New Mexico Sun

News from August 2025


Trailblazing women in space highlighted at upcoming museum lecture

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is set to host its next Launch Pad Lecture on September 5, focusing on the "Women of Space."


Pre-Law Summer Institute hosts 26 Native students preparing for law school

The American Indian Law Center (AILC) conducted the 2025 Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) at the School of Law, continuing a tradition that has lasted for 58 years.


Senator Michael Padilla highlights border investment and universal school meal legislation

Senator Michael Padilla shared recent accomplishments via posts dated August 21-22, 2025.


Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman reports on juvenile sentencing and firearm incidents

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman issued several updates on August 22, 2025 regarding juvenile crime cases in Albuquerque.


Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman reports youth gun charge and murder conviction

District Attorney Sam Bregman announced via Twitter on August 21-22, 2025 that a teenager was charged with bringing a gun to Albuquerque High School and that Alexander Ortiz was convicted for the January 2024 murder of Alianna Farfan.


New Mexico considered for major hypersonic rocket motor production facility

A defense technology company is considering Sandoval County, New Mexico, as a potential site for a new rocket motor production facility focused on hypersonic systems.


New Mexico updates longevity pay for state workers

The New Mexico State Personnel Board has announced an increase in the Longevity Pay Program for state employees, effective September 1, 2025.


Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández highlights health care and tribal college funding concerns

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández posted several updates between August 20-22, 2025 addressing health care access issues for rural New Mexicans and proposed cuts to tribal college funding under federal legislation.


New Mexico United visits Louisville City FC seeking points in USL Championship race

New Mexico United will travel to Kentucky this weekend for an important interconference match against Louisville City FC.


Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman reports multiple juveniles charged for guns at Albuquerque schools

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman announced on August 21, 2025 that three juveniles were charged with bringing firearms onto different Albuquerque high school campuses.


Rep. Dow: 'I am absolutely fed up with the continued failed policies at CYFD'

Rebecca Dow, a representative in the New Mexico House, has criticized state leadership for allegedly ignoring repeated child fatalities under the oversight of the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD).


Rep. Block: 7-day firearm purchase waiting bill is ‘blatantly unconstitutional’

John Block, a New Mexico state representative, has criticized the state's recently enacted seven-day waiting period for firearm purchases.


Rep. Block: 'New Mexico’s broken medical malpractice laws are killing rural health care'

John Block, a House representative from New Mexico, has raised concerns over rising malpractice insurance costs, which he claims are forcing rural hospitals to lose doctors and threatening access to care.


Sen. Block on Ukraine: 'Putin admits he would never have invaded Ukraine if Trump was president'

Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the Ukraine invasion would not have occurred under former President Donald Trump.


Sen. Block on D.C. crime rate: 'Remember, Democrats didn't want more law enforcement'

Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, said that Democrats opposed stronger policing and argued for the permanent establishment of federal crime-fighting assistance by repealing the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act.


New Mexico Child First director on child welfare crisis: 'The secretary doesn’t know how many children have died'

Marilyn Beck, executive director of the New Mexico Child First Network, testified at a legislative committee hearing about six child maltreatment fatalities under the oversight of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD).


Arts & Culture: Olivia Amaya Ortiz explains Soundings—An Exhibit in Five Parts

Walking into 516 ARTS on Central Ave in Albuquerque, New Mexico I immediately encounter a large musical score on the wall.


OPINION: New Mexico’s religious freedom is slipping away

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17


OPINION: New Mexico’s leaders just voted against families

Congress has just passed one of the most significant pro-family reforms in decades. The legislation delivers practical help to parents, women, and children—yet every single member of New Mexico’s congressional delegation voted against it.


OPINION: When the church says yes

This week, after five long years in New Mexico’s foster care system, a little girl named “Wren” will finally walk into her forever home.