The addiction gene
Research conducted at New Mexico's VA health system shows hope for a compound that tamps down the influence of a gene that's been closely linked to addiction. It's a long way from being formulated into a drug, but the research—published earlier this month—is promising for an affliction that the Veteran's Affairs health system treated in more than half a million patients last year.
Fine then
State regulators have slapped a $2.2 million fine on Siana Operating, a Texas company that New Mexico says isn't complying with a 2016 settlement agreement to clean up spilled waste from oil wells in the southeastern part of the state. Regulators have ordered the company to stop everything and start the cleanup.
Cyclist killed in Santa Fe
A bicycle rider pedaling along Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe died last night after he apparently veered into traffic ($). It happened after dark and police were still investigating into the evening. Authorities have not identified the driver or the bicyclist.
Trimming down
Santa Fe-based Outside magazine is cutting the number of regular print issues it produces from 11 per year to eight. It's also eliminated four print-focused jobs. The company estimates 2.5 million people put eyes on an issue each month. Outside's editor tells SFR it's part of an ongoing transition toward digital and that the company is still hiring for three digital and video-centric positions. The cutbacks are not expected to impact other parts of the Outside brand.
Tax holiday
This is the first year for New Mexico's small business tax holiday. Companies that have fewer than 10 employees can sell goods and services tomorrow without having to charge gross receipts tax. The move coincides with a popular local shopping day, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Place making
SFR's cover story this week explores the idea of place and its role in Indigenous art in the Americas. The Casa tomada exhibition at SITE Santa Fe has been curated to make us think differently about what we might assume we already know. The cover package was reported by a team of young journalists who are part of an internship program launched by the New Mexico Fund for Public Interest Journalism, SFR's nonprofit partner.
Snowy Thanksgiving
Santa Fe and other parts of Northern New Mexico got a dusting of snow last night. Ski Santa Fe, which opened yesterday ($), is reporting three inches of new snow. Expect warmer temperatures today, close to 55 in Albuquerque and warmer still tomorrow. It's likely to be windy in the central and eastern part of the state today.
Thanks for reading! The Word hopes you had a great holiday.
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