Good morning, Albuquerque.

Sandoval County Animal Care Services earned its no-kill shelter status again—Best Friends Animal Society announced the designation on Aug.

21—and the county is planning a new 7,350 sqft Animal Care Center in Bernalillo to open mid-2027.

The National Hispanic Community Center hosts its second annual In Rhythm Fest today through Aug.

30 at the NHCC campus, FUSION and the Albuquerque Museum. The event features Latin music and dance classes by local instructors (including the Spanish Harlem Orchestra on Friday evening), celebrating community and cultural connection.

Local events brighten the weekend: Jazz Festival kicks off today at 7:30 p.m. at Albuquerque Museum with Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Mindfield Film Festival holds screenings and panels at Guild Cinema, and Blackout Theatre Company launches its 20th season with a pay-what-you-will comedy show at Coal Avenue Theatre.

Jardín Ollin at UNM expands its interdisciplinary learning space by combining a community garden with workshops, student research and cultural programs as it enters its third season in May — leaders Joe Gallegos and Diavana Olivas, Ph.D. guide hands-on projects that connect food, seeds and the land.

Albuquerque Public Schools updated its use of the Amira AI reading platform after family concerns.

Student voice recordings will be deleted within 48 hours (for teacher checks), and families can request paper tests by contacting their child's principal.

Bernalillo County received a $1 million award from the New Mexico Public Education Department to expand out-of-school programs at community centers.

County officials said the funds will boost arts education, family engagement and STEAM learning — hiring seven coordinators to help link families with local programs.

Dry conditions in the Bosque are altering the seasonal bloom of Russian olive flowers, impacting Dryland Wilds – a local perfumery that upcycles desert plants for scents.

Experts say warming weather and drought are harming native plants and pollinators and could threaten Albuquerque’s familiar aromas.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon & Washington last Thursday over laws letting undocumented students pay in-state tuition at public colleges, arguing the policies give noncitizen students lower fees than those for local residents.

New Mexico’s Medical Psilocybin Program has started accepting applications from producers (who must submit business licenses, facility safety documents, and zoning compliance) as the department reviews permits on a first-come basis.

The state aims to have the program ready for therapeutic use with patients by the end of 2026.

New Mexico United honored local Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith in Albuquerque on Wednesday with a pregame ceremony at Rio Grande Credit Union Field before a 2-1 win over Lexington SC.

Smith credited his family and New Mexico roots for a record-setting career that continues to inspire local pride.