New Mexico Sun

News from February 2025


UNM law alumnus joins prestigious Obama Foundation Leaders program

Sheldon Spotted Elk, a 2010 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law and a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, has been selected to join the Obama Foundation Leaders program.


UNM law faculty contribute to AALS conference on legal education challenges

The Association of American Law Schools (AALS) hosted its annual conference titled "Courage in Action" in San Francisco, California, from January 7 to January 11, 2025.


Gateway Center expands services under leadership of Rep. Cristina Parajón

Cristina Parajón, a New Mexico State Representative and first-year law student, has been instrumental in the development of the Gateway Center in Albuquerque.


House committee advances controversial Green Amendment amid opposition

A recent decision by the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee has moved HJR 3, known as the Green Amendment, forward with a do-pass recommendation.


Conference focuses on tribal co-stewardship opportunities

To conclude 2024, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and First Nations Development Institute (FNDI) co-hosted a national conference titled "Shared Horizons: Navigating Tribal Co-Stewardship and Co-Management Opportunities."


Aja N. Brooks becomes first Black president of State Bar of New Mexico

On December 11, 2024, Aja N. Brooks was inaugurated as the 2025 President of the State Bar of New Mexico, marking her as the organization's 139th president.


EQNM anticipates active legislative session amid federal challenges

EQNM has been actively involved in the legislative session in Santa Fe since it began.


OPINION: Dying of Thirst in an Energy Desert

There is an old saying in New Mexico that ‘Water is Life’ and it is true that without this precious substance, existence in the desert southwest would not be possible.


New Mexico legislature faces bill postponements amid healthcare compact approvals

The legislative day in New Mexico saw unexpected delays as three anticipated bills were postponed.


Indian Pueblo Cultural Center appoints Monique Fragua as new CEO

Monique Fragua has been appointed as the new CEO of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC).


OPINION: Regaining Freedom of Speech: A Step Forward, but New Mexico Must Do More

In a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed a long-held suspicion: the U.S. government has been pressuring tech companies like Meta to censor content on social media.


Arts & Culture: Award-Winning New Mexico Photographer Jory Vander Galien

In a day and age where A.I. computer manipulation and Photoshop rule the world of photography, it’s refreshing to find a naturalist, in the technological and thematic sense of the word.


Senator Brandt announces bill to prohibit antisemitic discrimination

New Mexico Senator Craig Brandt announced that he has introduced SB 195, a bill prohibiting antisemitic discrimination to address and prevent it statewide.