Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of October.
Good morning, Albuquerque.
🏘️ Community
The 37th annual KOATs for Kids Drive collects new winter coats for school-aged children and runs until Nov.
22 with drop-off spots in Albuquerque and nearby towns (donations include funds used to purchase quality coats).
Albuquerque is gearing up for Halloween with a community roundup—featuring haunted houses, trunk-or-treat events, costume contests, and live music from today through Oct.
31 at various local venues. Each event offers unique fun for families and adults.
Zia Yarn opened Saturday, Oct.
17 at The Block offering yarn and fiber arts supplies, classes, and Social Stitching Lounges that allow Rio Rancho knitters to shop locally. Owner Robyn Hill—granddaughter of Albuquerque’s original Candy Lady—leads the city’s first dedicated yarn store.
🎓 Education
UNM Honors College Dean Naomi Yavneh Klos has been named to the National Collegiate Honors Council's 2026 Class of Fellows for her lasting contributions to honors teaching, learning and leadership.
The honor will be presented at the NCHC Awards Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 13 (Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans).
New Mexico has secured over $44 million in federal education grants for programs that support literacy tutoring, teacher development, and career exploration, targeting high-need schools in rural and tribal communities.
Funding periods range from three to five years, and initiatives include the Aspiring to Rewarding Careers initiative + Project LEARN.
The UNM School of Law received a $5.7 million gift from alumni Curtis Huff and Lori Gallagher (its largest donation ever) to establish the Theodore Parnall Endowed Chair in Business Law and launch a new corporate and transactional law program.
The school will recruit a visiting professor in fall 2027.
🏛️ Government
New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides rejected the Attorney General's opinion that a 10% hunting tag carveout is unconstitutional and is considering legal action to protect the industry.
The group will lobby against the changes when the legislative session begins in January.
🏥 Health
Health council officials asked state lawmakers this week for recurring funding to support county and tribal public health services, including emergency response and behavioral health programs.
The request ahead of the next legislative session aims to address staffing instability caused by annual one-time funding.
UNM alumnus Steve McLaughlin, who spent 30 years in healthcare, was named CEO of UNM Hospital and vice president for Clinical Affairs with both roles starting Dec.
6 — his leadership focuses on blending strong systems with genuine care.
Staff and parents at James Monroe Middle School reported a recurring mice infestation showing droppings, urine and dead rodents in classrooms and hallways, raising health concerns.
Technicians have been on-site (since Sept. 24) to address the issue while a grievance was filed with APS.
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