Good morning, Albuquerque.

Water Utility Authority crews are repairing a sinkhole that forced the closure of the eastbound lane on Irving NW near Keeping Dr — posted detours guide drivers.

A state task force recommended banning screen time for kindergarten through second grade amid rising AI concerns — a move aimed at ensuring balanced learning as the Education Department prepares new digital guidelines for local schools.

New Mexico students improved reading proficiency by 10 points since 2022 while gains in math were minimal and science scores remained unchanged, the PED reported Wednesday during its review of 2025-2026 school accreditation data; 252 schools received approved status (578 with conditions) highlighting the need for early intervention measures.

A University of New Mexico conference on community-based and action research is scheduled for today and Friday — bridging academic work with community projects sparked by local leaders in District 6.

Frances Hayashida urged interested residents to register early so food orders can be planned.

At a May meeting in Albuquerque, UNM paleobiologist Corinne Myers presented research showing Earth’s climate shifts into recurring states that align with high extinction periods (including the Big Five).

She will share more findings at a Geological Society meeting in Denver in October.

A Legislative Finance Committee report released Tuesday showed only 1% of the state’s $524 million housing funds reached the lowest-income households while fewer than half of the planned units are complete.

The report noted uneven spending across counties (Bernalillo received the largest share).

In New Mexico, just under 24,000 people lost SNAP benefits since July 2025, marking a 5% decline according to the Food Research and Action Center.

Federal lawmakers are considering a farm bill proposal that would delay cost shifts to states, which could impact local food assistance funding.

Albuquerque officials are testing a new arroyo warning system to track flash flooding and warn homeless individuals (including those in The Box) after recent rescue incidents.

The pilot program may lead to sensors and alarms designed to save lives and property.

A group of 34 experts is working on a state report on forced sterilization of Indigenous women following Senate Memorial 14 passed this legislative session.

They will gather survivor testimony, assess reproductive health care access, and propose policy recommendations (including education and reparations) with the report due by December.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announced Wednesday that the Luminaria Bus Tour is returning as the city works with transit staff, neighborhoods, and community partners (after last year's cancellation due to high costs and low turnout) to adjust the model and revive the cherished tradition.

Mayor Tim Keller directed the city to continue Albuquerque’s annual Luminaria Bus Tour this Christmas Eve after a 60-year cancellation; transit officials plan to hold community meetings and surveys to gather public input for route improvements.

New Mexico Health Authority will enforce new Medicaid rules on Jan 1 that require most 19-64-year-old enrollees to work 80 hours a month and file paperwork every six months; the agency is reaching out with info sessions and 32 new hires to help 90,000 enrollees stay covered.

New Mexico’s behavioral health committee approved 11 of 13 regional plans to rebuild treatment services as part of SB3 signed by Gov. Lujan Grisham.

The panel will meet in Santa Fe on Oct. 6 to review and finalize the remaining plans — a step toward better care.