News from July 2024

NMSU relaunches its historic meat judging team after nearly four decades
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 3, 2024
Clad in a hairnet and white coat, Eva Cortes-Monroy walked across a refrigerated meat lab on New Mexico State University’s Las Cruces campus. She stopped before the bright red cattle carcasses hanging from the ceiling and began taking notes.

EDA announces funding for tech hubs including Elevate Quantum
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 3, 2024
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced approximately $504 million in implementation grants to 12 Tech Hubs designees, including Elevate Quantum (EQ), the lead agency of a Colorado-New Mexico-based collaboration focused on quantum information technology (QIT).

Albuquerque City Council adopts citywide text amendments to development ordinance
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 3, 2024
The Albuquerque City Council has enacted Council Bill No. O-24-13, sponsored by Brook Bassan. The bill, now Ordinance No. O-2024-017, involves adopting citywide text amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) §14-16 as part of the 2023 IDO annual update.

ABQ RIDE introduces electric vans in new microtransit pilot program
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE announced today the addition of five new electric vans to its fleet as part of the ABQ RIDE Connect pilot program. The announcement was made at the Ken Sanchez Transit Facility, attended by city officials, transit staff, and community members, marking a significant step toward fleet electrification and zero emissions.

Las Cruces public health office offers free back-to-school vaccinations
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Health’s Las Cruces Public Health Office will be offering no-cost back-to-school vaccinations for children aged 18 and younger. The office, located at 1170 N. Solano Suite A, does not require appointments for these services.

NMSU Library's NEH team wins award for Amador Family digitization project
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
Hard work is starting to pay off at New Mexico State University’s Library as staff and student employees have been working on a prestigious project that recently earned an award from the Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists.

UNM researcher’s study cited in Washington Post reveals widespread clerical sexual abuse
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
Research by a University of New Mexico professor that traced Catholic priests who abused Native American children and teenagers was recently cited in an article in the Washington Post. Investigative reporters at the Post used the research data to find additional abusers.

City advises residents on preventing mosquito infestations after historic rainfall
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department and the Bernalillo County Health Protection Section are anticipating a significant increase in mosquito activity that will likely persist through the summer following recent heavy rainfall. Mosquitoes breed in standing water and can develop from egg to adult in as little as seven days. The joint City-County mosquito control program has issued recommendations for residents to help reduce breeding and prevent bites amid high mosquito populations.

City announces events and closures for Independence Day celebrations
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
Community members are encouraged to sign up for ABQ Alert to receive real-time event updates and emergency notifications. For a complete list of holiday hours and services, visit the City's Holiday Information page.

Santa Fe County extends application deadline for Behavioral Health Leadership Council
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
Santa Fe County has extended the application deadline for service on its Behavioral Health Leadership Council to July 9. The Council will function as an advisory body, providing recommendations to the Community Services Department and the broader community to develop a comprehensive system of behavioral health services tailored to the needs of Santa Fe County residents.

ABQ RIDE introduces five new electric vans in fleet electrification effort
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 2, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE announced the addition of five new electric vans to its fleet as part of the ABQ RIDE Connect pilot program. City officials, transit staff, and community members gathered at the Ken Sanchez Transit Facility to celebrate this advancement in fleet electrification and zero emissions.

OPINION: Wake Up Santa Feans
By Kenneth W. Costello | Jul 1, 2024
Like me, many residents of Santa Fe consider the city a good place to live. Reasons include the weather, culture, and outdoor activities. Sadly, Santa Fe’s quality of life is not enhanced by its city government.

Albuquerque animal shelters announce Independence Day closures
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 1, 2024
The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) Eastside and Westside shelters will be closed on Thursday, July 4, except for admissions and reclaims, which will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most reclaims can be processed on this day, many free of charge. Credit cards will not be accepted for reclaims on this day. Appointments are not required to reclaim pets. The shelters will resume normal operations on Friday, July 5.

UNM innovations aim at global impact across diverse fields
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 1, 2024
Every day, faculty at The University of New Mexico (UNM) work to uncover the next technological frontier and expand our knowledge about the world. The research conducted at UNM has led to the creation of new inventions that have been licensed by companies for use globally.

Santa Fe County announces utility water service rate increase effective July
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 1, 2024
Effective July 1, 2024, the Santa Fe County Public Works Department will implement a 3.3% increase in utility water and wastewater service rates through Fiscal Year 2026. This adjustment, in line with Ordinance No. 2018-3 & 2018-4 approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on June 12, 2018, will be posted on the Santa Fe County website.

UNM launches interactive campus map to enhance navigation
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 1, 2024
Navigating The University of New Mexico's (UNM) campus has become more accessible with the launch of an online, interactive campus map. This tool aims to modernize and streamline campus experiences for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. The map covers UNM’s Albuquerque Campuses and is accessible online through mobile and desktop computers.

Santa Fe County announces Fourth of July closures
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 1, 2024
Santa Fe County administrative offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of Independence Day. The closure will affect all Senior Centers, with extra home-delivered meals provided to eligible seniors before the holiday. Additionally, all Solid Waste Convenience Centers will be closed. Essential services provided by Public Safety will continue without interruption. Regular business hours for administrative offices will resume on Friday, July 5, 2024.

UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center competes for most beautiful hospital in U.S
By New Mexico Sun | Jul 1, 2024
Voting is now open for the "Top 20 Most Beautiful Hospitals" in the U.S., and The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) is seeking community support to achieve the top spot. The contest, sponsored by Soliant, a national healthcare staffing firm, recognizes hospitals for their campus development, facilities improvement, staff enhancement, and creation of holistic healing environments.