New Mexico Sun

News from August 2025


Rep. Lord on AI in agriculture: 'Technology is not here to replace our ranchers and farmers but to support them'

Stefani Lord, a House representative from New Mexico, has said that artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to enhance rather than replace traditional agriculture, with an emphasis on sustainability and community benefits.


Rep. Dow on public service: 'A healthy commission isn’t about echo chambers—it’s about balance and diversity of thought'

Rebecca Dow, a New Mexico House representative, has expressed concerns about the importance of diverse viewpoints in public service.


Rep. Dow: 'I will always oppose laws that restrict the 2nd amendment rights of law abiding citizens'

Rebecca Dow, a House representative from New Mexico, has expressed her firm opposition to any restrictions on lawful gun ownership.


Rep. Block: Gov. Grisham 'hates on Trump' for approach to DC crime, then 'does the exact same thing in Española'

John Block, a New Mexico House representative, said that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham contradicted herself by opposing executive action in Washington, D.C., and then issuing a similar directive in Española.


Sen. Block: 'I hope we can get at least 400k self-deportations by the end of the year'

Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, said that self-deportation trends under President Trump could result in millions of undocumented immigrants leaving the United States.


Sen. Block on D.C. crime rate: 'Democrats don't seem to care'

Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, has said that Democrats are dismissing crime concerns in Washington, D.C., while Republicans remain focused on restoring public safety.



Kirtland detective completes APD academy to boost interagency investigative skills

A detective from the 377th Security Forces Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base has completed a three-week detective academy hosted by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).


New Mexico Higher Education Department restores financial aid helpline after temporary outage

The New Mexico Higher Education Department’s Financial Aid Division experienced a temporary disruption in its helpline services between August 13 and August 18.


Rio Grande Foundation shares mayoral candidate responses ahead of Albuquerque election

Seven candidates are on the ballot for the upcoming Albuquerque mayoral election scheduled for November 4.


New Mexico updates ethics courses to include nondisclosure act training

The State Personnel Office Learning and Development Bureau in New Mexico has updated its ethics courses to incorporate training on the new "Nondisclosure of Sensitive Personal Information Act."


New Mexico DOJ files lawsuit over alleged $1.6 million Medicaid fraud

The New Mexico Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against two operators of the nonprofit afterschool program Kids in Need of Support Services (KISS) in Silver City.


Federal disaster aid extended to more New Mexico counties after summer flooding

The federal government has approved the addition of Doña Ana County and Otero County, including the Mescalero Apache Tribe, to the Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico after severe flooding and landslides that began on June 23.


Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce to host Don Tarry for New Mexico energy address

The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce will host an event featuring Don Tarry, the leader of New Mexico’s largest utility, to discuss the future of energy in the state.


Essentials of Supervision and Management Program reaches milestone with 1,000 graduates

The State Personnel Office Learning and Development Bureau has announced that the Essentials of Supervision and Management (ESM) program has reached 1,000 graduates as of August 2025.


New Mexico DOJ secures $350K settlement over alleged unfair practices at Santa Fe Spa

The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has reached a $350,000 settlement with Santa Fe Spa Center, also known as Voupre Spa or SHM Group 2019, Inc., following allegations of unfair business practices.


Bernalillo County seeks business input at final economic development meeting

Bernalillo County is seeking input from businesses for its economic development program.


Titan Development starts construction on hotel and food hall near Presbyterian Hospital

Titan Development has commenced construction on a new hotel and food hall near Presbyterian Hospital in Downtown Albuquerque.


NM State Coaches Show returns for new season starting August

The NM State Coaches Show is set to return for the 2025-26 academic year, as announced by NM State Athletics, Van Wagner, and Rudy's "Country Store" and BBQ.


NM State Athletics announces broadcast teams for fall and winter seasons

NM State Athletics, in partnership with Van Wagner, has revealed its broadcast teams for the fall and winter 2025-26 seasons on ESPN+ and radio.