News from September 2024

Mayors place friendly wager on Rio Grande Rivalry football game
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 27, 2024
Mayor Tim Keller and Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the University of New Mexico Lobos' game against the New Mexico State University Aggies. The losing mayor will wear the winning team's gear for a day.

Albuquerque honors senior volunteers at annual appreciation breakfast
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 27, 2024
The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs held its annual AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Appreciation Breakfast and Award Ceremony today. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, the event honored volunteers aged 55 and over who support various nonprofit, government, and community organizations in the city.

New Mexico State University sees continued growth driven by scholarships and online offerings
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 27, 2024
Unofficial enrollment numbers for the New Mexico State University (NMSU) system indicate a more than 4% increase systemwide over last fall. This continues a three-year upward trend fueled by Lottery and Opportunity scholarships and significant growth from NMSU Global.

Nusenda CEO honored by NMSU College of Business
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 27, 2024
Nusenda President and CEO Joe Christian has been honored by the New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Business. The Hall of Fame award, established in 1997, recognizes distinguished business college alumni who have excelled in their careers. This initiative aims to enhance visibility for its alumni and foster a strong relationship with the business community.

City of Santa Fe Archaeological Review Committee met Sept. 26
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Sep 26, 2024
City of Santa Fe Archaeological Review Committee met Thursday, Sept. 26

New Mexico Republicans criticize Democratic leaders over immigration policies
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
Democratic politicians Martin Heinrich and Gabe Vasquez have expressed support for policies that align with Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on immigration. This has drawn criticism from the Republican Party of New Mexico, which argues these policies jeopardize the state's safety and security.

Allegations against Camino Real Regional Utility Authority remain unfounded
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) has concluded its investigation into the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA). The probe was initiated at the request of the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) on March 14, 2024. The focus was on potential fraud, waste, and abuse concerning $5.3 million in public funds awarded by the Water Trust Board in June 2013 for constructing and operating the Santa Teresa Arsenic Community Treatment Plant.

NMSU Foundation CEO Sylvia Y. Acosta named HACU Leadership Academy fellow
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
Sylvia Y. Acosta, CEO of the New Mexico State University Foundation, has been named one of 45 fellows in the sixth cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo.

Chamber supports Albuquerque's BID and TIF plans for downtown
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
On September 19, Del Esparza, chairman of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) and founder and CEO of Esparza + Digital Advertising; Terri Cole, GACC president and CEO; and Doug Majewski, GACC Downtown Transformation BIG Chair and CEO of Hartman+Majewski Design Group, wrote a guest column in the Albuquerque Journal.

UNM Hospital saves local man with critical care transport
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
The University of New Mexico Hospital (UNM Hospital) in Albuquerque, the state's only Level-I trauma center, recently played a critical role in saving the life of 72-year-old Richard Neely from Farmington. Last fall, Neely's heart unexpectedly stopped while he was at home.

Rio Grande Foundation surveys candidates on parental rights and school choice
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
The Rio Grande Foundation's education reform division, OAK New Mexico, has conducted a survey among legislative candidates concerning key educational issues in the state.

Voters to decide on funding for UNM College of Pharmacy renovations
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
New Mexico voters will soon decide on the future of The University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Pharmacy building, along with other capital projects for higher education institutions across the state. During this year’s general election, voters will be asked to approve a series of General Obligation (GO) Bonds, including Higher Education GO Bond 3. If passed, GO Bond 3 will release $230 million to higher education institutions statewide.

Santa Fe County modifies administrative complex address to improve emergency and public access
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
Santa Fe County has announced an address modification for its Administrative Complex, effective September 26, 2024. The change aims to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve public access.

Spin launches new e-scooter program in Albuquerque
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
On Friday, Sept. 27, the San Francisco-based micromobility company Spin will start installing and testing e-scooter stations throughout Albuquerque. The locations of these stations can be found on Spin’s free mobile phone application.

NMSU students join first Las Cruces Metals Guild exhibition
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
Eight New Mexico State University (NMSU) metalsmithing students and three alumni will participate in the inaugural exhibition of the Las Cruces Metals Guild this October.

Chair Laughter Yoga classes offered weekly at Branigan Memorial Library
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
Las Cruces Public Libraries is offering Chair Laughter Yoga classes on Wednesdays at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library. The sessions are scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in the Roadrunner Room at Branigan Memorial Library, located at 200 E. Picacho Ave., accessible via Roadrunner Transit Route 1.

Heinrich and Vasquez face criticism over handling of fentanyl crisis
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
Fentanyl overdoses are causing significant harm in New Mexico communities. Democrats Martin Heinrich and Gabe Vasquez are being criticized for allegedly exploiting the fentanyl crisis for political gain ahead of an election, despite previous inaction.

Santa Fe announces funding for tourism events and facilities
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
The Santa Fe County Community Development Department, in partnership with the Santa Fe County Public Works Division, has announced the availability of funding for tourism-related events and facilities within Santa Fe County. The Tourism Event, Facilities, and Attractions Grant Program (TEFA) will provide financial support from December 2024 through December 2025.

Chile Pepper Institute relocates to Fabián García Science Center
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
The Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University has relocated to the Fabián García Science Center. For several decades, the institute operated out of Gerald Thomas Hall on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus. Recently, it moved into its new location where faculty members and students conduct research on chile peppers and other crops important to New Mexico’s economy.

New Mexico issues advisory after university investigation
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 26, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a health advisory urging workers in the state to be aware of potential occupational hazards related to their jobs. This advisory follows an investigation into chemical storage and handling at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), initiated by the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB).