will be instrumental in formulating recommendations and raising awareness about the department's initiatives aimed at improving services for New Mexico's aging and long-term care community.
NM medicaid providers benefit from $409 million rate increase
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 19, 2023
The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has announced the successful implementation of a significant $409 million reimbursement rate increase for most Medicaid healthcare providers. This increase is part of a strategic three-phase plan, with the first two phases now successfully completed.
'Visit Las Cruces Stories' Contest" begins
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 19, 2023
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that the Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF), in collaboration with Visit Las Cruces, is now accepting submissions for the second annual "Visit Las Cruces Stories" contest. The competition centers on the folklore of Las Cruces, and participants are invited to produce short films, each lasting between three and five minutes, which portray a single folklore story from Las Cruces. Each submission should also include a 30-second trailer.
Villa Agave redevelopment project complete in Albuquerque
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 19, 2023
The city of Albuquerque has officially announced the completion of the Villa Agave redevelopment project. This project is a product of a public-private partnership involving the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) and Baker Architecture + Design.
Bernalillo County secures state grant for Mesa del Sol Regional Sports Complex
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 19, 2023
Bernalillo County has received a $2 million grant from the state's 2023 Regional Recreation Centers/Quality of Life Grant. The county plans to use this funding to complete the construction of the Mesa Del Sol Sports Complex in southeast Albuquerque.
City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Nov. 29
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 19, 2023
City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Wednesday, Nov. 29
City of Santa Fe Mayor's Youth Advisory Board met Nov. 30
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 19, 2023
City of Santa Fe Mayor's Youth Advisory Board met Thursday, Nov. 30
Nonprofit arts and culture sector contributes $740.9 million to NM economy in 2022
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has revealed that the state's nonprofit arts and culture industry injected $740.9 million into the economy in 2022. This data was unveiled in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, which underscored the significant economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector in New Mexico.
NMEDD's JTIP supports training for 14 companies
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced that 14 companies in the state received approval for funding from the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) in November and December of 2023. The initiative is projected to support the training of up to 395 employees, trainees, and interns at various locations throughout New Mexico.
Higher Education Department releases FY25 budget
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
The New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) has unveiled its FY25 budget recommendation, which includes an additional $12 million allocation for initiatives aimed at benefiting students and the state's workforce. The proposed general fund budget stands at $197 million, marking a growth of $12.05 million from the previous year. This increase is intended to maintain tuition-free college and expand successful education and workforce programs.
Bernalillo County unveils $14.3M facility energy efficiency improvements post audit
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
Bernalillo County has disclosed that in a recent commission meeting, commissioners examined the findings of an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) conducted by YESCO on more than a dozen of the county's largest facilities. The audit identified improvements amounting to $14,295,893.
Bernalillo County unveils collaborative litter cleanup initiative
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
Bernalillo County has launched a cooperative initiative to tackle litter along Central Avenue, spanning from 114th Street to 131st Street. The initiative involves the county's planning and development services, land management, and the county treasurer’s office, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The planning & development services department coordinates monthly staff cleanups as part of this ongoing effort.
Two salmonella cases identified by NMDOH connected to nationwide outbreak in cantaloupes
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has announced the identification of two patients in the state who have contracted Salmonella, linked to the current nationwide outbreak associated with cantaloupes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall specifically targeting Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes marked with the sticker number 4050.
DOE EM WIPP successfully disposes of 400 transuranic waste shipments
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) recently announced that its Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), under the management of EM, has successfully completed and disposed of 400 shipments of transuranic waste. This achievement underscores the concerted efforts to prevent any backlog of shipments from the cleanup operation at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) site, thereby accomplishing a key priority set for 2023.
NMSU appoints new general counsel and chief legal affairs officer
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has named Lisa Henderson as its new general counsel and chief legal affairs officer. Prior to this appointment, Henderson served as the associate general counsel at Oklahoma City Community College.
UNM GEO welcomes the return of culture nights
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 18, 2023
The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently announced the return of culture nights, an initiative by the Global Education Office (GEO). These events are large-scale, venue-based evenings featuring games, performances, and cuisine from various countries. The aim is to provide a cultural experience for participants.