New Mexico Sun

News from April 2025


A Champion for Freedom: Paul Gessing’s Mission to Transform New Mexico

In the heart of Albuquerque, Paul Gessing is at the helm of a movement rooted in liberty, accountability, and hope for New Mexico's future.


Rio Grande Foundation President on New Mexico's population decline: 'It's 110% on our political leadership'

Paul Gessing, President of the Rio Grande Foundation, expressed concerns in a podcast with NMSunCast about New Mexico's political leadership and its policies, which he believes are driving residents to neighboring states.


Rio Grande Foundation President on education: 'Despite spending over $30,000 per student in some districts, we remain dead last'

Paul Gessing, President of the Rio Grande Foundation, said in a podcast with the New Mexico SunCast that New Mexico's substantial education spending has not resulted in improved student performance.


New Mexico IPL addresses haze impact at Regional Haze Plan hearing

Sister Joan Brown and Clara Sims of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light provided comments on New Mexico's Regional Haze Plan at a hearing held by the Environmental Improvement Board.


New Mexico families can apply for SUN Bucks grocery benefits for summer 2025

Families in New Mexico now have access to the SUN Bucks program, designed to aid in purchasing groceries during the summer months when children are home from school.


Zuni Pueblo couple sentenced for assaulting man in his home

A couple from Zuni Pueblo was sentenced for an assault committed in 2023.


Law student collaborates on Supreme Court ethics article

Marco Alarid White, a third-year law student, has coauthored an article in the Fordham Voting Rights and Democracy Forum with Donald K. Sherman and Virginia Canter.


Leadership Albuquerque examines New Mexico education system

Dr. Gabriella Duran Blakey, Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools, addressed participants of the Leadership Albuquerque program on April 22.


New Mexico awards grants to boost creative industries

The New Mexico Economic Development Department has announced that 11 businesses will receive grants totaling $110,000.


Critics scrutinize environmental policies from Trump's first 100 days in office

April 29 marked the 100th day of the Biden Administration's term; however, it’s the previous administration under President Donald Trump that is currently under scrutiny.


School of Law excels at Williams Institute Moot Court Competition, secures second place

The School of Law recently saw one of its moot court teams distinguish itself at the 19th Annual Williams Institute Moot Court Competition.


Freedom Alliance Co-Leader on youth crime and discipline: 'They will no longer tolerate people harming others and their property'

Sarah Smith, Co-Leader of the New Mexico Freedoms Alliance, has called for stronger disciplinary action in schools and stricter enforcement of community laws to address youth violence in Las Cruces.


OPINION: New Mexico Needs Prayer Now More Than Ever

New Mexico is a land of striking beauty — from the red cliffs of Abiquiú to the vibrant cultures of Santa Fe and the sacred stillness of the desert. It’s a place rich in heritage, spirit, and promise.


OPINION: New Mexico’s Failure to Protect Mothers in Crisis

As a mother, I am heartbroken by the tragic news that a newborn baby was found dead in a dumpster in Albuquerque.


Kristie Brooks to lead behavioral health transformation in New Mexico

Kristie Brooks has been appointed as the director of behavioral health transformation and innovation at the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA).


Deb Haaland criticizes Trump, outlines gubernatorial campaign goals in opinion piece

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Former Secretary of the Department of the Interior, Deb Haaland, has expressed her concerns over what she perceives as the chaotic and cruel governance of the Trump Administration.


David White appointed as regional representative for Southwest New Mexico counties

David White has been appointed as the new regional representative for Region 5 in Southwest New Mexico by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).


CYFD’s Failures Demand Accountability—Not More Excuses

The tragic death of 16-year-old Jaydun Garcia while in the custody of New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is a devastating reminder of the agency’s chronic dysfunction.


OPINION: City Council and School Board Can Work to Prevent More Shootings

The shooting at Young Park shows the brokenness of our community on multiple levels. For thousands of years, the most basic tenets of society have been “do not harm others or encroach on their property.”


Military Base Planning Chair: Infrastructure bills show 'New Mexico’s commitment to military missions in our state'

Paul Cassidy, Vice-Chair of the Military Base Planning Commission, said that the approval of House Bills 158 and 159 demonstrates New Mexico's commitment to military missions.