News from May 2024
University exhibit features middle schoolers' research on local wildlife
By New Mexico Sun | May 24, 2024
A new exhibit at The University of New Mexico will showcase local 8th graders' work related to the Museum of Southwestern Biology. Lobo Science, a yearlong museum science class, is taught in collaboration with the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB) and Jefferson Middle School. Since August, students have been working daily in the classroom and visiting campus weekly to explore UNM museums and work in the MSB labs. Their final projects on study species such as the White Sands pupfish, Jemez Mountains salamander, Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly, and Sandhill Cranes...
UNM’s ‘Divine Nine’ receives official charter from National Pan-Hellenic Council
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
The University of New Mexico’s “Divine Nine,” a group of Black fraternities and sororities, was officially chartered as part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in a recent ceremony at the UNM Student Union Building. This recognition makes UNM the first university in New Mexico with a nationally recognized NPHC collegiate council.
Rabbit Road opens as part of NE/SE Connector Project
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
Santa Fe, NM - The Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) has announced the opening of Rabbit Road from S. Saint Francis Dr. to the Richards Ave. roundabout, marking a significant milestone in the NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project. Starting Friday, May 31, 2024, this new route will provide direct access to the Community College District, reducing traffic through the Oshara community and improving overall traffic flow.
Westside Animal Shelter completes phase one renovations
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
Today, Mayor Tim Keller and the Animal Welfare Department (AWD) announced the near completion of phase one renovations to modernize the Westside Animal Shelter. The $4.5 million project aims to reduce stress for shelter animals while enhancing the experience for patrons, prospective adopters, and volunteers. Funding sources include Capital funding, GO Bonds, State Junior Bill, State Capital Outlay, General Fund, and donations.
Albuquerque launches rapid hire events for solid waste management jobs
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
In efforts to continue preserving a cleaner and more beautiful community, the City of Albuquerque officially launched a series of Rapid Hire Events today. Starting this morning and continuing every other Thursday through September, the department will open its doors to those seeking a rewarding career with competitive pay and exceptional benefits. Each event will provide job seekers with guidance and the tools needed to complete their application and begin the hiring process.
ABQ RIDE seeks volunteers for annual Route 66 bus stop cleanup
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE and the Transit Advisory Board are seeking 100 community volunteers for a day of service to clean bus stops along the historic Route 66 on Saturday, June 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The 3rd Annual Adopt-A-Stop Community Bus Stop Cleanup will target bus stops in the International District from Girard to Wyoming, ensuring they are prepared for the Albuquerque Pride Parade the following Saturday.
UNM joins DOE's inaugural Faculty-Applied Clean Energy Sciences program
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
A faculty member from the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Engineering is participating in the inaugural Faculty-Applied Clean Energy Sciences (FACES) program, funded by the Department of Energy. Tito Busani, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, will represent UNM in this 10-week summer program. He joins approximately 60 faculty members nationwide who will travel to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, to collaborate with scientists and other cohort members on developing scalable education...
Fugitive captured after 16 years on the run
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
Oswaldo Corral has been taken into custody by the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office after hiding in Mexico for nearly 16 years. Corral was wanted by the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office since 2008 as a suspect in alleged criminal charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated burglary, and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary.
Westside Animal Shelter completes phase one renovations
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, Mayor Tim Keller and the Animal Welfare Department (AWD) announced the near completion of phase one renovations to improve and modernize the Westside Animal Shelter. The $4.5 million project aims to reduce stress for shelter animals while creating a welcoming experience for patrons, prospective adopters, and volunteers. Funding sources include Capital funding, GO Bonds, State Junior Bill, State Capital Outlay, General Fund, and donations.
19.9 million NIH grant extends NMSU's biomedical leadership
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
The New Mexico IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research (NM-INBRE), based at New Mexico State University (NMSU), has received a $19.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant continues NM-INBRE’s 20-plus-year leadership in biomedical research, which began in 2001 when NMSU chemistry and biochemistry professor Jeffrey Arterburn spearheaded a $5.5 million proposal to foster collaboration among New Mexico universities.
UNM researchers explore new approaches to cocaine addiction recovery
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
A coalition of researchers at The University of New Mexico has made significant progress in addiction research, emphasizing a recovery process needed for cocaine use disorder. The team, led by Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions (CASAA) Director Katie Witkiewitz, includes UNM alumna and McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School Clinical Psychology Intern Victoria Votaw and Psychology Doctoral Students Felicia Tuchman and Hanna Hebden.
Safe ride initiative launched for Memorial Day weekend in New Mexico
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
Santa Fe, NM—Cumulus Media Albuquerque, in collaboration with the Santa Fe County DWI Program, Bernalillo County Department of Behavioral Health, Sandoval County DWI Prevention, Glasheen Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers, and Sandia Resort and Casino announced details for a safe ride option for 2024 Memorial Day weekend celebrations. The “Take A Ride on Us” program offers residents of Santa Fe, Bernalillo, and Sandoval Counties an alternative to driving under the influence.
UNM launches mentorship program pairing nursing students with high schoolers
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
In the halls of The University of New Mexico College of Nursing Health Sciences Rio Rancho campus (HSRR), a new mentorship program is making strides in shaping the future of healthcare. By pairing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students with high school students from three Sandoval County high schools interested in nursing careers, this initiative promotes growth, learning, and collaboration for both groups.
NMSU receives federal funds for culturally inclusive curriculum project
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
The Department of Borderlands and Ethnic Studies (BEST) at New Mexico State University has secured $170,000 in congressional funding to advance a research initiative aimed at developing culturally inclusive social studies curricula for K-12 students.
Santa Fe County offices closed for Memorial Day on May 27
By New Mexico Sun | May 23, 2024
Santa Fe, NM – In honor of the men and women who have lost their lives in military service, Santa Fe County announces the closure of its administrative offices on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observation of Memorial Day. Santa Fe County encourages all residents to take this day to participate in community events or with their families to mourn and pay tribute to those who made the greatest sacrifice for our country.
Councilors fund initiative providing shelters for outdoor dogs
By New Mexico Sun | May 22, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – Shelter is as important for animals as it is for humans. Albuquerque City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn (District 7) and Dan Champine (District 8) teamed up with the Albuquerque Woodworkers Association and the City Animal Welfare Department (AWD) to ensure more dogs in the community have shelter. Many companion animal guardians are not aware that dogs who live outdoors must be provided with a doghouse under local laws. Others cannot afford to purchase a doghouse or lack the skill to build one of appropriate size. The AWD’s Community Doghouse Program aims to...
Construction begins on Central Crossing Bridge improvements
By New Mexico Sun | May 22, 2024
Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the Central Crossing Bridge in Albuquerque. Demolition has commenced on the existing pedestrian undercrossing to prepare for the construction of two ramps, one on each side of the pass, aimed at providing a safe and accessible at-grade crossing on the upper railway portion. This infrastructure improvement is intended to enhance safety and foster community connectivity between neighborhoods.
Albuquerque issues $22.5M in revenue bonds for city improvements
By New Mexico Sun | May 22, 2024
On May 22, 2024, the City of Albuquerque announced the publication of Council Bill No. O-24-10, sponsored by Klarissa J. Peña by request. The bill authorizes the issuance and sale of Gross Receipts Tax Improvement Revenue Bonds in one or more series, with an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $22,500,000.
Council Bill No. O-24-5 amends human rights ordinance
By New Mexico Sun | May 22, 2024
On May 22, 2024, the Council Bill No. O-24-5 was published under Enactment No. O-2024-010. The bill is sponsored by Tammy Fiebelkorn, Nichole Rogers, and Joaquín Baca by request.
New Mexico expands medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder
By New Mexico Sun | May 22, 2024
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is expanding its services to assist those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). Starting this week, over 30 public health offices will offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use, available both in person and via telehealth. This expansion, in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Services Division at the Health Care Authority, aims to increase access to MAT services statewide.
