Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Albuquerque will launch its official Monopoly game in November and invites residents to nominate landmarks until April 1. At a news conference at KiMo Theatre, sales exec Katie Hubbard and Mayor Tim Keller explained that community input shapes the board+ final design, with details to be revealed later. Albuquerque Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico Wild screened Journey Down the Gila at South Broadway Cultural Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The film highlighted grieving mothers kayaking the Gila (to honor teens who died during a research flight) and featured conservation talks with local groups and lawmakers about protecting the river. KUNM
- ➤ Albuquerque influencers are stirring up talk about a trend called underconsumption core that urges using current items rather than always buying new ones. Professor Reilly White (of UNM) said the idea, which resurged after the holidays, offers a practical, sustainable counter to relentless targeted ads. KUNM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Deb Haaland unveiled her education plan on Wednesday at Highland High School, garnering local teachers union support as she called for more early reading help, teacher support plus expanded vocational training and improved school facilities to boost public education. Her plan also promotes better access to health services for students. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ The University of New Mexico is conducting a national search for its next Vice President and Director of Athletics (with Parker Executive Search managing candidate reviews) to build on strong athletic success as community input is welcomed during the review process. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico Groundwater Alliance released an 80-page report urging lawmakers to take further measures to protect groundwater — more than half the state’s water supply — as projections show a 25–30% decline by 2050; funding proposals already include $22 million for aquifer mapping. Source NM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Jeff Steinborn has proposed a bill that would require data center microgrids to meet New Mexico’s renewable energy standards in the 2026 session. The proposal would let regulators set new rules for any microgrid generating more than 20 MW (a move aimed at projects such as Project Jupiter). Source NM
- ➤ PNM will offer bill assistance at the MLK commemorative march at Civic Plaza on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Low-income customers and seniors should bring past-due bills or disconnect notices with LIHEAP or SNAP proof (and valid ID) to access help via the Good Neighbor Fund. KOAT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Abinash Achrekar, a KOAT and UNM health expert, explains that foods like granola, flavored yogurt, plant based milk, and bottled smoothies can hide added sugar even if labels use words such as natural or low fat (buy plain yogurt or unsweetened milk for a healthier option). KOAT
- ➤ Health expert Dr Ash Achrekar from UNM advises that eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, along with vitamin D and B6 foods, can boost immune systems amid rising flu cases & heightened winter risk. He recommends pairing these foods with flu shots to help residents stay healthy. KOAT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico United signed Maliek Howell, a former UNM defender who played 17 matches with Las Vegas Lights FC and Birmingham Legion FC last season and earned three appearances with Jamaica. His strong UNM ties—especially with Coach Dennis—make his return a natural fit. KOAT
- ➤ The UNM Lobos won 87-64 against the Grand Canyon University Antelopes at The Pit on Tuesday, Jan. 13, continuing their four-game win streak. They will face the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday, Jan. 17 as they climb to third in the Mountain West Conference. New Mexico Daily Lobo
-
Albuquerque Career Fair
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North — Free entry — Meet live with hiring employers and explore career opportunities.
-
Gene Simmons Concert
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Backstage at Revel — Ticketed event — Experience an unforgettable live performance by the legendary Gene Simmons.
-
International District Book Group
5-6:30 p.m. — International District Library — Free entry — Engage in lively discussions about inclusive YA books with diverse characters and themes.
-
Giant Kaleidoscope Experience
10 AM – 5 PM — Color Wheel Toys LLC — Free entry — Explore an 8-foot kaleidoscope and create stunning visual patterns with various items.
-
Visit the Giant Kaleidoscope
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Color Wheel Toys LLC — Free entry — Explore an 8-foot kaleidoscope and create stunning patterns with your chosen items.
-
Functional Programming Through Construction
6-8 p.m. — CG Infinity, Inc. — Free entry — Explore functional programming concepts like pure functions and immutability while enjoying dinner and insights from Cameron Presley.
-
The Children's Hour
7:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Little Theatre — Cost varies — Experience a powerful live performance exploring themes of trust and friendship.
-
Stop.Drop.Rewind Concert
7-10 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets starting at $51 — Experience a live performance by Stop.Drop.Rewind in an energetic atmosphere.
-
Southwest Indoor Sectionals 2026
8 a.m. — Hit or Miss Archery Center — Early registration fee required — Compete in the NFAA 300 rounds and aim for high scores to improve your national ranking.
-
WesGhost Concert
8-10 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets from $66 — WesGhost brings an electrifying performance to Albuquerque's nightlife.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Morning Albuquerque
Welcome to the Morning Albuquerque, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Albuquerque, New Mexico community. If you like the Morning Albuquerque, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Albuquerque.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Albuquerque and across New Mexico. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Morning Albuquerque
A free Albuquerque community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://morningalbuquerque.com/sitemap