News from March 2024
New study: Chimp moms play with kids through good times and bad
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
A recent study has shed light on the unique play dynamics within chimpanzee communities, particularly emphasizing the crucial role of mother chimpanzees in fostering their offspring's development. Conducted by researchers Kris Sabbi and Zarin Machanda, the study focused on the play behavior of wild chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda. The findings, published in Current Biology, reveal intriguing insights into the social interactions and nurturing behaviors of these primates.The study highlighted that while adult chimpanzees typically engage in play, the dynamics...
NMSU Art Museum Juried Student Show Showcases Diverse Student Works
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
The University Art Museum at New Mexico State University is gearing up to showcase the talent of its students in the upcoming Juried Student Show, which will feature more than 30 works from various student artists. This year's juror, El Paso-born artist Celia Álvarez Muñoz, carefully selected 32 works from 28 different NMSU students for the exhibition.Speaking about the selection process, Álvarez Muñoz expressed her pleasure in seeing a diverse range of thought-provoking statements translated into strong works of art in various mediums by NMSU students. She emphasized the...
City Releases Five-Year Financial Forecast
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 15, 2024
The City of Albuquerque unveiled its five-year financial forecast covering fiscal years 2024 through 2028, aiming to provide insight into future revenues and expenditures. This tool, created annually, projects a return to historical growth post-pandemic, considering factors like the phasing out of food and medical hold harmless payments. While a slight deficit is expected, the City plans to address it through strategic program reviews and adjustments.Chief Financial Officer Kevin Sourisseau emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating, "We will adapt to...
ABQ BioPark Introduces Male Malayan Tiger to Asia Habitat
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
In a recent development, the ABQ BioPark has welcomed Triton, a male Malayan tiger, to its Asia habitat. Triton, who will be turning four in May, arrived from his birthplace at Palm Beach Zoo in late February. The new resident is currently acclimating to his surroundings and will soon be introduced to Arya, a 10-year-old female tiger.Assistant Mammal Curator Casey provided insight into the distinguishing features of Triton and Arya, stating, "If you are wondering which tiger you are looking at as you explore Asia: Triton is larger and has a trident-shaped marking over his...
NMSU College of ACES to Host Open House on April 6
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is gearing up to welcome the public to its fifth annual ACES Open House on Saturday, April 6. The event, set to take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the Las Cruces campus, promises a day filled with educational and interactive activities for attendees of all ages.“This is an opportunity for the Las Cruces and NMSU communities to catch a glimpse of the activities our students, faculty and staff engage in,” expressed College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores Galarza. “This event highlights...
Santa Fe County Planning Commission Seeks Members from District 5
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The Santa Fe County Growth Management Department in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is currently seeking interested members of the general public from Commission District 5 to serve on the Planning Commission for the remainder of a current term beginning in April of 2024 and ending in January of 2025.Commission Members are responsible for attending monthly public hearings on the 3rd Thursday of every month. According to the announcement, Planning Commission members listen to County staff recommendations, project application presentations, and testimony from the public. The Planning...
County Marks Opening of New Fire Station Serving Southern Region
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
Doña Ana County, NM - The southern region of Doña Ana County welcomed the official opening of the new Fire Station 2 located at 3230 Anthony Drive in Anthony, NM. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, March 13, marked the presence of a hub for training and infrastructure for the southern part of Doña Ana County."This station represents a huge milestone for us, and especially the services we can provide for Doña Ana County," stated Fire Chief Shannon Cherry. "Over the next few weeks, the final touches will be added, with an expected full...
UNM Lifeguard Training: Putting Patient Safety First
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The University of New Mexico Hospital Lifeguard Team prioritizes patient safety through quarterly training simulations that prepare them for unexpected and high-pressure situations. Amy Armbruster, an RN, CCRN, CFRN, NRP, FPC, who serves as a flight nurse and educator for UNM Hospital Lifeguard, highlighted the unique nature of their training, stating, "No other team, no other nurse, medic or flight physician is going to get this training anywhere else."During a recent training session, Armbruster described a scenario as a "pediatric mass casualty event," where first...
County Planning and Zoning Commission Seeks Four New Members
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
Doña Ana County is actively seeking residents to join the Planning and Zoning Commission, a vital board responsible for reviewing land-use and development matters. The commission currently has four seats available for interested individuals, and applications will be accepted until Friday, April 5th.According to the announcement, "Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday, April 5 for the four seats currently available on the commission." Successful applicants will serve on the commission for two-year staggered terms, as stated, "Planning and Zoning Commission...
UNM Joins AASHE to Strengthen Commitment to Sustainability
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The University of New Mexico has solidified its dedication to sustainability by becoming a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Anne Jakle, UNM's director of Sustainability, emphasized the university's commitment by stating, "UNM’s strong commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its 2040 Strategic Framework, specifically Goal 4, Sustainability."AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser expressed gratitude for UNM's partnership, stating, "AASHE counts on the support of progressive institutions like The...
College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences Receives $1 Million Donation for Endowments
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 14, 2024
The College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences (CULLS) is set to benefit from a significant boost following a generous $1 million donation from Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman. The donation aims to establish two new endowments that will enhance academic and professional development opportunities within the college.Leo Lo, the dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am profoundly moved by the generosity of Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman. Their million-dollar donation marks a pivotal moment in the...
New On-Demand Service for City Transit Users
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
The City of Albuquerque is set to launch the ABQ RIDE Connect Pilot Program, a new shared ride, microtransit service aimed at enhancing the city's public transportation system. According to Mayor Tim Keller, the service is designed to address critical gaps in the transit system and provide convenient transportation options for residents."Having this new service enhances our larger transit system by filling critical gaps, allowing folks to make small but important on-demand trips like getting to the grocery store, doctor appointments, or visiting local family," said Mayor...
“Take A Ride on Us” Program Offers Santa Fe County Residents a Safe Ride Option St. Patrick’s Day 2024
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
Santa Fe County residents are being offered a safe ride option for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations through the "Take A Ride on Us" program. This initiative allows residents to opt for a safe ride instead of driving under the influence during the festivities where alcohol consumption is prevalent.Residents of Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe County can avail of this option from 10 am on March 15th to 2 am on March 18th by using the code ABQGREEN24 on the Uber app to receive a credit of up to $10 off two trips. The program, which is a collaboration between...
APD Hires Nearly 100 Police Service Aides
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
The Albuquerque Police Department has recently bolstered its ranks by hiring nearly 100 Police Service Aides, with a new academy class of 27 individuals commencing their training this week. Chief Harold Medina expressed his enthusiasm for the new recruits, stating, "Police Service Aides serve a key role as they assist sworn officers and take on duties like traffic control and responses to minor vehicle crashes that frees up officers to respond to more urgent calls."Chief Medina welcomed the 47th Police Service Aide class, noting that historically, the department only had...
APD Launches S.H.O.T Program to Combat Gun Violence in Albuquerque
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has introduced a new initiative called the S.H.O.T Program, which utilizes data from ShotSpotter technology to proactively address gun violence in the city. The pilot program, implemented in the Southeast neighborhood, has already shown promising results with a 47% decrease in gunshot detections.Mayor Tim Keller commended the innovative approach, stating, "APD is being innovative with ShotSpotter data and utilizing this technology in a way that no other department has attempted. We are leveraging investments in technology and working...
We can all take steps to prevent childhood traumatic brain injury
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
SANTA FE – Brain Injury Awareness Month, recognized each March, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention and improve the quality of life for those impacted by TBI. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish are recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month by promoting prevention of childhood TBI, commonly known as concussions.Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMDOH, emphasized the importance of taking precautions to protect children against traumatic brain injury, stating,...
Celebrate New Beginnings at the New Mexico History Museum’s History Homecoming Free Community Day
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 13, 2024
Santa Fe, NM – After five years of rehabilitation work at the New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) Palace of the Governors, the Museum presents “History Homecoming: Past, Present, Palace” on Sunday, April 21, 2024, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This free community event celebrates the hard work in making this beloved landmark brighter than ever, and will include interactive experiences, cultural art performances, demonstrations, and new exhibits inside the Palace."The Palace of the Governors is a nationally significant landmark with complex associations as a structure, site, symbol and...
Two bobcats test positive for rabies in southwest New Mexico
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division has confirmed that two bobcats, one in Grant County and one in Sierra County, have tested positive for rabies. One of the bobcats attacked a man near his house in Grant County, who is now receiving shots to prevent rabies. In Sierra County, a dog was attacked by the second rabid bobcat. Fortunately, the dog was up to date on his rabies vaccine, and his condition will be monitored for 45 days.According to State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps, DVM, MPH, "State law requires all dogs and cats...
Santa Fe County Seeks COLTPAC Committee Members
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Santa Fe County Planning Division is currently looking for volunteers to join the County Open Lands, Trails and Parks Advisory Committee (COLTPAC). According to the announcement, the committee is in need of individuals who are passionate about conservation and eager to contribute their expertise in the stewardship of natural and cultural resources.As reported, the primary responsibilities of the committee include providing recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on various matters related to open space, trails, and parks. This includes recommending properties...
Santa Fe County to Host La Cienega/La Cieneguilla Planning Committee Meetings
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 12, 2024
Santa Fe County's Planning Division is set to host planning committee meetings aimed at updating the La Cienega and La Cieneguilla (LCLC) Community Plan. The County's Sustainable Growth Management Plan will guide this update. "This is your opportunity to help guide land-use rules and regulations for the future of your community," said the announcement.The kickoff planning committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the La Cienega Community Center in Santa Fe, NM. Subsequent meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of each...
