Latest News
City to Host Constructive Conversations about the Built Environment
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and City Councilors have announced a new initiative called "Constructive Conversations," aimed at fostering dialogue between residents and city leaders to shape the future of the built environment in Albuquerque. The series of community meetings seeks to bridge the gap between community aspirations and funding realities, with a focus on investments that enhance the city's infrastructure, placemaking, and quality of life.According to Mayor Keller, the meetings will feature nine sessions exploring planned development in each Council district...
Undergraduates from The University of New Mexico Shine at American Nuclear Society Student Conference
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Four undergraduates from The University of New Mexico Department of Nuclear Engineering showcased their talents and expertise at the 2024 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Student Conference, hosted at Penn State University. Lauren Bailey, Alexandra Martinez, Courtney Mace, and Michael Trombetta were recognized for their outstanding contributions at the event.Lauren Bailey, Alexandra Martinez, and Courtney Mace presented their capstone senior design project titled "Model Development of a Hydrogen Cooled Multi-Pin Particle Bed Reactor." Their hard work and dedication paid off...
Albuquerque City Council Introduces Bill to Enhance Green Stormwater Infrastructure
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The Albuquerque City Council has introduced a new bill aimed at improving the city's stormwater infrastructure. The bill, identified as Council Bill O-26-6, includes amendments to the Complete Streets Ordinance of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque.Council Bill No. C/S O-24-6, also known as Enactment No. O-2024-008, is sponsored by Council members Fiebelkorn, Grount, and Rogers. The proposed ordinance focuses on enhancing green stormwater infrastructure within the city.The ordinance aims to amend Chapter 6, Article 5, Part 6, Section 5 of the Complete Streets...
Central Avenue Bridge Crossing Site Designated as City Landmark
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
"Today, the City Council is pleased to announce the introduction of Council Bill No. O-24-3, sponsored by Joaquin Baca and Klarissa J. Pena.""In a unanimous decision, the Council has passed Enactment No. O-2024-007, designating the Central Avenue Bridge crossing site as a city landmark.""The ordinance, titled ORDINANCE DESIGNATION OF THE CENTRAL AVENUE BRIDGE CROSSING SITE AS A CITY LANDMARK, marks a significant step towards preserving our city's rich history and heritage."
50 Summer Lifeguard Positions Still Available
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) is on the lookout for 50 enthusiastic individuals to fill summer lifeguard positions at its various pools by June 1, 2024. The department's Aquatics Division offers lifeguards the opportunity to learn essential lifesaving skills, effective communication, and leadership qualities. It also provides the chance for year-round work and flexible scheduling."Our associate director started with us as a lifeguard and worked her way up," shared PRD Director Dave Simon.Applicants for the lifeguard positions must possess a current American...
UNM Professor Empowers Community with Digital Media Literacy Expertise
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Albuquerque, Apr 18 2024 - UNM political science professor, Jessica Feezell, has been actively engaging with the Albuquerque community to educate them on digital media literacy. Feezell's collaboration with Albuquerque Oasis, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational programs for learners of all ages, has allowed her to share her expertise beyond the confines of the university setting.In her interactions with members of Albuquerque Oasis, Feezell expressed her admiration for the diverse backgrounds and knowledge of the community members, stating, "The...
Healthy Living & Diabetes Awareness Fair 2024
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Nearly 202,000 New Mexicans have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to The American Diabetes Association (ADA). On top of that, an additional 53,000 New Mexicans do not even know they have diabetes. It’s estimated the statewide cost for people to treat diabetes is $2 billion each year.Amy Bachyrycz, PharmD, emphasized the importance of raising local awareness about diabetes and offering support, especially to residents in Albuquerque’s International District facing various health-related challenges. Bachyrycz, an associate professor and the director of community...
APD arrests woman on Top 10 Shoplifting Offenders list
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department made an arrest on April 18, 2024, that has put a notorious shoplifter behind bars. Celina Cordova, 39, a known offender on the Top 10 Shoplifting Offenders list, was apprehended by detectives from the Organized Crime Unit.According to reports, detectives located Cordova at a Walmart along Menaul Blvd. NE, a location she was known to frequent. Witnessing her leaving the store with unpaid items, the officers took action. Cordova was observed pushing a cart filled with merchandise she had not paid for and then loading these...
City Working to Help Affordable Housing Go Green
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The City of Albuquerque has embarked on a new initiative to promote the intersection of affordable housing and environmentally friendly practices. In partnership with the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (ICAST), the city is taking significant steps towards achieving its sustainability goals by focusing on energy efficiency improvements in affordable housing properties.Deputy Director of Housing, Joseph Montoya, highlighted the importance of this endeavor, stating, “Utilities can be one of the highest expenses for households.” He emphasized...
NMSU Extension Launches New Food Safety Game for Youth
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service has unveiled a new game aimed at enhancing knowledge and practices related to food safety among young individuals. Developed by the media production team from NMSU’s Innovation Media Research and Extension and Learning Games Lab in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, "Theme Park Kitchen" focuses on educating middle school youth on various aspects of food safety.According to Matheus Cezarotto, Educational Technology Extension specialist with Innovative Media Research and Extension,...
Staff Spotlight: Tiffany Santos, College of Arts and Sciences
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Tiffany Santos, the Curator of the Zuhl Collection at the College of Arts and Sciences, has been dedicated to her role for over a decade. Responsible for managing a collection of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals, Santos has overseen significant growth and improvements within the museum."When taking on this position, the Zuhl Collection had no budget," Santos explained. "I have been able to grow the budget which has allowed me the ability to hire students and teach a museum internship class. I have also spearheaded an addition to the museum as well as a remodel."A...
Southwest Airlines Supports El Puente Research Fellows in Transformative Graduate School Journey
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Southwest Airlines' generous donation of 34 e-tickets valued at over $13,000 allowed El Puente Research Fellows to elevate their graduate school experiential trip to new heights, as reported on April 18, 2024.Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera, the program director for El Puente Research Fellowship, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by Southwest Airlines, stating, "It was nice to fly because it removed the stress of having to worry about driving out to Phoenix during inclement weather." He also highlighted the significance of this gesture for some students who had...
NMSU student-run coffee shop reboots with sweet collaboration
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
In a collaboration between Doña Ana Community College (DACC) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), a student-run café is undergoing a transformation to offer new food and beverage options to the campus community. Under the oversight of Kelley Coffeen, associate professor in the Fashion Merchandising and Design program at NMSU, the Sam Steel Café in Gerald Thomas Hall is being rebranded to provide a collaborative space for various stakeholders.Coffeen expressed the goal of creating a space that caters to faculty, students, staff, and community members, stating, "We want...
Race and ethnicity: do you know the difference?
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
The Office of Management and Budget's decision to combine race and ethnicity questions on Federal forms has sparked concerns from experts about its potential impact on equity research. Dr. Nancy López, a Sociology professor at the University of New Mexico, expressed her worries about the change, stating, "You're not going to be able to collect meaningful data when you are asking about two things in one question."López emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between ethnicity and race, explaining, "In many Latinx homes, there’s a saying, ‘You can’t cover...
UNM Law student earns award at Hispanic National Bar Association moot court competition
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
Crestencia Pihlaja, a 2L at The University of New Mexico School of Law, stood out at the Hispanic National Bar Association moot court competition in Seattle, Wash. in March, earning second place for Best Oral Argument. Pihlaja expressed her gratitude to those who supported her during the competition, including the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association, which covered the travel expenses for her and teammate Damon Nieto.Pihlaja shared, “I’d like to express my appreciation for the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association and all our guest judges for their immense support. I am also...
NMSU ROTC to Host 122nd Presidential Pass-in-Review
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
The New Mexico State University U.S. Air Force and Army ROTC are gearing up to host the 122nd Presidential Pass-in-Review at Hadley Pride Field on the NMSU Horseshoe. The event, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, will showcase the dedication and hard work of the cadets throughout the year.According to the article, the Pass-in-Review ceremony is a traditional public display aimed at highlighting the cadets' efforts in working together as a cohesive team. The ceremony will commence with a helicopter flyover, adding to the grandeur of the event.In addition to the...
Become a Tech-Savvy Senior!
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
The Department of Senior Affairs, along with local non-profits Adelante-DiverseIT and Teeniors, will host their annual 50+ Senior Tech Connect fair on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center.In today’s world, many routine tasks such as making a medical appointment or ordering groceries often require some technology skills. It’s a reality that can sometimes cause older adults who lack digital resources or training to feel left behind.The 50+ Senior Tech Connect fair aims to help bridge this digital divide by bringing together over 30 tech-focused...
A Second Chance at Life: The Miracle Behind Blood Drive at SRMC
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
Brenda Murray, the director of environmental services at The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC), recently organized a blood drive with a heartfelt purpose. The initiative stemmed from a personal experience that left her deeply grateful for the generosity of blood donors. Murray's son, Joey Vigil, was involved in a severe accident that led to life-threatening injuries, ultimately requiring 74 blood product transfusions to save his life.Describing the harrowing incident, Murray recounted, "He went off a cliff and nose-dived into a cement...
NMSU geography alumna manages New York City parks
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
Terese Flores, a New Mexico State University alumna, has realized her dream of managing parks in New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in geography. Flores, now serving as the Regional Park Manager for Manhattan in the New York City Parks Department, has made significant contributions to the city since taking on her role.One of Flores’ notable achievements has been the creation of the Park Management Internship, where she mentors young individuals passionate about the environment and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Reflecting on this...
City Completes First Phase of Million Dollar Climate Action Planning Grant
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
The City of Albuquerque has unveiled the initial deliverable for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant’s Planning Program, following the receipt of a substantial $1 million in funding earlier this year. Referred to as the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), this document serves as the first step towards mitigating climate pollution and advancing the interests of frontline communities within the Albuquerque Metro Statistical Area.In a statement, Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of addressing climate injustices, stating, "Climate change impacts us all, but we...