News from September 2024
Branigan Cultural Center announces new photography exhibit featuring Jim Ballard's work
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
The Branigan Cultural Center has announced a new exhibit titled "The Ballard Photo Studio: A Portrait of Community," featuring over 200 portraits and other photographic works by Las Cruces photographer Jim Ballard. The exhibit will open on Friday, October 4, 2024, and run through Saturday, February 15, 2025.
NMSU researcher leads global study on effects of invasive plants
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
A New Mexico State University researcher led a team of scientists from around the world in a study aimed at understanding the impacts of invasive plant species. The results of the study were recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Las Cruces plans removal of mistletoe-infested cottonwood trees in Salopek Park
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
The City of Las Cruces Parks maintenance team will be removing cottonwood trees at Salopek Park, located at 464 Salopek Boulevard. The removal is necessary due to a severe mistletoe infestation affecting six to seven declining cottonwood trees, two of which are already dead. The work will commence on the east end of the park and progress south towards the arroyo, lasting approximately two weeks.
Albuquerque Police Department increases annual cadet classes
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
The Albuquerque Police Department has increased the number of cadet classes offered each year to expedite the deployment of new officers. The department now holds four academies annually, comprising two CNM academies and two APD academies, doubling the previous total of two per year. This expansion aims to accelerate officer training and provide more opportunities for potential candidates.
New Mexico Democratic reps oppose proof-of-citizenship voting requirement
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
Yesterday, Congress voted on a Continuing Appropriations bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown for six months. The bill also included the SAVE Act, which mandates proof of citizenship to register to vote ahead of the General Election.
Survey shows broad support among NM candidates for democracy reform measures
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
A recent survey of 170 candidates running for the New Mexico state Senate, House, and US Congress in the 2024 general election reveals significant support for various democracy reform measures. The survey was conducted by a coalition of four pro-democracy non-profits: Common Cause NM, Fair Districts NM, NM First, and NM Open Elections. Candidates were contacted via email with follow-up requests to respond. Out of 170 candidates, 37 responded, resulting in a 21% response rate.
Equality New Mexico outlines its detailed candidate endorsement process
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
Equality New Mexico (EQNM) is preparing to announce its official endorsements for the 2024 elections. The organization emphasizes a thorough vetting process to ensure candidates support inclusive values and policies that impact the LGBTQ community.
NMSU hosts sculptor Carolyn Salas for visiting artist lecture series
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
New Mexico State University’s Department of Art will host sculptor Carolyn Salas on Thursday, September 26, as part of its Visiting Artist Lecture Series. Salas, who was named a 2021 Artist-in-Residence at Google and recently commissioned by the United States Tennis Association and the Armory Show to create a new outdoor sculpture for the US Open, will present at Devasthali Hall.
Tickets on sale for annual Dixon event honoring government transparency
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
Tickets are now available for the 2024 William S. Dixon, First Amendment Freedom Award event. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the Sandia Golf Club, located at 30 Rainbow Road. Tickets are priced at $60 per person.
Las Cruces Museum of Art announces poetry events inspired by Clyde Butcher exhibit
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
The Las Cruces Museum of Art has announced two upcoming word-based events inspired by its new exhibition, "Clyde Butcher: Lifeworks in Photography." These events include a poetry workshop and an open mic event featuring poetry created during the workshop.
Temporary bus stop closure due to road construction
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
On Monday, September 23, 2024, road construction will begin along San Mateo in both directions from Kathryn to Gibson Blvd. This development will affect bus routes 140 and 141, which run along the corridor.
Santa Fe National Forest plans fall-winter prescribed burns in Española Ranger District
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
Santa Fe, N.M.—Fire managers from the Española Ranger District are preparing for multiple prescribed fire projects tentatively planned for fall and winter. A final decision to proceed with a prescribed fire on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) depends on agency administrator approval, resource availability, and favorable conditions including fuel moisture levels, air quality, and forecast weather. Prescribed fires prioritize firefighter and public safety.
New Mexico highlights fall prevention efforts during awareness week
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits for New Mexicans aged 65 years and older. More than 17% of New Mexicans fall into this age group, and by 2030, New Mexico is projected to rank fourth in the nation in the percentage of population aged 65 or older.
Las Cruces hosts Spooky Splash Movie Nights in October
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 20, 2024
The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department will host Spooky Splash Movie Nights from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday nights in October at the Las Cruces Natatorium, located at 1401 E. Hadley Avenue.
New Mexico cracks down on organized crime as human trafficking operation rescues 91
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 19, 2024
"Operation Disruption" occurred between Aug. 17 and Aug. 29, resulting in 91 rescues, 735 traffic stops, and 16 arrests. The operation also identified 33 stash houses, according to a Sept. 3 press release.
Albuquerque unveils new mural and plant wall retreat for downtown workers
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 19, 2024
The city of Albuquerque has unveiled a new mural and plant wall retreat space for Downtown workers. The project, a collaboration between the Municipal Development Department and the Department of Arts & Culture, aims to beautify and activate an area of the VSA Garage at 4th and Copper in Downtown.
New Mexico Department of Health names LeAnn Behrens Deputy Secretary
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 19, 2024
SANTA FE – Today, New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) Secretary Patrick Allen announced he has named LeAnn Behrens to the position of Deputy Secretary.
Critics claim Green New Deal will hurt New Mexico's economy
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 19, 2024
Martin Heinrich’s support for the Green New Deal poses a significant threat to New Mexico’s energy sector, which is a key component of the state's economy. According to critics, the policies advocated by Heinrich could lead to the loss of up to 149,000 jobs in New Mexico, impacting communities and families dependent on the energy industry.
NMSU regents appoint Valerio Ferme as new university president
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 19, 2024
New Mexico State University has selected Valerio Ferme as its next president.
Santa Fe offers free residential waste disposal day on September 21
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 19, 2024
On March 12, 2024, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved Resolution No. 2024-035, authorizing the free disposal of residential waste for residents at all of its seven convenience centers with a valid solid waste permit on Saturday, September 21, 2024 (8:00 am - 5:00 pm). This event coincides with the free residential solid waste disposal day at the Caja Del Rio Landfill, managed by the Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency.
