New Mexico Sun

News from September 2024


ERG releases evaluation of Camino Real Regional Utility Authority’s arsenic treatment facilities

COMMUNITY EVALUATION & PUBLIC COMMENT On the Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority Four Arsenic Treatment Facilities


New Mexico's child poverty ranking improves with consideration of anti-poverty programs

The U.S. Census Bureau has released data indicating that New Mexico's child poverty rate improves significantly when anti-poverty programs are considered under the supplemental poverty measure. According to this measure, the state ranks 22nd in the nation for child poverty, a marked improvement from its last-place ranking under the official poverty measure.


Kairos Power expands operations in New Mexico creating 100 jobs

Kairos Power LLC, a clean energy technology, engineering, and manufacturing company, is expanding its operations in New Mexico with plans to build three facilities and create 100 jobs. Headquartered in Alameda, California, Kairos Power initially expanded to Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol community in 2019 for its research and development engineering center to support the commercialization of its advanced reactor technology. The company also has locations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina.


UNM College of Nursing leader makes history with academy induction

A leader in The University of New Mexico College of Nursing and a former nurse at UNM Children’s Hospital has made history as the first nurse from New Mexico to be inducted into the Academy of Emergency Nursing. This achievement highlights her work and its impact on the Land of Enchantment and beyond.


City celebrates four decades of open space preservation

Over the weekend, the City Open Space Division and its partners celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Open Space program at a day-long event at the Open Space Visitor Center. The celebration included a guided Bosque hike, a panel discussion on the Past, Present, and Future of Open Space, music by High Desert Playboys with special guest musicians Dogs on Leash, and other family activities. This milestone honors four decades of dedication and passion while setting the stage for future advancements in preserving Albuquerque’s public lands legacy.


Las Cruces Fire Department hosts practice physical ability tests for prospective applicants

The Las Cruces Fire Department will host three practice Physical Ability Tests to provide insight into the physical requirements of becoming a firefighter.


Santa Fe County announces upcoming Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting

Santa Fe, NM – The Santa Fe County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has announced the next Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The meeting will be held at the Nancy Rodriguez Community Center, located at 1 Prairie Dog Loop, Santa Fe, NM.


Albuquerque police arrest teen following street racing incident

The Albuquerque Police Department’s Traffic Unit arrested an 18-year-old Friday night following a street racing event in the southeast part of the city.


Critics say mayor's downtown plans fail to address crime

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has proposed a new plan aimed at revitalizing Downtown Albuquerque. The proposal includes the creation of a "tax increment financing" district (TIDD) and a "Business Improvement District" (BID). These measures are intended to focus tax revenues on the downtown area and involve private sector participation in managing certain services.


Venezuelan migrants seek release from indefinite detention at Otero Processing Center

Albuquerque, New Mexico — Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, and the Center for Constitutional Rights have filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of four Venezuelan migrants detained at the Otero Processing Center in Chaparral, New Mexico. The petition was submitted to the federal district court of New Mexico on Friday.


Griggs Walnut groundwater plume open house set for September

The City of Las Cruces invites the public to attend the Griggs Walnut Ground Water Plume Superfund Open House. The event is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 N. Cottonwood St., near the intersection of Griggs Avenue and Walnut Street.


Santa Fe County's new plastic ban takes effect September 23

Santa Fe, NM - On March 26, 2024, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2024-06, prohibiting the use of single-use plastic and expanded polystyrene products across retail and restaurant establishments within unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County. The ordinance also encourages the use of reusable bags and establishes penalties for violations.


Sue Foley & The Texas Horns headline Blues Night at Civic Plaza

The 18th Annual New Mexico Jazz Festival, in partnership with the City of Albuquerque, is bringing blues back to downtown's Civic Plaza for a free concert on Saturday, September 21 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Headlining the event is Sue Foley & The Texas Horns. Foley is an award-winning musician and one of the finest blues and roots artists working today.


Safety reminders issued for fall semester at NMSU

With the fall semester underway, a reminder has been issued for individuals to slow down while driving and observe their surroundings as pedestrians. Increased congestion and more vehicles, utility carts, and pedestrian traffic on campus necessitate heightened caution and attention to safety.


Federal report highlights impact of anti-poverty measures on New Mexico's child poverty rate

A federal report has, for the first time, detailed New Mexico's child poverty rate after considering anti-poverty measures such as tax credits and food assistance. According to advocates, this is a significant achievement for the state.


NMSU Board of Regents to convene for closed meeting on Sept. 18

The New Mexico State University Board of Regents will hold a closed online meeting starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18.


UNM-Taos holds first paramedic graduation ceremony in over 20 years

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, UNM-Taos hosted a paramedic graduation ceremony for the first time in over 20 years. Under the leadership of Josh Wright, director of EMS and chair of health sciences, the program was revived with support from the EMS Academy and UNM-Taos administration to address the need for emergency medical professionals in the community.


Zero-fare bus rides boost attendance at Winrock Park Market

Today, riders were rewarded with prizes for taking zero-fare transit to the Winrock Park Market to shop with local vendors. City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, ABQ RIDE, and Winrock Town Center encourage transit ridership whenever possible. Access to Saturday’s market allows for less wait time during construction and eliminates the hassle of busy parking areas ramping up to the holiday season. As an incentive, Saturday’s riders were greeted at the Route 766 bus stop, given gift bags with prizes, and directed to Winrock Park.


City of Santa Fe City-County Advisory Council on Food Policy met Sept. 12

City of Santa Fe City-County Advisory Council on Food Policy met Thursday, Sept. 12


City of Santa Fe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee met Sept. 12

City of Santa Fe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee met Thursday, Sept. 12