News from January 2024


Isleta Boulevard pavement preservation project begins in Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County has announced the commencement of the Isleta Boulevard pavement preservation project, a collaboration with Sen. Michael Padilla and Rep. Andres Romero. The project will focus on improvements to the corridor that extends from Durand Road SW to Bridge Boulevard SW.


UNM hospital boosts support for frontline health care workers with new funds

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Health Sciences has announced that the UNM Hospital is set to introduce additional funding to increase employee pay. The hospital administration has finalized new contracts with all labor unions at the UNM Hospital’s Lomas campus and initiated discussions with the two labor unions at the UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC), a campus of UNM Hospital.


Legislators to support cancer patients at UNM cancer center through Hoops 4 Hope fundraiser

UNM Health Sciences has announced that state legislators will participate in the annual Hoops 4 Hope basketball game, with proceeds going towards supporting cancer patients. The funds raised from this event are allocated to assist individuals receiving care at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.


UNM doctor testifies on long covid at U.S. senate committee hearing

UNM Health Sciences has announced that Dr. Michelle Harkins, a professor of medicine, provided testimony at a U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on addressing long COVID-19. Harkins aimed to elucidate the complex issues associated with long COVID-19 and explore ways to enhance both research efforts and patient care.


UNM cancer center names its new associate director for training and education

UNM Health Sciences has recently announced the appointment of Jennifer Gillette, PhD, as the associate director for training and education at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC). Gillette, currently a professor and senior director for research in the UNM department of pathology, is expected to play a significant role in advancing cancer education and training initiatives at the center.


MFA launches Home Improvement Program in eight counties

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has announced the launch of the Home Improvement Program, a scheme designed to provide direct home rehabilitation services in eight counties. The initiative is intended to fill gaps in service provision left by the HOME Rehabilitation Program and will be operational in Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Quay, San Juan, and Union Counties.


MFA allocates $5.5m for FirstDown Plus program

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has unveiled the FirstDown Plus loan program, with an allocation of $5.5 million from the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund. The initiative is designed to offer financial support to homebuyers in need.


OPINION: Fed’s investigate APD officers and a defense attorney in reported kickback scheme

Once again, New Mexicans wake up to learn the Federal Government has raided the homes of New Mexicans. The last time was in July 2021, when Democrat House Speaker Sheryl William Stapleton's home was raided. This time, it was Albuquerque Police officers and a defense attorney while the Bernalillo County District Attorney dismissed 144 driving under the influence. We will soon learn what the Federal Attorney General’s office is investigating and why Bernalillo DA dismissed 144 DUI cases.


NMSU planet formation research group secures second NASA emerging worlds grant

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that the NASA Emerging Worlds program has awarded Debanjan Sengupta, a postdoctoral researcher, a significant $750,000 grant for a three-year project. The project is aimed at exploring the formation and early evolution of the solar system.


Judge in favor of the Albuquerque Bernalillo Joint Air Quality Board and Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County has announced that District Court Judge Francis Matthew issued a ruling granting a preliminary injunction on the Albuquerque Bernalillo Joint Air Quality Board, allowing the board to continue its operations.


Imperial Inn redevelopment project opens in Albuquerque

The city of Albuquerque recently celebrated the inauguration of The Imperial redevelopment project in East Downtown Albuquerque. This venture is a result of a public-private collaboration between the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) and Palindrome Communities LLC, supported by $700,000 in gap financing from MRA.


UNM partners with UW–Madison for tomato space mission

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced that its scientists, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, are embarking on the Trichoderma Associated Space Tomato Inoculation Experiment (TASTIE). This scientific project involves sending tomatoes into space aboard the International Space Station (ISS).


Student art and space competition launched by Hyperspace Challenge

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has revealed that the Hyperspace Challenge, an accelerator backed by the U.S. Space Force, is launching a statewide S.T.E.A.M. competition for high school students in New Mexico. The objective of this contest is to highlight the role of art in effectively communicating complex scientific concepts.


CNM Ingenuity's ninth annual Ski Lift Pitch event

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has disclosed that CNM Ingenuity, in partnership with Platinum Sponsor New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Department, is preparing for the ninth-annual Ski Lift Pitch. This event offers a distinctive platform where startups and investors can connect.


CNM Ingenuity and MediaU collaborate for filmmaker marketing and distribution course

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has announced a collaboration with CNM Ingenuity and MediaU to offer valuable insights to filmmakers. The aim is to enhance their reach and connect with target audiences through a comprehensive course that explores the complexities of movie marketing and distribution strategies.


Bernalillo County greenlights Atrisco Acequia Madre development plan

Bernalillo County has announced that its commissioners have approved a proposal aimed at transforming the Acequia Madre headwaters into a cultural and historic open space. The significant development project is situated on the west side of the Rio Grande, just north of Central.


Bernalillo County assessor expands EV fleet with charging station installation

Bernalillo County has revealed that County Assessor Damian Lara is progressing with his plan to expand his Electric Vehicles (EV) fleet, which includes the establishment of charging stations. This initiative is supported by County Commissioner Eric Olivas.


'Tyler Perry's Joe's College Road Trip' commences production in NM

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) recently announced that the New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) has disclosed the filming of "Tyler Perry’s Joe’s College Road Trip," with shooting locations situated in and around Las Cruces. The production is set to employ a workforce of 90 New Mexicans, including 45 crew members and 45 background personnel.


City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Dec. 15

City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Friday, Dec. 15


City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Jan. 26

City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Friday, Jan. 26