Major Milestone Reached for Key Weapons Component
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia National Laboratories and the Kansas City National Security Campus have achieved a significant milestone in the development of a crucial weapons component. The Mark 21 Replacement Fuze, designed to interface with the W87-0 warhead for deployment onto strategic missiles, has completed its first production unit approval process.Brad Boswell, a director at Sandia, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Sandia’s role is to deliver a fuze that meets the Air Force’s requirements. Completing the first production unit is a visible...
Importance of Vaccination Highlighted During National Infant Immunization Week
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is emphasizing the significance of infant immunizations during National Infant Immunization Week, which runs from April 22 to 29, 2024. Andrea Romero, Immunization Program Manager at NMHealth, stressed the importance of families keeping their children up to date on vaccinations. Romero stated, "NMHealth encourages families to discuss staying up to date on childhood vaccinations with a health professional. Together we can raise awareness and spread the importance of timely immunization. On-schedule vaccinations play a...
UNM Health Recognized Among Top Places to Work in Health Care
The University of New Mexico Health system has been named among the 150+ Top Places to Work in Healthcare in 2024 by Becker's Hospital Review. This recognition underscores UNM Health's commitment to its employees and the community it serves.Doug Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks to all our leaders, employees, students, learners, and volunteers who are working to make a difference, use their creativity and innovation, be mission-focused, work collaboratively, and...
Business
Nusenda Credit Union Receives Platinum Level Family Friendly Business Award
Nusenda Credit Union has once again been recognized for its outstanding workplace policies, earning the prestigious "platinum level" distinction in the New Mexico Family Friendly Business Award. The credit union has received this accolade for the seventh consecutive year, showcasing its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees.Michelle Dearholt, Nusenda's Executive Vice President of Operations, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of their team, stating, "At Nusenda Credit Union we believe that taking care...
Albuquerque Business First Honors Nusenda’s Nikki Bunch as 40 Under 40 Recipient
Albuquerque, N.M. – Nikki Bunch, Senior Vice President of Member Experience at Nusenda Credit Union, has been named a 40 Under 40 Honoree by Albuquerque Business First. Michelle Dearholt, Nusenda’s Executive Vice President of Operations, highlighted Nikki's dedication to member relationships, stating, “Nikki is dedicated to cultivating a relationship-based experience for the Credit Union’s more than 260,000 members." Dearholt expressed pride in Nikki's achievements, emphasizing her positive impact on members, employees, and communities.Nikki's journey at Nusenda began...
Nusenda Credit Union Honored as Top Workplace in the United States
Nusenda Credit Union has been named a top workplace in the United States, receiving the 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award for the third consecutive year. The award, issued by Energage, celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have established positive and uplifting workplace cultures."Nusenda strives to be an employer of choice, and we know taking care of our team allows them to take care of our members," stated Nusenda President and CEO Joe Christian. "We are very grateful to be recognized by our employees as one of the best credit unions to work for locally...
Nusenda Credit Union Completes Acquisition of Western Heritage Bank
Nusenda Credit Union has officially finalized the acquisition of Western Heritage Bank, marking a significant milestone for both financial institutions. The acquisition was completed on March 12, 2024, following approval from the National Credit Union Administration.In a statement, Joe Christian, President/CEO of Nusenda, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "On behalf of our board of directors and entire team, I am pleased to welcome Western Heritage customers and employees to the Nusenda family!" Christian highlighted the alignment of values between...
UNM's Cosmiac honored with inaugural Space Valley Diversity in Business Champion Award
The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently revealed that the inaugural Space Valley Diversity in Business Champion Award, sponsored by the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency, was awarded to COSMIAC. This organization is a space-related research center situated within the School of Engineering. In addition, IDEAS-TEK, a company specializing in embedded system design and software development, received recognition as the Minority-Owned Company of the Year.
Education
The University of New Mexico Health system has been named among the 150+ Top Places to Work in Healthcare in 2024 by Becker's Hospital Review. This recognition underscores UNM Health's commitment to its employees and the community it serves.Doug Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks to all our leaders, employees, students, learners, and volunteers who are working to make a difference, use their creativity and innovation, be mission-focused, work collaboratively, and...
ABQ BioPark Unveils Facility Plan Update to Enhance Animal Wellbeing and Conservation Efforts
The ABQ BioPark, in collaboration with Mayor Tim Keller, has released an updated Facility Plan outlining projects scheduled until the end of the funding cycle in 2031. This plan aims to maximize the community's investment for the benefit of animal wellbeing, conservation, and guest experience.According to BioPark Director Brandon Gibson, "The Facility Plan maximizes our community’s investment to realize the greatest effects on animal wellbeing, conservation and guest experience." The plan prioritizes projects based on criteria such as safety, mission alignment, and...
UNM Psychology Professor Recognized for Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color (PNMGC) recently honored UNM Psychology Professor Steven Verney for his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in New Mexico and the Albuquerque community. Verney was awarded the “All-Around Support Award” at the annual Faculty of Color Awards (FoCA) ceremony held at the University Club on April 18, 2024.Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Verney stated, “I am honored and humbled to be nominated by graduate students. Rewards in Academia are few and far between, so I am thrilled to receive this award! I would...
Government
Updates from Doña Ana County District 5
Doña Ana County's District 5 has been abuzz with various programs and projects aimed at improving the community's well-being and infrastructure.The Community Centers in the district have been hosting informative sessions as part of the "Topic of the Month" program. One such program is "Diabetes Conversations," focusing on diabetes management and occurring monthly with a new topic each time.Regarding the strategic direction of the county, a county representative emphasized, "The True Purpose of Our Plan is to See Our County Thrive as a County, there are Vital Conditions...
County receives $2M for study to improve road travel during severe weather
Doña Ana County, NM - County Engineer Mo Moabed expressed his enthusiasm for the recent $2 million grant awarded to Doña Ana County by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The grant aims to enhance the County's roads and transportation systems to withstand weather-related events and improve travel conditions during inclement weather.Moabed highlighted that the grant will support the development of a roads master plan, focusing on creating better connectivity within the County. He emphasized, "The new system will identify existing roads and propose new...
LCU Internship Program Offers Valuable Opportunities for Technology Students
Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) has announced its competitive Internship Program, which awards internships to students pursuing technology programs. According to LCU, the program leads to a career in various fields of operation within the organization.The LCU Internship Program provides a range of benefits to participants, including financial support for tuition and eligible fees, annual payments for educational costs, biweekly stipends, and opportunities for work experience. The program also offers full-time employment opportunities after graduation in technology-related...
Santa Fe County Expands Open Spaces: New Acquisitions Enhance Trail Access
Santa Fe County has recently expanded its open spaces with the acquisition of new lands, enhancing trail access for outdoor enthusiasts. The acquisitions, approved by the Board of County Commissioners, have garnered excitement and gratitude from various stakeholders.Karen Yank, President of the Turquoise Trail Regional Alliance, and Mike Madden, Co-founder of the East Mountain Regional Trails Council, expressed their enthusiasm for the newly acquired 160 acres of piñon-juniper forest near Golden, NM. Yank and Madden highlighted the significance of this addition, stating,...
Lifestyle
SANTA FE — In light of April being national Alcohol Awareness Month, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has approved $2 million to establish the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention (OAMP) within the New Mexico Department of Health. The OAMP is aimed at mitigating alcohol-related harms through coordinated prevention efforts across state agencies, promoting FDA-approved treatments for alcohol use disorder, and supporting communities in reducing excessive alcohol consumption.NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen emphasized the importance of addressing alcohol-related issues,...
Lincoln Historic Site in New Mexico has unveiled nine new building signs in an effort to help visitors navigate the historic town. The signs highlight the buildings and landmarks of the area, known for its rich history dating back to the 1870s and 1880s during the Lincoln County War.“These signs will greatly aid our guests in orienting them through the historic town of Lincoln. We are hopeful that they will encourage guests to learn more about the architectural history of the area and the people who made Lincoln a community,” said Dr. C. L. Kieffer Nail, New Mexico...
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is emphasizing the significance of infant immunizations during National Infant Immunization Week, which runs from April 22 to 29, 2024. Andrea Romero, Immunization Program Manager at NMHealth, stressed the importance of families keeping their children up to date on vaccinations. Romero stated, "NMHealth encourages families to discuss staying up to date on childhood vaccinations with a health professional. Together we can raise awareness and spread the importance of timely immunization. On-schedule vaccinations play a...
Events
Bosque Redondo Memorial to hold Fiber Fair
The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site will host a Fiber Fair on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
UNM hosts 2nd Annual Health Equity Summit
UNM Health Sciences recently announced that the University of New Mexico's 2nd Annual Health Equity Summit drew in 300 stakeholders from across the state. The event, held at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, saw participation from UNM faculty, leaders, officials from the New Mexico Department of Health, non-profit organizations, and community leaders who exchanged diverse perspectives.
Museum of Art to feature 'Ways of Seeing: Four Photography Collections'
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has unveiled an exhibition titled "Ways of Seeing" at the New Mexico Museum of Art. The exhibition features nearly forty photographs, showcasing a diverse range of art collecting approaches.
David Arkenstone to perform holiday concert in Albuquerque: ‘I set out to capture the feelings I get when winter comes around’
Grammy-nominated composer David Arkenstone is playing in Albuquerque as part of his three-state "A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends" concert tour. According to Arkenstone, at this concert he will try to create meaningful memories of winter with the audience.
NMSU to host 41st annual jewelry sale
New Mexico State University (NMSU) is set to host its 41st annual jewelry sale, featuring unique, handmade jewelry crafted by art students. The event aims to not only provide students with an opportunity to showcase their skills but also to raise funds for the metalsmithing program and acquire new equipment for the metalsmithing studio, according to a press release by NMSU.
Politics
Nella Domenici, a U.S. Senate candidate for the state of New Mexico, stated in a post on X that the southern border is "lawless and out of control." This comment was made in response to a video depicting a group of individuals illegally entering El Paso and subsequently knocking down several Texas National Guard soldiers.
Manny Gonzales announces U.S. Senate run as Republican
Former Bernalillo County Sheriff, Manny Gonzales, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. After years of membership in the Democratic Party, Gonzales is now running for New Mexico's senate seat as a Republican.
Nichole Rogers wins District 6 runoff election
In the recent runoff election for Albuquerque City Council District 6, Nichole Rogers narrowly defeated Jeff Hoehn to secure the city council seat. The margin of victory was approximately 200 votes in a district that encompasses both the International District and Nob Hill.
Real Estate
MFA launches Home Improvement Program in eight counties
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has announced the launch of the Home Improvement Program, a scheme designed to provide direct home rehabilitation services in eight counties. The initiative is intended to fill gaps in service provision left by the HOME Rehabilitation Program and will be operational in Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Quay, San Juan, and Union Counties.
MFA allocates $5.5m for FirstDown Plus program
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has unveiled the FirstDown Plus loan program, with an allocation of $5.5 million from the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund. The initiative is designed to offer financial support to homebuyers in need.
MFA greenlights three service providers for ROC program
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has announced that its board of directors has approved three service providers for the Restoring Our Communities (ROC) program. Alongside this decision, the board also endorsed a modification to the ROC Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), allowing experienced service providers to undertake up to five projects concurrently. This announcement was made on January 8th.
MFA approves $2.8m for Encino Gardens
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has announced that its board of directors has approved $2.8 million for the acquisition and refurbishment of Encino Gardens, an affordable senior housing community in Albuquerque. The proposed rehabilitation encompasses the entire building, including residences, hallways, mechanical systems, interior common rooms, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and external common areas.
Sports
New Mexico State University (NMSU) is set to host the STTE Foundation's Southwest Collegiate Cup, sponsored by Microsoft, bringing together students from six universities in the Southwest. According to a press release by NMSU, the participating universities include Colorado State University, NMSU, New Mexico Tech, Texas Tech University, the University of New Mexico, the University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of Texas Permian Basin.
New Mexico State University (NMSU) recently held a 5K Color Fun Run organized by the Office of Experiential Learning. The event, which took place on September 9, aimed to promote community engagement among NMSU students and the broader Las Cruces community. According to a press release, the run successfully raised over $4,400 to support Camp Hope through the annual Tents to Rents Campaign.
BetMGM announced it has inaugurated a new retail sportsbook at Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, marking its entry into the sports betting market in New Mexico. The BetMGM sportsbook at Isleta, spanning 4,900 square feet and equipped with 35 television screens, also includes two VIP sections. This milestone happened as BetMGM continues to expand its footprint across the United States.