News from April 2024
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In a significant development in the field of computing, Sandia National Laboratories recently received a groundbreaking brain-based computing system named Hala Point, containing a record-breaking 1.15 billion artificial neurons. The system, described as the largest brain-based computing system in the world, was transported from Intel Corp. in Portland, Oregon, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where it will support research teams at Sandia and the National Nuclear Security Administration.Lead researcher at Sandia, Craig Vineyard, expressed optimism about the...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
In a collaboration between Doña Ana Community College (DACC) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), a student-run café is undergoing a transformation to offer new food and beverage options to the campus community. Under the oversight of Kelley Coffeen, associate professor in the Fashion Merchandising and Design program at NMSU, the Sam Steel Café in Gerald Thomas Hall is being rebranded to provide a collaborative space for various stakeholders.Coffeen expressed the goal of creating a space that caters to faculty, students, staff, and community members, stating, "We want...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
The Office of Management and Budget's decision to combine race and ethnicity questions on Federal forms has sparked concerns from experts about its potential impact on equity research. Dr. Nancy López, a Sociology professor at the University of New Mexico, expressed her worries about the change, stating, "You're not going to be able to collect meaningful data when you are asking about two things in one question."López emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between ethnicity and race, explaining, "In many Latinx homes, there’s a saying, ‘You can’t cover...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
Crestencia Pihlaja, a 2L at The University of New Mexico School of Law, stood out at the Hispanic National Bar Association moot court competition in Seattle, Wash. in March, earning second place for Best Oral Argument. Pihlaja expressed her gratitude to those who supported her during the competition, including the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association, which covered the travel expenses for her and teammate Damon Nieto.Pihlaja shared, “I’d like to express my appreciation for the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association and all our guest judges for their immense support. I am also...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
The New Mexico State University U.S. Air Force and Army ROTC are gearing up to host the 122nd Presidential Pass-in-Review at Hadley Pride Field on the NMSU Horseshoe. The event, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, will showcase the dedication and hard work of the cadets throughout the year.According to the article, the Pass-in-Review ceremony is a traditional public display aimed at highlighting the cadets' efforts in working together as a cohesive team. The ceremony will commence with a helicopter flyover, adding to the grandeur of the event.In addition to the...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
On Apr 17, 2024, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is urging residents to observe Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week and consistently practice safe sex. The initiative, which takes place in the second full week of April (14-20), seeks to increase awareness and diminish the stigma surrounding STI prevention, testing, and treatment.According to Janine Waters, the STD Program Manager, "STIs are very common. There are millions of infections each year in the United States." Waters emphasizes the importance of knowing one's STI status as a vital...
By New Mexico Sun News Service | Apr 16, 2024
Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation, said his organization opposes a pending U.S. Senate bill to regulate the credit card industry.
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
The Department of Senior Affairs, along with local non-profits Adelante-DiverseIT and Teeniors, will host their annual 50+ Senior Tech Connect fair on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center.In today’s world, many routine tasks such as making a medical appointment or ordering groceries often require some technology skills. It’s a reality that can sometimes cause older adults who lack digital resources or training to feel left behind.The 50+ Senior Tech Connect fair aims to help bridge this digital divide by bringing together over 30 tech-focused...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
Santa Fe, NM- Beginning Monday, April 22, 2024, the Contractor for Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) will begin the construction of the Rabbit Road connection to the Southeast Connector, recently named Falcon Way, and also providing the tie into Oshara Blvd via a new roundabout."To safely accommodate the construction, it will be necessary to close a segment of Rabbit Road to Oshara Blvd for approximately (6) weeks and route traffic through a temporary detour," stated the Santa Fe County Public Works Department."Motorists should account for increased...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
Brenda Murray, the director of environmental services at The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC), recently organized a blood drive with a heartfelt purpose. The initiative stemmed from a personal experience that left her deeply grateful for the generosity of blood donors. Murray's son, Joey Vigil, was involved in a severe accident that led to life-threatening injuries, ultimately requiring 74 blood product transfusions to save his life.Describing the harrowing incident, Murray recounted, "He went off a cliff and nose-dived into a cement...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
Terese Flores, a New Mexico State University alumna, has realized her dream of managing parks in New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in geography. Flores, now serving as the Regional Park Manager for Manhattan in the New York City Parks Department, has made significant contributions to the city since taking on her role.One of Flores’ notable achievements has been the creation of the Park Management Internship, where she mentors young individuals passionate about the environment and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Reflecting on this...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
The City of Albuquerque has unveiled the initial deliverable for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant’s Planning Program, following the receipt of a substantial $1 million in funding earlier this year. Referred to as the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), this document serves as the first step towards mitigating climate pollution and advancing the interests of frontline communities within the Albuquerque Metro Statistical Area.In a statement, Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of addressing climate injustices, stating, "Climate change impacts us all, but we...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
The Public Library of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, in collaboration with the Friends of the Public Library, is gearing up to celebrate El Día de los Niños, a week-long multicultural celebration of children and literacy starting from April 24 to April 30. A total of eighteen library branches will be hosting special events dedicated to children and families, featuring a variety of activities such as storytellers, crafts, music, and more. One of the highlights of the event is that children attending will have the opportunity to take home a book of their own, while...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
Erinna “Erin” Atkins, a 2009 graduate of The University of New Mexico School of Law, has assumed the role of President of the State Bar of New Mexico, making her the first woman from Southern New Mexico to hold this position. Atkins, who practices law with her father at the Law Office of S. Bert Atkins, specializes in representing children in abuse and neglect cases, as well as handling custody, divorce, and criminal defense cases. She also serves as a special prosecutor for the City of Alamogordo.Atkins expressed her pride in representing rural areas and emphasized the...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – Yesterday, City Council passed R-24-22, which establishes a two-year policy for prioritizing site plan approvals and construction permitting of development projects that will result in permanent housing within the Downtown Center.The current procedure for site plan approvals and construction permitting is “first come, first served”, which means wait times can vary depending on workload and staff capacity. The Planning Department does have an optional fee-based construction permitting program called “FasTrax” to expedite plan review with guaranteed plan...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
El Palacio magazine is set to host a reading panel and Q&A event featuring three contributors to the spring 2024 issue. The event will be moderated by the editor of El Palacio, Emily Withnall.The announcement invites the public to "Please join us for a reading panel and Q&A with three contributors to the spring 2024 issue of El Palacio magazine." The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with the writers and gain insight into their work.Following the readings, Emily Withnall will facilitate a Q&A session, allowing audience members to ask questions...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week is currently underway in Albuquerque, shining a light on the vital work carried out by the City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department Animal Protection Services Division. The week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the services provided to the community.The role of an Animal Protection Services Officer (APSO) is often misunderstood, with some mistakenly labeling it as simply being a "dog catcher." However, APSOs play a crucial role in ensuring public and animal safety by enforcing the City's Humane and...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 15, 2024
Students with New Mexico State University’s Aggie Fashion Club are ready to showcase their creativity at the upcoming Sustainable Fashion Show. The event, taking place on April 18 at the Aggie Lounge in Corbett Center Student Union, aims to promote sustainability through upcycled and recycled designs inspired by literature. Maxine Lucero, fashion merchandising and design program assistant in Family & Consumer Sciences, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “The fashion industry has a history of neglecting the environment with the increase of fast fashion, which...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 15, 2024
The University of New Mexico School of Architecture + Planning (SA+P) and the Thornburg Foundation recently revealed the winners of the 2024 Jeff Harnar Awards. The awards, established by Garrett Thornburg in 2007, commemorate the legacy of the late local architect Jeff Harnar and his pioneering work in contemporary design.During the awards ceremony held at the School of Architecture + Planning's George Pearl Hall, renowned architect Benjamin Gilmartin of Diller Scofidio + Renfro delivered a lecture.SA+P Dean Robert Alexander González expressed his admiration for this...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 15, 2024
During the month of March, the Albuquerque Police Department took action against 70 individuals for firearm related offenses and successfully recovered 86 firearms. Chief Harold Medina expressed concern over the situation, stating, "These statistics are a clear indicator that criminals in our community continue to get their hands on firearms, and are continuing to re-offend."Among those charged last month, 24 individuals were identified as felons, with nine of them being out on pretrial release. Chief Medina emphasized the importance of accountability for such...
