New Mexico Sun

News from September 2024


UNM postdoctoral fellow Anitha Vijayakumar explores RNA-binding proteins for cancer treatment

Anitha Vijayakumar has dedicated over a decade to the study of biochemistry, specifically lipid metabolism. This extensive background has led her to her current position as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where she focuses on manipulating RNA-binding proteins to potentially enhance cancer treatments.


Peter Simonson retires as Executive Director after 24 years with ACLU-NM

After 24 years of leading the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, Peter Simonson is stepping down as executive director. Leadership will be transferred to interim executive director Leon Howard. Simonson, who has been at the helm since 2000, has transformed the organization from a small team of three to a significant force for civil rights in New Mexico with over 30 staff members today. He will continue to support ACLU-NM in an advisory role for the next three months and retire at the end of 2024.


Albuquerque partners with sign language academy for educational facility revitalization

The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture has finalized a new partnership with the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA) to revitalize a vacant building located at 4904 4th NW. Once home to the North Fourth Art Center, this venue has been unused since January. With the recent approval of a lease agreement by City Council, the facility will soon be transformed into a vibrant space serving both the academy’s students and the local community.


Las Cruces Police Department's upcoming livestream focuses on 'Operation Not in Vain

The Las Cruces Police Department’s next Bridging the Badge livestream, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24, will focus on Operation Not in Vain, a months-long multi-agency project targeting violent and property crimes, persons with outstanding warrants, repeat offenders, traffic enforcement, and quality of life crimes.


UNM Health offers free community flu shot clinics starting in October

Flu season is approaching, prompting the University of New Mexico Health System to host several free community flu shot clinics across the Albuquerque metro area.


Republican leaders criticize Senator Martin Heinrich's voting record

Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich’s voting record indicates a consistent alignment with progressive policies, drawing criticism from the Republican Party of New Mexico. According to party officials, Heinrich's support for these policies does not reflect the values of his constituents.


NMSU Global offers new project management microlearning course

New Mexico State University Global Campus is now accepting enrollments for the fall 2024 project management microlearning course, which begins on Oct. 1.


State wins $7.5M damages from Smith & Marrs over contaminated sites

A Santa Fe district court judge has awarded the State Land Office nearly $7.5 million in damages in a lawsuit against Texas-based oil and gas company Smith & Marrs for contaminated oil sites on state lands, New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard announced today. The State Land Office won an initial judgment in the case in May, and the judge has now decided the dollar amount that the State Land Office is owed.


ABQ RIDE hosts annual car show featuring vehicles and job opportunities

ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE will host its 3rd Annual ABQ RIDES Car Show, inviting the community to showcase "any vehicle that rolls" free of charge on Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northwest Transit Center located at the corner of Coors and Ellison.


Jack Nixon donates audio tapes documenting nearly five decades at NMSU

Jack Nixon, known for decades as the “Voice of the Aggies,” is concluding his nearly 45-year career at New Mexico State University Athletics. Nixon announced in August that the 2024-25 season will be his last calling Aggie games.


Senator criticizes governor's focus amid child welfare concerns

State Senator David Gallegos of District 41 has expressed concerns about the priorities of Governor Lujan Grisham's administration. He believes that the focus on political agendas, such as the construction of a $10 million abortion clinic in Las Cruces, overshadows critical issues like child welfare.


Senate committee advances bipartisan energy permitting reform act

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has advanced a bipartisan permitting reform package aimed at bolstering American energy security. The committee voted 15-4 on Wednesday to move forward with the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, S. 4753. This bill, introduced on July 23 by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), seeks to accelerate the permitting process for critical energy and mineral projects in the United States.


UNM Law Library extends services to attorneys and public

The UNM Law Library is extending its services to both attorneys and the public, offering assistance in person and online. The library's operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (MT) Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (MT) on Fridays.


Oil and gas mergers total $250 billion over past year

Over the past 12 months, upstream consolidation deals in the oil and gas sector have reached an unprecedented $250 billion, according to a report released by Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR). This figure highlights the intense rush for consolidation and growth in America's shale patch.


UNM-Gallup student turns pandemic hobby into associate degree

GALLUP, N.M. — Emergency medical services graduate Raquel Martinez returned to The University of New Mexico-Gallup to take a welding class to de-stress from work, but her new hobby led to an associate degree in welding and a massive metal sculpture.


UNM medical student Andrea Howard wins MLB Home Run Derby

Andrea Howard, a second-year student at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine and a former Olympian, exemplifies the pursuit of excellence both academically and athletically. On Friday, August 23rd, Howard's team secured the MLB Home Run Derby X (HRDX) championship trophy at Isotopes Park. The team, including former Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman and current UNM Lobo sophomore baseball player Gene Trujillo, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork. Howard stood out by scoring 10 points in the semifinals and an impressive 16 points in the finals,...


Goodwill Industries reopens The Opportunity Center after renovation

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico reopened its renovated workforce training center, now known as The Opportunity Center, on September 17. Located at 5000 San Mateo Blvd. NE, the center aims to support New Mexicans in achieving their career goals.


City seeks volunteers for Rio Grande Bosque butterfly habitat project

The City is seeking volunteers for a pollinator habitat planting project in the Rio Grande Bosque. The Parks and Recreation Department/Open Space Division (OSD), Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), Institute for Applied Ecology, and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps are collaborating to plant a pollinator meadow on Saturday, September 28.


UNM's PAÍS building enhances STEM education through GO Bond funding

In 2016, the University of New Mexico's (UNM) 60-year-old Physics & Astronomy building was deemed inadequate for high-end research. The building lacked modern teaching facilities and had heating and cooling issues that impacted temperature-sensitive research. Located on Lomas Boulevard, across from the main campus, students had to cross a busy road to attend classes, and vibrations from passing vehicles disrupted laser-based research.


New Mexico court advances IPANM's methane rule challenge

IPANM’s legal challenge to New Mexico’s Ozone Precursor Rule will proceed after the New Mexico State Court of Appeals assigned a three-judge panel to rule on the case. The court announced this decision on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, with the publication of the announcement of the three judges assigned to the ruling panel.