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James Monroe Middle School reported a rodent infestation on Thursday that was worsened by nearby construction along Paseo del Norte Boulevard; APS crews worked daily and hired a contractor to disinfect the area and improve conditions.

UNM will launch its new Master of Social Work program in spring 2027, funded by an endowment from the Higher Education Department & offering two concentrations: clinical social work and the state’s first medical focus.

The inaugural cohort of 20 students will attend mostly in-person courses.

Heavy rain+hail from severe storms moving in from Arizona have led to flood watches across western and central New Mexico, and residents are urged to avoid low-water crossings until 6 p.m. today.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracted 900,000 visitors and boosted local business sales, with attendance up by 50,000 from last year.

Local restaurants and shops experienced longer waits and higher foot traffic—adding to the city's overall economic lift.

Corrales police reported a bear sighting on El Dorado Road earlier this week, the fourth incident since spring; Mayor Hashimoto and wildlife officials advise residents to secure food and trash (and avoid feeding bears) amid rising sightings due to higher temperatures and reduced moisture.

Due to weather, Rio Rancho’s Fall Festival is now held indoors Saturday from 2–8 p.m. at the Rio Rancho Events Center, offering live music, food trucks, a costume contest, and pumpkin carving while a prescription drug take-back and Goatheads hockey watch parties add more local fun.

New Mexico’s Department of Workforce Solutions told lawmakers that the state’s workforce has recovered to prepandemic-levels but trails nearby states, with some Albuquerque areas reaching 69% and rural regions posting 48% amid barriers including few local-jobs and low wages.

The University of New Mexico broke ground on a $130.5 million humanities and social sciences building on Thursday; the facility will feature new classrooms, community spaces, and a kitchen and is set to be completed in summer 2029 (funded by general obligation and severance tax bonds).