New Mexico Sun News


Senate Candidate Domenici: migrant parole program is 'gross misuse of executive power that ignores the bigger problems caused by an open border'

Nella Domenici, a U.S. Senate Candidate in New Mexico, criticized a migrant parole program for "inadmissible aliens" from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua (CHNV) under the Biden Administration as a "gross misuse of executive power." Domenici conveyed her statement to the New Mexico Sun on May 16.


UNM Board approves land acquisition for reproductive health center

The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has given its approval for the acquisition of land in Doña Ana County, which will be used to establish a comprehensive reproductive health care center. The decision was made during the board's meeting on May 16th, with a vote of 6-1 in favor.


Santa Fe County announces opening of Nicholas Sanchez Park

Santa Fe County, New Mexico, has announced the opening of Nicholas Sanchez Park, a newly transformed open space that is the result of a committed partnership between the county, residents of the Carlson Subdivision, and the New Mexico State Legislature. The park is located at 14 Emily Road and spans one-third of an acre. It was originally donated by Conrad and Emily Carlson.


UNM program addresses maternal mental health crisis

Each year, approximately four million people give birth in the United States. Postpartum Support International reveals that one in seven of these individuals—around 600,000 Americans—will experience perinatal depression. This figure does not account for those who suffer miscarriages or stillbirths.


NMSU film students to showcase at Gila Wilderness centennial celebration

The United States Forest Service is set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness, the nation's first designated wilderness area, in early June. More than a dozen film students from New Mexico State University (NMSU) will contribute to the event by premiering seven short documentary films as part of the Gila Film Showcase.


UNM contributes to $2.8m project for energy-harvesting smart shoe soles

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is participating in a $2.8 million project aimed at developing smart soles for shoes that integrate energy harvesters, primarily for health monitoring in military applications. Nathan Jackson, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is leading UNM's involvement in this 18-month initiative.


Possible quorum of Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board at Citizen Police Academy

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has announced that a quorum may be in attendance at the Albuquerque Police Academy, located at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107. The occasion is the Citizen Police Academy training scheduled for May 21, 2024. However, it is noted that no board business will be discussed during this event.


Engineering professor secures funding for innovative ovarian cancer detection study

Nathan Jackson, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded funding from the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant for a pilot study. The study aims to develop a novel method for detecting ovarian cancer.


Nusenda announces 2024 Financial Education Innovation Award winners

Last week, Nusenda announced the winners of its 2024 Financial Education Innovation Award. The awards are a testament to Nusenda's ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and investing in solutions that enhance financial outcomes for future generations.


Lomas Ave. scheduled for temporary closure from May 27

Doña Ana County, New Mexico, announced that Lomas Avenue in the Del Cerro community will be temporarily closed starting May 27 as part of a Flood Commission project. The closure is to facilitate the installation of a storm drain structure and is expected to last for 45 days.


Santa Fe county appoints new director for Office of Emergency Management

Santa Fe County, New Mexico has appointed Don “Brad” Call as the new civilian Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Mr. Call brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served in various capacities within emergency management for several years, including a four-year stint as the Director of Emergency Management for Cascade County, Montana.


New Mexico Health Department urges Hepatitis C testing amidst awareness month

The New Mexico Department of Health (NM Health) has designated May as Hepatitis C Awareness Month and May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day, urging all adults in the state to get tested and be aware of their status.


Microplastics detected in human and canine testicular tissue: Study

Researchers from the University of New Mexico have discovered significant concentrations of microplastics in the testicular tissue of both humans and dogs, raising concerns about potential impacts on reproductive health. The findings were published in a recent paper in the journal Toxicological Sciences by a team led by Xiaozhong “John” Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor at the UNM College of Nursing.


Professor Christopher Perfetti receives prestigious early career award from American Nuclear Society

Christopher Perfetti, an assistant professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, has been recognized as a recipient of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Reactor Physics Division Early Career Reactor Physicist Award. This prestigious award acknowledges early career members of the Reactor Physics Division who have made significant contributions to the field of reactor physics. Perfetti is one of two individuals to receive this honor in 2024.


Albuquerque's crossing guards launch "Seats & Feets" clothing drive

The City of Albuquerque's Crossing Guards, who maintain close relationships with the children and families they serve at elementary school crossings across the metro, have identified a pressing need among many families for clothing and food. To address this, Crossing Guards will be collecting new packs of socks and underwear at 40 different elementary school crossings before the end of the school year. This initiative aims to meet the high demand for undergarments in shelters or clothing banks, items that are often overlooked in donations. The drive is focusing on these...


Officials emphasize safety with increased spring runoff in Rio Grande

As the Rio Grande swells with spring runoff, city and state officials are emphasizing the opportunities for recreation and the importance of river safety.


Santa Fe County promotes Defensible Space Program ahead of peak fire season

As the peak fire season approaches, the Santa Fe County Fire Department is urging residents to participate in the County’s Defensible Space Program. This initiative, aimed at those living within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas, is designed to protect homes and structures during a wildland fire. The concept of defensible space refers to the area between a structure and the WUI region, which can act as a buffer zone to slow or stop the spread of fire and prevent ignition due to direct flame contact or radiant heat.


Doña Ana County to observe Memorial Day with office closures

Doña Ana County will be observing the Memorial Day holiday, with most of its offices set to close on Monday, May 27. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, dedicated to honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.


UNM law student named 2024 Peggy Browning Fellow

Rachel Swanteson-Franz, a second-year law student at The University of New Mexico School of Law, has been named a 2024 Peggy Browning Fellow. She will spend the upcoming summer working at the New Mexico Center for Law and Poverty.


Sandia National Laboratories hosts STEM day at Cochiti Pueblo

Sandia National Laboratories is set to host a day of learning and exploration focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at the Cochiti Pueblo. The initiative is part of Sandia's ongoing efforts to inspire Native American youth to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields, potentially leading to future opportunities at Sandia.